Photo by Marilyn Hesler

Need to de-stress this finals week? How about spending some time with a 102-pound, want-to-be lap dog? There’s also a fluffy Alaskan Malamute who loves to be smothered with hugs or everyone’s favorite Goldendoodle.

These friendly, furry campus visitors are part of the , which partners with community organizations to offer pet therapy opportunities throughout the semester, especially during finals. Don’t miss your chance to snuggle with one of these furry friends in the Walters Pet Therapy Room in The Barnes Center at The Arch.

SU News caught up with three of the therapy dogs that frequent the University—Bella,�� Samuel and Clayton—and their owners to learn a little more about each.

Bella and Stepien at a Syracuse Mets game (Photo courtesy of Sue Stepien)

Bella

Bella is a 102-pound Bernese Mountain dog who just celebrated her sixth birthday this past Saturday. This is the second year that Bella and her owner, Sue Stepien, have been part of Pet Partners of CNY—a nationally recognized therapy animal program serving Central New York—and have been visiting the University.

Bella, who thinks she is a lap dog despite her size, is so smart that she knows when it is time to head out into the community in the afternoons. The pair not only visit the University but also the local hospitals and schools.

“We love to get out and meet new people,” Stepien says. “The students especially, they love to chat about their pets back home.”

Not only will you see Bella in the Walters Pet Therapy Room, but you may also see her at various special events on campus.

Samuel

Samuel and Raterman at the Teal Ribbon Walk. The pair participated in honor of Raterman’s grandmother, who passed away from ovarian cancer. Samuel has been asked to lead the walk this coming year. (Photo courtesy of Kim Raterman)

Samuel is a 90-pound Alaskan Malamute who recently turned four. He and his owner, Kim Raterman, work as a team to facilitate their mission of bringing health and happiness to all.

Raterman, a certified health coach, uses pet therapy as part of her practice since it aids in reducing stress, improving motivation and increasing overall health. The pair has also been with Pet Partners of CNY for two years.

Not only do they visit the University, but they also visit other schools and adult day centers and participate in wellness events, including walks in the community. However, visiting the University holds a special meaning to them.

“The students’ faces light up immediately when they see Samuel,” Raterman says. “I love to watch his body language when we are at an event. He has the ability to pick out the person in a group who needs him the most, even when they might not be aware of how much they need him. It’s beautiful to watch.”

You can follow the adventures of Samuel on his .

Clayton

Last, but certainly not least, is Clayton. He is an 8-year-old Goldendoodle who has been visiting the University through the Pet Partners program for seven years. You may have seen his cute face before as he is often featured in promotional ads for the University’s pet therapy program.

What is unique about Clayton? There are five members of the Vescio/Arcuri family who are all certified to go out in the community with him. How did this all start? Pet Partners of CNY had a recruiting table in one of the local pet stores, and while at the time Clayton was too young, once he became a year old and was eligible, Nick Vescio, his wife, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter all became certified. The family works together to attend events all over the community but says the University is their favorite.

“We love engaging with the students and making genuine connections with them,” Vescio says. “They will sit down and talk about their dogs and show us pictures and they like to look at a photo album we carry with us with pictures of Clayton since he was a pup.”

The Vescio/Arcuri family with Clayton (Photo courtesy of Nick Vescio)

Performances

Photo courtesy of the Landmark Theatre’s Facebook page

Address: 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Wednesday, Dec. 4, through Sunday, Dec. 15
Admission: Tickets start at $60.90 (price includes fees)
Details: Director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. “THE LION KING” also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by artists Elton John and Tim Rice.

Photo courtesy of Hendricks Chapel

Address: 411 Montgomery St, Syracuse
When: Friday, Dec. 6, through Sunday, Dec. 8
Admission: Tickets start at $30.80 (price includes fees)
Details: This timeless holiday tradition brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with stunning choreography, dazzling costumes and a tale that sparks the imagination. From the magical battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse Queen to the shimmering Land of Sweets, this classic ballet promises to captivate audiences of all ages.

Photo courtesy of The Syracuse Orchestra

Address:400 South Salina St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Dec. 6, through Sunday, Dec. 22
Admission: $55 (includes fee)
Details: The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household.

Photo by Julie Herman

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Address: 709 James St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Dec. 12, through Sunday, Dec. 15
Admission: Children 18 and under are free, $22 for seniors and $24 for adults
Details: Enter a magical wonderland of music featuring jugglers, acrobats, and other amazing performers from CirqOvation in this visually stunning holiday experience.

Photo courtesy of Syracuse Stage

Address: Hendricks Chapel, 121 Crouse Dr., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Ring in the holidays with “Horns and Harmonies”—an annual concert by the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble and the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus.

Address: Virtual event
When: Thursday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.
Admission: Free, but registration is required
Details: Hendricks Chapel and the Setnor School of Music invite you to the ongoing tradition anchored by the Hendricks Chapel Choir under the artistic direction of José “Peppie” Calvar.

Address: 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Now through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025
Admission: Tickets start at $30
Details: Experience the most magical celebration of the season with this wondrous musical that proves dreams do come true…if only we dare to wish.

Exhibitions

Photo courtesy of Everson Museum of Art

Address: 930 James St., Syracuse
When: Wednesday, Dec. 4, through Sunday, Dec. 15
Admission: $17.85 (includes fees)
Details: Tour the mansion and prepare to be dazzled by the stunning holiday mantels. Special events include a breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7, and a ladies night event on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Photo courtesy of the Friends of Lorenzo

Address: 401 Harrison St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 15
Admission: $5-$14
Details: Enjoy decorated holiday displays, performances, festive art-making activities, holiday shopping and much more!

Address: 17 Rippleton Rd., Cazenovia
When: Thursday, Dec. 12, through Sunday, Dec. 15
Admission: $2-$6
Details: This annual holiday celebration will feature a tour of the decorated mansion, refreshments, live music and horse-drawn sleigh/wagon rides.

Address: 318 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse
When: Now through Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025
Admission: $4-$10
Details: Each year, the Erie Canal Museum transforms into a festive 1800s canal town street scene with gingerbread creations on display in storefront windows for visitors.

Events

Photo courtesy of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Address: 1 Conservation Pl., Syracuse
When: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21
Admission: Advance sale tickets are $7 for members and $8 for general admission, day of tickets are $8 for members and $9 for general admission and children under two years of age free
Details: Enjoy a festive and fun after-hours stroll amid sparkling displays of holiday lights that transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Warm up by the fire pits and enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores, live performances of holiday music, roving entertainers and animals during this evening exhibit.

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Address: 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse
When: Dec. 7, 14, 21
Admission: $12-$15
Details: Celebrate the winter season at the MOST. Learn from scientists who research in the Arctic, watch live experiments with liquid nitrogen and discover more about wildlife that live in polar environments.

Photo courtesy of Lights on the Lake’s Facebook page

Address: 299 Coleridge Ave., Syracuse
When: Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21
Admission: $2, pre-registration is required
Details: Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride through an illuminated Burnet Park that concludes with a visit with Santa in a winter wonderland.

Photo courtesy of The Wild’s Facebook

Location: 7621 Lakeport Rd., Chittenango
When: Now through Jan. 1, 2025 (dates vary, check the��)
Admission: $16.99-$19.99 per person, pay at the door when you arrive
Details: Take a walk through The Wild and see the animals who can tolerate the cold along with beautiful festive lighting displays.

Photo courtesy of skaneateles.com

Address: 106 Lake Dr., Liverpool
When: Now through Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
Admission: Tickets range from $5-$20 per carload and are to be
Details: Lights on the Lake is a two-mile-long drive-through show featuring towering holiday displays, a larger-than-life “Land of Oz,” a twinkling fantasy forest, colorful section arches, memorable animated scenes and a fairy tale magic grand finale! Visitors drive through the show while listening to the wonderful sounds of the season on Sunny 102.1 FM.

Location: Village of Skaneateles
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 30 through Dec. 24, including Tuesday, Dec. 24, from noon-2:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Get into the holiday spirit with roasted chestnuts, theater, caroling, pictures with Father Christmas and more at Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles.

The Syracuse University Brass Ensemble French horn section performs at Horns and Harmonies, an annual holiday concert at Hendricks Chapel, on Dec. 15. The ensemble, which is sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, was joined by the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus and the Harmonic Collective. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

We want to know how you experience Syracuse University. Take a photo and share it with us. We select photos from a variety of sources. Submit photos of your University experience by sending them directly to �����鶹��Ʒ at newsphoto@syr.edu. You might see it featured here.

The Spirit of Syracuse Chorus performs during the annual Horns and Harmonies concert at Hendricks Chapel on Dec. 15. The chorus was joined by the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble and the Harmonic Collective. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Kayla Alexander (third from right) had her No. 40 Syracuse women’s basketball jersey retired during a halftime ceremony on Dec. 8 inside the JMA Wireless Dome. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Athletics)

Members of the Hendricks Chapel Choir perform under the direction of Artistic Director José “Peppie” Calvar during the annual Holidays at Hendricks event on Dec. 8. The two concerts featured the Hendricks Chapel Choir, Syracuse University Symphony Orchestra, Syracuse University Singers, Concert Choir, University Organist Anne Laver and student organists, and the Morton Schiff Jazz Ensemble. (Photo by Micah Greenberg ’26)

Hendricks Chapel is awash in candlelight during the Holidays at Hendricks concert on Dec. 8 (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Snowy scene on campus (Photo by Nash Newton ’27)

Coach Fran Brown with his son on the field in the JMA Wireless Dome, surrounded by players and fans, after the Orange upset Miami in their final game of the season over the weekend. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Athletics)

First snow of the season. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook)

The National Veterans Resource Center got a special visit from Clear Path for Veterans and their adorable service dog puppies. These future service dogs are training to support veterans and their families, showing the incredible bond between humans and their canine companions. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

Hundreds of members of the University community came together in Goldstein Auditorium on Nov. 21 for the 40th Annual International Thanksgiving Celebration (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Even the ivy climbing Sims Hall is vibrant during our fall season. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook account)

A large contingent turned out for the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs’ (OVMA) annual Veterans Day 5K Fun Run and Walk as part of the University’s celebration of Veterans Day on Nov. 11. (Photo courtesy of the OVMA Facebook account)

Students lit up the Orange Grove (in front of Bowne Hall) for Diwali 2024. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

As part of the Diwali festivities, students enjoyed samosas and Indian sweets. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Syracuse University Air Force ROTC Cadets host the Be A Pilot Experience during Orange Central Homecoming. The event gave attendees an exclusive chance to test out a cutting-edge flight simulator used by the ROTC cadets to learn the basics of military aviation. Opportunities like this further close the military-civilian divide by allowing guests to engage directly with ROTC cadets and learn more about their life and future as military officers. (Photo by Liam Kennedy ’26)

In honor of Veterans Day, Syracuse University’s Hall of Languages is lit in green light as part of the national “Operation Green Light” campaign, a program that draws attention to the veteran community and promotes advocacy for veteran causes. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

View of campus from the Marley Education Center. (Photo by Carrie Eddy)

Students present their research to members of the campus community during the Renee Crown University Honors Program Undergraduate Research Fair. (Photo by Coco Boardman)

View of the promenade on a beautiful fall day. (Photo by Fr Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv)

Students and members of the community participate in the annual Halloqueen Ball at the Schine Student Center. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Capturing fall on campus outside Shaffer Art Building (Photo courtesy of the College of Visual and Performing Arts Instagram account)

During Whitman’s 10th annual Orange Tank business pitch competition, five student and alumni entrepreneurs pitched their business ventures to a panel of esteemed judges. Participants competed for cash prizes and gained valuable feedback at the “Shark Tank”-like competition. From left to right: Derrell Smith ’10, G’13 (emcee), Vinny Lobdell Jr. P’28 (judge), Tosin Alabi ’25 MBA (first place winner), Buddy Valastro P’27 (judge) and Stacey Tank ’02 (judge). (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

While all the fall colors are vibrant, orange is by far our favorite. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

The Center for International Services took students to Tim’s Pumpkin Patch for a fun fall weekend adventure. (Photo by Meriel Stokoe)

Whitman’s David and Ilene Flaum Grand Hall was packed for the undergrad IMPRESS Etiquette dinner. (Photo by Lindsay Quilty)

Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars begin the procession to the memorial wall at the Place of Remembrance at the annual Remembrance Rose-Laying Ceremony on campus Oct. 25. The ceremony honors the 270 people, including 35 Syracuse University students, who died in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, on Dec. 21, 1988, and 2002-03 Lockerbie Scholar Andrew McClune. (Photo courtesy of the Syracuse University Facebook page)

President Joseph R. Biden Jr. L’68 honored the University’s Artist in Residence Carrie Mae Weems H’17, center, on Oct. 21 as one of the 2022 National Medal of Arts recipients. The medal, the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government, is bestowed upon individuals or groups who “are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the United States.” Also pictured is First Lady Jill Biden, at right. (Photo courtesy of the National Endowment for the Arts)

Sitting in solidarity. For 35 minutes, the Remembrance Scholars sat in 35 empty chairs on the Quad, a visual representation of the 270 individuals, including 35 Syracuse University study abroad students, killed in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 on Dec. 21, 1988. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook)

Professor Robert Murrett from the Maxwell School took a trip with his class to Fort Stanwix and Oriskany Battlefield (pictured). They reflected on the historical significance of each site. (Photo by Benjamin Schneller)

The Syracuse University Marching Band entertained the crowd at halftime of the Buffalo Bills’ home game vs. the Tennessee Titans on a sun-splashed Sunday afternoon at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo courtesy of the Syracuse University Marching Band and Sour Sitrus: Orange Pride fan club Facebook page)

The University officially kicked off LGBTQ+ History Month on Oct. 2 at the Intercultural Collective. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

As part of National Coming Out Day, students and Otto the Orange participated in a Chalk the Quad event. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, students came together to make traditional strawberry juice. (Photo by Qianzhen Li ’25)

A quiet and peaceful moment on campus. (Photo by Fatemeh Rezaei, graduate student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science)

The Catholic Center’s apple picking trip this fall featured apples, apple fritters, apple cider, great weather and even better company at Navarino Orchard. (Photo courtesy of SU Catholic’s Facebook page)

Sunset on Sadler and Lawrinson Halls. (Photo by Hyeonji Cho, graduate student in Falk College)

Syracuse University Sustainability hosted a compost and plant propagation event in the Schine. (Photo courtesy of Sustainability’s Facebook page)

The men’s soccer team recently spent some time volunteering with the children at Allen Road Elementary School in North Syracuse. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Men’s Soccer’s Facebook page)

Crouse College on a delightful fall day (Photo by Candace Johnston, staff member in Bursar Operations)

Attendees of the Seeds and Weeds event in Pete’s Giving Garden learned about native plants and helped harvest seeds. (Photo courtesy of the Syracuse University Sustainability’s Facebook page)

The vibrant colors of fall are starting to show. (Photo courtesy of College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Facebook page)

Hugs all around for Family Weekend 2024 (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Families came decked out for Family Weekend 2024 this past weekend. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Students met with potential employers during the University’s 2024 Career Fair, held Sept. 24 in the JMA Wireless Dome (Photo by Charles Wainwright)

The a capella group joined Otto the Orange on the field of the JMA Dome to help announce legendary musicians Billy Joel and Sting performing there in April 2025. (Photo by Vanessa Marquette)

Ret. United States Air Force Col. John L. Litzenberger ’72, was honored at the 59th LetterWinners of Distinction Celebration recently. Litzenberger is pictured here on the left with John Wildhack, director of athletics. (Photo courtesy of Office of Veteran and Military Affairs’s LinkedIn)

Syracuse women’s soccer coach Nicky Thrasher Adams has announced a new team member, signing seven-year-old Lilianna Cavallo through Team IMPACT. Cavallo (center) who has cerebral palsy, is pictured here with the women’s soccer team, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Sept. 21. Visit to learn more about Cavallo and Team IMPACT. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Athletics)

Campus reflections (Photo by Dylan Mills ’28)

Football Head Coach Fran Brown (left), alongside student-athletes from the football team, volunteered at STEAM at Dr. King Elementary School to kick off the program for the 2024-25 school year. Learn more about how you can get involved! (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Center for International Services took its annual trip to Niagara Falls. Pictured above are students enjoying the Maid of the Mist. (Photo courtesy of Center for International Services)

Campus is beautiful even on a cloudy day. (Photo by Sandra Costanzo, office assistant, Bursar Operations)

Savion Pollard ’25, second from left, a student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and U.S. Navy veteran, was honored as the Hometown Hero at the Orange vs. Stanford football game on Sept. 20. Pollard was Micron Technology’s first hire in Central New York. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs LinkedIn page)

Players from the women’s basketball team joined third-grade students at Dr. Weeks Elementary School for a kickoff of the United Way Book Buddies program, which helps build literacy skills and create a love for reading in K-3 students in the Syracuse City School District. (Photo courtesy of )

Latine Heritage Month kicked off with an opening ceremony and tabling by recognized student organizations on Monday, Sept. 16, in the Schine Student Center. The event was co-sponsored by the Student Association. Check out more events throughout the month. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

The College of Law held a swearing-in ceremony for on-campus and hybrid student attorneys participating in one of six law clinics this fall. (Photo courtesy of the )

Students visit with recognized student organizations during the kickoff ceremony and events for Latine Heritage Month on Monday, Sept. 16, in the Schine Student Center. The event was co-sponsored by the Student Association. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Syracuse athletics legends faced off on the court for another memorable charity game as part of CBT weekend. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

A star-studded panel discussion called “Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women in Sport” was held by the Falk College during the 2024 Coming Back Together (CBT) Black and Latino Alumni Reunion. From left: Vera Jones ’88, G’91, Andrea Massop Ramos ’85, Chinny Nwagbo ’05, Felisha Legette-Jack ’89, Tatiana Warren ’04, G’06 and Falk Dean Jeremy Jordan (Photo courtesy of the Falk College)

During CBT 2024, participants gathered in the Schine Underground for an event highlighting the impact of the Our Time Has Come (OTHC)�� Scholarship Program. From left: Ronald J. Taylor ’15, G’16 (moderator and OTHC alumni), Ryan Nkongnyu ’25 (current OHTC Scholar), Kamille K. Stewart ’14 (OTHC alumni), Kalila C. Nelson ’12 (OTHC alumni) and Jada Marie Knight ’25 (current OTHC Scholar and CBT student co-chair) (Photo courtesy of the )

No. 14 Syracuse women’s field hockey weathered a late surge from visiting Lafayette College, getting the game-winning goal with 35 seconds left in the game for a 2-1 win on Sept. 15. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Athletics)

Perfect orange sunset on the Promenade. (Photo by Rio Harper ’27)

It’s nothing but smiles as alumni reunite for CBT 2024. (Photo by Angela Ryan )

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, Hendricks Chapel will offer the campus community an opportunity for reflection on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Main Chapel will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for prayer and meditation in remembrance of those who were affected by the tragedy. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

The life and selfless service of Jamieson R. Ritter ’19 was celebrated as the Hometown Hero during Saturday’s football game. Ritter was killed in the line of duty on July 4. The University has established the Jamieson Ritter Memorial ROTC Scholarship in his honor. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

On Aug. 31, a new era for Syracuse Football began, which included a new tradition, the Quad Walk, seen above, led by Coach Fran Brown. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Athletics)

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and University staff members from the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) pose for a photo on the parade ground at the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC). The SBA representatives were visiting the NVRC to learn more about the IVMF’s entrepreneurship programs, post-program support and research initiatives in support of veteran small business owners. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

Maxwell’s Executive Degree Programs recently held a welcome BBQ for students, with a surprise visit from Otto the Orange. (Photo courtesy of )

Students in the Department of Creative Arts Therapy created body maps during their recent on-campus residency. The completed body maps included personal affirmations or mottos, representations of stress and strength in the body, and other details. (Photo courtesy of the )

U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Josh Jackson (left) and Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin Parker (center) pose with Chancellor Kent Syverud (right). The two senior Navy leaders took part in a roundtable discussion with the Chancellor as part of Navy Week Syracuse to discuss enhancing partnerships between the military branches and higher education, to offer better opportunities for tomorrow’s leaders. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

Link Hall is truly a home away from home for the Vanderwege family! Maureen ’97 and Mike Vanderwege ’96 (far left) met as students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS). Their sons Andrew ’25 (far right) and John ’27 are current students. (Photo courtesy of ; )

Members of the U.S. Navy Band Northeast perform for College of Visual and Performing Arts students in the Setnor Auditorium at Crouse College during Navy Week Syracuse. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

Students catch up on a bench near the promenade on the first day of classes. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Students part of the Living Learning Communities enjoy getting to know each other on the Quad as part of Welcome Week activities. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Unique view outside of Newhouse 3 (Photo by Michael Sullivan ’28)

New students pose for their class photo while making the shape of an S during the Dome Sweet Dome event on the floor of the JMA Wireless Dome. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

The Orange men’s soccer team welcomed its largest home crowd since October 2018 at their Aug. 25 game vs. Niagara, where they dominated in a 3-0 victory against the Purple Eagles. (Photo courtesy of )

New international students enjoy dinner and meeting new friends in Goldstein Auditorium at the Schine Student Center Aug. 20 as part of Welcome Week activities. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Student volunteers maintain a cheery, positive outlook despite rainy conditions on the first day of move-in. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Instagram account).

attended the Fulbright Pre-Academic Program at Syracuse University’s English Language Institute this summer for four weeks to participate in a variety of workshops, field trips and textual and oral communication courses before matriculating into their degree programs at institutions across the United States. (Photo by Amy McCoy)

New students move into the residence halls with help from orientation leaders, volunteers and the Goon Squad. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Campus is full of life again as students return to campus for the start of Welcome Week. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

2024 ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Award winners (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

For the second year in a row, the University honored Orange ingenuity with two days of celebration, networking and a friendly pitch competition as part of the ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards.

Last Thursday, the ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards ceremony recognized the 2024 honorees, culminating with a live reveal of the top 10 fastest-growing Orange businesses. The evening also included a conversation with , celebrity chef and baker from A&E’s hit shows “Cake Dynasty” and “Legends of the Fork,” who participated in a fireside chat, sharing the personal ingredients behind his entrepreneurial success.

The next day, honorees of the ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards headlined the ※�������50 Summit. The summit allowed students to meet and network with top thinkers on engaging, practical and forward-thinking opportunities. The summit also included a “Six for Six” student pitch competition, where the top six campus innovation teams participated in a spirited “Shark Tank”-style format for a “winner take all” $6,000 grand prize selected by ※�������50 honorees.

Check out how the two days went:

※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards (Nov. 14)��

Thomas O’Brien ’25, student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, kicked off the ceremony. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, provided the welcoming remarks for the evening. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Tracy Barlok, senior vice president and chief advancement officer, and Buddy Valastro, celebrity chef and baker, participated in a fireside chat. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

The University presented Valastro with an Otto the Orange cake as a thank you for participating in the evening’s festivities. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Student attendees were invited on stage to take a photo with Valastro and Otto the Orange. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Valastro posed for photos with attendees after the event. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Valastro posed with Aaron Krause ’92 (center), founder of Scrub Daddy and Otto the Orange. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Award winners and attendees had an opportunity to network after the awards portion of the evening. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Award winners and attendees gathered together after the awards portion of the evening. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Students enjoyed the networking event after the ceremony. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Otto had fun joking around with the award winners. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

※�������50 Entrepreneurship Summit (Nov. 15)

The ※�������50 Summit included conversations and networking with the 50 fastest-growing alumni businesses. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Alex McKelvie, professor of entrepreneurship and interim dean of the Whitman School, provided welcoming remarks at the summit. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Students met and networked with alumni founders and top executives of leading innovation companies at the ‘CUSE50 Summit. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Haynie addressed the ※�������50 Summit attendees. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

※�������50 honorees participated in various panel discussions. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Students engaged with ※�������50 honorees. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

The ※�������50 Summit brought out great conversations and collaboration. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Students participated in a spirited “Six for Six” student pitch competition. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Nicolas Courbage ’26 (center), student in the Whitman School and founder of PapeX, won the “Six for Six” student pitch competition. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Photo courtesy of stock.adobe.com

Staying in Central New York for Thanksgiving break? Check out our guide for exciting activities and the best spots to order Thanksgiving take-out if you’d rather skip the cooking.

Local Takeout Options

Want to skip all the meal preparation? Many local restaurants are offering delicious takeout options for the holiday, but don’t wait, get your orders in ahead of time.

• (Orders due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22)
• (Orders due by Friday, Nov. 22)
• (Orders are first come, first serve, once form is completed, someone will contact you to confirm)
• (take out available on Nov. 28 from 1-4 p.m.)
• , Onondaga Blvd location (Orders due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25)
• (Orders due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26)
• ��(Orders due 48 hours in advance, Wednesday and Thursday pick-up options available)

Fun Activities for All

If you’re looking for something fun and festive to do to kick off the holidays, this list of activities has something for everyone.

