Take Back the Night 2018 is scheduled for Wednesday, March 28, at 7 p.m. at Hendricks Chapel. The Take Back the Night planning committee and Office of Health Promotion invite campus community members to attend and show their support for ending sexual and relationship violence. The event begins with a rally and march, with a speak out to follow.

Tekhara Watson, staff therapist and Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team member in the Counseling Center, will be the keynote speaker at the event. Watson earned a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at Syracuse University. Bringing a deep commitment to social justice to her work, Watson’s experience has included serving underserved and underrepresented populations, identity development, relationship and sexual violence, and trauma. She has also worked in community mental health, focused primarily on trauma associated with sexual violence and domestic violence.

The student speakers at Take Back the Night are Gabrielle Krawczuk, a senior in the , and Nathalie Pollack, a senior in the and. Both Krawczuk and Pollack are members of the student It’s On Us team and have served on the Take Back the Night planning committee for three years.

“During Take Back the Night, we show our collective commitment to creating a violence-free society and supporting victims and survivors of interpersonal violence. We invite the campus community to take back the night with us and show that we will not tolerate or condone any form of violence,” says Michelle Goode, Take Back the Night co-chair and sexual and relationship violence prevention health promotion specialist.

For more information, questions or volunteering opportunities, visit the  or email healthpromotion@syr.edu.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic , with a global footprint, and , Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

There are two contact cards available, one with safety and emergency numbers and the other with support services, including the Counseling Center, Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team, Title IX and Student Assistance. Phone numbers, email addresses, websites and detailed descriptions about these services are all present in the contact card. Students can text “SUSafe” to 444-999 to get both contact cards added to their phones.

To download these contact cards, students should:
1. Text “SUSafe” to 444-999. You’ll receive a text with a download link shorty after.
2. Click the download link in your texting application. You will now be brought to a KeynectUp webpage with a link to the contact card.
3. Click “download card” or “open in contacts” on the KeynectUp webpage. The contact card will now be brought to your contact book.
4. Click “save” or “open in contacts” on the webpage. That’s it, you’re done!

If students have any problems with downloading the card, they can reach out to KeynectUp directly via text or phone call at 603.531.3211 or by email at support@keynectup.com.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic , with a global footprint, and , Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

The Rainbow Banquet, scheduled for Thursday, April 19, at 5:30 p.m. at Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center, celebrates LGBTQIA+ communities at Syracuse University, SUNY-ESF and the city of Syracuse. The event features a banquet dinner, a graduating keynote speaker, graduating LGBTQIA+ student recognition and the presentation of the Rainbow Recognition Awards. There are five award categories, one for each of the LGBT Resource Center’s values and one to recognize an emerging leader:

• Accountability Award
• Awareness Award
• Community-Building Award
• Emerging Leader Award
• Social Justice Award

Submit award nominations and obtain award criteria information on the .

For questions, contact the LGBT Resource Center at 315.443.3983 or lgbt@syr.edu.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic , with a global footprint, and , Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

Anish Shroff

Born in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Shroff earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the in 2004. He joined ESPN in January 2008 as an anchor and studio host for ESPNEWS, ESPN’s 24-hour sports news network. He currently works as ESPN’s studio host, anchor and play-by-play commentator for college sports, including lacrosse, football, basketball and baseball.

“A trailblazer and a role model in his own right, Anish is someone who has a story that we thought would resonate with the AAPI community, especially AAPI students,” says Huey Hsiao, associate director in the Office of Multicultural Affairs and chair of the planning committee. “We are thrilled to partner with the Office of Program Development to bring Anish to campus and share his experiences with the campus community.”

AAPI Heritage Month is a national celebration each May that honors the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The University observes and celebrates AAPI Heritage Month in April so that all students, faculty and staff can participate before the conclusion of the semester. The full calendar of events for AAPI Heritage Month will be available soon on the .

For more information on AAPI Heritage Month or the lecture, contact Hsiao at huhsiao@syr.edu.

Though the origins of this international event are unknown, its message of combatting sexual, relationship and interpersonal violence is clear. Take Back the Night not only allows the campus community to come together and support the victims and survivors of sexual and relationship violence, but also demonstrate the community’s commitment to combating interpersonal violence.

