Coffee Break Newsletter Masthead

April 6, 2026


Send announcements for Coffee Break (employees) or Solutions (students) to newsletter@sage.edu by end of day Wednesday to appear in the next issues.

Registering for summer or fall classes? Fill out HR’s tuition waiver form.

Undergraduate Research Day: Lunch RSVP and Reviewer Sign-Up




  • Undergraduate Research Day is Wednesday, April 29, in Albany. Full schedule coming soon.

Join Coffee Hour, April 7, 9 a.m., with updates from the Residence Life team.

Find the Zoom link and more Coffee Hour resources or contact the Innovation Committee at innovation@sage.edu.

 

What’s New

 
Participants joyfully throw color powders during an outdoor color run event.

5th Annual Carnival Color Blast Fun Run/Walk:

Participate in the Event or Volunteer

Friday, May 1, check-in 4:45 p.m., race start 5:15 p.m., Albany campus


Celebrate the end of the semester with a colorful run or walk around the Albany campus, featuring powder stations, music, and great energy. Open to students and employees. Volunteers are also needed to help make the event a success.


🔴🟠🟡 Find more details and register for the Fun Run/Walk.


🟢🔵🟣 Find more information and sign up to volunteer.

Green alligator mascot in a white sports jersey with logos in the background

FREE Professional Headshots This Week


TROY: Tuesday, April 7, 1- 3 p.m., EDU 103


ALBANY: Thursday, April 9, 5-6:30 p.m.,

KCC 101


All students and employees welcome! No appointments needed. Brought to you by the Career and Self-Discovery Center.

Two men standing together in a studio space

Theatre Talent Shines in Playhouse Stage Company’s Cry-Baby


Theatre professor David Baecker and musical theatre major Aidan Echeandia star together in Playhouse Stage Company’s Cry-Baby (April 10-26, Cohoes Music Hall).


Read a Q&A with Echeandia on Sage.edu.

Two men standing together in a studio space

Universal Design for Learning Webinar


On Wednesday, April 8, at 2 p.m., Sara Schuman, Gen Ed coordinator and director of the Kathleen A. Donnelly Center for Undergraduate Research, will lead a webinar about universal design for learning principles in conjunction with the Harmonize suite of tools. Student Destiny Hough will join her.

In the News


From ghost pots to future fossils: How ‘Plastique’ exhibit reimagines our plastic crisis (Times Union)


Go out and grind: Russell Sage women’s flag football team kicks off inaugural season (Troy Record)


Menopause conference held at Russell Sage College in Troy (CBS6)

Logo for NCAA Division III Week featuring a triangle with red, white, and blue stripes and bold text.

April 6-12 is NCAA Division III Week


The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has planned a slate of events to celebrate Division III Week and the impact student-athletes have on campus and in the surrounding community:


Monday, April 6

🖌️ Noon, Yards for Yeardley Sign Making, KCC 224, Albany


Tuesday April 7

🖌️ Noon, Yards for Yeardley Sign Making, KCC 224, Albany

🥇 2 p.m., Faculty/Staff vs. Student Kickball, Albany, Quad


Wednesday, April 8

👟 Yards for Yeardley (Check in at tables in Buchman in Troy and and KCC in

Albany to track distance you walk, run, etc.)

🥍 4 p.m., Men’s Lacrosse game at ACPHS complex

⚾ 4 p.m., Baseball at Plumeri Complex


Thursday, April 9

🏀 3v3 Basketball Tournament Info and Registration

 

Saturday, April 11

🥍 1 p.m., Men’s Lacrosse game at ACPHS complex

🥎 1 p.m., Softball and Baseball double headers, Plumeri Complex

Two dancers in purple tops and red pants perform a coordinated routine in dynamic poses

Student/Faculty Dance Concert


The annual Student/Faculty Dance Concert features choreography by students and faculty in collaboration with the Scrimshaw Distinguished Visiting Artist, the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company. Performances are Saturday, April 18, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 19, at 2 p.m. in the James L. Meader Little Theater (Troy). Purchase tickets at the door or theatre.sage.edu.

Close-up portrait of an older man with a serious expression against a dark background

Poetry Writing Workshop and Reading 

Thursday, April 16, 10 a.m., online


Nigel Pantling will read from his collection, A Foreign Country, and discuss his experience of becoming a published writer. The event includes an opportunity to write poetry with Nigel. Hosted by CreativityUnleashed and Sage’s English Writing, and Culture program in honor of National Poetry Month. Register for the poetry workshop.

 

Way to Go!