Photo courtesy of Critz Farms’ Facebook page

Address: 3232 Rippleton Rd.- State Route 13 South, Cazenovia
When: Friday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Open for Christmas tree and wreath sales including cut-your-own trees complete with wagon rides and full service baling and tie-down. Don’t forget to stop by the cafe, gift shop and tap room while you are there!

Address: Clinton Square, 161 Genesee St., Syracuse��
When: Friday, Nov. 29, 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: The celebration will include the lighting of the 42-foot tree in the heart of downtown Syracuse and performances by local musicians.

Photo courtesy of CNY Regional Market’s Facebook page

Address: CNY Regional Market, 2100 Park St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Celebrate local artisans and producers while discovering a wide variety of fresh produce, handmade crafts and unique gifts just in time for the holiday season.

Photo courtesy of Lights on the Lake’s Facebook page

Address: 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool
When: Now through Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
Admission: Tickets range from $10-$20 per carload and are to be
Details: Lights on the Lake is a two-mile long drive-thru show featuring hundreds of holiday displays with over 600,000 lights! Sections include a larger-than life Land of Oz, a twinkling fantasy forest, holiday traditions, a fairy tale magic grand finale and more! Over 40,000 vehicles drive through the show each season, making Lights on the Lake one of Central New York’s favorite holiday traditions. Enjoy your favorite sounds of the season during your visit by tuning in to Sunny 102.1, the official radio station of Lights on the Lake.

Photo courtesy of The Wild Animal Park’s Facebook page

Location: 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 3-9 p.m.
Admission: $5, tickets can be��
Details: SKY Armory makes small business Saturday shopping easy when they bring together 70+ of Central New York’s artisans and makers under one roof for an evening of entertainment, food, drinks and shopping.

Location: 201 East Washington St., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Dec. 1, 1-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Experience festive music, yummy treats and handmade gifts for all.

Photo courtesy of skaneateles.com

Location: 7621 Lakeport Rd., Chittenango
When: Now through Jan. 1, 2025 (dates vary, check the )
Admission: $16.99-$19.99 per person, pay at the door when you arrive
Details: Come take a walk through The Wild and see the animals who can tolerate the cold along with beautiful festive lighting displays.

Location: Village of Skaneateles
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 30-Dec. 24, including Fri, Nov. 29, from noon-4 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 24, from noon-2:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Get into the holiday spirit with roasted chestnuts, theater, caroling, pictures with Father Christmas and more at Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles.

To support individuals on our campus and in the community, the University is hosting Operation Orange Warmup to collect winter coats. The collection to assist students in need is happening on campus now through Friday, Dec. 6.

“There is a greater need for warm coats on this campus now more than ever before and no one should go without during the winter months,”��says Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the��College of Engineering and Computer Science, who helped establish the Operation Orange Warmup initiative. “Through the work of many campus units, we are helping to ensure those in need are prepared for the cold with a winter coat, and we are proud to partner with InterFaith Works to also assist those in the broader Syracuse community.”

Ways to Donate

Donations can be made several different ways:

• First, happening now through Friday, Nov. 22, students can donate in their residence halls. Collection bins are available in Ernie Davis, Milton, Orange, Day and Brewster, Boland and Brockway halls.
• Next, on Saturday, Nov. 30, when the football team takes on Miami in the JMA Wireless Dome, attendees can bring coats with them to the game. Donation bins will be placed strategically around the JMA Dome at gates A, B, C, D, E, F, M and N.
• Finally, from Monday, Dec. 2, through Friday, Dec. 6, collection bins will be available at Hendricks Chapel, the Schine Student Center on North Campus, Goldstein Student Center on South Campus and the Nancy Cantor Warehouse.

Members of the JMA Dome staff will manage the laundering of the donations before they are given out. Additionally, all children’s coats that are collected will be donated to Interfaith Works.

Volunteer Opportunities

Students looking to volunteer can get involved with Operation Orange Warmup. Volunteers are needed for the following:

• Monitoring collections during the coat drive at the football game on Nov. 30
• Sorting coats at the Schine Student Center
• Administering the selection of coats at the Schine Student Center

For more information and to register to volunteer, students can .

Coat Selection Event

Students in need of a coat can for the coat selection event on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in The Underground at the Schine Student Center.

Through the generosity of Orange fans and the entire Syracuse University community, we can share the warmth with those in need this winter!

JB Scurlock G’25, office coordinator at Hendricks Chapel and graduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences

Gary and Dave from Facilities Services stopped by Hendricks Chapel to switch out the air filters and while they were there, they were given “be kind.” shirts.

When the communications team at Hendricks Chapel came together to consider what message they wanted to highlight on their promotional items, a simple and powerful message rose to the top: be kind. The message—and the giveaways—have taken off among students and the entire University community.

“With there being so many different religious and spiritual traditions represented at Hendricks, we needed an idea that would resonate broadly, such as kindness,” says Dara Harper, communications manager at Hendricks Chapel. This is where the “be kind.” campaign was launched.

The design was intentional. All lower-case letters, finished with a period. “It helps put things into perspective,” Harper says. The Hendricks Chapel logo is also included on the items, yet the “be kind.” message takes center stage.

Student Involvement

Harper has several students who work with her as part of the communications team at Hendricks Chapel, and all have played vital roles in spreading the word about this campaign. “It serves as a little reminder throughout the day to check on yourself and the ones around you,” says Fe Kligerman ’26, a communications design student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. “Having that sticker on your person or seeing it around campus always brings a smile to my face as it brings us together through this shared goal.”

The campaign has been taking kindness across campus since the beginning of the year and has been resoundingly successful. Thousands of T-shirts, stickers and keychains have already been distributed, with more on order. “Whenever I find someone on campus that is wearing a ‘be kind.’ shirt from afar it feels so cool,” says Asil Bascal ’25, a biotechnology major in the College of Arts and Sciences and student employee of Hendricks Chapel.

Hendricks Chapel student communications team (from left): Fe Kligerman ’26, Asil Bascal ’25 and Micah Greenberg ’26

World Kindness Day

Lucy Gonzalez ’27, Hendricks Chapel hospitality associate and Newhouse student

Want your chance to be part of this powerful message? Hendricks Chapel will be giving away T-shirts and more from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in front of the chapel in honor of World Kindness Day. If you can’t make it to campus then, Hendricks Chapel is often tabling at various events around campus with their merchandise.

In honor of World Kindness Day, here are some ways to offer some kindness, including some suggestions from the staff at Hendricks Chapel:

• Smile and say hello.—Bianca Caiella Breed, operations specialist
• Ask someone how they are doing.��Then, pause and take two minutes to truly listen.—Alex Snow, director of events
• Give a compliment, whether it is to a friend, family member, neighbor or complete stranger. Additionally, relay an overheard compliment.
• Be present and be an open ear and heart.—Kaleya Scott, engagement coordinator
  

  Max Jimenez G’25 sports his “be kind.” sticker on his scooter!

• Say hello to each person you meet.—Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, associate dean
• Strike up a conversation with someone who’s standing alone.
• Learn people’s names and commit their names to memory for when you see them again.—Dara Harper, communications manager
• Hang a sign on a bulletin board that says “Take What You Need” with tear-off tabs at the bottom for love, hope, faith and courage.
• Resolve to refrain from negative self-talk (you deserve your kindness too!).

While reflecting on the upcoming World Kindness Day, Harper shared, “just remember, as many others have said, in a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

Involvement with the CRB began when the previous law student representative, Omnia Shedid L’24, sought a successor. Intrigued by the CRB’s role in reviewing complaints about��the conduct of Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers, Oliver stepped into the position, driven by a passion for justice and equality.

As vice chair of the CRB, she emphasizes the importance of student input in maintaining campus safety. “Having a student in the vice chair position allows the student body to be more involved in decision-making,” Oliver says. “The goal is to enhance the relationship between DPS and the student population by ensuring student voices are heard in policy and procedure discussions.”

Oliver also aims to raise awareness about the CRB’s role on campus. “The CRB is a valuable asset to students, but it’s sometimes underutilized because people don’t know what we do,” Oliver says. By increasing visibility, she hopes to encourage more students and DPS members to utilize the CRB for appeals, ensuring their concerns are addressed.

History of the CRB

The CRB was created following an independent review of DPS by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in 2020-21. It is responsible for:

• reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct;
• reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings;
• reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and
• issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

CRB Membership

Since last fall, the CRB has added new members, including:

• Fatoumata Barry ’27, undergraduate student,��College of Arts and Sciences
• Avva Boroujerdi ’25, undergraduate student, Whitman School of Management
• Rosemary Martin ’26, undergraduate student,��College of Arts and Sciences
• Lindsey Oliver��(vice chair),��graduate student,��College of Law
• Christina Papaleo, learning and development specialist,��Office of Diversity and Inclusion
• Andrea Persin, assistant dean of budget, finance and administration,��College of Arts and Sciences
• Lynnie Westafer, graduate student, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
• Tanya Williamson, assistant vice president, Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Additionally, several members are still completing their term from last year, including:

• La’Kesa Allen, community standards coordinator, Community Standards
• Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, associate dean, Hendricks Chapel
• Mary Kiernan, associate teaching professor, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics (chair)
• Maria Pettolina, professor of practice, Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute, College of Arts and Sciences

The CRB has also engaged two highly experienced consultants to advise on its work. Bethaida “Bea” González, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, is senior advisor to the CRB; and Melvin “Tony” Perez, former chief of public safety for Monroe Community College, serves as its expert law enforcement consultant.

For more information,����or contact the CRB directly by email to��CRB@syr.edu.

The honorees make up an impressive group of the —from baby monitors and kitchen scrubbers to weekend getaways and candle companies, and everything in between.

On Thursday, Nov. 14, the will recognize the 2024 honorees, culminating with a live reveal of the top 10 fastest-growing Orange businesses.

“We are excited to be hosting this event again this year to welcome our distinguished alumni back to campus to honor their remarkable accomplishments,” says Tracy Barlok, senior vice president and chief advancement officer. “Our graduates possess a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and it’s essential to recognize the significant impact they are making globally through their businesses.”

The evening’s festivities will also include a conversation with , celebrity chef and baker from A&E’s hit shows “Cake Dynasty” and “Legends of the Fork.” Valastro will participate in a fireside chat during the awards ceremony, sharing the personal ingredients behind his entrepreneurial success.

for the event.

Winners of the 2023 ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Award (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

※�������50 Entrepreneurship Summit

Honorees of the ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards will headline the ※�������50 Summit the following day on Friday, Nov. 15, at the . The summit is open to student innovators, entrepreneurs and creatives across campus, as well as anyone who wants to develop an entrepreneurial mindset for personal and professional success.

Students will meet and network with alumni at the ※�������50 Summit. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

This event promises to be the biggest innovation and entrepreneurship summit of the year and is a chance to meet and network with top thinkers on engaging, practical and forward-thinking opportunities that will inspire creative thinking and provide real-world takeaways.

Topics will include building a startup from scratch, bootstrapping and developing a growth mindset, building a personal brand, team building, leadership, resilience and well-being, the creator economy, innovation in the digital age, and embracing change to drive personal growth and success. Last year, hundreds of students attended and came away with ideas and connections, as well as mentors and investors.

for the event, which will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting in the Flaum Grand Hall and then moving to Whitman classrooms for 10 panel discussions with ※�������50 honorees. Conversations will be moderated by student innovators who will serve as “firestarters” for discussions with ample opportunity for audience participation.

“These events offer a distinctive learning experience for our students,” says Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the Whitman School. “The ※�������50 Awards ceremony and Summit allow students a unique opportunity to engage with alumni who began their entrepreneurial journey at Syracuse University, bridging the gap between our graduates and the entrepreneurial dreams of our current students.”

The summit will also include lunch in Flaum Grand Hall, followed by a spirited “Five for Five” student pitch competition in Lender Auditorium, where the top five campus innovation teams will participate in a spirited “Shark Tank”-style format for a “winner take all” $5,000 grand prize selected by※�������50 honorees.

For more information about the event, visit the .

Alumni panel discussions at the ※�������50 Summit (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

The University adopted Handshake just before the start of the Fall 2018 semester. Over the years, Handshake has become an integral tool for uniting all career service centers across the University. It offers a range of services to students and staff. Students can schedule appointments with career advisers, upload resumes, explore employers, apply for jobs and internships, view upcoming events and career fairs, and access a wealth of career resources. For staff, the platform provides key insights into student needs, enabling better support through data and analytics.

“The University’s Career Services team has been recognized for its strategic use of data and analytics,” says Adam Capozzi, director of career services, assessment and student success. “By tracking student outcomes through the first-destination survey and utilizing hundreds of analytics reports, the team has engaged more deeply with students and shared insights creatively with internal and external partners. This data-driven approach has significantly impacted student support both on-campus and beyond graduation.”

Receiving the Spark Award strengthens the team’s mission to empower students and promote innovative, inclusive career development and affirms the goals of expanding access, enhancing student engagement and strengthening partnerships.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award for the second year in a row,” says Capozzi. “Being recognized by Handshake once again is truly an honor, and we are deeply appreciative of the acknowledgment. It is a testament to our team’s dedication and the incredible support from our campus community. We could not be more grateful.”

Photo by Marilyn Hesler

Andrew McClurg, with (ITS), is often asked how people can stay safe online to protect against scams and hackers. He breaks it down to some basic points to remember.

“I always focus on four main things: passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), keeping software updated and knowing how to spot phishing emails and how to report them,” says McClurg, an IT analyst with the Information Security (InfoSec) team.

Andrew McClurg

SU News caught up with McClurg for a Q&A on the best tips during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Established in 2004 by Congress and the White House, the initiative raises awareness about cybersecurity’s importance and ensures people have the resources to be safer and more secure online.

For the University, InfoSec team members do everything they can to keep your experience online as safe as possible. As part of securing users and their data, the University has firewalls in place; these are security systems that monitor and control network traffic to protect a computer or network from cyberattacks. The challenge, however, is that hackers are getting smarter than ever. To stay safe online, you need to be your own human firewall.

What does that look like exactly? McClurg explains.

What can we do to keep our passwords safe?

• Make sure all your passwords are unique across your accounts.
• Create complex passwords.
• Use long memorable phrases or song lyrics with numbers and special characters.
• Never share your passwords with others. ITS staff will never ask for or need your password to assist you.
• Setup a password manager to keep track of and monitor your passwords. This will suggest strong passwords, alert you to passwords that have appeared in data leaks and flag passwords used across accounts.

Why should we enable MFA?

MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code or login approval request sent to your mobile device or email, in addition to your password. MFA requests could also require a biometric component, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition. The University requires the Microsoft Authenticator.��Something important to keep in mind is that you should never share your MFA codes with others and ITS staff will never ask for or need your MFA code to assist you.

Want to learn more about MFA? Visit our .

How do software updates play a role in keeping devices secure?

In addition to new features and general maintenance, software updates often include security patches that close vulnerabilities that bad actors might use to install malware, steal data or launch other types of attacks. It is recommended to keep your systems updated to strengthen your security posture. Often operating systems (e.g. Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) and some software offer automatic updates to make this process easier for the user.

What is a phishing email and what should I do if I receive one?

Phishing emails are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive information. You should be wary of unexpected emails, especially if they ask for personal information, create a sense of urgency or contain suspicious links/attachments.

If you receive a suspicious email, be sure to consider the following:

• Does the URL look right?
  • On your smartphone or tablet, press the link and hold down until a dialog box appears containing the URL.
  • On your computer, hover over the link with your mouse. The URL will usually appear in the lower-left corner of your window.
• Does the login screen look right?��Do not enter your NetID and password unless you are certain it is safe.
• Are you expecting the document or link?��Be suspicious of unexpected emails sharing documents and links. If you are not sure, contact the sender (preferably via text message, phone or an alternative email address) and ask if they shared a document with you.
• Do you know the person sharing it?��Consider the message suspicious if you do not know the person the message is from. Be aware, though, that phishers often use compromised accounts to send their messages, and they can also forge the sending address. If you feel at all unsure, call the person and ask if they shared a document or link with you.
• Can you tell what the document is? Is it clear to you from the document title and message what the document is and why the sender is sharing it with you? Phishers often send vague messages that just say a document has been shared with you. They rely on your curiosity. Do not open suspicious shared documents just to see what they are.
• Beware of flattery. Customized emails that compliment research and ask you to look at a shared document or link related to it. If it looks suspicious, do not log in.
• Be suspicious of emails offering deals that seem too good to be true. For example, remote work that pays exceptionally well for little time investment or offers of heavily discounted or even free technology hardware, tools and musical instruments. A favorite of the security team is the free baby grand Yamaha piano, which appears several times each year.

You can report suspicious emails by using the Report Phishing function within Microsoft Outlook. This will alert the security team who will take the appropriate actions to remediate the incident, which may include deleting the email from all inboxes, locking accounts if sent from a Syracuse account and blocking the sender. Additionally, for the latest list of phishing emails that have recently circulated throughout the Syracuse University community, visit the .

Take a look at some of the highlights from this year’s festivities!

So happy to be reunited for Family Weekend. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Instagram)

Taking a photo with Otto the Orange is a time-honored tradition. (Photo courtesy of Falk College’s Facebook page)

Students and their families tour the Barner-McDuffie House. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

There was a festive Celebration of Identity at the Barner-McDuffie House. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Instagram)

There are plenty of great places to stop and catch up, like the Schine Student Center, during Family Weekend festivities. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Falk College hosted students and their families as part of Family Weekend. (Photo courtesy of Falk College’s Facebook page)

For those who love exercise, the weekend even included a fun run. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

The Promenade is always the perfect spot for a photo. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

There was so much fun to be had on the Shaw Quad prior to the football game. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Hugs all around for Family Weekend 2024 (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Coach Fran Brown’s Quad Walk was even a family affair with his son (right) walking with him. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Who doesn’t love a little football on the Quad? (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

It was all smiles during the sold out Syracuse Orange vs. Holy Cross football game. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Taking time to catch up while being reunited on campus for this fun weekend (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Instagram)

Even some four-legged friends made it to campus for a visit. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Everyone was showing their Orange pride! (Photo courtesy of Falk College’s Facebook page)

There are so many great spots on campus to snap that perfect family selfie! (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Sunday, Sept. 29 is National Coffee Day (Photo courtesy of )

Calling all coffee lovers! Did you know that Sunday, Sept. 29, is National Coffee Day? Whether you are a diehard coffee enthusiast who celebrates every day or a novice just beginning to try coffee for the first time, SU News has you covered. We put together a list of all the great spots and hidden gems on campus—and locally—to score your favorite cup of Joe.

On-Campus Finds

While there are many different spots on campus to grab your favorite brew, one of the most popular spots, which is in the heart of campus, is . Located on the lower level of Hendricks Chapel, this nonprofit coffee shop offers great food and prices, a cool atmosphere and is run completely by a friendly and outgoing group of students.

SU News caught up with two managers, Vivienne Love ’26 and Kennedy Williams ’25, to learn more about what inspired them to get involved and what are their go-to favorites at People’s Place.

People’s Place coffee shop, located in the basement of Hendricks Chapel, is the perfect spot to grab a reasonably-priced snack and coffee while meeting some of the terrific students who work there. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

What made you want to get involved with People’s Place?

Love: During my freshman year, I only had 8 a.m. classes, and I would come to People’s Place as a reward for going to class. The staff was so welcoming, and I felt appreciated when they started to remember my order over time. It was always nice to have a treat and listen to the music that People’s Place played. At the end of the semester,��I saw they were hiring and I applied! The rest is history.
Williams: Honestly, my friends—everyone I knew loved People’s Place and so did I. When one of my buddies who was a manager at the time asked if I wanted a job there, I couldn’t turn it down.

What is your favorite thing about working at People’s Place?

Love: Definitely the people. What initially drew me to People’s Place is what keeps me coming back. I’m so grateful to have friendships with the staff that have only grown as we’ve worked there over the semesters. Some of my best friends work at “Peeps” and we always make the effort to go in and visit each other during our shifts, even if it’s only for five minutes. Also, I get to choose the syrups we have each week, and I love ordering the weirdest flavors and seeing them sell!
Williams: The longstanding history of it; I love that People’s Place has been around and run by students since the ’70s. I feel like it still holds the same good energy and values when you go to the shop today as it did then.

What is your go-to coffee (or tea) order and favorite treat?

Love: My go-to coffee order is an iced coffee with oat milk and some of the crazy syrup I like to order. My favorite treat we have sometimes around Valentine’s Day is a chocolate cherry��pop tart.
Williams: My go-to coffee order is a mocha java with hazelnut syrup and half and half, while my favorite treat is the plain glazed donut we sell from Geddes Bakery.

People’s Place is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Follow them on for upcoming events, specials and all of their latest tomfoolery.

The many faces of People’s Place (Photo by Angela Ryan)

In addition to People’s Place, tucked all over campus. The locations listed below accept ’CUSE Cash, meal plan dining dollars and credit/debit cards:

• BBBistro: Brockway Hall, Basement
• The Canteen: National Veterans Resource Center
• Gerry’s Café: Eggers Hall, Room 300
• Falk Café: McNaughton Hall, 2nd Floor
• Food.com: S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Room 244
• Junction Snack Bar: Flint and Day halls, Basement
• Life Sciences Café: Life Sciences Building, Atrium Level
• Neporent Café: Dineen Hall
• Olsten’s Café: Whitman School of Management, Room 211
• Otto’s Juice Box: Barnes Center at The Arch
• Pages Café: Bird Library, Entrance Level
• Slocum Café: Slocum Hall, Main Floor
• Starbucks West Campus: 150 Henry St.
• The Warehouse Café: 350 W. Fayette St.

Off-Campus Favorites

Heading off campus on an adventure but still looking to get your caffeine fix? Below are some of the most popular spots located not too far from campus:

Cafe Blue (Photo by Coco Boardman)

Café Blue is located at the heart of Syracuse’s Inner Harbor, northwest of campus near Destiny USA.
Address: 720 Van Rensselaer Road, Suite 104B, Syracuse, New York 13204
Hours: Mondays: Closed; Tuesday through Friday: 7 a.m.- 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Kubal has six locations around the Syracuse area, with the closest to campus near Drumlins.
Address: S2218 E. Colvin St., Syracuse, New York 13210
Hours: Monday through Friday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Located on the ground floor of The 505 on Walnut, Peaks is located north of campus.
Address: 1200 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, New York 13210
Hours: Monday and Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday through Friday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.��

Recess Coffee (Photo by Coco Boardman)

Located across the street from Syracuse Stage, Phoebe’s brews Recess coffee.
Address: 900 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, New York 13244
Hours: Monday: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday: 4:30-9 p.m.

Recess has three locations in Syracuse, with the closets to campus being in the Westcott neighborhood.
Address: 110 Harvard Place, Syracuse, New York 13210
Hours: Monday through Friday: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Salt City has four locations in Syracuse, with the closest to campus being right off Marshall Street.
Address: 720 University Ave., Syracuse, New York 13210
Hours: Monday through Friday:��7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday:��8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Diane Crawford

Crawford, executive director of institutional culture at the Whitman School of Management, and Yu, health and wellness research director at the Barnes Center at The Arch, will each conduct projects to advance the priorities outlined in the .

“The fellowships offered by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion provide a unique opportunity for staff members to advance a diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility project that may fall outside of their primary role,” says Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Mary Grace Almandrez. “The professional development for supervisors and student research projects that will be led by our fellows this year will assist us in our efforts to ensure every campus member feels a sense of inclusion and ��belonging at the University.”

Crawford plans to develop a course that will empower supervisors to foster a culture and climate of authentic inclusion, where every team member is valued, developed and included. “This embodies what ‘Leading with Excellence’ looks and feels like. Campus members who have direct reports are encouraged to participate,” says Crawford.

This fellowship provides Crawford an opportunity to develop leadership discovery learning tools, which are practical skills that campus leaders can leverage to drive inclusivity in their respective areas of focus. “As the landscape of the workforce continues to diversify and evolve, it is crucial for leaders to understand and practice ways to make their team members feel that they are valuable contributors,” she says.

“The goal is to equip our leaders with the necessary tools to enhance their leadership capacity in regard to inclusivity, thereby building stronger, dynamic teams that further establishes Syracuse University as an exceptional workplace,” says Crawford.

Qingyi Yu

Yu plans to conduct focus groups among multiple marginalized identity student groups on topics of belonging and inclusion in different contexts, such as social belonging and academic belonging. This fellowship allows Yu to combine her passion for health and wellness research and assessment while focusing on enhancing DEIA.