“I am excited to be a part of the TBTN planning because I think it is one of the most empowering events on campus for those who have been impacted by interpersonal violence. Not only does the event bring community members together to start a conversation about ending interpersonal violence on the Syracuse campus, but it is a reminder that there is support and understanding within the community,” says Rachel Saunders, co-chair of the TBTN Planning Committee and a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Michelle Goode, sexual and relationship violence prevention coordinator and co-chair of the Take Back the Night Planning Committee, shares Saunders’ viewpoint, “I think this event is really helpful for survivors and people impacted by interpersonal violence to see that there are folks in our community that believe and support them and are actively working to make our campus a safer place.”

Faculty, staff and students can contribute meaningfully to the cause and show support by the following:

1. Attending the event on Wednesday, March 28, at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel.
2. Encouraging your organization, group or department to fill out the and officially endorse Take Back the Night by signing the poster and emailing a picture of the completed poster (with or without your group members in the picture) by Friday, March 9, at 4 p.m.
3. Purchasing a Take Back the Night 2018 T-shirt. The T-shirts can be pre-ordered at the Schine Box Office until March 9 for $10 (quantities of 30 or more can be purchased for $8 per shirt). All proceeds benefit resources for victims and survivors and education and prevention programs.
4. Participating in the #IWillTBTN campaign by sharing how you will support Take Back the Night on star cutouts.
5. Distributing pledge cards to your group, organization or department members and encourage them to attend the TBTN.

For more information, questions or volunteering opportunities, visit the or email healthpromotion@syr.edu.

Scheduled as one of the Orange After Dark events for the semester, the “Black Panther” movie premiere at the Regal Cinemas at Destiny was expanded to include a red carpet event for students.

As Marvel’s film “Black Panther” racks up record-breaking numbers in movie theaters across the nation, Syracuse University celebrated the movie premiere Feb. 15 with a record-breaking night of its own.

Scheduled as an Orange After Dark (OAD) event, the “Black Panther” movie premiere was the most highly anticipated event of the series. Once announced, the Office of Student Activities heard from students and student organizations across campus seeking to make the night a special one, celebrating culture, artistry and the popularity of the movie.

Through the student-led effort and co-sponsorship by Student Association, the red carpet movie premiere expanded its capacity to 1,275 students, the most ever for an OAD event, and sold out in a little over a day. The ticket proceeds from the premiere were combined with the proceeds from Cuse for Good to benefit Syracuse City schools.

Working with Student Association, Light on Ebony, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Mixtape Magazine, The Renegade Magazine and Femme Noir Magazine, the movie premiere at the Regal Cinemas at Destiny was expanded to include a red carpet event where students experienced a glamorous night. This Hollywood-like experience included students moving down the red carpet while student-led publications and students acted as paparazzi, interviewed and took pictures of the attendees.

Uche Chukwuma ’18, president of Light on Ebony, was one of the lead student organizers for the red carpet movie premiere. Reflecting on the evening’s success, Chukwuma says, “I’m so excited and I’m so happy that we were able to do this. This is a big film and to be able to rent out the entire wing of the theater is great.”

“The movie premiere was a monumental occasion for our students and campus community, and the excitement surrounding it was like no other,” says Dave Sargalski, director of the Office of Student Activities. “The OAD staff and student board members and our student organization leaders worked incredibly hard to plan and host an incredible night.”

Winter Carnival 2016 Chili Cook Off

The winter fun is here with this year’s . Syracuse University’s is continuing the longstanding tradition of fun and warmth from Feb. 20 until Feb. 24.

Once a holiday before the onset of exams, the Winter Carnival was a means to escape the cold and bring excitement to the winter months. Today, the event offers such outdoor and indoor activities as the annual chili cook-off, “Plant Nite,” late-night skating and other events in collaboration with

The following is a schedule for this year’s Winter Carnival:

Tuesday, Feb. 20

Trivia Night sponsored by Traditions Commission, 8 p.m., Schine 304s. Free. Get your team of two-to-four people together to win great prizes and eat snacks!

Wednesday, Feb. 21

Winter Carnival Days, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Schine Atrium. Giveaways, free stuff, food and fun.

Thursday, Feb. 22

Chili Cook-off, 11 a.m. until it’s gone. Free chili tastings at the HBC patio.

Cozy Cappella, presented by the , 8:30 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium, Schine. Free tickets available at Schine Box Office. Free hot chocolate and cookies.

Friday, Feb. 23

Traditions Commission presents “Plant Nite,” 8 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium, Schine. $2 tickets available at Schine Box Office.

Traditions Commission and  present: Glow in the Dark Late Night Skate Night, 9 p.m. – midnight, Tennity Ice Pavilion on South Campus. Free skate rental and entry, hot chocolate, giveaways.