 

Wall of Wins Celebrates Support that Makes a Difference


  • “The library had a student worker who had a family emergency and needed ongoing support. I am very happy to say that the student emailed me today with some very good news, and specifically thanked various Sage faculty and staff members for being supportive and accommodating while this was going on. I would like to thank the following people for being awesome while this student was dealing with an incredibly stressful situation. I am pleased to be part of the Sage ‘Village’ during times like this! To all of the faculty members who supported this student, but especially Sara Schuman and Jim Brennan as well as Stacy Gonzalez and Jane Roodenburg and Albert Palacios at the Wellness Center. Thank you so much for all you do!” -Marcie Falquez, Troy Campus Libraries


  • “A huge thank you to Devlin Daley and the Solutions team for all the help with pre-registration this week! Your hard work is appreciated and helped to make this a seamless experience for our students!”-Kathy Scoville, Registrar


  • “Huge shoutout to our incredible Financial Aid team! Your hard work and dedication truly stand out. From packaging over 950 new undergraduate students, meeting with both new and returning students, and supporting our growing graduate population, your impact is felt across campus every single day. And as if that wasn’t enough, you’re also preparing for the upcoming year by packaging returning students and staying ahead of all the changes coming with the One Big Beautiful Bill. Your commitment, teamwork, and resilience do not go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do to support our students and each other! I’m grateful that I get to work with you every day.”-Kelley Robinson, Director of Financial Aid (Kelley’s team is Sydney Stone, Theodore Moore, Elise Cestero, Jazz Roberts, and Brandee McAdoo)


⭐️ We’re also encouraging people to not only shout out others but to make note of when they have their own “wins” and feel fulfilled in their everyday work. Thank you to Mackenzie Martel for showing how it’s done, and we look forward to hearing more from all of you about those special moments that highlight the sense of purpose you find in your work: ⭐️


  • “I’ve been working with a prospective freshman about shadowing a local nurse and meeting with them to answer all of their questions. They’re still deciding between colleges, but her dad said, ’Well, I’m sure these other colleges don’t have a Mackenzie! You’ve been amazing.’” -Mackezie Martel, Undergraduate Enrollment Management


Editor's note: We all think Mackenzie is pretty amazing, too!


Shout out your or a colleague’s wins, big or small, on the Wall of Wins!

Athlete accolades: Softball’s Annabella Putnam was named to the Division III Player/Pitcher to Watch List by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and Jordon Hankel set the college’s record for career saves in Men’s Lacrosse

Do you have news to share? Send it to newsletter@sage.edu.

 

Tech Check From IT

 

Tax Season Scams to Avoid


Stay alert to common tax scams highlighted in this month’s Sage Guard newsletter. The IRS “Dirty Dozen” list for 2026 emphasizes threats, such as phishing emails or calls impersonating tax agencies, fake charities promoted through social media, and misleading “tax hacks” that can result in penalties or audits. Additionally, identity theft and refund fraud remain significant risks, with stolen personal data being used to file fraudulent returns. The newsletter also warns of increasing card skimming activity at ATMs and payment terminals. Remain cautious, verify information through official sources, and take simple precautions to protect your personal information.

Access past issues of IT's newsletter in the Sage Guard Newsletter repository.

 

HR Corner

 

Training reminder: Complete the harassment and discrimination and hazing trainings by April 17. Vector Solutions sends reminder emails to those who have not completed the training.

Fail Out Loud: Learn how to how to leverage your professional setbacks as a catalyst for organizational trust on April 28, 11:30 a.m., in Bush Memorial, Troy. Lunch included. Learn about presenter Tom Schin and register for Fail Out Loud.

TIAA on Troy Campus: One-on-one sessions, May 6 and June 17,  9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cowee Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room. Register at tiaa.org/schedulenow or by calling 800-842-2252.

 

Previously Announced Events

 

Looking for something to do? New events are added to The Chomp online calendar every day. Check it often to see what is going on!


Have an event to promote? Add your event to The Chomp, then email the details to newsletter@sage.edu.

Pink text that says Write in the Night on light blue background

Please Promote to Students:

Write in the Night


Thursday, April 9, 7-11 p.m., Shea Library basement classroom, Troy


Tuesday, April 14, 7-11 p.m., Albany Library computer lab 


At Write in the Night, students can get help with any piece of writing at any stage, plus snacks, prizes, and encouragement. Email Academic Support with questions.

Chalk drawing of stacked books with flags and an airplane on a dark blue background

Discover How Students Experience

Study Abroad

Thursday, April 9, 4:30 p.m.,

Armory Renaissance Room (Albany)


This panel offers employees a chance to hear from students about how travel programs enrich their academic development and personal growth. Hosted by the Honors and Study Abroad programs.