“As the leader of the Barnes Center Health and Wellness Research Consortium, I aim to foster cross-campus collaborations and use data to identify predictive and protective factors for student wellness and thriving,” says Yu. “A key goal of my assessments is to better understand how inclusion and belonging impacts student success and thriving. I see the ODI fellowship as a valuable opportunity to expand the reach of DEIA assessment and research, support data-driven strategic planning and serve a diverse student population at the University.”

Through the fellowship, Yu aims to capture unique narratives and perspectives to guide the creation of an inclusive, equitable and supportive environment for all students. “The focus groups’ data collected will identify key aspects of belonging and existing resources that enhance the sense of community,” she says. “The project seeks to gain a comprehensive understanding of students with marginalized identities, identify successful resources that promote a sense of belonging, propose interventions to enhance this sense of inclusion, and provide data-driven recommendations for strategic planning.”

At a crossroads – Adirondacks, NY (Photo by on Instagram)

Fall in Central New York (CNY) is full of fun and delightful opportunities. Whether you’re eager to witness the , wish to partake in a festival or enjoy a fun fall activity, we’ve crafted an extensive guide to ensure your fall experiences with friends and family are unforgettable!

Festivals and Events

Address: Rowland Road, Lafayette, New York 13084
When: Oct. 12-13, Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with an apple pancake breakfast starting at 7 a.m. both days
Admission Fee: $6 per person; 12 and under are free. Parking is also free.
Details: The Apple Festival is a fun weekend for the whole family. The high quality of the exhibitors, uniqueness of products offered and diversity make it a hit for all ages!
(Photo courtesy of their��)

Address: 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, New York 13066
When: Saturday, Oct. 19
Admission Fee: Free but the CNY Food Bank will be collecting donations
Details: Get in the Halloween spirit by driving through the Pinewoods campground to see all the fun and spooky decorated campsites! This is a drive-thru only event.

Address:��Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse, New York 13204
When: Oct. 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27
Admission Fee:��$7-9 depending on when and where you purchase your ticket. Note: Admission to the zoo is not included in the ticket price. You will be required to purchase a ticket to the zoo unless you are a member upon arrival.
Details: This is a “kooky-not-spooky” daytime Halloween celebration. The zoo transforms into a hauntingly fun destination for the whole family with trick-or-treat stations, creepy crawly animal encounters, keeper chats, games, activities, photo opportunities and a costume parade. Wear costumes and bring treat bags for this fall-favorite event!
(Photo courtesy of their )

Address:��3232 Rippleton Rd., State Route 13 South, Cazenovia, New York 13035
When: Through Oct. 20
Admission Fee:��$6-10 per person (plus fees); depending on what day of the week you visit
Details: Experience the quintessential fall season at Critz Farms—the perfect place to bring the family and soak in everything fall has to offer. They have pumpkin and apple picking, a tasting room, fresh sweet apple cider, farm animals, a gift shop with fall decor, playgrounds and of course their famous corn maze! Additionally, on the weekends, they also have food available in the café, wagon rides, live music, cider-making demonstrations and a cow train ride for children.�� There is truly something for everyone.

Address:��7265 Buckley Rd., North Syracuse, New York 13212
When: Sept. 28 through Oct. 20
Admission Fee: Free activities are available; on the weekends, some activities include a fee;�� for more information
Details:��Every day, there are free activities, including a corn pit, giant games, a straw maze, a petting zoo, a ghoulish hole-in-one, a tepee, bowling and a ghost rider speedway. Each weekend has a different theme and includes the following activities: pumpkin decorating, face painting and temporary tattoos, tie-dye, sand art, zombie paintball attack, carnival games and unlimited bounce zone.��The weather won’t spoil the fun—Chuck Hafner’s is proud to host the only undercover festival in CNY, so rain or shine.
(Photo courtesy of their )

Address: 3275 Cold Springs Rd., Baldwinsville New York 13027
When: Through Oct. 27
Admission Fee: Some areas have free admission, while the fun zone is $10
Details: Abbott Farms Fall Fest includes fun for the whole family with free admission to apple picking, the market and Abbott’s Ark. The fun zone includes over 11 activities, a corn maze, wagon rides, pony rides and face painting.

Address:��1850 Rt. 91, Fabius, New York 13063
When: Through Oct. 27
Admission Fee: $14 per person, with seniors/veterans (with I.D.) $12
Details: Harvest your memories at Springside Farm! Admission includes access to fun fall activities like a barrel train, pedal cars, a jump pad, zip lines, a petting zoo, a playground with tunnels and slides, a basketball wagon, a baseball challenge, corn bins, a nature trail, toddler play area, a sound garden, duck races, food court, sweet shop, gift shop, pumpkin patch and gem mining!
(Photo courtesy of their )

Dare to Be Scared

Address: 6092 Route 31, Cicero, New York 13039
Hours: Open Friday and Saturday nights from Oct. 4-26, 7-10 p.m.
Admission Fee:��Tickets range from $15-30/per person depending on what you participate in
Details: The CMC Haunted House is a longstanding tradition in Cicero and was named by Scarycuse.com as the Bronze Medal Winner in 2019 and Best Boo for Your Buck in 2018. This year’s house has been amped up with many scares and new audio and visual features.

Address:��1 Lepage Place, Syracuse, New York 13206
Hours:��Open every weekend in October, Friday and Saturday nights, 7 p.m.-midnight, and Sunday, 7-11 p.m.
Admission Fee:��$30/person
Details: A haunted experience like no other. Between the state-of-the-art set design and talented actors, you’re sure to see why USA Today included Fright Nights in their list of The Best 20 Haunted Attractions in the Northeast!
(Photo courtesy of their )

Address: 7192 Oswego Rd., Liverpool, New York 13090
Hours: Open 7:30-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights from Oct. 4-26
Admission Fee: $20 for adults and $14 for children age 13 and under
Details: Dare to uncover the secrets of Erie Hollows, a town lost to time and terror. This October, brave souls are summoned to Exit 38 for a heart-pounding journey through over half a mile of twisted trails and unspeakable horrors.

Family Fun Places to Visit

Address: 2901 Rose Hill Rd., Marietta, New York 13110
Hours:��Open daily through Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission Fee:��$4-$6 depending on the day you visit
Details: A simple, fun and authentic family-run farm experience offering wagon rides, a u-pick pumpkin field, a corn maze, a hay fort, a crazy maze, an animal barn, skeeball, corn hole, sand pile, bakery and retail shop.
(Photo courtesy of their )

Address:��3735 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, New York 13215
Hours:��Open daily until the end of October, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission Fee:��Free
Details:��A fun family-owned pumpkin patch that has much more to offer including a corn maze, hayride, farm animals and tasty treats to try.

Address: Long Branch Park, Liverpool, New York 13209
Hours:��Open Thursdays through Sundays in October, 5-9 p.m.
Admission Fee:��$25/vehicle
Details: It’s a not-so-scary stroll along a half-mile freshly paved path at Long Branch Park in Liverpool, as you see festive Halloween-themed displays in the wooded trail. Each section includes large wooden structures, LED light displays and more to help them come to life. Every night food trucks will be on hand in the park to grab a treat or dinner!
(Photo courtesy of their )

Address: 7621 Lakeport Rd., Chittenango, New York 13037
Hours: Every Friday and Saturday in October from 6-10 p.m.
Admission Fee: 2 and under are free, Seniors and children ages 3-12: $16.99 and Adults: $19.99
Details: Looking for a spooky yet family fun experience? Check out the Flash Light Safari. Catch the animals at night when they are most active. The lights in the park are dimmed to make it a special experience. Don’t forget your flashlights!

U-Pick Apple Orchards

• ��(Baldwinsville)
• ��(Jamesville)
• (Mexico)
• ��(Lafayette)
• ��(Mexico)
• (Lafayette)
• (Oswego)
• ��(Syracuse)
• ��(Lafayette)
• ��(Weedsport)
• (Cicero)

Fall in CNY means there are plenty of places for apple picking. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

2023 Fall Career Fair (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Fall 2024 Career Week serves as a reminder for students that it is never too soon to take steps toward achieving their individual career goals.

The week offers a lineup of designed to help students connect with employer partners. From the campuswide Career and Internship Fair to specialized opportunities hosted by schools and colleges, students can explore these experiences by visiting the or logging into their .

Open to all students, regardless of class year and major, Fall 2024 Career Week runs from Sept. 23-27, with the signature Career and Internship Fair event featuring who will be offering internship and post-graduation positions.

“Career Week is a student’s gateway to unlocking future opportunities,” says Lisette Child, assistant director, employee relations in the University’s Career Services office. “It’s an amazing chance to connect with top employers, explore diverse career paths and gain insights that could shape their professional journey. Don’t miss out on the chance to make valuable connections and set yourself up for success.”

Students are encouraged to learn about each opportunity via before the events. This will show students the employers who will be attending and ensure the events align with their respective career interests.��

Students attend Career Fair in the JMA Wireless Dome (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Career Week Events and How to Register

Explore Career Week event highlights below with the complete list available on the . For each event, students should�� and prepare before attending.

• Tuesday, Sept. 24:
• Tuesday, Sept. 24:
• Tuesday, Sept. 24:
• Wednesday, Sept. 25:
• Wednesday, Sept. 25:
• Friday, Sept. 27:

How to Prepare for Fall 2024 Career Week

• Keep profile up to date: Students should make sure they��.��This includes updating their photo and details, such as graduation year, education and work experience. Upon completion, the account will reflect “100%.”
• Know who will be there: Check the list of employers attending and prioritize those that align with your career goals. You may not have time to meet everyone, so focus on the most important ones.
• Do research: Employers appreciate students who know something about their company. Research your top choices and tailor your conversations based on what you learn.
• Bring the essentials: Having a folder with a handful of resumes and paper for notes is always great. There is a bag check area available, but it is easier to leave bulky items at home.
• Dress appropriately: Choose business professional or business casual attire. Comfortable shoes are key.
• Prepare a pitch: Have a short, practiced introduction about your background and goals.
• : Rehearse your pitch and answers to common questions with a friend. Stay natural—don’t memorize word-for-word.
• Ask meaningful questions: Have thoughtful questions prepared for each employer, showing you’ve done your research. Avoid basic questions like, “What does your company do?”

What’s New This Year

Based on student feedback, there will be a student welcome lounge on the career fair floor.

In addition, for the first time in-person since 2019, the will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from noon to 4 p.m. in Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center. This event is an invaluable opportunity for students to engage directly with representatives from over 100 prestigious graduate and law schools from across the country. Students can gather insights into various programs, admissions processes and what sets each institution apart.

With questions or to request accommodations, contact at careers@syr.edu��or connect with within each school or college.

2023 Fall Career Fair (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Volunteers accept donations during the 2022 food drive.

On Friday, Sept. 20, before the Orange football team takes on Stanford at 7:30 p.m. in the JMA Wireless Dome, the Office of Community Engagement and the Salvation Army will host a food drive to collect non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army’s Emergency Pantry. Those planning to attend the game are asked to bring with them non-perishable foods to donate. The items that are needed the most include the following:

• Rice
• Cereal
• Pasta
• Tuna
• Canned fruit
• Peanut butter
• Macaroni and cheese
• Canned chicken
• Pasta sauce

“Many of us do not have to make the hard choices in life, like deciding whether to buy food or pay rent or a utility bill,” says Major Charles Roberts, director of county operations for . “The issues that people and families suffering in poverty face have converged into a perfect storm—increasing retail prices, elimination of pre-COVID SNAP benefits, worsening food desert conditions (like lack of access to fresh fruit and vegetables) and increased demand for community-based organizations to provide greater amounts of resources over a longer period. It is food drives like the one before the game on Friday that literally keep good food on our pantry shelves.”

There will be various drop-off locations strategically placed around campus and in several��parking lots. In addition to the food barrels, the Salvation Army will be on hand with red kettles accepting monetary donations with all proceeds benefiting the organization’s programs and services. No cash? No problem! Donations can also be made by texting SASGIVES to 31333 or by visiting their . The barrels and red kettles can be found in the following locations on Friday:

Barrel/red kettle sites:

• Gate A
• Sadler Hall
• Dineen Hall
• Falk Complex/Heroy Geology Laboratory
• Steele Hall/Heroy Geology Laboratory
• Physics Building
• Carnegie Library

Kettle-only sites:

• Flanagan Gym
• Gate G
• Hillside Lot

Barrel-only sites:

• Adjacent to Lally North Bus Stop
• Lally South Bus Stop
• Multiple sites at 640 Skytop Road

If you have any questions, contact Jake Losowski, associate director of community engagement, at��jjlosows@syr.edu��or 315.443.4137.

The rain didn’t stop move in at Sadler Hall. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Welcome Week festivities were held last week, introducing nearly 6,000 new members of the Orange community to all that Syracuse has to offer.

From moving in to their residence halls to swaying to the alma mater during��New Student Convocation to ice cream fun on the Quad and visiting the Barnes Center at The Arch for the first time, the University’s photographers captured so much of the magic that comes with a new school year. Enjoy some of the highlights from this year below!

New students pose for their class photo during the Dome Sweet Dome event on the floor of the JMA Wireless Dome. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Welcome Week 2024 was a big success! (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

New students move in to the residence halls with help from orientation leaders, volunteers and the Goon Squad. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

International students enjoyed the beautiful weather and extra time on campus before the Welcome Week festivities officially started. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

International students toured the Center for International Services. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Campus was full of fun places to take photos with family! (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Capturing those Welcome Week memories to save forever. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

FreshFest 2024, Hillel’s Pre-Orientation Program, kicked off with an event in the JMA Wireless Dome for students and their families. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

College of Engineering and Computer Science students, parents, families and supporters got to meet with faculty, staff and the dean. (Photo courtesy of College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Facebook page)

Welcome Week is never complete without a photo with Otto the Orange! (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Students got to enjoy ice cream and a rainbow on the Quad. (Photo courtesy of Hendricks Chapel’s Facebook page)

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA), speaks to new military-connected students at the OVMA Fall Orientation and Student Fair at the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

Dwayne Murray ’97, deputy director with OVMA, poses with Otto at the OVMA Welcome Orientation and New Student Fair. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

The College of Visual and Performing Arts held a special Dean’s Welcome for students and their families. (Photo of courtesy of College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Facebook page)

Maxwell Dean David M. Van Slyke greeted Maxwell students during an event on the Quad where students got to learn more about their offerings. (Photo courtesy of the Maxwell School’s Facebook page)

International student welcome dinner (Photo by Angela Ryan)

A student and Dr. Ruth Chen (right) take a moment to snap a photo with Otto the Orange during the International Student Dinner. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Annual Nya weñha Skä:noñh Luncheon (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Syracuse University Band performs at New Student Convocation (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Convocation marks the first time this group of first-year students are all together in one place. The next time they will all be together in the JMA Dome will be for their Commencement in May 2028. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

A School of Education peer advisor gives a tour to first-year students. (Photo courtesy of School of Education’s Facebook page)

The Newhouse School welcomed first-year and transfer students at a reception, where students mingled with their new classmates, staff, faculty and student peer advisors. (Photo courtesy of Newhouse School’s Facebook page)

New Syracuse University ROTC Army cadets attend orientation. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Students in the Living Learning Communities play games during the welcome picnic on the Quad. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Engineering and Computer Science students got to play different games during their new student social. (Photo courtesy of College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Facebook page)

The newest members of Orange Nation gather on the field in the JMA Dome. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

The Syracuse University Marching Band performs during Citrus in the City. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University Band’s Facebook page)

Students had a chance to get their photo with Otto during Citrus in the City. (Photo by Michael Sullivan ’28)

Students are all smiles during Citrus in the City. (Photo by Michael Sullivan ’28)

Football coach Fran Brown told first-year students during Dome Sweet Dome, “It’s your first year. It’s my first year. And it’s gonna be LIT. ” (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University Alumni’s Facebook page)

During the annual tradition, which takes place in the JMA Wireless Dome, the academic program includes leadership and faculty processing with full regalia.

The just over 4,000 new and transfer students hail from 49 states, including Washington, D.C., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; 20 Indigenous nations and 59 countries. University leaders and student speakers imparted advice, words of wisdom and posed thoughtful questions to the new students, embarking on this new journey.

Wisdom From an Upperclass Student

Alie Savane (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

“Live it up; be in the moment. It’s okay to fail, I encourage it; it’s a learning point,” said��Alie Savane ’25, a biology major in the College of Arts and Sciences and the student speaker in his words of advice to new students.

Savane was candid about some of his struggles during his second year as a student but leaned on his connections with upperclass students and alumni. “I learned that my worth wasn’t tied to only my grades but to the effort that I put out every day. Even counting those days of rest, give yourself grace, one’s recovery is still effort,” he said.

“Growth is fundamental to this experience, and there’s a community here dedicated to fostering it. The Orange community makes this campus shine bright even on its cloudiest days, which is great because winters can be a bit cloudy,” said Savane.

Requests From the Chancellor

After addressing the loved ones of the students, Chancellor Kent Syverud made two requests of the new students.

The first: come as you are. “If you have not figured it out yet, you will figure it out pretty soon: there is no one way of thinking, no one way of dressing, no one person who is the ‘normal’ here at Syracuse University. People here are unique and amazing and dazzlingly different. So given that there is no ‘normal’ here, why not try just being yourself here. Not the image of perfection that appears on social media, not the identical replica of someone else, just be you. I believe you will find that if you come as you are here, you will become Orange.”

Chancellor Kent Syverud (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

The second piece of advice from the Chancellor: Become more at Syracuse. “That’s the common thread in all the speeches you are hearing this week. You have a chance that has been denied to so many people in this world: a chance to be part of a great university. So, take it. Please become more here, in your own unique and defining way. That’s what so many people have done before you, and you can too.”

Showing Grace to Others

“Every one of you have earned your place here and every one of you deserves to be here,” said Allen Groves, senior vice president and chief student experience officer, sharing how almost 45,000 individuals applied to be part of the new first-year class and 1,500 applied to be transfer students.

“While you’re here I want you to make sure you explore fearlessly new ideas, new ways of thinking and expose yourself to people whose views may be different than your own,” said Groves. “I hope you’ll debate big, contentious issues and ideas respectfully, listening as much as speaking—and sometimes that’s hard—and being mindful of our goal of being a place of academic excellence in a university that is welcoming to all.”

After the program concluded, students and their families said their goodbyes. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

“As you begin to navigate campus and figure out your own routine and favored spaces, I sincerely hope you will be willing to extend a hand to a classmate who may be struggling, and to show grace when a peer makes a mistake. That peer could just as easily be you, and we could all use a little more grace in this world.”

Seizing Possibilities

“Today you’re surrounded by your fellow new students, most or all of them strangers to you now. And yet many of them will become lifelong friends. Hard as it may be to imagine, you and the people who surround you now will gather again in this dome in four years to celebrate Commencement,”��said Lois Agnew, interim vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer. “Between that day and this celebratory moment, there is possibility—the possibility of who you will be as a student at Syracuse, and the possibility of who you will become in the years that follow your time here.”

Agnew shared there are many ways for students to seize that possibility, noting research, creative inquiry, studying beyond campus through study away and study abroad programs, experiential learning and intellectual bravery as prime examples.

“Challenge yourself. Be brave and be curious. Go outside your comfort zone and explore new things. You may discover passions you did not know you had,’” Agnew said.

Before the conclusion of the program, the newest students to enter Syracuse University recited the charge and sang the alma mater. The next time they will all be together in the JMA Dome will be for their Commencement in May 2028.

New students recited the charge and sang the alma mater. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Laura Kolton from Government Relations and her two sons, including one who is a first-year student, visited the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.

University community members enjoyed the summer months everywhere from around the world to across town. Take a look at the fun they had over the summer.

While attending the NASPA conference in Anaheim, California, Mia Funderburg from the College of Engineering and Computer Science made time for some fun, too!

View of the Aquinnah Cliffs in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Janet Lafata from the College of Professional Studies spent time here and on Cape Cod this summer.

Eman Tadros, assistant professor from Falk College, traveled to Japan this summer.

Paula Nelson, assistant teaching professor from Newhouse, traveled to Italy this summer with her son to teach culturally immersive storytelling. On their way home, they made a stop in Paris, France, site of the Summer Olympics.

Christina Papaleo from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion traveled on a mission trip to Honduras.

Dean Cole Smith and his daughter, Katie ’25, braved the wind and rain on top of Maine’s highest peak, Katahdin.

Addy Szczerba from the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving and her boyfriend, AJ, enjoyed horseback riding on the beach during their trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Cindy Hoalcraft from Information Technology Services snapped this selfie from high atop Vernal Falls in Yosemite.

Kathleen Corrado from the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute traveled to Washington State this summer and snapped this photo while hiking on the Washington State side of the Columbia River Gorge, at a park called Falls Creek Falls.

Catherine Herrold (right), associate professor from the Maxwell School, traveled to Serbia this summer. While there, she swam with the Belgrade-based masters swim team, Plivačke Klub Avanture.

Iconic I Love NY sign (Photo by Michael J. Okoniewski)

It is officially that time of year; summer is coming to an end, and with fall just around the corner, that can only mean one thing in Central New York: it is time for the Great New York State Fair! Whether you are a seasoned fairgoer or if this is your first time, we have put together a guide that covers everything you need to know.

General Information

The annual sand sculpture is shown in the Micron Center of Progress Building. (Photo by Michael J. Okoniewski)

The New York State Fair runs from Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. It is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day except for Labor Day, when it closes at 9 p.m.

Building Hours
Buildings will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with two exceptions: the Daniel Parrish Witter Agriculture Museum will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the Wegmans Art and Home Center will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Otto enjoying the fun at the Great New York State Fair. (Photo by Michael J. Okoniewski)

Midway Hours
The Midway will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, except on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, when it closes at 9 p.m.

Tickets and Parking

A Scottish Highlander in the Beef Barn (Photo by Michael J. Okoniewski)

Admission to the fair is $8.32*, and free for those who are 65 years old and older or children 12 years old and younger. A frequent fairgoer pass is available for $25.70*; this option allows the ticket holder to enter once a day, every day during the fair. This ticket is nontransferable.

There are three ways to purchase tickets:

• Online:
• Over the phone: By calling Etix toll-free at 1.800.514.3849 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday
• At the gate: Kiosks positioned at all gates will be used for electronic ticket purchases. Large signs featuring QR codes will direct fairgoers to Etix to purchase tickets.

Note: Ticketing is completely cashless. Machines that can convert cash into a usable card will be positioned at the fair’s main gate. Self-service kiosks will be available at all gates to purchase admission tickets.

Jordan Smith, of the Mohawk Nation, dances in the Indian Village. (Photo by Michael J. Okoniewski)

Lainey Wilson performed for free during the 2023 fair. (Photo by Warren Linhart)

There is special admission on certain days, including the following:

• Student Youth Day (Thursday, Aug. 22): Youth and students ages 18 years old and younger will receive free admission. In some cases, they may be asked for photo identification to verify their birthday.
• Law Enforcement Day (Monday, Aug. 26): Active and retired members of police and/or corrections departments will receive free admission with a badge or picture ID from the department from which they are or were employed.
• Fire and Rescue Day (Tuesday, Aug. 27): Active and retired members of fire, emergency services and EMS agencies will receive free admission with photo identification from that department or organization.
• Armed Forces Day (Thursday, Aug. 29): All members of the military—active duty and veteran—will receive free admission with proper military identification (Military ID card, form DD-214 or New York State driver license, learner permit or non-driver ID card with a veteran designation).
• Native Americans Day (Friday, Aug. 30): All people who identify as Native American will receive free admission.

The Gotti: Chicken cutlet topped with homemade riggies and parmesan cheese on a fresh sub roll (Photo courtesy of the )

Parking tickets may be purchased for $12.41* in several ways, including the following:

• Online:
• Over the phone: By calling Etix toll-free at 1.800.514.3849 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday
• At the lot: Drivers can pay for parking by credit card in each lot. However it is encouraged to purchase parking tickets in advance for easier entry into the parking lots. Fairgoers with advance-sale parking vouchers should have them ready to present for scanning by attendants prior to entering the lot, this will help to save time and get you to your parking spot quickly.

Chocolate and strawberry milk is available in the Dairy Building. (Photo by John Haeger)

Note: EZPass Plus is no longer an option for parking.

For directions and a parking map, visit this .

*These prices include fees.

Transportation

There are , with the downtown Centro hub and Destiny USA being the closest to campus. Those buses will run directly to the fair from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The fee to ride the shuttle one way is $1 for adults and $.50 for senior citizens, children 6 to 9 years old and those living with disabilities. Children under 6 are free.

Visit the University’s for information on Centro buses that stop at the Centro hub and Destiny USA.

