“There are individuals across campus, in many different kinds of roles, who consistently go above and beyond in service to our university,” says Jamie Winders, vice provost for faculty affairs. “The Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence provides the perfect opportunity to recognize those individuals.”

Faculty, staff and students may be nominated in one of four categories:

• Award for Faculty Excellence and Scholarly Distinction (faculty)
• Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and University Initiatives (faculty or staff)
• Award for Excellence in Student Research (students)
• Lifetime Achievement Award (faculty)

More information about the award and the nomination process is . Questions may be directed to Amanda Latreille at 315.443.5413 or arlatrei@syr.edu.

Maloney, a researcher who investigates fundamental questions in theoretical physics and quantum information theory, comes to Syracuse from in Montreal.

Alexander Maloney

“I am delighted by the opportunity to work with the outstanding students and faculty at Syracuse University to help push the forefront of research in quantum science,” Maloney says.

The Walters Endowed Professorship was established by a $2.5 million gift from Syracuse University Board of Trustees Chair Emeritus Kathy Walters ’73 and her husband, Stan ’72. Their gift was made as part of the , which supports the recruitment and retention of high-caliber faculty.

“The commitment of the Walters family has allowed us to recruit a world-class leader for Syracuse University’s quantum science program,” says , vice president for research. “Professor Maloney will bring together outstanding faculty from the and the and provide new opportunities for our students to engage in cutting-edge research.”

Maloney’s research focuses on connections between quantum information theory, field theory, statistical mechanics and quantum gravity.

“Over the last century, advances in our understanding of the quantum world have underlain some of the most important scientific and technical advances that have changed both our society and our understanding of the universe,” Maloney says. “This includes deep questions ranging from elementary particle physics and black holes to materials science and engineering. Many of the most exciting current directions lie at the intersection of quantum science and information theory, where a new field of science is being created that may have profound implications, both for our understanding of fundamental physics and for the construction of quantum computers and precision devices.”

A&S Dean Behzad Mortazavi notes that health care is another area of promise in quantum information science. “For example, we can imagine the potential for much earlier detection of diseases like cancer through quantum sensing, and the creation of highly personalized, more effective treatments for those diseases based on analysis of massive amounts of DNA data,” he says. “With Professor Maloney bringing his internationally recognized expertise to join the other top researchers in A&S physics, we are excited to be on the leading edge of this frontier.”

Maloney’s previous positions include James McGill Professor of Physics and Sir William Macdonald Chair in Physics at McGill University, where he was honored with the John David Jackson Award for excellence in teaching. He was a member of the in Princeton, New Jersey, and a research associate at the . He was selected as a Simons Fellow in Theoretical Physics in 2013. He earned a Ph.D. in physics from Harvard University and an M.Sc. in mathematics and B.Sc. in physics from Stanford University.

At Syracuse, Maloney will work with four new researchers—now being recruited by the University with support from and —who will grow teaching and research in quantum science, providing opportunities for students to advance understanding of nature and design the next generation of quantum technologies.

Emily Dittman

Following 17 years of service to the , Emily Dittman has been named director, effective Oct. 16. The announcement was made today by Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives Elisa Dekaney.

“Emily’s steady, visionary leadership has already guided the Syracuse University Art Museum along a successful path and secured its place at the center of campus life,” Dekaney says. “I am excited to continue working with her to further expand and strengthen the museum as a resource for students, faculty, staff and the local community.”

Dittman has served as the museum’s interim director for two years, leading operations, financial and strategic planning, alumni relations, fundraising and communications and marketing, and managing a staff of six full-time and 14 part-time employees. Additionally, she directs the collections care team, overseeing cataloguing, storage, environmentals and the design and function of the collection database.

“I am thrilled to embark on the next chapter of my leadership journey with the arts at Syracuse University,” Dittman says. “The museum’s prestigious permanent collection, engaging exhibitions and dynamic programs inspire me daily with their potential to serve as transformative experiences for our community. I am excited for the opportunity to collaborate more closely with our students, faculty, artists and community members during this exciting period of growth for the museum as an arts destination that is welcoming and open to all.”

Dittman joined the Art Museum in 2007 as a collection and exhibition manager, a role she held for 11 years. In that capacity, she had oversight of the SUArt Traveling Exhibition program, the Campus Loan program, special exhibitions and photography exhibitions at Syracuse University Art Galleries. She also handled communications tasks, including gallery publications and media relations. She later served as associate director for four years.

Dittman has curated a number of exhibitions, including “Impact!: The Photo League and its Legacy,” “Wanderlust: Travel Photography,” “Everyday Art: Street Photography in the Syracuse University Art Collection” and “Pure Photography: Pictorial and Modern Photographs.” She serves on the board of and teaches museum studies courses in the .

Dittman earned an M.A. in museum studies and an M.S. in library and information science from Syracuse University and a B.A. in history from Allegheny College.

Chancellor Syverud speaks at the opening of the University’s new center in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 24. (Photo by Shannon Finney)

The opening of a new Syracuse University center in Washington, D.C., was celebrated by members of the University community at a special event Sept. 24.

“This city is a place our students want to be. It’s a place they want to live. And it’s a place they want to build their futures and careers after they graduate,” said Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Our students studying away here benefit from Syracuse’s academic strength and deep connections in policy, government, media and law.”

The center, located at 1333 New Hampshire Ave. in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, will serve students, faculty, staff and alumni. Building on an already thriving presence in the nation’s capital, the center will enhance the University’s global influence and impact.

Mike Tirico ’88, host and play-by-play commentator with NBC Sports, hosted the event. Speakers included Chancellor Syverud, Interim Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Lois Agnew, and Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation J. Michael Haynie.