Two people recycling bottles at a green recycling bin with the recycling symbol

Spring Hike

Saturday, April 11


Join an RSC 301 class for a hike at Boehme Legacy Forest. Choose a one- or two-mile option. Meet at 9:15 a.m. in the “Big Lot” in Troy to travel together to the trail (about 25 minutes from campus). Plan to drive or carpool. Email adjunct professor Trent Romer or Professor Ali Schaeffing with questions.

Two people recycling bottles at a green recycling bin with the recycling symbol

Earth Day Cleanups


Troy, Saturday, April 18, 9:30-11:30 a.m.: Join a campus and neighborhood cleanup effort that is part of Troy’s Earth Week Initiative. Meet in the “Big Lot.” Supplies provided.


Albany, Wednesday, April 22: Learn more and sign up to beautify public spaces with Downtown Albany’s BID. Free lunch!

A collection of blue objects arranged on a white background

Plastique

Through April 18

Opalka Gallery, Albany


Read the Times Union review, then visit the exhibit of work from artists who transform plastic pollution into art and design.


Saturday, April 11, 2 p.m.: Poetry with Carol Durant and jazz from EW Duo. See the full Opalka events calendar.

Purple-tinted image of a march with overlaid text "TAKE BACK THE NIGHT" and a crescent moon

Take Back the Night — Thursday, April 23

5-8 p.m., Washington Park, Albany


Albany County’s annual Take Back the Night raises awareness and protests sexual and relationship violence. The event includes information tables, performances, a survivor speak-out, a march, and a candlelight vigil. Walking groups will leave the Albany campus at 4 and 4:30 p.m. Meet in front of the Administration Building.

Emblem for "518 Day 5.18K Road Race" featuring skyline and legs in motion

Start Commencement Day with a 5.18K


Kick off commencement day with this community celebration of the 518.


Register for the 5.18K Road Race on May 16.



Registration Now Open for the CDPHP Workforce Challenge


Thrive@Russell Sage and Recreation and Fitness are organizing a team for the CDPHP Workforce Challenge, a 3.5-mile walk/run on Thursday, May 21, at 6:25 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza. It costs $5 to join Team Russell Sage College (The “normal” price is $35, but Thrive will cover the remaining $30!) Register for the Workforce Challenge.

WEEKLY EVENTS


MONDAYS


Register for Hot Yoga: 7:30 a.m., Albany, Science 101


Register for Dance Fitness: 5 p.m., Troy, Robison Gym


TUESDAYS


Register for Pilates, 9:30 a.m., Troy, McKinstry 206


Register for Yoga: 5:15 p.m., Troy, McKinstry 206


WEDNESDAYS


Register for Zumba Fitness: 5:30 p.m., Troy, Robison Gym


FRIDAYS


Register for Flexibility and Mobility, noon-1 p.m., Troy, McKinstry 206

 

Keep in Mind

 
Bright yellow softball with red stitching on green grass, with a black and neon green glove in the background

Sign Up for the Employee Softball League


Thrive@Russell Sage is forming a coed softball team for employees. Games begin April 27 and are played once a week, on weeknights. The team will start in the beginner bracket, and all experience levels are welcome.


Find out more and sign up for the Employee Softball League.

Free Fitness and Nutrition Consultations


To make an appointment or ask questions, email Recreation and Fitness Director Joe Michaud.


Fitness Consultations — McKinstry Fitness Center, Troy

Meet with Certified Personal Trainer Bila Bonifacio. Appointments available:


👟Monday: 2-6 p.m.

👟Wednesday: 1-4 p.m.

👟Friday: noon-3 p.m.


Nutrition Consultations — FitStop, Albany Armory

Walk in or make an appointment to meet with Nutrition graduate student RJ Burkitt for information (not guidance from a Registered Dietitian; Registered Dietitian education in progress).


🍏Mondays: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

🍏 Tuesdays: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

🍏Thursdays: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Children in tie-dye shirts on stage and pointing with a colorful mural backdrop.

TIS Kids, TIS Teens, and Summer on Stage — Register Now!


The Theatre Institute at Sage is excited to announce four shows being produced exclusively for K-12 students, its biggest season ever! Sage community members get $100 off registration for a new program for 6-12 year olds, a revamped summer camp, and the popular TIS Teens program. Email Eddie Knight for more information.

Green square with words Thrive at Russell Sage

Take a Break with the Wellness Center


🌿 Book the massage chair in Albany


🌿 Book the massage chair in Troy.


🌿 Purchase health essentials, including contraceptives, pain relief, menstrual care, and basic first aid at the Troy Wellness Center’s vending machine.


Find past issues of Coffee Break in the newsletter archive.

For reference:



 

Thanks for Reading!

 

Send announcements for the Coffee Break (employees) or Solutions (students) newsletters to newsletter@sage.edu by the end of the day on Wednesday to appear in the following week’s issues.

 

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