Orange After Dark is��offering free shuttles for students between campus and the fair from noon to 10 p.m. on����and .

Food

Don’t forget to stop by the Midway for a ride on the Ferris wheel. (Photo by Stephen Sartori)

One of the staples of the fair is all the tasty treats for visitors to enjoy. Fairgoers will have nearly 120 different food and drink vendors to choose from this year, which is up slightly from last year. There are plenty of delicious staples to try, including Basilio Italian Sausage, Beak & Skiff Apple Farms Inc., Bold Coast Lobster Co., Bosco’s at The Fair, Fair Deli, Ma & Pa’s Kettle Corn and Lemonade, Toss & Fire Wood-Fired Pizza, Tully’s and many more. A full list of food and exhibitors is available on the .

Live Entertainment and Attractions

Included with your admission to the fair is access to many different forms of live entertainment. Whether it is live music, street performances, a circus, pig races, sea lion show or daily parades, there is something for everyone. You can easily plan your trip in advance with the .

Finally, don’t forget to check out the midway, which is full of various rides and games for visitors of all ages to enjoy. For details about ride tickets, visit the .

What is the most important item(s) you bring to campus with you?

Nkongnyu with his family during his move in as a first-year student

Nkongnyu: My essentials include my laptop, notebook/journal, crocs, headphones, bookbag and pens.

Washington: My essentials include an umbrella, a silicone ice cube tray, velcro strips, a toolbox (which is crucial for move-in day), command hooks, chip clips, a mini fan (for the initial heat of the semester), my insurance card, a small first aid kit, Ziploc bags, shower shoes, a shower caddy and a selection of emergency medications and Vitamin C packets, as many students tend to get sick during the first few weeks. A decent-sized trash can is also key.

What’s your favorite spot to study on campus?

Washington and her mom in her room during her move-in as a first-year student.

Nkongnyu: I have many hidden spots on campus that I gatekeep, but I’ll name one: .

Washington: My favorite study spot is the third floor of the Schine. It provides a serene environment with an excellent view, making it perfect for focused study sessions.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self when you started at Syracuse?

Nkongnyu: Don’t be afraid to follow your spirit. If you seek it and work toward it, you will make your dream a reality. Destiny can only be delayed but never denied.

Washington: Be more compassionate and patient with my own expectations. College is a significant transition, and adjusting to life away from home while navigating academic challenges can be overwhelming. Remember, one disappointing grade doesn’t define your entire experience—allow yourself grace and take full advantage of the professor’s office hours!

In addition to the great advice from Nkongnyu and Washington on what to pack and what to leave at home, our friends in New Student Programs have put together several to help you pack.

First, let’s start with the list of things you can definitely leave at home:

• Large appliances, including air conditioners (only refrigerators less than five cubic feet and microwaves less than 1,000 watts are permitted)
• Cooking appliances: ovens, hotplates, toasters, toaster ovens, crockpots, grills (including “George Foreman-type” grills) and other similar devices
• Fire safety hazards, like space heaters, candles and incense
• Wall-mounted TVs (only free-standing TVs are permitted)
• Firearms, weapons and fireworks
• ALL general-purpose extension cords (even UL-approved; only UL-listed grounded power strips with built-in fuse circuit breaker are permitted)
• Halogen lamps and multi-head floor lamps
• Large pieces of furniture
• Pets (service or emotional support animals must be approved)
• Expensive or irreplaceable collectibles or jewelry

Next, here are some must-haves to have with you while you are on campus:

• Bedding, including XL twin sheets and comforter and a mattress pad
• Clothing for multiple seasons. Remember, Syracuse is hot in late August, and winter weather arrives just a few short months later. It’s important to have a heavy winter coat, warm winter boots, gloves/mittens and a hat as you navigate campus.
• UL-listed grounded power strip with built-in fuse or circuit breaker
• Personal hygiene items, shower shoes and a bathrobe
• Laundry basket/bag and detergent
• Umbrella with rain jacket and boots

Visit the for a full list of what you should pack and what to leave at home.

New students move into the residence halls with help from orientation leaders, volunteers and the Goon Squad. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

New students move into the residence halls with help from orientation leaders, volunteers and the Goon Squad. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

With just a few days away, there is so much for new students to do and so many opportunities to learn about everything Syracuse University! SU News has put together a summary of links and things you need to know.

OrangeNow Mobile App

Have Welcome Week information at the tip of your fingers by downloading the new����before heading to campus! The app, available on the����and��, provides convenient access to campus maps; transit, parking, dining and Wi-Fi information; event schedules and much more.

Schedules

There are so many fun and informative events planned in and around campus during Welcome Week. There is something for everyone! Below you will find links to the various schedules available for those who are participating in Welcome Week:

• : This link includes every event during Welcome Week, including some that do not apply to some students.
• : This link includes all events where parents, families and supporters are invited, including some that may not apply to all parents, families and supporters.
• : International undergraduate students are required to attend the international student orientation, Aug. 17-21. After international student orientation, undergraduates should plan to attend all required Welcome Week programming, Aug. 22-25.
• Schools and Colleges Schedules: In addition to the Universitywide events, students have required and optional events to attend hosted by their home school or college. Included in each schedule below are Welcome Week Signature Events, family and supporter events specific to that school or college and required events for students in each school or college. If you are a student who is dually enrolled, you should follow the schedule for your home school or college. If you have a dual advising meeting, it will be reflected in that schedule.

Orange Celebration Event (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Campus Hours of Operation

To meet the needs of our new and returning students, many campus offices will have extended hours to accommodate the needs of those moving to campus, including the following:

• Apartment and Off-Campus Living | Student Living
• Center for Disability Resources
• Center for International Services
• College of Professional Studies
• Counseling at the Barnes Center at The Arch
• Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs
• Food Services
• Goldstein Student Center
• Health Care and Pharmacy at the Barnes Center at The Arch
• Housing, Meal Plan, and I.D. Card Services
• Information Technology Services
• Office of the Bursar
• Office of the Registrar
• Parking and Transportation Services
• Recreation and Fitness Center at the Barnes Center at The Arch
• Residence Hall Check-In
• Schine Student Center
• Student Employment
• Student Outreach and Support
• Syracuse University Campus Store
• Syracuse University Libraries
• Undergraduate and Graduate Enrollment Processing Center

Specific hours and the best way to connect with each of the teams listed above is .

First-year students enjoying local food and performances at Citrus in the City (Photo by Max Walewski)

Fun Events to Check Out

There is so much to do and so much to see. Check out some of these events you just don’t want to miss!

Tuesday, Aug. 20��

• (8:30-10 p.m.)

Wednesday, Aug. 21��

• (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• (6-8 p.m.)
• (6:30-7:45 p.m.)
• (8:15-9:30 p.m.)

Thursday, Aug. 22

• (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• (8-10 p.m.)

Friday, Aug. 23��

• (8-10 p.m.)

Saturday, Aug. 24

• (5:30-8 p.m.)
• (8:30-10 p.m.)

Welcome Week Living Learning Communities orientation picnic (Photo by Max Walewski)

Important Links

New students enjoying the therapy dogs during the Barnes Center kickoff event (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Otto the Orange poses with Mrs. and Mr. Met, mascots of the New York Mets, during Syracuse University Night at the New York Mets. (Photo by Chris Velardi)

We want to know how you experience Syracuse University. Take a photo and share it with us. We select photos from a variety of sources. Submit photos of your University experience by filling out a ��or sending it directly to �����鶹��Ʒ at��newsphoto@syr.edu. You might see it featured here.

Chancellor Kent Syverud and Dr. Ruth Chen hosted a welcome dinner for the Mandela Fellows. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

The College of Professional Studies recently welcomed the first group of this year’s Summer College students and helped with move-in! Summer College is an opportunity for high school juniors, seniors and recent graduates to experience college-level coursework and to feel more prepared for college. (Photo by Kyle Beck)

Name a prettier day on campus. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, in partnership with University of Nevada, Las Vegas: UNLV Sports Innovation Institute, hosted SEICon, the first-of-its-kind sports, entertainment and innovation conference that brings together thought leaders and subject matter experts from across the globe to educate, collaborate and create dynamic ventures together. Pictured here is the Dean of Falk College along with students, faculty, staff, alumni and Falk Sport Management Program Advisory Board members who attended the conference. (Photo courtesy of Falk College Department of Sport Management Facebook page)

School of Education students are currently in Kenya to experience education in rural and urban classrooms, and visit nature sites and the equator, in and around Nairobi. You can follow along with the group, led by Professors Joanna Masingila and Jeffery Mangram, . (Photo by Agnes Irimu)

Orange Juice, the Setnor School of Music’s premiere advanced jazz combo, performed at the Syracuse Jazz Fest on June 28. Listen to some of their performance on . (Photo by Michelle Taylor)

Welcome to Syracuse University! (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Members of the community gather to march in the CNY Pride Parade. (Photo by Coco Boardman)

Otto the Orange marching in the CNY Pride Parade. (Photo by Coco Boardman)

Members of the campus community celebrated Juneteenth at the Barner-McDuffie house. (Photo by Coco Boardman)

Summer at Syracuse means extra campus tours. (Photo by Coco Boardman)

The beauty of summertime on campus. (Photo by Coco Boardman)

Nineteen Syracuse University students, including 14 from Falk College, spent the start of their summer in Australia for the “Australia: Sport, History and Culture” class taught by David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management Rick Burton. (Photo courtesy of on Instagram)

Over 150 faculty and staff participated in the Syracuse WorkForce Run on June 6 at Onondaga Lake Parkway for an evening of fun, movement and socializing with their colleagues. (Photo by Kim DeStefano)

Picture perfect day on campus (Photo by Alana Brooks, Community Standards)

All of our April showers sure did bring the most beautiful May flowers! (Photo by Mikayla Heiss)

Students on this summer’s Syracuse London Green Britain seminar are traveling through Scotland, Cornwall and Wales on an intensive field study examining science, devolution and climate controversies in the UK. (Photo courtesy of on Instagram)

Starting May 29, all are welcome to stop by Pete’s Giving Garden on South Campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. All produce grown in the garden goes to the two food pantries on campus run by Hendricks Chapel. Visit to find directions to the garden. (Photo courtesy of )

Students from Falk College’s Sport Management program are spending three weeks in Australia as part of their Australia: Sport, History and Culture class. From Melbourne and Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, their itinerary is jam-packed. You can follow along on . (Photo courtesy of )

Students from the School of Information Studies on the summer EuroTech trip in Norway celebrating Norway’s Constitution Day on May 17. (Photo courtesy of the )

WAER students had the opportunity to hear from Sal Capaccio ’95, the Buffalo Bills beat and sideline reporter and host of WGR’s “The Extra Point Show.” Capaccio shared his insights and experiences from the world of sports journalism. (Photo courtesy of )

The vibrant colors of summer in sculpture garden. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

If you have a bicycle on campus, don’t forget that you can . (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Cotton candy loaded shake from The North Pole (Photo courtesy of

Cereal-dipped ice cream at Big Dip��(Photo courtesy of )

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!

Calling all lovers of this tasty frozen treat. Did you know that Sunday, July 21, is National Ice Cream Day? In honor of this special holiday, we put together a list of some fan-favorite spots to get ice cream in Central New York.

Peanut butter explosion sundae from ’Cuse Scoops

(Syracuse)
Address: 210 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse
Hours: Open daily from noon-8 p.m.
Special Offerings: Homemade ice cream, available in a dish or cone, and ice cream cakes.

Gabrielle ice cream offers a variety of hand decorated ice cream cones (Photo courtesy of )

Pretzel Logic (Photo courtesy of )

(North Syracuse)
Address: 216 N. Main St., North Syracuse
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Special Offerings: Besides the traditional Hershey’s hard and soft serve, they also offer vegan ice cream.

(Camillus)
Address: 112 Kasson Road, Camillus
Hours: Open daily from 2-9 p.m.
Special Offerings: Not only are they serving up delicious ice cream, but check out their for fun events. Don’t want to get out of your car to go inside? Get your ice cream via the drive-thru!

(Syracuse)
Address: 800 Nottingham Road, Syracuse
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 2-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 1-9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-9 p.m.
Special Offerings: An Otto the Orange sundae served in a mini Otto hat. Dairy-free options are available, as well as boozy milkshakes for those over 21.

(Syracuse)
Address: 3021 James Street, Syracuse
Hours: Open daily from noon-10 p.m.
Special Offerings: Besides the over 75 flavors of Perry’s ice cream, they also offer smoothie bowls and specialty milkshakes.

(Manlius)
Address: 8240 Cazenovia Road, Manlius
Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Special Offerings: Over 50 flavors of homemade ice cream, homemade ice cream cakes and sandwiches and sugar-free treats.

Ice cream nachos from Plank Road

(Syracuse)
Valley Address: 1525 Valley Drive, Syracuse
Hours: Open daily from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Onondaga Hill Address: 4800 McDonald Road #6, Syracuse
Hours: Open daily from noon-9 p.m.
Special Offerings: Small-batch hard ice cream made locally with the flavors rotating regularly. They also offer gluten-free and dairy-free options.

(Jamesville)
Address: 6499 E. Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville
Hours: Open daily from 1-9 p.m.
Special Offerings: Features Gifford’s ice cream, ice cream flights, sugar-free ice cream and slushies.

Cherry lemonade dole whip from Sno Top (Photo courtesy of Sno Top’s Facebook page)

(Marcellus)
Address: 4325 Slate Hill Road, Marcellus
Hours: Open daily from 1-9 p.m.
Special Offerings: They are especially known for their huge portions at very reasonable prices.

(Cazenovia)
Address: 2836 US Route 20, Cazenovia
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
Special Offerings: Scooping Gilligan’s ice cream, with monthly sundae specials, sundae flights and ice cream pies.

(Syracuse)
Address: 3345 Milton Ave., Syracuse
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Special Offerings: Features Hershey’s hard ice cream, ice cream cakes and pies.

(North Syracuse)
Address: 449 S. Main St., North Syracuse
Hours: Open daily from noon-10 p.m.
Special Offerings: Serves Perry’s hard ice cream, a variety of soft-serve ice cream flavors and made-to-order ice cream nachos and cannolis.

(Auburn)
Address: 1422 Clark St. Road, Auburn
Hours: Open daily from 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Special Offerings: Homemade ice cream and extra large ice cream sandwiches.

Ice cream flight from The North Pole (Photo courtesy of the )

(Manlius)
Address: 315 Fayette St., Manlius
Hours: Monday-Friday, 1-9:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon-9:30 p.m.
Special Offerings: Custom ice cream cakes, dairy-free flavors and gluten-free cones.

(Baldwinsville)
Address: 3000 Belgium Road/Rt 31, Baldwinsville
Hours: Open daily from 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Special Offerings: Over 30 flavors of soft serve ice cream and yogurt and 15 flavors of Perry’s hard ice cream and nondairy options.

(Downtown Syracuse)
Address: 200 W. Water St., Syracuse
Hours: Open daily from 3-9 p.m.
Special Offerings: Besides the traditional Gifford’s hard and soft serve, they also offer vegan ice cream.

Build your own treat from Yeti (Photo courtesy of )

(Chittenango)
Address: 620 Genesee Turnpike, Chittenango
Hours: Open daily from noon-9 p.m.
Special Offerings: Loaded milkshakes, ice cream flights and gluten-free options.

(Liverpool)
Address: 680 Old Liverpool Road, Liverpool
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday 3-10 p.m.
Special Offerings: Lemon ice, gelati, parfaits and frozen bananas.

(Syracuse)
Address: 558 Westcott St., Syracuse
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
Special Offerings: Over ten options of serve-yourself frozen yogurt, sorbet and ice cream with every topping you could think of.

Custom ice cream cake from Charlee’s (Photo courtesy of )

Tarzan

Have you met Tarzan or Juan yet on campus? These latest members of the University community are hard to miss, with their friendly dispositions, shiny coats and wagging tails.

Tarzan, a one-year-old black lab, and Juan, a��four-month-old yellow lab, are puppies being raised by good friends Arianna Kuhn ’25 and Megan Panny ’25 for , a nonprofit organization that trains and cares for guide dogs for people with vision loss.

Kuhn, a biology major in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Panny, a dual degree English major in the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education, became involved through outreach being done on campus by Mary Oonk, the organization’s local volunteer region co-coordinator.

Headquartered in Yorktown Heights, New York, Guiding Eyes for the Blind has puppy raisers along the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to North Carolina, including in Central New York. Founded in 1954, the organization, with more than 1,700 volunteers, provides all of their services free of charge.

Juan

Kuhn was interested in the organization after reading about its mission. “I am passionate about giving back to the community and wanted to have a positive impact on an individual that would benefit from the services of Guiding Eyes,” she says. “In addition to the opportunity to volunteer, the chance to combine my devotion to helping others and my love for dogs drew me to want to take part in this experience.”

Panny wanted to get involved after seeing the impact it had on people’s lives firsthand. “My hometown is near the Guiding Eyes for the Blind headquarters, which has given me the ability to see how the program works throughout my life,” Panny says. “When I saw the opportunity to be involved through Syracuse University, it was one I was excited about. This program has allowed me to help others while also fulfilling the love I have for animals.”

The organization was first connected with the University through a simple phone call: Oonk called the JMA Wireless Dome box office to order basketball tickets and started talking to the representative about the work of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. “I explained to him the work I do for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and that socialization of these puppies is a huge part of that and asked if there was a way we could bring the dogs into the JMA Dome for training,” Oonk says. “The next thing I know, I got a meeting with the entire team at the JMA Dome.”

Training Space for Pups

Mary Oonk

The JMA Dome offers a good training experience for the puppies. Guide dogs must navigate large spaces, like an arena, with stairs, elevators and expansive areas.

“Mary approached us about hosting a one-time training class with the volunteers and puppies, but we worked with them to create something more where they could come into the JMA Dome for regular training and even attend a women’s basketball game so that the puppies could be exposed to a live event in the Dome,” says Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer. The organization has had a relationship with the JMA Dome since 2015—volunteers come approximately once a month to walk the arena, attend a game or train.

While the experience in the Dome is invaluable, Oonk says the group was hoping to find a way to get students involved with the program. A University campus makes an ideal learning and socialization space for raising guide dogs, with a variety of spaces and situations and groups of people.

Puppy trainers and their dogs in the JMA Dome

Life-Changing Experience

In Summer 2022, Stephen Kuusisto, University Professor and director of interdisciplinary programs and outreach for the Burton Blatt Institute, met with local volunteers and their puppies and shared his story about how his life changed since getting his first dog, Corky, from Guide Eyes for the Blind.

Steve Kuusisto with his former guide dog, Nira

“A lot of things were going on in my life that were difficult, including losing an adjunct teaching job and becoming unemployed,” says Kuusisto. “So I suddenly thought, well, here I am, really visually impaired, and have nothing on the calendar. Why not get a guide dog?”

His life was forever changed. Kuusisto went from not really going anywhere without the dependence of a friend and their schedule to going wherever he wanted, whenever he wanted.

“I spent the next month walking everywhere from country roads to Midtown Manhattan, learning that I could trust this dog with my life,” Kuusisto says.

Kuusisto, who is forever grateful for the volunteers at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, connected Oonk with the Student Experience team during the Fall 2022 semester, who was very supportive in finding ways to gain student volunteers for the puppy raising program. “We are so grateful for the University’s support. Everyone we’ve worked with on campus has become an integral part of the Guiding Eyes mission,” says Oonk.

The only stipulation for students wanting to be involved with raising puppies on campus is that they cannot live in North Campus student housing; puppies in training are, however, allowed in South Campus housing. But that was no problem; even for those students who live on North Campus or perhaps have a busy schedule that wouldn’t allow for puppy raising, there are still many ways to get involved with the program.

The campus program got a boost when the Guiding Eyes for the Blind group was invited to table at the Fall 2023 student involvement fair. Kuhn and Panny saw the opportunity to take their love for dogs and make a difference in someone’s life.

Otto the Orange becomes fast friends with one of the guide dog puppies in training.

Invaluable Lessons in Community

Kuhn says one of her favorite parts about this program is the community of Guiding Eyes volunteers.

Tarzan at the Syracuse Mets game with Kuhn and Panny.

“These individuals have taught me countless invaluable lessons outside of just puppy raising that I will carry with me into my future endeavors,” Kuhn says. “As I have embarked on my puppy raising journey, it has been life-changing to see the impact that this organization and its pups have on the lives of not only individuals with visual impairments but the lives of us as raisers as well.”

Panny agrees. “The Central New York region of Guiding Eyes has so many wonderful people and has provided me with a home away from home while at school. I have also loved my time training our puppies. This program and time spent with the pups is one I will cherish forever,” she says.

For others who might want to get involved, Kuhn says the organization is a great way to give back and be of service to others. “Within this program, there are countless ways to get involved, including campus volunteer work, puppy raising and sitting, as well as home socialization, among other ways,” she says.

“Guiding Eyes is not only fulfilling but goes on to change the lives of those who receive the pup they have raised,” Panny says. “Many involved in the programs have also gained lifelong friendships with whom their pup goes on to guide!”

Interested in becoming a puppy raiser or looking for other ways to get involved? Faculty and staff are welcome to get involved with the program too. “In guide dog training, we talk a lot about relationship-based training. The dogs learn to build a relationship with their puppy raiser and then their formal guide dog trainer and finally they transfer that relationship to the partner they are matched with to form a lifelong bond,” says Oonk. “Relationship building is what we have strived to do with the campus community. Administration, faculty, staff and students have come together to support these dogs that will go on to change lives.”

Visit the , or connect with Oonk and the local chapter by email: centralnyregion@guidingeyes.net. Check out the puppies and their .

Photo courtesy of the Greater Oneida Lake Chamber of Commerce

Wondering where you can catch fireworks this Fourth of July holiday? We have rounded up a list of where you can watch them.

Monday, July 1

(Camillus): Concert will be held from 7:30-9:30 p.m., with fireworks to follow at dusk.

Wednesday, July 3

(Auburn): The Syracuse Orchestra will perform at the pavilion at Emerson Park at 8 p.m., with fireworks at dusk.

(Brewerton): Fireworks will begin at dusk on the south shoreline of the Oneida River.

(Syracuse): After the baseball game between the Syracuse Mets and Worcester Red Sox, which begins at 5 p.m., NBT will host the largest fireworks extravaganza in its��history.

Thursday, July 4

(Baldwinsville): The Atlas Band concert begins at 7:15 p.m., with fireworks starting at dusk. Tickets are available on the .

(Cazenovia): There will be music in the park from 5-9 p.m., with fireworks starting at dusk.

(Manlius): Food trucks, parade and entertainment beginning at 4 p.m., with the fireworks starting at dusk.

Saturday, July 6��

(East Syracuse): There will be a free concert from 6:15-9:15 p.m. with the fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m. in the East Syracuse Elementary School field.

Sunday, July 7

(Oswego): There will be a parade at 1 p.m. followed by a block party at 2 p.m. with music, food and more. Fireworks over the river begin at 9:45 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Syracuse Mets

Thornden Park pool (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

With meteorologists predicting this summer to be one of the hottest summers on record, it is important to know how to keep cool this summer. Here are some tips on what you can do to stay safe on those extremely hot days during the summer months:

• Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day: 3 to 6 p.m.
• Wear sunscreen and remember to reapply according to the instructions if you plan to be outside for an extended period of time.
• Drink PLENTY of water! The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine suggests that we should drink 11-15 cups of water daily; you should increase that if you are out in the heat.
• Eat lighter meals to feel cool. Eat fruits and vegetables that have a high concentration of water to help you stay hydrated, such as cucumbers, watermelon, celery, tomatoes, strawberries, zucchini, lettuce, spinach or cantaloupe.
• Planning on exercising? Consider working out during the coolest parts of the day to avoid overheating.
• Do what you can to keep your home cool. Keep your blinds or curtains closed during the day to keep the temperature down.
• Take a cool shower or bath to help lower your body temperature if you are feeling overheated.
• Go swimming! Don’t have a pool? We have put together a list of pools and beaches in and around Central New York where you can stay cool:

Pools��

: Open Monday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. These swim hours are free and open to the public. When capacities are reached, they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

• (Opens Sunday, June 30)

(Baldwinsville): Open Monday through Friday from 12:30 to 6:25 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 7 p.m. The fee is $5/day for non-residents and $3/day for residents. Seasons passes are also available.

��(Liverpool): Open seven days a week from Noon to 7 p.m. Admission is free.

(East Syracuse): Open for recreation swim Monday and Wednesday from 12:30 to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 6 p.m.; and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. The fee is $3/day for adults (18-54), $2 for seniors (55-plus) and youth (5-17) and children four and under are free. Seasons passes are also available. Also, if you are a resident and have pre-registered with the town, you can also use the pool for free.