Saturday, Feb. 24

Traditions Commission and Orange After Dark present: Laser Tag, 8 p.m. – midnight, Goldstein Auditorium, Schine. Free. Play a few rounds of laser tag and grab free food in the 304s (while it lasts) while you wait.

The Traditions Commission is a student-led organization supported by the Office of Student Activities. Their mission is to continue the traditions of Syracuse University and instill new ones for all students to enjoy.

For more information, email the or tweet @SUtraditions.

Perry DiVirgillio and Kavi Ade

This year’s commemorative event, Mending Masculinity, is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 21, in HBC Gifford Auditorium at 7 p.m. The event features poetic expressions by Philadelphia-based poets Kavindu “Kavi” Ade and Perry “Vision” DiVirgillio. The event is free and open to the public.

Ade is a writer, activist and arts educator. Their work grapples with the reality of being a Black-Trans-Queer body set at the threshold of violence. DiVirgillio is a poet, activist and youth poetry educator whose poetry has been featured on CNN’s “Black in America 5,” the highest rated documentary in CNN history. They have co-coached the Philly Youth Poetry Slam Team and toured more than 80 colleges and universities together.

Through their work, DiVirgillio and Ade create art to task men and masculine-of-center folks of all journeys to unpack, heal and create a path to whole masculinities. The spoken word duo’s poems focus on gender, sexuality, multicultural identity, race, violence, street harassment, sexual assault, education, homophobia/transphobia and more. They also use critical dialogue and generative writing workshops to cultivate a conversation that encompasses all forms of masculinity, the performance of gender, and the inherent toxicity of gendered binaries in a patriarchal world.

“Spoken word poetry is the voice of the voiceless and has taken on many forms of artistic expression over the years. Kavi and Vision are covering topics that are challenging, engaging, and inspiring within our community,” says Cedric T. Bolton, coordinator of student engagement in the Office of Multicultural Affairs and chair of the Black History Month Committee.

The event is co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Black Graduate Student Association and the Black History Month Committee.

For more information, including a complete list of events and programs, visit the  or contact Bolton at 315.443.9676.

Otto serves up a bowl of chili during a previous Chili Cook-Off.

Winter is here and the Winter Carnival Chili Cook-off is back! The annual event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22, starting 11 a.m. on the Huntington Beard Crouse Patio. The Traditions Commission invites students, staff and faculty to by Friday, Feb. 9, at noon. Recipes will be prepared by SU Food Services for tastings during the event.

“I love the chili cook-off because it’s such a fun break from the cold Syracuse winters, and it’s an awesome way to have your favorite homemade chili in the middle of the school year,” says Kristen Unangst ’18, member of the Traditions Commission.

Tastings at the cook-off are free and available from 11 a.m. as long as the chili lasts.

The tradition of Winter Carnival dates back to 1933. The begins Tuesday, Feb. 20, and offers indoor and outdoor activities such as sled races, trivia, laser tag, skate night and more.

For more information or questions, contact the Traditions Commission at sutraditions@gmail.com or call the Office of Student Activities at 315.443.2718.

About Syracuse University

Founded in 1870, Syracuse University is a private international research university dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering student success through teaching excellence, rigorous scholarship and interdisciplinary research. Comprising 11 academic schools and colleges, the University has a long legacy of excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional disciplines that prepares students for the complex challenges and emerging opportunities of a rapidly changing world. Students enjoy the resources of a 270-acre main campus and extended campus venues in major national metropolitan hubs and across three continents. Syracuse’s student body is among the most diverse for an institution of its kind across multiple dimensions, and students typically represent all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Syracuse also has a long legacy of supporting veterans and is home to the nationally recognized Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the first university-based institute in the U.S. focused on addressing the unique needs of veterans and their families.

Danielle Ponder

The Office of Multicultural Affairs will host the annual Black Lounge celebration on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. in Goldstein Auditorium in Schine Student Center. Each year, this signature event held during Black History Month brings the campus community together to celebrate aspects of black music, art and culture, and encourage social conversation, movement, dance and engagement.

This year’s event will feature headliner Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People, a soulful vocal band from Rochester. The band was named one of the “Top Ten Bands to Watch” by CityPaper, awarded the 2015 and 2016 Roc Awards Best Band and completed two successful European tours. The Black Lounge will also feature a performance by Anomalous People and music by DJ Maestro. Dinner will be included.

Tickets for the event are free and available at the Schine Box Office.

For more information, contact Cedric T. Bolton at ctbolton@syr.edu.