(Liverpool): Open seven days a week from noon to 7 p.m. Admission is free.

(Syracuse): Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. To use the pool, you must have a swim club membership. For more details, visit the .

Beaches��

(Fair Haven): Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The $9 vehicle entrance fee includes access to the beach.

(Fayetteville): Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The $10 vehicle entrance fee includes access to the beach.

(Jamesville): Open Monday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The $7 vehicle entrance fee includes access to the beach.

��(Brewerton): Open Monday through Thursday from Noon to 6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The $7 vehicle entrance fee includes access to the beach.

(Henderson): Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The $8 vehicle entrance fee includes access to the beach.

Southwick Beach State Park (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

The report,��, outlines its progress in three areas:

1. Review of appeals of dispositions of civilian complaints against DPS employees;
2. Review of DPS standard operating procedures (SOPs), trainings and key community-facing functions; and
3. CRB composition and overview.

“The board was heavily involved in reviewing standing operating procedures from DPS this year,” says Mary Kiernan, CRB chair. “Reviewing these policies brought out very insightful conversations amongst the board members and helped formulate thought-provoking recommendations to DPS.”

Some highlights of the CRB’s work during the 2023-24 academic year include:

• Reviewed and held a University forum to solicit input on proposed recommendations for SOPs, including:
  • Career development
  • Recruitment and selection
  • Training of non-sworn employees
• Reviewed and made recommendations regarding trauma and trauma-informed care training.
• Reviewed, researched and made policy recommendations regarding Body Worn Camera Policy after seeking community input during the open forum.

The CRB was created following an independent review of DPS by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in the spring of 2021 and consists of 11 members: three undergraduate students, one graduate student, one law student, two faculty members, two staff members and two administrators. To learn more or to connect with members of the CRB, visit����or email��CRB@syr.edu.

World Refill Day, a campaign to reduce plastic waste that was celebrated this past Sunday, is a reminder of the simple ways individuals can transition away from single-use plastics toward more sustainable systems.

Eat, drink and shop with less waste in the following ways:

• Bring your reusable water bottle with you and look for refill stations.
• Coffee or tea drinker? Find places that offer discounts or rewards for bringing in your own reusable cup.
• When you head to the grocery store, don’t forget to bring your reusable bags and use reusable items to store your perishable items like fruits and vegetables.
• Switch to glass instead of plastic containers when packing your lunch or packing away those leftovers.

Take Advantage of Sustainable Systems on Campus

Water refill station

Committed to advancing its own sustainability efforts, the University has already taken steps to reduce its plastic footprint by releasing its Plastic Reduction Plan. The plan outlines how the University will work to drastically reduce the use of single-use plastics by the 2027-28 academic year.

Helping the University meet its goals, University community members can take advantage of more sustainable options on campus as it relates to beverages.

Refilling reusable water bottles on campus is easier than ever with a feature on the University’s interactive campus map showing exact locations of .

More of a coffee or tea person? Did you know that Food Services offers discounts for those with reusable mugs? At campus cafés, when you bring your own mug for a fill-up, you receive a 10% discount. If you join the mug club, you receive a 20% discount plus one free fill-up on Fridays when using your mug club cup! .

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about what you can do to help reduce our plastic consumption, email the Sustainability Management team at��sustain@syr.edu.

For the second year in a row, Syracuse University will honor the success of Orange business leaders across the globe at the ※�������50 awards. This annual celebration features 50 of the fastest-growing businesses founded or owned by Syracuse alumni. The inaugural honorees included a marketing agency CEO, a party rental company owner, a creative event production company founder and many others.

Applications for the are being accepted now.

“Syracuse University’s is home to one of the first academic entrepreneurship programs in the U.S., and we have a longstanding tradition of supporting and elevating the entrepreneurial aspirations of our students,” says��. “The ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur program is a natural extension of that tradition, and a unique opportunity to connect our alumni entrepreneurs with our current students and faculty.”

Alumni of any school or college, graduates of Syracuse University executive education programs and alumni of entrepreneurship programs operated by the�� are eligible and encouraged to apply.

“Syracuse University alumni are doing extraordinary work all over the world, and I am thrilled that we are going to recognize the business acumen they developed at Syracuse. What I’m most excited about is that our honorees will return to campus to pass along valuable insights to the next generation of Orange entrepreneurs,” says , Syracuse University’s chief advancement officer.

Honorees will be recognized on campus on Thursday, Nov. 14, in the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building. While on campus, ※�������50 honorees will also share insights with each other and current students, as part of a series of campus engagement sessions planned for Friday, Nov. 15, during the ※�������50 Symposium.

��Do you want to compete to be recognized in the inaugural class of ※�������50 awardees?

The eligibility criteria for the ※�������50 awards are as follows:

• Applicants must be alumni of Syracuse University and be either a majority owner or hold a C-suite level leadership position in the company;
• Applicants must have founded their business at least three calendar years prior to the date of application for ※�������50 recognition;
• Must have had verifiable revenues of $100,000 or more in 2021; and
• Must have verifiable revenues of $250,000 or more in 2023.
• In addition, the company must meet one or more of the following criteria:
  • A Syracuse University alumnus or group of Syracuse University alumni maintain ownership in the company and have served as a C-Suite executive (i.e. chairman, CEO, president, or managing partner) for three consecutive years prior to nomination; or
  • A Syracuse University alumnus has led the company as a C-Suite executive for three consecutive years prior to nomination; or
  • A Syracuse University alumnus founded the company and has been active as a member of its senior management team for three consecutive years prior to nomination.
• The company and its leaders and/or founders must act with high integrity and operate in a manner consistent with the values of Syracuse University. To demonstrate the alignment with the values of Syracuse University, prospective and past honorees should:
  • Accept responsibility for their actions;
  • Hold oneself and others to the highest standards of personal integrity;
  • Practice equality in human relations;
  • Uphold the law, and respect the rights of others;
  • Contribute positively to Syracuse University as well as to the national and global community.

The deadline to apply for recognition is��Sunday, July 14. To learn more about the ※�������50 awards and nominate your company for recognition, visit��.

View of Clinton Square for the annual Taste of Syracuse (Photo courtesy of the Taste of Syracuse)

Spending time in Syracuse for the summer and looking for something fun to do? We have rounded up a list of the festivals taking place in and around the Syracuse area.

June��

Address: 325 Waring Road, DeWitt
Dates: Thursday, June 6, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, June 7, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, June 8, 12-10 p.m.; and Sunday, June 9, noon-4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: This year marks the 51st annual festival and will feature a full menu of authentic Greek foods and desserts. Live Greek music and dance performances will occur under the outdoor “taverna” tent. Patrons will also have the chance to tour the church’s iconography project and shop for clothing, jewelry and books in the Greek marketplace.

Address: Clinton Square, 161 Genesee St, Syracuse
Dates: Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: The Taste of Syracuse is a legendary festival considered to be Syracuse’s official “kick-off” of the summer. This annual festival has been around for over 25 years and celebrates local food, business, music and more in the heart of downtown Syracuse, spanning from Clinton Square to the Chase Building. Treat yourself to $2 samples from various local restaurants while you jam out to great music across three stages!

Address: New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse
Dates: Thursday, June 13, gates open at 4 p.m.; Friday, June 14, gates open at 3 p.m.; and Saturday, June 15, gates open at 11 a.m.
Admission: Free
Details: This annual three-day festival celebrates the far-reaching influence that this genre has had on modern music by bringing together a complimentary line-up of diverse acts from across the country and beyond. This festival entertains while educating on the role of the blues in the development of popular music in the United States and around the world.

Address: Various locations in Syracuse
Dates: Sunday, June 9; Thursday, June 13; Friday, June 14; Saturday, June 15; and Wednesday, June 19
Admission: Depends on the event; for the listing of events
Details: The Syracuse Juneteenth festival begins on Sunday, June 9, and festivities continue into Wednesday, June 19. This annual event shines an important light on Black food, fashion, art, stories, culture and entrepreneurs. The Syracuse Juneteenth festival is unique in the sense that the grounds upon which the celebration takes place had once been a part of the Underground Railroad.

Address: Clinton Square, 161 Genesee St., Syracuse
Dates: Friday, June 21, 4-10:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 22, noon-10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 23, noon-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: This year will mark the 69th anniversary of this three-day family-friendly celebration of Polish culture, heritage and traditions. Traditional Polish beer and cuisine will be served, including pierogi, kielbasa, bigos (hunter’s stew) and cabbage rolls. A wide variety of traditional Polish souvenirs, jewelry, T-shirts, hats and other arts and crafts will be sold during the event.

Address: Syracuse Inner Harbor
Date: Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: This event celebrates the LGBTQIA2+ communities in Central New York. The festival includes a parade, vendors, food trucks, entertainment, a family fun area and more. All are welcome.

Address: Clinton Square, 161 Genesee St., Syracuse
Date: Saturday, June 22, noon-3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: This celebration, designated by the United Nations, honors refugees around the globe, celebrating the strength and courage of people who’ve been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

Address: Clinton Square, 161 Genesee St., Syracuse
Dates: Wednesday, June 26, 5-11 p.m. (various locations in Syracuse); Thursday, June 27, 4-11 p.m.; Friday, June 28, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, June 29, 4-11 p.m.; and Sunday, June 30, 12:30-4 p.m. (Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University)
Admission: Free
Details: Syracuse Jazz Fest is staged outdoors in downtown Syracuse at historic Clinton Square Park and indoors on opening night at various clubs, bars and restaurants and hotels located in Armory Square, Hanover Square and within the downtown entertainment district.

Photo courtesy of Photos By Meem – Aerial Imaging

July

Address: 15385 Farden Road, Sterling
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, July 6, through Sunday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: Children (4-11 years old): $28.49; adults (12-plus): $45.10
Details: The Renaissance Festival is a dramatic recreation of an Elizabethan town at festival time. It is a Renaissance-styled theme park, a 12-stage performance venue, a 35-acre interactive/environmental theater, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament, a food festival and tavern, all rolled into one non-stop, daylong, family adventure.

Address: St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church, 4988 Onondaga Road, Syracuse
Dates: Thursday, July 11, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, July 12, 4-10 p.m.​; Saturday, July 13, noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday​, July 14, noon-6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Enjoy a full-course menu of Middle Eastern food made from scratch, live Arabic music, dance performances and gifts. There will also be a kid-friendly menu, games and a playground.

Address: New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse
Dates: Friday, July 19, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, July 20, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, July 21, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: Children (12 and under): free; adults: $22.50
Details: The Syracuse Nationals is the largest car show in the Northeast. Come see cars from all over the United States, plus music, food and more.

Address: City of Oswego
Dates: Thursday, July 25, 5-11 p.m.; Friday, July 26, 9 a.m. to midnight; Saturday, July 27, 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, July 28, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Since 1988, Oswego Harborfest has grown from a small local event to a major admission-free regional festival, attracting an average audience estimated at 75,000 annually. For 2024, the tradition of showcasing over 30 music performances and attractions, a wide variety of vendors, a midway and a spectacular fireworks display will continue.

Address: Village of Skaneateles
Dates: Friday, July 26; Saturday, July 27; and Sunday, July 28
Admission: Free
Details: There will be land and water displays of antique and classic boats and engines, as well as children’s activities, including junior judging and toy boat painting.

Address: Downtown Syracuse
Dates: Friday, July 26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, July 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: The spectacular three-day showcase of the country’s most talented artists, craftspeople and entertainers is centered in Downtown Syracuse. The festival provides opportunities for visitors to experience the vibrancy of Downtown Syracuse through a presentation of visual and performing arts that demonstrate diverse art forms and cultures.

Address: New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse
Date: Saturday, July 27, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Admission: $52.50
Details: After several years of hiatus KROCK is bringing back the annual summer concert—but with a twist. All bands will play at the Sweet Grass Krockathon Reboot are alumni—Puddle of Mudd, Hoobastank, Stabbing Westward, Nonpoint, Boy Hits Car and Brand New Sin. This event will have all of the adult amenities, including shade tents, seating and cocktails.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Perkins

August

Address: Various locations in Skaneateles
Dates: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from Aug. 1-Aug. 24, with a kick-off event on Wednesday, July 31
Admission: Dependent on the event,
Details: A dynamic four-week music festival providing intimate access to the world’s best music in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region. For more than 40 years, some of the world’s most talented musicians have performed on this stage, with the hope of building community and enduring friendships through music.

Address: 5083 Onondaga Road, Syracuse
Dates: Friday, Aug. 2. 4-10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 3, Noon-11 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 4, Noon-6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Experience the warmth of the Macedonian soul hospitality by enjoying traditional Macedonian food and drinks, baked goods, ethnic music, church tours��and more.

Address: Long Branch Park, 3183 Long Branch Road, Liverpool
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 10, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: 5 and under free; children (6-12): $8; adult (13-plus): $12; senior (60-plus): $10
Details: This family-friendly event will offer a day full of competitions in solo piping, drumming, pipe bands, Highland dancing and heavy athletics. There will also be children’s games, Celtic musical entertainment, Celtic-themed vendors, food, clans and societies. Twice during the day be thrilled by the massed pipe bands performing.

Address: New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse
Dates: Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Monday, Sept. 2, 9 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
Admission: Children 12 and under and seniors 65-plus: free; Adults: $8
Details: People from across New York state will come together this year to experience an affordable, 13-day celebration of delicious food, eye-opening exhibitions, captivating entertainment and great fun. Each year’s New York State Fair showcases numerous animals, hundreds of commercial attractions, scores of exciting midway rides and dozens of big-name entertainers. Come find out what greatness awaits you at the New York State Fair!

Photo courtesy of The Great New York State Fair

September

Address: Clinton Square, 161 Genesee St., Syracuse
Dates: Friday, Sept. 6, and Saturday, Sept. 7
Admission: Free
Details: This is truly a taste of Ireland featuring music, dance, genealogy, culture and children’s activities. If you’re looking for a weekend packed with great Irish bands, step dancers, lectures, exhibitions, workshops, food and children’s activities, attend the Syracuse Irish Festival.

Address: Beaver Lake Nature Center at 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville
Dates: Saturday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Children (3 and under): Free; Children (4-15): $1; and Adults (14-plus): $5
Details: For over 40 years, this old-fashioned, country fair-style event has something for everyone! The festival features live music and entertainment on three stages, nature games and crafts, great shopping with local artists and vendors, fresh donuts, live animal demonstrations, pie-eating contests and delicious eats from a diverse array of food trucks.

Address: 233 E Washington St., Syracuse
Dates: Friday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 15, noon–7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: The three-day festival will feature live Italian entertainment, a bocce tournament, historical displays, live raffles, street performers, a charity meatball contest, Italian beer and wine, Italian cuisine and much more. In addition to all of these exciting activities, there will also be a wide variety of cultural performances showcasing Italy’s rich traditions and vibrant heritage.

Address: Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, 5655 Thompson Road, Syracuse
Date: Sunday, Sept. 15, noon-4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: This event is the largest Jewish festival in New York State outside of New York City, featuring music, ethnic food, arts and crafts.

Address: Manlius Cinema, 135 E. Seneca St., Manlius
Dates: Friday, Sept. 20, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 21, Noon-10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 22, 10:15 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: $23.18-plus
Details: Now in its 21st year, the festival presents films from around the world through invitational and juried competitions.

Address: Westcott Street, Syracuse
Dates: Sunday, Sept. 22, noon-6:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: The Westcott Street Cultural Fair is an annual celebration of the diversity and uniqueness of the Westcott neighborhood through its culture, arts, food, organizations and activities for families and students. The fair attracts thousands of people to the Westcott Business District for a September day filled with great sounds, sights, tastes and more.

Photo courtesy of Flashback Photography

Summer is here! Where are you headed? To the beach or your backyard? To a big city or the mountains? We want to check out where your travels take you.

University community members are invited to submit their photos for a chance to be included in our Summer Vacation Snapshots on the �����鶹��Ʒ website and upcoming editions of SU Today.

Send your photos to newsphoto@syr.edu, with Summer Vacation Snapshots in the subject line and include your name, affiliation with the University and some information about the photo. Then look for them in SU Today and on news.syr.edu.

We look forward to finding out where your summer has taken you!

Also, don’t forget, while you are on campus and snapping photos, don’t forget to send us those for your chance to be featured in our Syracuse Summer Views!

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Max Walewski)

Congratulations graduates! The accomplishments of the Class of 2024 were celebrated by students, faculty, staff and families as the University held its annual Commencement ceremony in the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday, May 12. These photos capture some of the pomp and circumstance of this special day.

For more Commencement coverage, check out the keynote address by Dario Nardella, the mayor of Florence, Italy; Chancellor Kent Syverud’s remarks and student speaker Yvonne Chen-Yih Kuo ’24 addressing her fellow classmates.

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Max Walewski)

Bethaida “Bea” González, University Mace Bearer (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Chancellor Kent Syverud addresses the Class of 2024 and their families. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Peter A. Gianesini ’94, president of the Syracuse University Alumni Association, welcomes the Class of 2024 to the Orange alumni family. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter offers her congratulations to graduates. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

University Scholar Yvonne Chen-Yih Kuo ’24 addresses the Class of 2024. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

The Mayor of Florence, Italy, Dario Nardella, delivered the keynote address. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Lynn Conway, inventor of methods for designing Very Large Scale Integrated silicon chips, receives an honorary doctor of science degree from Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

William “Bill” Brodsky ’65, L’68, chairman of Cedar Street Asset Management, is awarded a doctor of law degree by Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Joan Breier Brodsky ’67, G’68, a National Museum and Library Services Board member, receives an honorary doctor of humane letters from Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Jim Boeheim ’66, G’73, former Syracuse men’s basketball coach and special assistant to the director of athletics, is awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters from Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

From left are Student speaker Yvonne Chen-Yih Kuo; Joanie Mahoney, president of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry; chair of the University’s Board of Trustees Jeff Scruggs; Dario Nardella; and Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Max Walewski)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Max Walewski)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Max Walewski)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Max Walewski)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Max Walewski)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Capdeville Quadruplets (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Commencement 2024 (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Class of 2024 graduates celebrate on campus. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

6,727 degrees will be awarded to the Class of 2024. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

As the various celebrations begin for the Class of 2024’s Commencement weekend, there are many important details that the graduates and their families and friends need to know. But have you ever wondered what goes into the behind-the-scenes details that make up the celebrations and the work that goes into preparing for this festive weekend?

Check out this roundup of some of the numbers behind the University’s academic celebrations this weekend:

The youngest graduate in the Class of 2024 is 18, and the oldest is 75. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Class of 2024 Takes the Stage

• Number of students graduating (including those who have petitioned to walk at Commencement): 6,727
• Number of schools and colleges represented: 13
• Number of degrees awarded: 6,607
• Number of bachelor’s degrees: 3,543
• Number of master’s degrees: 2,746
• Number of doctoral degrees: 174
• Number of law degrees: 236
• Number of honorary degree recipients: 5
• Number of degrees and certificates that will be awarded for the first time this academic year: 6
• Average age of the Class of 2024: 25
• Age of oldest graduate: 75
• Age of youngest graduate: 18
• Number of student-athletes receiving degrees: 105
• Number of military-connected students graduating: 283
• Number of U.S. states represented by the Class of 2024: 50
• Number of countries represented: 66

Behind-the-Scenes

The Commencement stage is 56 feet wide by 44 feet deep and is constructed from 77 sections of portable stage decks. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

• Number of production crew members and technicians who set up the Commencement stage at the JMA Wireless Dome, College of Law Commencement and convocation stages at the Dome and the Lally Athletics Complex 10 days before the ceremonies: 35
  

  150��international flags will be displayed on either side of the stage to represent the countries and regions of faculty, staff and students at Syracuse University. (Photo by Ross Knight)

• Commencement stage details: The stage is 56 feet wide by 44 feet deep and is constructed from 77 sections of portable stage decks.
• Number of feet of custom blue velour draping used as a backdrop on the various stages: 1,000
• Approximate number of��international flags displayed on either side of the stage to represent the countries and regions of faculty, staff and students at Syracuse University: 150
  

  50,000 students, faculty, staff and guests will attend the various Commencement week ceremonies at the Dome and Lally Complex. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

• Number of ceremonies during commencement weekend: 52
• Number of caps and gowns distributed: Over 5,000
• Number of diploma covers and frames sold: Over 1,000
• Number of stole of gratitude’s sold: Over 1,200
• Number of chairs on the Dome turf field for the graduating students during Commencement: 4,000
• Number of plants used during Commencement weekend as greenery (and later planted on campus after the ceremonies): More than 600
• Number of Commencement attendees that Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Services will provide lodging for: 100
• What it will take to change over the Dome from Commencement to the first round of the men’s lacrosse NCAA tournament: 30 individuals working together to fill eight 30-foot box trucks in a three-hour window

What to Expect��

• Approximate number of students, faculty, staff and guests will attend the various Commencement week ceremonies at the Dome and Lally Complex: 50,000
• Anticipated high temperature for the day: 59 degrees (record high: 85 in 2022; record low: 30 in 1963)

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Congratulations to the Class of 2024 who will join more than 250,000 proud Orange alumni around the world. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Students studying at Carnegie Library (Photo by Ross Knight)

Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed?

Shannon Hefti

With the last day of classes just under a week away, on Monday, April 29, and during Stress Awareness Month, now is the time to remind yourself what stress looks like for you personally, how you can combat it and where to find assistance.

, associate director for health promotion at the Barnes Center at The Arch, offers tips to stay grounded during this extra hectic time: know thyself, connect and get moving.

According to the , stress is the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as having a lot of work to complete at the end of the semester or having an illness. A stressor may be a one-time or short-term occurrence, or it can happen repeatedly over a long time.

Advice From Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion

SU News spoke with Hefti, who oversees the strategic direction of the University’s mental wellness initiatives, to find out how to best combat stress during this time of year.

What is your advice for students who are feeling stressed and overwhelmed as the semester wraps up?

Regularly check-in with themselves and their bodies. We know that this time is stressful due to finals and many students packing up to move so it cannot be avoided. But they can do a self-check-in to see how they are managing the stress by listening to their body and the alarms it raises when it is feeling overwhelmed. In those moments, I know it can seem counterproductive to slow down and engage with a de-stressing activity, but it ultimately will help the body to be able to sustain balance during a time we know has several high stressors.

Is there anything students should avoid that could add undue stress during this time?

As I mentioned, we know this is already a time with stressors that cannot be changed, so it can be helpful for students to be aware of what other things cause them stress. Then they can do their best to avoid those activities, thoughts or people during this time. Those other stressors might not be able to be removed from their lives, but if they have the ability to avoid them while the semester concludes it can help to keep the stress levels manageable.

What are your favorite things to do to help combat stress?

Lean into the people, places and things that provide them with positive sensations existing in their lives currently! De-stressing activities can vary from person to person; the most important thing is that it brings the student a positive sensation and is a safe, healthy activity. Common activities that people engage in to de-stress that are accessible and convenient include reading a book for recreational purposes, exercising, listening to music, drawing/painting, meditation, going for a walk outside and talking with a friend or family member, etc.

What are some of the resources available to students to combat stress?

The first resource I would recommend is —as the premium membership is free to Syracuse University students so they are able to access mindfulness, meditation and other wellness tools right through their phone. is a great option for those students who want a good cuddle with a dog or the if they wanted to utilize the massage chairs, zen gardens, light therapy boxes and more. Using any of the many options on the recreation side of the Barnes Center is a great way to de-stress whether that is a quick workout on the fitness floors, trying the climbing wall, taking a fitness class or checking out the esports gaming room. Booking a fitness class and an appointment for the MindSpa can be done through the . I also encourage students to connect with their existing social circles, clubs or organizations to lean on each other for support. It is a stressful time for most people, but they do not have to do it alone—connection with one another even if it is just to study is a great way to mitigate stress.

Students enjoy the indoor rock-climbing wall at the Barnes Center at The Arch. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Stress-Busting University Events

Various groups on campus, including the Student Experience Division, Syracuse University Libraries and Hendricks Chapel, are hosting events on campus for students to partake in as they prepare for finals including:

• Monday, April 29:
• Monday, April 29:
• Tuesday, April 30:
• Tuesday, April 30:
• Tuesday, April 30:
• Tuesday, April 30:
• Wednesday, May 1:
• Wednesday, May 1: Pet Therapy and
• Thursday, May 2:
• Friday, May 3:
• Friday, May 3:
• Sunday, May 5:
• Tuesday, May 7:

Students interact with a therapy dog during a pet therapy session at Barnes Center at The Arch. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Other Recommendations

The NIH recommends the following to help combat stress:

• Keep a journal.
• Download an app that provides relaxation exercises (such as deep breathing or visualization) or tips for practicing mindfulness, which is a psychological process of actively paying attention to the present moment.
• Exercise, and make sure you are eating healthy, regular meals.
• Stick to a sleep routine, and make sure you are getting enough sleep.
• Avoid drinking excess caffeine, such as soda, coffee or energy drinks.
• Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
• Reach out to your friends or family members who help you cope in a positive way.

Students in the Meditation Room at the Barnes Center at The Arch (Photo by Ross Knight)

Fellows will engage in a one or two-year program or research project to advance the priorities outlined in the . The deadline to�� is Monday, June 3.

“Our first administrative fellowships provided us with a powerful collection of student stories as captured during the ‘lonely campus’ podcast,” says Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Mary Grace Almandrez. “As we issue the call for our next administrative fellows, I look forward to selecting candidates who seek to advance the work of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility on campus through specified projects or research.”

As part of the appointment, fellows will receive the following:

• a $10,000-per-year stipend,
• up to $5,000 in program funds for approved projects,
• up to $1,500 for professional development opportunities,
• mentorship from the vice president for diversity and inclusion and other senior leaders, and
• opportunities to participate in ODI meetings, DEIA committees and community engagement events.

Fellows will develop, implement and measure the impact of an innovative program or project in one of the following areas:

• inclusion and belonging
• DEIA learning and development
• DEIA research and assessment
• disability access
• strategic communications

To execute their program or project, fellows will collaborate with students, campus leaders and key stakeholders and present their projects to the University community at the end of their fellowship. Fellows are expected to be able to commit 96 hours for active participation in the program per year (i.e., two hours/week).

To be considered for the fellowship, staff members must have demonstrated commitment to advancing DEIA; be a full-time, benefits-eligible employee; and have completed a minimum of five years of administrative experience in the current position at the start of the fellowship. For a listing of all requirements, visit the��.

Applications can be . The deadline for applications is Monday, June 3.

For those who apply, their supervisor will be requested to complete a required letter of recommendation for their applicant(s).

For more information, visit the����or contact��diversity@syr.edu.

Vanessa Marquette G’19, media relations specialist, and Daryl Lovell, associate director of media relations, both in the Division of Communications, were honored with separate awards.

Providing Support to Members of the Military

Marquette G’19 was recognized by the National Infantry Association (NIA) with the Shield of Sparta – Heroine of the Infantry award after her husband’s most recent deployment in Africa. This honor is awarded to a spouse who has contributed significantly to the infantry. The NIA’s goal is to recognize spouses of infantrymen and other soldiers in support roles whose contributions deserve special recognition. The award is a token of appreciation for the sacrifice and commitment demanded of the spouses and supporters of infantrymen and other soldiers. It further symbolizes these individuals as true patriots with selfless ideals and the courage to send their soldier into harm’s way.

Ryan and Vanessa Marquette

Marquette’s military connections go further back as her grandfathers and great-uncle all served in WWII in the Army and Navy. Her parents, retired Chief Master Sgt. Steven Slachta G’71 and retired Lt. Col. Yvonne Slachta, both served in U.S. Air Force active duty and reserve for almost 30 years. She endured much more than typical drill weekends and long training exercises as a child as both parents were deployed overseas at times. Not only is her husband currently serving, but her nephew is in the U.S. Navy too, where she has supported his last three deployments on the USS Harry S. Truman. Her family’s dedication—and her own understanding of the sacrifices that families make—ultimately inspired her commitment to give back to the military community and to military families in many ways.

For the last 13 years, Marquette has selflessly devoted her time to supporting her husband, Ryan J.D./MPA’22, a U.S. Army veteran and member of the Army National Guard; his fellow infantrymen and their families through her work on numerous family readiness groups, according to the award. Whether it was relocating to where her husband was stationed, serving as a mentor to military families by relying on her lessons learned and struggles encountered as a child during her parents’ deployments, Ryan’s previous deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa, and through her previous work at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA), organizing events and ceremonies or just providing to military families in need, Marquette did all this while working full time—and never asked for anything in return. It was the sacrifices she made and the selfless support she provided for others, which made her an obvious candidate for this award.

Providing Support to Military Families

Daryl Lovell and Vanessa Marquette

Lovell was presented with the Service Member Patriot Award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in the Office of Secretary of Defense. This honor is given to employee supervisors and reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.

According to the award, Lovell showcased her knowledge that military service is not just a service member commitment but a family commitment. Often, employers do not understand the stressors and commitments that a military spouse endures which makes employers—often unintentionally—unsympathetic toward military spouses who request accommodations to their work schedule so that the service member’s spouse can see their spouses off as they deploy overseas and welcome them back upon their return.

Not only did Lovell provide support to Marquette before, during and after her husband was deployed, but she has also been supporting veterans and military families since she began at University. As the liaison for OVMA and IVMF she has maneuvered through occasionally challenging circumstances to get the job done and ensure the stories of veterans and military families are told. Whether it was being prepared at 5 a.m. to facilitate back-to-back Veterans Day media interviews for J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, attend the Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) program in Atlanta to support the new board member, or help promote the research that comes out of the IVMF Lovell makes it happen which made her beyond deserving of this award.

Recognizing the Support Provided

“Daryl and Vanessa embody what it takes for Syracuse University to be the Best Place for Veterans,” says Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. “They are consistent supporters of our military-connected students and employees and use their professional talents to tell this important pillar of our university’s story. Staff play a large role in our University’s work on behalf of veterans and military families, and I am proud of Daryl and Vanessa for setting a stellar example for our community.”

Ryan Marquette was the driving force behind both of these nominations, recognizing how critical the support was that his wife provided him and how being part of a team that allowed her the flexibility to be there for him. He honored both Vanessa and Lovell during a Communications division meeting.

“Having not only one but two members on our media relations team recognized for their commitment to veterans and their families is something that we are very proud of,” says Ellen Mbuqe, executive director of media relations. “Surprising both of them on the same day in front of our entire division was truly an inspiring moment for everyone on our team and we have Ryan to thank for spearheading both of these honors.”

From left to right: Ryan Marquette, Daryl Lovell and Vanessa Marquette

Congratulations and best wishes to all the graduates in the Class of 2024! (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

We want to know how you experience Syracuse University. Take a photo and share it with us. We select photos from a variety of sources. Submit photos of your University experience by filling out a or sending it directly to �����鶹��Ʒ at��newsphoto@syr.edu. You might see it featured here.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024 as they have much to celebrate this upcoming Commencement weekend! (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Military-connected students at Syracuse University pose for a group photo during the 2024 Student Veteran Commencement Ceremony held at the K.G. Tan Auditorium in the National Veterans Resource Center. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

Students were honored at the 44 Stars of Excellence Leadership Awards Gala on April 21. The awards acknowledge undergraduate students, their recognized student organizations, and advisors who demonstrate outstanding dedication and commitment to their organization and mission. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Ernie Davis statue surrounded by trees and flowers in bloom. (Photo by Vanessa Marquette)

Aerospace engineering seniors in the College of Engineering and Computer Science tested their plane designs in the JMA Wireless Dome. (Photo by Alex Dunbar)

Spring has sprung on campus. (Photo courtesy of Maxwell Executive Education Degree Programs at Syracuse University’s Facebook page)

Syracuse men’s lacrosse legend Paul Gait was honored at halftime of Syracuse men’s lacrosse game vs. Virginia. Gait was presented a framed jersey by Director of Athletics John Wildhack and his jersey number, 19, was lifted into the rafters at the Dome. His name now hangs beside his twin brother and current men’s lacrosse head coach Gary Gait. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Athletics)

Shiu-Kai Chin, Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor for Teaching Excellence and professor of electrical engineering and computer science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, was this year’s recipient of the Chancellor’s Medal at the One University Awards. This is the University’s highest honor and is awarded to individuals in honor of their trailblazing and extraordinary contributions to the University, to an academic body of knowledge or to society. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

The University celebrated Emeritus Professor Marvin Druger’s 90th Birthday with a gathering of friends, family and former students in the Heroy Geology Building. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University alumni office)

University community members volunteer in Pete’s Giving Garden as part of the University’s Earth Month efforts. Check out the complete list of activities and learn how the University is making a difference through its sustainability efforts on the latest podcast episode. (Photo courtesy of the Sustainability Management Office)

Seven alumni and one current student were honored for their professional and personal successes and lifelong connection to Syracuse University during the 2024 Syracuse University Alumni Awards Celebration. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Hendricks Chapel’s Hindu Chaplaincy and the Hindu Student Association celebrated Ram Navami, the Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, with a puja and a dinner. (Photo courtesy of Hendricks Chapel)

The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs has officially kicked off its centennial celebration with delicious treats and a visit from Otto the Orange. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

On April 10, Syracuse University reaffirmed its statement of support for the guard and reserve during a brief signing ceremony with leaders from the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) held at the National Veterans Resource Center. (From Left to Right) Jonathan Quinlan ’20, Co-Chair ESGR CNY; Michael Haynie, Vice Chancellor; Deborah Hafner, Co-Chari ESGR CNY; Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Eyck Powell III ’78, ESGR NY State Chair. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

Two of the four new hawks that have returned to campus, Oren (left) and Ruth. The legacy of SU-Sue and Otto, SU’s resident red-tailed hawks who sadly passed away last year, lives on through their offspring who have returned to nest near campus. Learn more about the . (Photo by Anne Marie Higgins)

Hall of Languages illuminated in purple in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. (Photo by Precious Rodrigues, a student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science)

Everyone on campus was prepared for the total solar eclipse. Photo by Hung Phung, a student in the School of Information Studies

At 3:23 p.m. Monday, the Syracuse University campus community was treated to a breathtaking view of the total solar eclipse, when a new moon was precisely between the Earth and the sun. (Photo courtesy of on Instagram)

Students enjoy celebrating Holi, the festival of colors, love and spring. (Photo courtesy of @syracuseu on Instagram)

Campus community members enjoy a spring day. (Photo by Hung Phung, a student in the School of Information Studies)

Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves looks on as Department of Public Safety (DPS) Chief and Associate Vice President Craig Stone cuts the ribbon in front of the new DPS substation at 101 Marshall Street. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Otto the Orange and fans celebrate Forever Orange Week in the Schine Student Center March 28. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

The OttoTHON dance marathon raised $109,631.28 for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital March 23 in Goldstein Auditorium at the Schine Student Center. Participants at the student-run philanthropy event took to the dance floor during the 12-hour marathon, which also included speakers and performers, among other activities. (Photo by Max Walewski)

Dancers took to the floor in Goldstein Auditorium for the 2024 OttoTHON on March 23. (Photo by Hunter Knarr)

Students in the Dimensions Mentoring Program—a peer-to-peer group designed to help support women of color—recently held a Women’s History Month reception in the Schine Student Center. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Flowers battle the elements on the first day of spring outside Holden Observatory. (Photo by Jill Coggiola, assistant director for academic affairs, director of graduate studies and instructor of clarinet/music education in the Setnor School of Music, College of Visual and Performing Arts)

Celebrity chef and “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro poses with students prior to judging a cupcake decorating contest at the Whitman School on Tuesday. He later shared his story and experiences in a talk with the Whitman community. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Members of the WJPZ Hall of Fame pose with their Orange jackets during WJPZ’s 39th Annual Birthday Banquet at Drumlins Country Club (Photo courtesy of WJPZ Alumni Association)

Congratulations to Coach Felisha Legette-Jack ’89 being named the ! (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Athletics)

The joint U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force ROTC Color Guard passes by the reviewing stand during the 107th Chancellor’s Review held inside the JMA Wireless Dome on Friday, March 8. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

On those unseasonably warm winter days, the campus comes alive like a warm spring day! (Photo by Chris Velardi)

Data scientist and artificial intelligence (AI) expert Rumman Chowdhury visited campus on March 6, as the featured speaker for the University’s annual Spring Lecture. Her talk, “Generative AI and the Future of Humanity,” touched on how AI will impact the lives of students, what policymakers have missed—both positively and negatively—that will significantly affect students and what bearing AI will have on the upcoming U.S. election cycle. (Photo by Theoplis Stewart II)

Provost Gretchen Ritter, left, Cindy Clark ’86, center, and RAC Clark cut the ribbon dedicating the new building of the Syracuse University Dick Clark Los Angeles Program. (Photo by Rich Prugh)

Nothing beats an orange Syracuse sunset. (Photo by Garance Lisa-Marie Dikoume ’26, a student in the Newhouse School of Public Communications)

2024 Black History Month Black Beauty Expo held in Schine Underground. (Photo by Hunter Knarr ’23)

The sun rising on Hendricks Chapel and Eggers Hall. (Photo by Haiqi Wang ’25, a student in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics)

Student veterans from the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs joined Syracuse University Libraries for a tour of Special Collections. They toured the “In Pursuit of Justice: Pan Am Flight 103” and “Ways of Knowing in Early Modern Science” exhibits. (Photo by Jess Van ’26, student in the Newhouse School of Public Communications)

Ominous blue sky over the Quad. (Photo by Kiley Jolicoeur, metadata strategies librarian)

On Saturday, Feb. 17, when the men’s lacrosse team takes on Maryland at 6 p.m. in the JMA Wireless Dome, they will be playing for something bigger. Saturday is the 15 for Life Foundation game. The mission of this organization is to shed the shame around needing help and normalize the conversation around mental health by creating awareness. To learn more about the organization or to get involved visit . (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Athletics)

A cadet with Syracuse University’s U.S. Army ROTC detachment prepares to monitor teams of JROTC cadets from local high schools in the litter-carry exercise during the annual ROTC Fitness Challenge, held at the JMA Wireless Dome. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

Night time at the library (Photo by Calistus Wekesa Simiyu, graduate student in the School of Education)

The School of Architecture celebrates Lunar New Year at Slocum Hall. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

A wintery sunset on campus (Photo by Linnet Comos Tuscano, graduate student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science)

Schine Underground (Photo by Haiqi Wang ’25, a student in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics)

Students from the Newhouse Sports Media Center pose with NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson ’93 (third from left) during Super Bowl LVIII Media Week in Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy of on Instagram)

The Chinese Union hosted its Spring Gala celebrating Lunar New Year 2024 Feb. 2 in Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center. The event featured student performances showcasing pop music, dancing and traditional Chinese folk song, and culinary delights. (Photo by Qianzhen Li ’25)

Members of the campus community came together to celebrate the kickoff of Black History Month in Goldstein Auditorium earlier this month. (Photo by Julie Herman)

During the Jan. 27 men’s basketball game, campus and community partners were presented with recognition certificates for participating in and assisting with Operation Orange Warmup. From left to right: Chancellor Kent Syverud, Interfaith Works President/CEO Beth Broadway, Dean of Hendricks Chapel Brian Konkol, Hendricks Chapel student coordinator Leondra Tyler, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation J. Michael Haynie, Chinese Union student representative Ruohan Xu, Vice President of Community Engagement and Government Relations Cydney Johnson and Black Student Union student representative Kadin Person. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

People’s Place coffee shop is located in the basement of Hendricks Chapel. This is the perfect spot to grab a snack and coffee on campus. For the spring, they are open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Pictured left to right, the 2024 Unsung Hero recipients Elbethel Berhane (community youth), Murjan Abdi (community adult), Sharon Dotger (Syracuse University faculty) and Mia-Marie Fields ’24 (Syracuse University student). (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Campus on a foggy day (Photo by Will Scheibel, associate professor of film and screen studies in the College of Arts and Sciences)

Otto and the Women’s Ice Hockey team had some fun at the rink downtown in Clinton Square. (Photo courtesy of Otto the Orange)

Iconic shot of Crouse College on a Syracuse winter day. (Photo by Rohan Shah, graduate student in the School of Information Studies)

Dave Bing ’66, H’06 (center), the men’s basketball legend and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer who starred for Syracuse from 1962-66, joined the program’s Ring of Honor at halftime of Saturday’s 77-65 win over North Carolina State. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Athletics)

A little bit of snow still left on campus helped with this snowy sculpture in front of Bird Library. (Photo by Jess Van ’26, a student in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications)

Congratulations to the students recognized at the Black Excellence Gala organized by the Syracuse University chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Black Honors Society. (Photo courtesy of the College of Engineering and Computer Science)

Sophomore guard Quadir Copeland celebrates with fans after his game-winning 3-pointer gave the Orange a last-second victory over the Miami Hurricanes on Jan. 20 in the JMA Wireless Dome. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Athletics)

New students were welcomed over the weekend during the 2024 Winter New Student Convocation, held in Setnor Auditorium at Crouse College. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Best wishes to the Syracuse Cheer team as they compete in the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) College Nationals. (Photo courtesy of @cusecheer Instagram)

The sun rising over Lyman Hall on a cold winter day. (Photo by Sandra Costanzo)

Even on a winter day, Syracuse University sees beautiful sunsets. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Celebrations were hosted by the Newhouse School, School of Architecture and Orange After Dark/the Center for International Services. Additionally, the Asian American Journalists Association, Chinese Students and Scholars Association and Chinese Union hosted a dinner and two galas. The events presented the opportunity to share Chinese culture—including performance arts, cuisine and time-honored traditions—with the entire campus community. The photos below capture the essence and celebratory nature of the holiday.

Chinese Union Spring Gala (Photo by Qianzhen Li ’25)

Chinese Union Spring Gala (Photo by Qianzhen Li ’25)

Chinese Union Spring Gala (Photo by Qianzhen Li ’25)

Newhouse School Lunar New Year Celebration (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Newhouse School Lunar New Year Celebration (Photo by Angela Ryan)

School of Architecture Lunar New Year Celebration (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

School of Architecture Lunar New Year Celebration (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

School of Architecture Lunar New Year Celebration (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

School of Architecture Lunar New Year Celebration (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

School of Architecture Lunar New Year Celebration (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Asian American Journalists Association Dinner (Photo by Patricia Duong)

Asian American Journalists Association Dinner (Photo by Patricia Duong)

Asian American Journalists Association Dinner (Photo by Patricia Duong)

Asian American Journalists Association Dinner (Photo by Patricia Duong)

Orange After Dark/Center for International Services Lunar New Year Celebration (Photo by Angelica Molina)

Orange After Dark/Center for International Services Lunar New Year Celebration (Photo by Wei Gao)

Orange After Dark/Center for International Services Lunar New Year Celebration (Photo by Wei Gao)

Orange After Dark/Center for International Services Lunar New Year Celebration (Photo by Ela Rozas)

The new esports communications and management program, which was announced in March 2023, will be offered jointly by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, in addition to new varsity competitive teams under Student Experience. The University will start enrolling students in the fall. These new staff members will help further develop and amplify the offerings of the program.

“We are fortunate enough to bring in some of the top talent, with the most experience in all of collegiate esports, to support the growth and expansion of the esports program here at Syracuse University,” says Gawrysiak. “We will be able to offer a diverse set of programming across different areas of esports and gaming that no other university can offer. I can’t wait to get to work with this group of talented individuals so we can build an exciting and beneficial program for our current and future learners that truly goes beyond gaming.”

Nikita Bair

Nikita Bair

Bair has been named the esports program manager. Having helped found the first varsity esports program in New England at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, Bair also led one of the oldest esports degree programs at Shenandoah University, where he was a full-time faculty and coordinator of esports. At Syracuse, Bair will focus on academic endeavors, securing partnerships, internships, and travel abroad, while preparing learners for post-graduation by providing ample experiential learning and professional development opportunities for students.

Bair earned a master of business administration in 2023 from Shenandoah University and a bachelor of science in economics and finance in 2021 from Northeastern University. In his studies, Bair specialized in esports and global affairs, earning a concentration in esports from Shenandoah University and a minor in international affairs from Northeastern University.

“The University-wide esports initiative, spearheaded by Chancellor Kent Syverud, speaks volumes to Syracuse’s commitment to becoming a leader in the academic esports landscape,” says Bair. “I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to support the leading esports learners and provide them with the most robust academic esports offerings in the nation. With our team, the students and support from the University, I have no doubt in saying that the space is going to see a lot more Orange very soon.”

Sean Kelly

Sean Kelly

Kelly, the newly appointed director of production and outreach, is a leader in the collegiate esports space when it comes to broadcast production. He has led such major projects such as Activision Blizzard’s Calling All Heroes, Behaviour’s Dead by Daylight Mobile: Nights of Terror, and Boost on the Beach, an annual award-winning event. At Syracuse, Kelly will continue pushing the boundaries of what is considered the gold standard in collegiate esports production.

Kelly graduated from Shenandoah University in May 2022 with a bachelor of science in esports management and a bachelor of business administration degree. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to further expand Syracuse University’s esports offerings.

“The holistic approach and ‘all-in’ mentality that Syracuse University has toward the esports program and greater industry is going to lead to amazing developments,” says Kelly. “Syracuse esports is going to be a pivotal player in moving collegiate esports forward and I am excited to be a part of the team from the start. My goal is to take esports production and content creation to a whole new level through student-led projects and industry partners. The sky is the limit for Joey, Nikita, Travis and I!”

Travis Yang

Travis Yang

Yang has been named the director of competition. He got his start in collegiate esports as the assistant esports coach for Ashland University, then one of the first 60 esports programs in the country. He transitioned to the head esports coach for Texas A&M University-San Antonio where he developed the first esports program in the Texas A&M system and the city of San Antonio. Prior to Syracuse, Yang served as the director of esports for Wichita State University, providing oversight for a comprehensive esports program focused on academic and competitive outcomes.

Yang received a bachelor of science degree in parks, recreation and tourism from the University of Missouri and is completing a master of education degree in sport management from Wichita State University.

“The commitment from the University toward a comprehensive esports ecosystem speaks volumes to the vision and belief of the institution in the transformative power of this emerging field,” says Yang. “I am honored to join Syracuse and to have the opportunity to build a competitive program that will holistically develop students while competing at a national level I look forward to hitting the ground running and working closely with Joey, Sean and Nikita as we spearhead esports on campus and advance the potential of esports across the country.”

Photo by Angela Ryan

Did you know that Tuesday, Feb. 20, is National Love Your Pet Day? We love our pets every day, but we want to celebrate this special day! Help us by submitting a photo of your beloved pet for a chance to be featured.

We invite our students, faculty, staff and alumni to submit photos of their furry friends for a chance to be included in our National Love Your Pet Day Snapshots on the �����鶹��Ʒ website, in an upcoming edition of SU Today and on our , and channels.

Send your photos to��newsphoto@syr.edu and put National Love Your Pet Day in the subject line. Please include your name and affiliation with the University and share your pets name. Bonus points if they love orange, like us too!

We look forward to seeing your pets!

Carrot cake lovers rejoice! Saturday, Feb. 3, is National Carrot Cake Day.

For those who have attended events at the University, you may have tried one of the Syracuse University Bakery’s specialties, their delicious carrot cake, which is loved by many and famous at the University.

How popular is it? In the past year the Bakery has made 200 of the 9-inch round versions of the cake, their most popular, and this doesn’t include their other various sizes, including a sheet cake and cupcakes.

Here is what 200 of those cakes looks like by the numbers:

For the cake:

• 675 pounds of carrots
• 400 pounds of granulated sugar
• 185 pounds of eggs
• 300 pounds of flour
• 150 pounds of raisins
• 40 gallons of soybean oil
• 3 pounds of cinnamon
• 10 pounds of salt
• 14 pounds of baking powder
• 10 pounds of baking soda

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 300 pounds of cream cheese
• 500 pounds of sugar
• 150 pounds of butter
• 100 pounds of icing shortening
• 1½ gallons of vanilla

Interested in making the carrot cake at home? You are in luck! Sharon Crosby, the originator of the recipe, shared it before she retired after over 30 years of service, under one condition: that it would be shared with those who wanted it. For those of you who love to bake, here is your chance to try your hand at the University’s tempting and tasty carrot cake!

Crosby’s Carrot Cake Recipe

Ingredients for the cake:

• 3 cups cooked and cooled carrots (sliced frozen)
• 2¼ cups sugar
• 4 large beaten eggs
• 2 cups of oil
• 2 cups of flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1½ cups of walnuts*
• 1½ cups of raisins

Ingredients for the cream cheese frosting:

• 3 ounces cream cheese
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups confectioners sugar

Directions for cake:

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, and set aside. In a mixer, beat carrots and sugar together until carrots are broken into small pieces. Add beaten eggs to carrot mixture until well blended. Add oil, raisins and walnuts until well blended. Slowly add flour mixture, continue mixing until all ingredients are wet. Do not over mix. Pour batter into two 9-inch greased cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, until knife comes out clean. Be sure to cool completely before you frost the cakes.

Directions for frosting:

Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar beating until smooth.

Frost cake as desired once cooled.

*Note: The University no longer includes walnuts in its recipe because the Bakery is a tree nut-free facility.

Photo courtesy of @alexamc25 on Instagram

Do you have an #OrangeLove story? Please share it with us for a chance to be featured in our Orange-themed Valentine’s Day story!

We invite our students, faculty, staff and alumni to submit their #OrangeLove photos for a chance to be included in our #OrangeLove Snapshots on the �����鶹��Ʒ website, in an upcoming edition of SU Today, and on our , and channels.

Send your photos to��newsphoto@syr.edu and put #OrangeLove in the subject line. Please include your name, and affiliation with the University and share a little about your #OrangeLove story, including:

• how did you meet?
• what role has Syracuse University played in your life?
• did you kiss on the kissing bench?
• was Otto involved with your wedding?

Look for your story in an upcoming issue of SU Today and on the �����鶹��Ʒ website.��We look forward to seeing your #OrangeLove story!

Students having a snowball fight (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Winter weather lovers rejoice: it has officially arrived in Central New York (CNY), and there are so many fun things to do! Check out this list we have put together for you:

Fairs/Festivals/Events

Address: 2 South Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Love hockey? Come out and support this tournament which combines the soul of a sport built upon cold winters with the warm spirit of a neighborhood. The goal is for players and spectators to experience a fun day of competitive pond hockey while enjoying an outdoor family-friendly event.

Address: New York State Fairgrounds Expo Center, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse
When: Friday, Feb. 2, 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, Feb 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Children 10 and under are free. For those 10+, tickets start at $3 and vary based on age. are available now online.
Details: It’s a taste of summer in the middle of winter. This is the fifth edition of this major community event featuring the food, rides, music and entertainment that people enjoy throughout the summer.

Waterfront Fireworks at The Syracuse Inner Harbor
Address: 328 West Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Feb. 16, 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Not something you often get to see in the winter, head down to the Inner Harbor to catch a beautiful fireworks display to kick off the Syracuse Winterfest happening that weekend.

Address: 720 Van Rensselaer St., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Fun for the whole family! Event includes live music, yard games, outdoor fire pits, family art classes, hot chocolate and s’mores bar with Cafe Blue, ice carving demonstrations, food trucks, dogsled races to benefit Helping Hounds Dog Rescue and much more!

Syracuse Inner Harbor Winterfest human dogsled race participants. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Inner Harbor)

Fun Outdoor Winter Activities

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Address: 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville
Admission: $5/car
Details: Beaver Lake Nature Center is the perfect place for beginner and advanced snowshoers and cross-country skiers. During the winter, trails are specifically designated for snowshoeing and skiing and are opened as conditions allow. Visitors are welcome to bring their own snowshoes or rent a pair from the Visitor Center. Cross-country skis are not available for rent.

Address: 1254 Highland Park Road, Fabius
Admission: $10; $5 child (15 and under)
Details: Highland boasts 40 miles of cross-country ski trails, 20 of which are groomed and track-set for all ability levels, and three skate ski loops. It is the ideal place for skiers, snowshoers and hikers who are looking to experience the pristine nature that Southern Onondaga County has to offer. Ski, boot and pole rentals are available.

Cross-country skiing

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Address: 403 Blackmore Road, Camillus
Admission: $12
Details: Camillus Ski Association features two moderately sized slopes (beginner and intermediate) for skiing and snowboarding, served by two rope tows to the top.

Address: 8012 E Genesee St., Fayetteville
Admission: $25+
Details: Four Seasons offers a single chairlift and six trails with varying levels of difficulty.

Address: 6935 Route 91, Truxton
Admission:
Details: Labrador features four lifts and 23 trails with varying levels of difficulty.

Address: 1 Song Mountain Road, Tully
Admission:
Details: Song features five lifts and 24 trails with varying levels of difficulty.

Address: 9100 NY-46, Westernville
Admission: $45+
Details: Customize your ski adventure with Woods Valley Ski Area’s lift tickets. Choose a four-hour, seven-hour or until close ticket to begin your adventure. Glide to new heights on their two double chairlifts and enjoy the convenience of their upgraded base lodge. With 21 Trails, ranging from Green Circles for beginners, Blue Squares for intermediate skiers and riders, and Black Diamonds for experts, as well as three terrain parks, they cater to all abilities and ages.

Woods Valley Ski Resort (Photo courtesy of Woods Valley Ski Resort’s Facebook)

Ice Skating

Address: 2 Clinton Square, Syracuse
Admission: $3+ (based on age) and $5 skate rentals
Details: Located in the heart of downtown Syracuse, the Clinton Square Ice Rink is one of the city’s most popular destinations for skaters to enjoy the open-air facility. A warming room is available for skaters to come inside and warm up. Concessions are available for purchase.

Address: 511 Skytop Road, Syracuse
Admission: Student admission is free. Faculty, staff, alumni, dependents and spouses can skate for $8 per person; skate rental is $4 per person.
Details: Get your skate on at the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion. Dates and times available for open skate are listed on the .

A person ice skates in Tennity Ice Rink during open skate. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Snow Tubing

Address: 8012 E Genesee St., Fayetteville
Admission: $28 for two hours
Details: Open on Thursday and Friday from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Pass includes tube rental. Tubers must be at least 3 and 1/2 years old and 40 inches tall.

Address: 403 Blackmore Road, Camillus
Admission: $16 for three hours
Details: Open on the weekends. Check their website or call 315.487.2778 for the latest conditions. Pass includes tube rental.��

Address: 9100 NY-46, Westernville
Admission: $25 for two hours
Details: Open on the weekends. Riders must be big enough to get in and out of the tube on their own, clear the base area quickly and ride the Wonder Carpet without assistance. 42 inches tall is a general guideline.

Students tubing in snow (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

University-Sponsored Winter Events��

For students, every weekend the wellness portal has a list of that are available to participate in during the winter!

Always keep an eye on the for the latest happenings.

To assist individuals and families who are in need of winter outerwear, Syracuse University is again partnering with and for .

The coat collection drive will take place at the Syracuse men’s basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 27, versus North Carolina State. As attendees arrive for the 7 p.m. tipoff, they can bring with them new or gently used (like new) coats. Donation bins will be placed strategically around the JMA Wireless Dome at gates A, B, C, D, E, F, M and N.

“No one should go without the warm clothing they need for the winter months,”��says Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the , who helped establish the Operation Orange Warmup initiative. “Syracuse University is proud to partner with Interfaith Works and Hendricks Chapel to ensure not only the needs of our campus community but also the broader Syracuse community are met.”

Student volunteers from groups across the University will help with the collection effort. Additionally, members of the JMA Dome staff will manage the sorting and laundering of the donations.

If you are not planning on attending the game but want to donate, starting Tuesday, Jan. 23, through Friday, Jan. 26, at Hendricks Chapel, the Schine Student Center on main campus, Goldstein Student Center on South Campus and the Nancy Cantor Warehouse.

Members of the campus community who have a personal need for donated winter coats may contact Hendricks Chapel at 315.443.2901 or��chapel@syr.edu.

Through the generosity of Orange fans and the entire Syracuse University community, we can share the warmth with those in need this winter!

We are expecting 200 school buses on campus, with students being dropped off on College Place and the west side of Campus.��Faculty and staff parking in the west campus lots may use the Irving Avenue Garage on Thursday to allow for space to park buses.

Both College Place and the parking lots on the west side of campus near the JMA Dome will become congested at times. Parking staff will be on hand to direct traffic. The game will begin at 10:30 a.m., with students arriving as early as 9-10 a.m. Buses will depart between 12:30-1:30 p.m. The men’s basketball team will follow with a home game against Niagara University at 5 p.m.

Parking and Transportation Services apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks everyone for their understanding and flexibility during this time.

If you have any questions, please contact at 315.443.4652 or by email at parkmail@syr.edu.

The annual “Holiday at Hendricks” celebration (Photo by Julie Herman)

The holidays are upon us, which means there are plenty of fun and festive performances and events happening around Central New York (CNY). We have put together an entertaining list to help you get into a joyful holiday spirit.

Performances

Address: 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Now through Dec. 31
Admission: Tickets start at $25
Details: “A Christmas Carol” shines a light on the power of kindness and love in this uplifting tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey to redemption.

“Nutcracker Twist: An Enchanted Journey” at the Landmark Theatre (Photo courtesy of Landmark Theatre)

Address: 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $23.20 (price includes fees)
Details: Symphoria, the orchestra of Central New York, presents CirqOvation in “Nutcracker Twist: An Enchanted Journey.” Aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, comedians and other amazing cirque performers bring Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” to life in a way that you’ve never experienced before. Symphoria performs the music for this celebration of community.

Address: Virtual event
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.
Admission: Free, but registration is required
Details: Hendricks Chapel and the Setnor School of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts proudly present “Holidays at Hendricks,” the ongoing CNY tradition anchored by the Hendricks Chapel Choir under the artistic direction of José “Peppie” Calvar.

“Christmas at the Landmark” with the DeSantis Orchestra (Photo courtesy of Landmark Theater)

Address: 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $49.75 (price includes fees)
Details: “Christmas at the Landmark” embodies the heart of Christmas. This luminous musical variety concert features traditional Christmas classics with contemporary offerings in perfect harmony with the warmth of the 2023 holiday season.

Address: 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $85.86 (price includes fees)
Details: For over a decade, Lindsey Stirling has enchanted audiences across the globe by performing a certain spellbinding magic with her electronic violin, dreaming up an exquisitely composed yet boldly inventive sound entirely her own. On her new album “Snow Waltz,” the classically trained musician/songwriter/dancer/author finds herself fully in her element, sharing a selection of holiday classics and original songs that evoke intense emotion through her immersive arrangements and mesmerizing melodies.

Address: Hendricks Chapel, 121 Crouse Dr., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Ring in the holidays with “Horns and Harmonies”—an annual concert by the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble and the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus.

Exhibitions

Festival of Trees and Light 2023 at the Everson Museum (Photo courtesy of Everson Museum)

Address: 401 Harrison St., Syracuse
When: Now through Dec. 16
Admission: $5-$14
Details: Enjoy decorated holiday displays, performances, festive art-making activities, holiday shopping and much more!

Address: 318 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse
When: Now through Sunday, Jan. 7
Admission: $4-$10
Details: Each year, the Erie Canal Museum transforms into a festive 1800s canal town street scene with gingerbread creations on display in storefront windows for visitors.

Events

Address: 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse
When: Dec. 8, 9, 16
Admission: $12-$14
Details: Join the MOST (Museum of Science and Technology) for their famous hot cocoa bar, and explore their North Pole activity stations, from arctic animals to snowflakes and more.

Lights on the Lake (Photo courtesy of Onondaga County Parks)

Address: 106 Lake Dr., Liverpool
When: Now through Friday, Jan. 12, 2024
Admission: Tickets range from $5-$20 per carload and are to be
Details: Lights on the Lake is a two-milelong drive-through show featuring towering holiday displays, a larger-than-life “Land of Oz,” a twinkling fantasy forest, colorful section arches, memorable animated scenes and a fairy tale magic grand finale! Visitors drive through the show while listening to the wonderful sounds of the season on Sunny 102.1 FM.

Location: Village of Skaneateles
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 25-Dec 23, including Fri, Nov. 24, from noon-4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 24, from noon-2:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Get into the holiday spirit with roasted chestnuts, theater, caroling, pictures with Father Christmas and more at Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles.

Volunteers, including ROTC cadets and University faculty and staff, deliver wreaths to Oakwood Cemetery as part of National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 16.

We want to know how you experience Syracuse University. Take a photo and share it with us. We select photos from a variety of sources. Submit photos of your University experience using #SyracuseU on social media, fill out a ��or send it directly to �����鶹��Ʒ at��newsphoto@syr.edu. You might see it featured here.

Otto the Orange and their friends studying for finals. Good luck to all our students taking finals over the next several days. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

As part of the 38th Annual Gingerbread Gallery at the Erie Canal Museum, this house, “Let’s Go Orange” was created by Angela Finistrella. Visit the Gingerbread Gallery from now until Sunday, Jan. 7. (Photo courtesy of Erie Canal Museum)

The Center for International Services took over 80 students on a trip to Cornell University and Corning Museum of Glass. The students enjoyed the holiday celebration at the museum, where they decorated cookies, met Mr. and Mrs. Claus and were all able to make a sandblasted cup in the glass studio. (Photo by Meriel Stokoe)

The JMA Wireless Dome went pink on Tuesday night in honor of the announcement of the singer Pink bringing her high-energy musical, dance and aerobatic performance to the Dome on Sunday, Oct. 6. (Photo by Kayla Bosco)

After the press conference on Dec. 4, welcoming him to the Syracuse Orange family, Fran Brown (center) and his family gathered for pictures. (Photo by Syracuse Athletics)

Looking for a stress reliever as the semester wraps up? to find out where they will be having Pet Therapy sessions. (Photo by Meara Mosny)

Students in Professor Lorenza Tromboni’s folklore and fairytales in Italian culture class recently visited the Palazzo Pitti in Florence, Italy, as part of the Syracuse Florence program. (Photo by Lorenza Tromboni, professor of Italian Folklore)

Holidays at Hendricks, a beloved annual campus tradition, was held in Hendricks Chapel on Dec. 3. The will premiere on Dec. 10. (Photo by Julie Herman)

Syracuse at sunset on the last day of November. (Photo by Hung Phung)

Chancellor Kent Syverud and Dr. Ruth Chen welcomed a new cohort of Kessler Scholars with a special coin ceremony at the Chancellor’s House. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Winter has officially returned to Syracuse. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Members of the University gathered to celebrate the International Student Thanksgiving Dinner in Goldstein Auditorium. (Photo by Julie Herman)

A beautiful, snowy night on campus. (Photo by on Instagram)

Visitors look through displays as part of the on Nov. 15. The event, hosted by Syracuse University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) in collaboration with the Department of English, celebrated the importance of personal photographs. Curated by members of the Turning the Lens Collective, the exhibition featured a selection of Black photography from SCRC’s collections and local photographs and stories shared by participants in last month’s Family Pictures Syracuse launch events. (Photo by Htet San)

Students gather together to celebrate Diwali on the Orange Grove. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) partnered with the Delta Phi Omega Sorority for Henna Night during Diwali. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Students and staff learn Shilpanatanam, the dancing work of art with Maya Kulkarni at the SU Art Museum. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

The beauty of fall captured at night on the Orange Grove. (Photo by Jill Coggiola)

The University community gathered at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families on Nov. 10 to mark Veterans Day. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

The first annual ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards recognized the 50 fastest-growing Syracuse University alumni-owned businesses. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

The ※�������50 Summit allowed students to learn about startup thinking, develop personal and professional skills and to meet and network with alumni founders and top executives of fast-growing companies. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

All this week, in honor of Veteran’s Day on Saturday, Nov. 11, buildings across campus are illuminated in green. (Photo by Joseph Heslin)

Monday, Nov. 6, kicked off the start of with the grand opening of 113 Euclid, home to the Native Student Program and community space. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Being away from home means missing friends and family, including pets. The University’s is very popular with students and was very popular with our Orange families when they were visiting during Family Weekend. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

The 18th annual Greek or Treat event was a big success with lots of Halloween fun on the Women’s Building field. (Photo by Leigh Mai Vo ’24)

During the annual Stocks and Finance Immersion program, 20 Arts and Sciences and Maxwell students recently met alumni working in banking, finance, private equity and hedge funds in New York City. (Photo by Matt Wheeler)

Members of the Sailing Team head out on the waters of Cazenovia Lake on a recent fall day. (Photo by Max Walewski)

The Center for International Services took a group of students to enjoy all that fall in Central New York has to offer, including apple and pumpkin picking. This picture is from their stop at Tim’s Pumpkin Patch in Marietta. (Photo by Meriel Stokoe)

A brilliant October view of campus. (Photo by Joseph Heslin)

Nola (left) and Scrappy (right), canine companions of media relations specialist Vanessa Marquette G’19, dressed as Western Barbie and Ken for Halloween. Join in the fun! Send us your Halloween costume pics for inclusion in our Halloween Fun Snapshots gallery. (Photo courtesy of on Instagram)

Members of the University community gathered for an Interfaith Vigil for World Peace sponsored by Hendricks Chapel Wednesday night on the Shaw Quad. (Photo by Vanessa Marquette)

From left: Cydney Johnson, vice president of community engagement and government relations; Laura Kolton, executive director, federal government engagement; U.S. Sen. Cory Booker; Gretchen Ritter, vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer; U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds; Hamid Ekbia, director of the Maxwell School’s ; and Margaret Talev, director of the , gather at the recent AI Policy Symposium in Washington, D.C.

The men’s and women’s basketball teams hosted “Monroe Madness” in Rochester, New York on Oct. 21. The event featured a night of basketball-themed events, including scrimmages, shooting competitions and a preview of both teams. (Photo by Syracuse Athletics)

Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars gather at the Place of Remembrance during the Rose-Laying Ceremony on Oct. 20. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Members of the University community gathered for a Prayers for Peace vigil sponsored by the Muslim Student Association Wednesday night on the Shaw Quad. (Photo by Christopher J Munoz)

A candlelight vigil was held on Oct. 15, in remembrance of the victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Remembrance Scholar Motolani Oladitan ’24 paints a stone during a Remembrance Week community stone painting event on the Shaw Quadrangle. The stones will be placed on the Wall of Remembrance during the annual Rose-Laying Ceremony. (Photo by Ross Knight)

First-year mechanical engineering students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science debut their mini race-car designs. (Photo by Alex Dunbar)

Members of the University community gathered for a peace vigil for Israel, co-sponsored by Syracuse Hillel and Chabad House Jewish Student Center, Wednesday night on the Shaw Quad. (Photo by Vanessa Marquette)

Center for International Services took a trip up to Old Forge, New York, to enjoy the fall foliage. (Photo courtesy of Center for International Services)

Project coordinators and Ph.D. candidates Jessica Terry-Elliot (center) and Caroline Charles (right) are interviewed about their project, “Family Pictures Syracuse,” by Spectrum TV reporter Shalon Stevens, ahead of a series of events and activities happening Oct. 13-15. (Photo by CJ Munoz)

Students taking part in a collaborative service of sandwich making with Christian Outreach at the SU Catholic Center. (Photo by Father Gerry Waterman)

While Simba was out on a stroll of campus, they stopped for a rest in front of the Barnes Center at The Arch. (Photo by )

Members of the campus community both present and attend the DEIA Symposium on Oct. 3 at the Schine Student Center. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Looking for a great place to take a break on a fall day? Look no further than , located on the lower level of Hendricks Chapel. (Photo by SU’s Marketing Division)

The West Point Band and United States Military Academy Cadet Spirit Band played with the Syracuse University Marching Band as part of the Military Appreciation Day game. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

LGBTQ History Month kicked off on Oct. 2 with a special celebration by the LGBTQ Resource Center. all month long through Oct. 31. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

It’s a time honored tradition to celebrate touchdowns with the running of the flags! (Photo by Angela Ryan)

The music by the Syracuse University Marching Band always adds to the intensity inside the JMA Dome during football games. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

As the final event during Orange Central weekend, alumni and their families attended brunch and a legendary interview by alumni Bob Coasts of Coach Jim Boeheim. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

A perfect sunny and crisp fall day on campus. (Photo by Vicente “Vinnie” Cuevas)

Syracuse University Ambulance is one of 15 registered student organizations that participated in a mini-crowdfunding challenge during Orange Central. The through Nov. 28. (Photo courtesy of SU Alumni)

Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter (right) and Vice President for Research Duncan Brown were among the panelists during yesterday’s official launch of “Leading With Distinction,” Syracuse’s new academic strategic plan. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

The Center for International Services recently visited Niagara Falls with more than 120 international students on one of their annual sightseeing trips. (Photo courtesy of Center for International Services)

An early morning view of campus at sunrise. (Photo by Maggie Mahshie)

Students participate in the Turneo de Fútbol as part of Latine Heritage Month. (Photo by Julie Herman)

The University kicked off on Friday, Sept. 15, with an information fair and opening ceremony in the Schine Student Center. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Students attend Abroad on the Quad to learn about study abroad opportunities for Fall 2023. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

A student takes a break while visiting Abbott Farms in Baldwinsville, New York, just outside Syracuse, to enjoy a fall favorite in Central New York, apple picking. (Photo by Randy Pellis)

Abbott Farms offers not only apple picking, but also the opportunity to bring home pumpkins too. (Photo by Randy Pellis)

Who doesn’t love to see the animals when visiting local farms. (Photo by Randy Pellis)

Members of the Syracuse University Bands swapped their oranges and blues for the color yellow when they played with minor league baseball sensation the Savannah Bananas’ band on Sept. 14 at NBT Bank Stadium. From left: Ben Vermilyea (trombone), Taylor Fryer (trumpet), Jose Suarez (trumpet), Aisling Casey (alto saxophone) and Ethan McAnally (trumpet). (Photo courtesy of SU Bands)

Students learn about Syracuse Abroad programs during an open house held in Schine Student Center. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Campus is beautiful even on a rainy day. (Photo by Joseph Heslin)

Missing your furry friend while away at school? The Barnes Center at The Arch offers through the Deborah A. Barnes Pet Therapy Program. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Junior Isaiah Jones (No. 80) makes a big catch Saturday afternoon as the Orange football team improved to 2-0 with a 48-7 win over Western Michigan inside the JMA Wireless Dome. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Athletics)

Maxwell Hall on a blue sky day. (Photo by Rosa Arevalo Leon ’24)

Members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy come together to show support and well wishes for a safe, nourishing and enriching new school year during the 2023 Haundenosaunee Welcome Gathering. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

School of Education’s incoming class gathered together on the steps at Maxwell Hall after their welcome event. (Photo by Martin Walls)

Otto the Orange had the best time visiting the Great New York State Fair. (Photo by Otto’s friend)

Otto the Orange visits with InclusiveU residential freshmen and mentors. (Photo by Beth Myers)

Kate Holohan, curator of education and academic outreach at the Syracuse University Art Museum, provides a tour during an open house. (Photo by Lily LaGrange)

Reading time during the first day of classes. (Photo by Hung Phung)

Cloudy, but picture perfect day on campus. (Photo by Isabel Albuquerque ’24, College of Law Student)

The first day of classes of the Fall 2023 semester was full of learning and fun activities across campus. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Students make their way to class during the first day of classes for the Fall 2023 semester. (Photo by the Office of Alumni Engagement)

Members of the Goon Squad take a break from moving to take a selfie with Otto. (Photo by Alex Dunbar)

During the international student welcome dinner, students and families enjoyed dinner and conversations with various leaders from across campus. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Orientation leaders and first-year students danced the night away during the Y2K party on the Quad. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Members of the team at Syracuse University Libraries pose with Otto the Orange for a selfie during Syracuse Welcome activities. (Photo by Otto the Orange)

New students move into the residence halls with help from orientation leaders, volunteers and the Goon Squad (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Father-daughter duo moving in during Syracuse Welcome (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Student volunteers with the Goon Squad during Syracuse Welcome (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Tristan Woolley (left) and Joshua Halliday, 2023-24 Lockerbie Scholars, take a moment to take a photo with Otto the Orange during Syracuse Welcome activities. (Photo by Kelly Rodoski)

During a game night and ice cream social at the Barnes Center, international students also enjoy the esports room. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

The 44-foot tall climbing wall was one of the many fun activities available during the international student game night and ice cream social at the Barnes Center. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

International students showcase their talents during the international student talent show. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

The campus is in full bloom as the students arrive for Syracuse Welcome. (Photo by Christine Weber)

Photo by Aaron Cass

Planning to be in the Central New York area for Thanksgiving break? We have the guide for you of fun things that are going on and where to order your Thanksgiving take-out if you don’t want to cook! If you’re staying on or close to campus over the break, we’ve also rounded up helpful information about certain University facilities and services.

Local Takeout Options

Want to skip all the meal preparation? Many local restaurants are offering delicious takeout options for the holiday, but don’t wait, get your orders in ahead of time.

• (Orders due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17)
• (Orders due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17)
• (Orders due by Friday, Nov. 17)
• , Onondaga Blvd location (Orders due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 20)
• (Orders due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21)
• (Orders due 48 hours in advance, Wednesday and Thursday pick-up options available)
• (Orders due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22)

Fun Activities for All

If you’re looking for something fun and festive to do to kick off the holidays, this list of activities has something for everyone.

Address: CNY Regional Market, 2100 Park St., Syracuse

When: Friday, Nov. 24, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Admission: Free

Details: Kick off your holiday shopping by supporting local. Find something for everyone on your list from homemade baked goods to artisan crafted gifts.

Christmas Tree in Clinton Square (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Address: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse

When: Friday, Nov. 24, 6-7 p.m.

Admission: Free

Details: The celebration will include the lighting of the 42-foot tree in the heart of downtown Syracuse and performances by local musicians.

Address: 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool

When: Now through Friday, Jan. 12, 2024

Admission: Tickets range from $5-$20 per carload and are to be

Details: Lights on the Lake is a two-mile-long drive-through show featuring towering holiday displays, a larger-than life “Land of Oz,” a twinkling fantasy forest, colorful section arches, memorable animated scenes and a fairy tale magic grand finale! Visitors drive through the show while listening to the wonderful sounds of the season on Sunny 102.1 FM.

SKY Armory Night Market (Photo courtesy of SKY Armory)

Location: 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse

When: Saturday, Nov. 25, 3-9 p.m.

Admission: $5, tickets can be

Details: SKY Armory makes small business Saturday shopping easy when they bring together 70+��of Central New York’s artisans and makers��together under one roof

for an evening of��entertainment,��food, drinks and shopping.

Location: 7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango

When: Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Jan. 1, 2024

Admission: $16.99-$19.99 per person, pay at the door when you arrive

Details: Come take a walk through The Wild and see the animals who can tolerate the cold along with beautiful festive lighting displays.

Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles (Photo courtesy of Life in the Finger Lakes)

Location: Village of Skaneateles

When: Every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 25-Dec 23, including Fri, Nov. 24, from noon-4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 24, from noon-2:30 p.m.

Admission: Free

Details: Get into the holiday spirit with roasted chestnuts, theater, caroling, pictures with Father Christmas and more at Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles.

“A Christmas Carol”

Location: Archbold Theatre at Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse

When: Friday, Nov. 24, through Sunday, Dec. 31

Admission: Tickets range from $30-$65 and can be

Details: Syracuse Stage in association with the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Department of Drama continues Syracuse Stage’s 50th Anniversary season—and the tradition of heartwarming, family-friendly holiday shows—with “A Christmas Carol,” the classic novel by Charles Dickens, adapted by Richard Hellesen, with music by David de Berry and orchestrations by Gregg Coffin.

Winners of the ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Award (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

The power and impact of the entrepreneurial spirit was on center stage during two recent alumni events on campus. First, on Nov. 9, were honored during the inaugural��※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards.

At the awards ceremony held at the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building, , vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the Whitman School kicked off the evening. “I am an evangelist for entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is about empowerment,” said Haynie. “I know this because the work that I do has afforded me a front row seat to see how entrepreneurship can change the trajectory of lives.”

Tamekia Flowers-Ball

Tamekia-Flowers-Ball ’97, Founder/CEO of , spoke on behalf of the inaugural class and shared how during her time at Syracuse she took the University’s first entrepreneurship course. The course opened her eyes to the limitless possibilities of innovation and self-driven success. “It sparked my entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging me to pursue my dreams and transform ideas into tangible ventures,” said Flowers-Ball.

Ball stressed to her fellow honorees the importance of extending a hand and opportunity to the next generations of awardees. “Whether hiring current students as interns or donating to scholarship programs, like Our Time Has Come, spearheaded by the Office of Multicultural Advancement, let’s ensure the success of future generations,” said Flowers-Ball.

The following day, the alumni gave back to the community that they so proudly came from by taking part in the ※�������50 Summit. The summit was open to the entire campus community, but specifically targeted students to allow them to learn about startup thinking, to develop personal and professional skills and to meet and network with alumni founders and top executives of fast-growing companies.

The day started with welcome remarks from Haynie and Alexander McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School of Management and professor of entrepreneurship. McKelvie thanked the alumni panelists for paying it forward to the next generation. “Each of you likely remember that one friend, mentor or role model who helped inspire you and think differently about how you approach a challenge,” said McKelvie. “Today is about that same inspiration.”

Students meet and network with alumni founders and top executives of leading companies at the ‘CUSE50 Summit. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Entrepreneurship certainly changed the lives of many alumni honored during the ※�������50 awards. This was showcased during the interactive panels with the honorees and more than 300 students during two different sets of sessions of the ※�������50 Summit. Topics included developing entrepreneurial and growth mindsets, community building and customer acquisition, branding, finding talent and developing teams, mental health and the startup life, finding advisors, mentors and coaches, and setting yourself up for success by raising money and leveraging resources.

When asked what advice they would give to young entrepreneurs who are hoping to start and/or grow a business, here’s what a few of the ※�������50 winners had to say:

• “Never stop asking questions. Seek advice at all turns. Every business can be improved and the key for entrepreneurs is to identify the opportunities and fill the need. It is also normal to fail, regroup and try again.”—Adam Sulimirski ’85, managing partner of
• “Work for either an entrepreneur or an entrepreneurial-oriented organization for a bit after college to learn the good, the bad and the ugly. Learn what works and what you like and build your business around those values. You will attract like-minded people��who share your passions, and you will love coming to work every day.”—Frank Shultz ’03, CEO and founder of
• “Embrace every learning opportunity, even if it seems unrelated to your primary field of study. Skills and knowledge acquired in one area can often be applied in unexpected ways in another. Stay adaptable, be open to change, and always prioritize effective communication. Surround yourself with a diverse team that brings different perspectives and strengths to the table. Also, be mission-driven and seek inspiration from the brands, companies, and causes you work for. Aim to inspire others to achieve bigger and better things than they can do alone.”—Whitney Mitchell ’06, CEO and founder of
• “Just start building and don’t be afraid to fail because the failure is putting you one step closer to achieving your ultimate goal.” —Kori Hale ’13, CEO of

Danielle Drop, campus minister at the SU Catholic Center (left) and Father Gerry Waterman pose with Auggie, dressed up as a pumpkin.

Members of our campus community and their families had fun getting into the festive spirit this Halloween!

Brian Glennon ’26, student in the College of Arts and Sciences, dressed as Director Krennic from “Star Wars: Rogue One.”

Jersey wore two costumes this Halloween: an elephant and a deer. Jersey’s mom, Associate Director of Internal Communications Jen Plummer, said he was awfully grumpy about it, but we sure do think he looks cute.

101 Dalmatians! Well, maybe not 101 in this picture, but the team at the Barnes Center at The Arch sure got into the spirit this Halloween!

Brady the gnome was ready for any adventure mom, Shannon Botsford, administrative specialist in the Maxwell School, was ready to take him on.

Staff from the Maxwell School got into the Halloween spirit and pose together in their costumes.

The pups in the Marquettes’ house went with the Barbie theme for their Halloween costumes this year, including Sammy (left) as beach Barbie, Scrappy (center) as Ken and Nola as western Barbie.

JoAnn Rhoades, academic support coordinator in the College of Arts and Sciences, dressed up as Raggedy Ann.

The Boccacinos’ pups, Wrigley (left) and Ernie got into the Halloween spirit dressed up as a frog and Woody from “Toy Story.”

Indigenous students enjoy gathering at 113 Euclid Ave., home of the Native Student Program. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

The newly transformed Indigenous space at 113 Euclid goes beyond acknowledging the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, says Bailey Tlachac, program coordinator of the Native Student Program. The space, which will be celebrated during a grand opening Nov. 6, signifies many things for Indigenous community members.

Bailey Tlachac (Photo by Angela Ryan)

“The space also recognizes the sovereignty of tribal nations. Throughout history, our tribal sovereignty has been encroached upon and ignored by local, state and federal policies. This space allows us to express our sovereignty and advocate for our Indigenous students on campus,” Tlachac says.

“It communicates that Native students, faculty and staff are valued members of the Syracuse University community. 113 Euclid serves as a culturally affirming gathering place where our Indigenous students can find community and support,” she says. “Overall, 113 Euclid sends a message that Indigenous voices and perspectives matter at Syracuse University.”

As part of the kickoff celebration for Native Heritage Month, the campus community is invited to the grand opening of 113 Euclid Ave. on Monday, Nov. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. If you plan on attending, please .

Brandon Lazore working on the 113 Euclid Ave. “Creation Story ” mural 2023. (Photo by Ross Knight)

The celebration will begin with an opening thanksgiving address followed by welcome remarks from University and Haudenosaunee leadership and include the history and vision for 113 Euclid Ave. After the ceremony, attendees can tour the space. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be provided.

The space at 113 Euclid Ave. serves as a “home away from home” for Native students and a gathering place for those who are interested in exploring Native American culture and history. A student-led design represents the Haudenosaunee Confederacy alongside Turtle Island tribal communities. This includes exposed pine beams representing the Roots of Peace along with the four directional colors of the Medicine Wheel. Additional highlights of the renovated space include the following:

• a culture room dedicated to revitalizing Indigenous languages and traditional regalia,
• fireplace lounge with beanbag chairs and
• Indigenous artwork pieces.

Construction at 113 Euclid. (Photo by Ross Knight)

113 Euclid has been home to the Native Student Program since 2006, but with limited space. With this renovation, the program’s space is going from three rooms, two offices and a student lounge, to the entire first floor and the majority of the second floor of 113 Euclid Ave. Renovations to the building by the University’s Campus Planning, Design and Construction team included a remodeled kitchen, elevator installation, accessible ramp and new sidewalk, updated fire alarm and sprinkler systems, new flooring and paint throughout the building, new doors and hardware, furniture upgrades, audio visual upgrades in conference rooms, and exterior refurbishment, paint and lighting.

“My favorite part of 113 Euclid is the mural that Brandon Lazore painted for us. The students had an amazing idea to have the Haudenosaunee creation story depicted on the walls. Brandon took that information and created a beautiful mural wrapping around the front staircase,” says Tlachac.

To learn more about the , email coordinator Bailey Tlachac��or call��315.443.0258.

“Creation Story” mural by Brandon Lazore. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

From production and digital media companies to pizza tours and EV charging solutions, the honorees of the inaugural are an impressive group of leaders representing the 50 fastest-growing Syracuse University alumni-owned businesses.

Honorees will be Thursday, Nov. 9, followed the next day by engagement sessions between the alumni entrepreneurs and the University community. “We look forward to having this group of alumni honorees back on campus to celebrate their outstanding achievements in a whole new way,” says Tracy Barlok, senior vice president and chief advancement officer. “So many of our graduates have a strong entrepreneurial spirit and it is important that we get to celebrate the impact they are making in the world with their businesses.”

Students, staff and faculty will have an opportunity to engage with the ※�������50 honorees during the on Friday, Nov. 10, at the Whitman School of Management. The summit is open to everyone, but organizers, including Syracuse University Libraries, are especially encouraging students from across campus to participate. The summit represents an opportunity for students to learn about startup thinking, to develop personal and professional skills, and meet and network with alumni founders and top executives of fast-growing companies.

for the ※�������50 Summit, which will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., starting in the Flaum Grand Hall and move to Whitman’s classrooms for panel discussions.

“This is a unique learning opportunity for our students,” says , vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the Whitman School. “The inaugural ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Award event and Summit sets conditions for our students to engage directly with alumni leaders who started their entrepreneurial journey at Syracuse University in a way that connects our graduates to the entrepreneurial aspirations of our current students.”

The summit will begin with welcoming remarks from Haynie and Alex McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School, and will move to breakout sessions featuring interactive panels with ※�������50 honorees and will be moderated by students who are conversation fire starters. The summit will conclude with a networking reception where students are encouraged to bring laptops to showcase their portfolio of work.

For more information about the event, visit the .

© Maria Shchipakina – stock.adobe.com

Looking for a good scary movie to watch this Halloween? Get your popcorn and candy ready for these recommendations by some of our faculty experts who weighed in on their scariest favorites.

Roger Hallas

Roger Hallas

“I am particularly partial to artsy horror films that are less gore and more psychological terror. My two particular favorites are both 1990s films: ‘’ (1997)��and ‘’ (1993). Both deal with the psychodynamics of upper middleclass families whose lives are terrorized by sociopathetic youth and environmental contamination or psychic alienation. What makes these films so powerful is precisely what they don’t show, but imply through rigorous framing, mise-en-scène, editing and sound design.”

of English in the College of Arts and Sciences and teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in documentary media, world cinema, visual culture and LGBTQ studies. He directs the Syracuse University Human Rights Film Festival held annually in September.

Shaina Holmes

Shaina Holmes

“�Ę’ (2014) is my favorite because it is a commentary on the entertainment industry, and I worked on it. Being able to work with my friends on this indie film and watch it have a successful film festival run, which launched the writing and directing career of my friend and director Kevin Kolsch, was an incredible experience. My role with the production included visual effects. I was the one fixing the lead actresses bald cap during the transformation scene and creating glowing symbols during a ritual scene.”

of television, radio and film in the Newhouse School and teaches various courses in visual effects and post-production to undergraduate and graduate students, including visual effects for live action, postproduction practices, animation for film and tv and visual effects analysis. In addition to teaching, Holmes is a visual effects artist, producer and supervisor with over .

Jaynelle Nixon

Jaynelle Nixon

“If I had to pick a favorite, I’d say my favorite horror film is ‘’ (2016). The main character is a monstrous (queer) young Black girl who learns that difference is not hierarchical, and the other children like her are just as valuable and worthy of life as the ‘normal’ human beings who require the monstrous children’s sacrifice to survive. When faced with a choice of sacrificing herself to save the humans she loves, she chooses life and ushers in a new form of human life on Earth.”

Nixon is a visiting assistant teaching professor in the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. Her current research examines parallels between monstrosity in horror films and the intersections of race, gender and disability. She specializes in queer theory, Black feminism, cultural studies, disability studies, gender and sexuality studies, film studies and media studies.

Kendall Phillips

Kendall Phillips

“If folks are looking for a golden oldie, why not go back to the silent era. One of my favorite early horror films is��‘’ (1927). This one has been remade a few times, but the original silent version still holds up and offers some spooky and silly fun. If people are looking for something a bit more intense, I still think��‘’��(1974) is pound-for-pound the best American horror film. Intense, violent, unrelenting—this one is for mature audiences only. Finally, if folks are looking for a horror film that mixes ghosts, fairy tales and some grim aspects of reality, I loved��‘’��(2017), a beautiful and haunting film from Mexico.”

in the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The author of “A Place of Darkness: The Rhetoric of Horror in Early American Cinema;” “Controversial Cinema: The Films that Outraged America” and “Projected Fears: Horror Films and American Culture,” his expertise includes American film, public discourse, rhetoric and rhetoric of popular culture.

Nancy Keefe Rhodes

Nancy Keefe Rhodes

“My favorites, in no particular order, include but are not limited to ‘’ (2016), the Alien quartet: ‘’ (1979), ‘’ (1986), ‘’ (1992) and ‘’ (1997), ‘’ (2002), ‘’ (1980), ‘’ (2013), ‘’ (1995), ‘’ (2021), ‘’ (2009), ‘’ (2017), ‘’ (2020), ‘’ (1973), ‘’ (1998), ‘’ (2017), ‘’ (2023) and ‘’ (documentary, 2019). These are all well-made, thoughtful films that reflect the anxieties going on in culture at the moment they appear. Horror is a very ancient form of art—all cultures have ghosts, vampires or some version of the ‘undead.’ Like detective stories, they are also a democratic form of art that is widely popular and not limited to elites.”

in the Department of Film and Media Arts in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and teaches FIL 250: Horror, Violence, & Culture. Rhodes started teaching this class several years ago because she was curious about what seemed like a surge of new horror films and it quickly became the most popular course she has ever taught. She has also published more than 400 film reviews, interviews with and profiles of filmmakers, photographers and artists, as well as gallery exhibition catalog essays for her own curatorial projects and others.

Will Scheibel

Will Scheibel

“My favorite horror film is��‘’��(1961), directed by Jack Clayton and adapted from the Gothic novella��‘The Turn of the Screw’��by Henry James (1898). The film holds viewers in suspense between two possibilities that are equally frightening: that the main character is losing her mind and that there is actually something supernatural at work. With its widescreen, black-and-white cinematography and eerie uses of deep focus, lap dissolves and low-key lighting, the film is a truly nightmarish experience, driven by a knockout performance by star Deborah Kerr.”

of film and screen studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is currently researching the formation of what would become known as the “Universal Classic Monsters” (Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, Wolf Man, etc.), from a brand identity in the studio system based in genre and stardom, to a fan phenomenon in the era of television and home video, to a contemporary entertainment franchise for a new book titled��“Monsters in the Movie Lab: Horror, Seriality, and Universal Pictures.”

David Tarleton

David Tarleton

“My favorite horror movie has got to be��‘’ (1980). I teach it in class sometimes to demonstrate numerous filmmaking techniques, from off-balanced editing rhythms to how to cross the 180-degree line effectively. I think it’s a nearly perfect movie and part of what makes it so effective is that it’s all about mood and tone. For most of the film, very little happens, yet it’s absolutely terrifying for the audience. A kind of reverberation of the themes and trauma can stay with the audience for days after watching. Which I did for the first time when I was far too young. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a Halloween scare.”

of the Department of Film and Media Arts and a professor of film in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. An Emmy-nominated producer, director and editor, Tarleton has created programs for Sony Pictures, The Muppets, Apple TV+, Syfy, Walt Disney Pictures, 3Net, Fox, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, Tokyopop, Mattel, Universal, Warner Brothers, Baby Einstein, Showtime, Learn360, Random Media and more.

Castillo and Messersmith will each conduct research projects to advance the priorities outlined in the��.

Jorge A. Castillo

Castillo, director of the LGBTQ Resource Center, plans to develop and implement a trans employee toolkit. “Syracuse University is committed to being a safe and welcoming campus for all community members, as reflected in its nondiscrimination and equal opportunity policy statement. This includes people of all gender identities and expressions,” says Castillo. “However, to implement this policy, University employees must be provided with the resources necessary to attract, retain and promote the best talent. This includes ensuring that trans and nonbinary individuals are treated with respect and dignity to foster a sense of belonging.”

The trans employee toolkit proposed by Castillo has two target audiences: potential employees or current employees who are trans and/or transitioning (socially and/or medically), and supervisors, managers, co-workers or hiring managers who can ensure that all employees have a sense of belonging at Syracuse University. During The D.E.I.A. Symposium, which was presented by the ODI on Oct. 3, Castillo hosted a roundtable along with campus partners to discuss what trans inclusivity looks like in the current political climate that has seen close to 570 anti-trans bills introduced this year alone.

“The toolkit will provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ where folks can find information on updating University systems to reflect their name, pronouns and legal sex designation; suggestions on how to share their identities (should they choose to) with their supervisor and team members; how to navigate trans health if using University insurance; and off-campus resources to access medical services, social and community networks,” says Castillo.

Amy Messersmith

Amy Messersmith, associate director of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program and TRIO Student Support Services—part of the School of Education’s —plans to facilitate storytelling through podcasting. “My goal is to tell stories from the campus community that pertain to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in some way,” says Messersmith. “My hope is to humanize one another through personal storytelling as a way to tap into our shared humanity.”

Messersmith’s proposed pop-up podcast studio will allow her to capture stories anywhere on campus, not just in a specific studio, aimed at fostering inclusion and belonging focusing on students and their lived experiences; administrative offices to humanize and help build connections across campus between staff; and other topics that might emerge out of discussions and meetings that Messersmith has as an ODI fellow.

“The intended outcome for these podcast projects is that it brings us closer together as a campus community and therefore strengthens our sense of belonging and inclusion on campus,” says Messersmith. “In a safe environment, campus community members will share stories in a way that allows the listener to find themselves in each other’s stories. We want to humanize each other across the silos of the University, and we want to tap into our shared humanity as individuals with different backgrounds and identities.”

Messersmith’s vision came to life when she recorded her first episode of the podcast on Sept. 29, at the . “It’s rewarding to see an idea come to fruition. I was able to sit down with some amazing students��to share their stories with openness, honesty and courage,” she says. Messersmith’s plan is to release the podcasts on a monthly basis in the future.

“The projects that both Jorge and Amy will complete as our inaugural administrative fellows align directly with the needs I have heard from campus,” says Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Mary Grace Almandrez.��“Staff, students and faculty seek inclusion on campus.��Jorge’s toolkit is a tangible inclusion resource, and Amy’s stories will highlight the ways our students and staff find community on campus.”

Who or what are you dressing up as for Halloween: Ken or Barbie, a Disney princess, your favorite superhero, a television or cartoon character? What about your kids or pets?

We invite members of the University community to submit their costume photos for a chance to be included in our Halloween Fun Snapshots on the �����鶹��Ʒ website and in upcoming editions of SU Today.

Send your photos to��newsphoto@syr.edu, with Halloween Fun Snapshots in the subject line and include your name, affiliation with the University and what the costumes are in the photo. Then look for them in SU Today and on news.syr.edu.

We look forward to seeing what fun you had this Halloween!

Beautiful view of the colors changing in the Adirondacks (Photo courtesy of @xisan on Instagram/ | I Love NY website)

Fall in Central New York (CNY) has so much to offer. Whether you are looking to find the best time to or want to partake in a festival or a fun fall activity, we have put together a comprehensive guide for all of your fall fun!

Festivals and Events

Address: Rowland Rd, Lafayette, New York 13084
When: Oct. 7-8, Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission Fee: $6 per person
Details: The LaFayette area has long been recognized as one of the primary apple producing regions of Upstate New York. The festival includes crafts, food, special events, midway rides, local exhibitions and much more.
(Photo courtesy of their )

Address: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse, New York 13204
When: Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29
Admission Fee: $7-9 depending on when and where you purchase your ticket. Note: Admission to the zoo is not included in the ticket price. You will be required to purchase a ticket to the zoo unless you are a member upon arrival.
Details: This is a “kooky-not-spooky” daytime Halloween celebration. The zoo transforms into a hauntingly fun destination for the whole family with trick-or-treat stations, creepy crawly animal encounters, keeper chats, games, activities, photo opportunities and a costume parade.

Address: 3232 Rippleton Rd., State Route 13 South, Cazenovia, New York 13035
When: Through Oct. 22
Admission Fee: $6 to $10 per person depending on what day you visit
Details: Experience the quintessential fall season on Critz Farms—the perfect place to bring the family and soak in everything fall has to offer. They have pumpkin picking, a tasting room, food available in the café, wagon rides, farm animals, a gift shop and of course their famous corn maze! There is truly something for everyone.
(Photo courtesy of their )

Dare to Be Scared

Address: 6092 NYS Route 31, Cicero, New York 13039
Hours: Open Friday and Saturday nights from Oct. 6-28, 7-10 p.m.
Admission Fee: Tickets range from $15-30/per person depending on what you participate in
Details: The CMC Haunted House is a longstanding tradition in Cicero and was named by Scarycuse.com as the Bronze Medal Winner in 2019 and Best Boo for your Buck in 2018. Come get your greatest scare of the season that will focus on the many phobias in this year’s production.

Address: 1 Lepage Place, Syracuse, New York 13206
Hours: Open every weekend in October, Friday and Saturday nights, 7 p.m.-midnight, and Sunday, 7-11 p.m.
Admission Fee: $30/person
Details: A haunted experience like no other. Between the state-of-the-art set design and talented actors, you’re sure to see why USA Today included Fright Nights in their list of The Best 20 Haunted Attractions in the Northeast!
(Photo courtesy of their )

Address: 4812 South Cook Rd., Lafayette, New York 13084
Hours: Open 6 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday nights from Oct. 13-28
Admission Fee: $25 for adults and $17 for children age 13 and under
Details: Dare to enter the Wonderland Forest and traverse over half a mile of serpentine trails that will leave you trembling with terror.

Family Fun Places to Visit

Address: 2901 Rose Hill Rd., Marietta, New York, 13110
Hours: Open daily through Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission Fee: $4-$6 depending on the day you visit
Details: A simple, fun and authentic family-run farm experience offering wagon rides, a u-pick pumpkin field, a corn maze, a hay fort, a crazy maze, an animal barn, skeeball, corn hole, sand pile, bakery and retail shop.
(Photo courtesy of their )

Address: 3735 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, New York 13215
Hours: Open daily until the end of October, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission Fee: Free
Details: A fun family-owned pumpkin patch that has much more to offer including a corn maze, hayride, farm animals and tasty treats to try.

Address: Long Branch Park, Liverpool, NewYork 13209
Hours: Open Thursdays through Sundays in October, 5-9 p.m.
Admission Fee: $25/vehicle
Details: It’s a not-so-scary stroll along a half-mile freshly paved path at Long Branch Park in Liverpool, as you see festive Halloween-themed displays in the wooded trail. Each section includes large wooden structures, LED light displays and more to help them come to life. Every night food trucks will be on hand in the park to grab a treat or dinner!
(Photo courtesy of their )

U-Pick Apple Orchards

• (Baldwinsville)
• (Jamesville)
• (Lafayette)
• (Mexico)
• (Syracuse)
• (Lafayette)
• (Weedsport)

A student takes a break while visiting Abbott Farms in Baldwinsville, New York, just outside Syracuse, to enjoy a fall favorite in Central New York, apple picking. (Photo by Randy Pellis)