The centerpiece of the event was a panel discussion examining the changing landscape of collegiate sports and public policy. Margaret Talev, Kramer Director of the Syracuse University Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship, moderated the discussion. Panelists were James Phillips, commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Felisha Legette-Jack ’89, Syracuse University women’s basketball coach, and Tirico.

From left: Mike Tirico, Felisha Legette-Jack, James Phillips and Margaret Talev participate in a panel discussion on the changing landscape of collegiate sports and public policy on Sept. 24. (Photo by Shannon Finney)

Expanded Opportunities

The Washington, D.C., center houses the and serves as a home base for study away programs offered by the , and , through which hundreds of students live, learn and work in the city every year. Washington is home to more than 15,000 alumni, many of whom connect with students as teachers, mentors and internship supervisors.

The center will support the continued growth of study away programming across the University’s schools and colleges, as envisioned in the academic strategic plan, “.”

“We now begin a new chapter in that already successful story,” Provost Agnew said. “This space is more than just a building. It is Syracuse University’s academic home in one of the most important cities in the world. It will serve as a hub for students, faculty and staff, positioning them as change makers and thought leaders on some of the most important issues of our time.”

Students joined alumnus broadcaster Mike Tirico (sixth from left, front) and Newhouse School Director of Washington Programs Beverly Kirk (fourth from right) to celebrate the opening of 1333 New Hampshire Ave., the University’s new dedicated space in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Shannon Finney)

The center will also enhance the work of the (IVMF), which has a satellite office in the building. Haynie noted that IVMF has contributed more than 1,750 research publications, engagements and products for public benefit, with much of that work focused on the federal level.

“I am confident that with a permanent presence in Washington, the institute’s impact will grow considerably and accrue to the benefit of those who have worn the nation’s cloth and their families,” he said.

The center includes classrooms, student lounges, conference and interview rooms and a multipurpose space, as well as satellite offices for the and the Division of Advancement and External Affairs. It features the Greenberg Welcome Center, named for alumnus and Life Trustee Paul Greenberg ’65, whose philanthropy supported the 1990 opening of Greenberg House, the University’s first outpost in Washington.

The program, NRT-URoL: Emergent Intelligence Research for Graduate Excellence in Biological and Bio-Inspired Systems (EmIRGE-Bio), will support the integration of research and education on emergent intelligence in both biological and bio-inspired systems and allow doctoral students to work and experience team-building across disciplinary and departmental boundaries.

Lisa Manning speaks at a previous BioInspired Symposium. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

“Many of society’s most pressing challenges—including food security, sustainability and supporting aging populations—will require breakthroughs in biotechnology and bio-inspired science,” says , William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), who is principal investigator (PI). “This program will train a new generation of scientists and engineers who can evaluate and harness complex systems, such as biological tissues or next-generation materials, to drive intelligent responses such as sensing, actuating and learning, leading to breakthrough technologies.”

Co-PIs are , associate professor of biology and chemistry in A&S; , associate director of BioInspired and Renée Crown Professor in the Sciences and Mathematics and associate professor of biology in A&S; , Samuel and Carol Nappi Research Scholar and associate professor of biomedical and chemical engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS); and , associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in ECS.

BioInspired director , professor of biomedical and chemical engineering in ECS, says, “the Research Traineeship Program is currently one of—if not the most—competitive funding programs at the National Science Foundation. Receipt of the award speaks to the existing strength of graduate education in BioInspired fields at Syracuse University and to the exciting new opportunities and programming that Lisa and the team designed and proposed and now stand poised to deliver.”

The EmIRGE-Bio program will feature advanced core disciplinary courses in areas foundational to biotechnology and bio-inspired design; the development of two new courses utilizing team-based learning paradigms; and a longitudinal professional development program. It will also include a STEM entrepreneurship course offered by the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, an internship program and a co-curricular workshop series on project management and technology transfer.

Some 115 Ph.D. students from fields that span the life and physical sciences and engineering are expected to take part in the training, which the research team says will address a STEM workforce gap identified by local and national partners in industry and academe.

“Emergence in biology and bio-inspired design is one of the University’s signature areas of strength, and we have seen that borne out by the success of BioInspired since its founding in 2019,” says Interim Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer . “This initiative draws on that strength and supports our long-term strategic goal to transform STEM at Syracuse and enhance graduates’ potential for success in a swiftly evolving marketplace.”

Adds , vice president for research: “The NRT award will advance BioInspired in ways that are core to Syracuse University’s identity: recruiting and retaining a diverse student population, advancing cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and education and providing our students with the entrepreneurial skills needed in the 21st century workforce.”

Terence Lau

After graduating from the in 1998, Terence Lau embarked on a legal career that took him from Detroit to France to Thailand to the U.S. Supreme Court. He worked in the Office of the General Counsel at Ford Motor Company. He served as director of ASEAN Governmental Affairs for Ford Asia Pacific Operations. He was a Judicial Fellow, working for the counselor to the chief justice of the United States.

But it was a guest speaker role at the University of Dayton (UD) that changed the course of his career. When he was invited to consider taking a faculty position there, he decided—“after a lot of thinking and introspection,” he says—to make the move to academe.

Lau, who was recently named dean of the College of Law, has held multiple academic and leadership positions in higher education since then. At UD he started as a faculty member in the School of Business Administration and went on to serve as chair of management and marketing and associate dean for undergraduate programs. He also ran faculty affairs for the University of Dayton China Institute. Lau later went to California State University, Chico, where he served as dean of the College of Business, interim dean of the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management, and interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. He begins his tenure at Syracuse today.

SU News sat down with Lau to learn more about him and his plans as dean.

What does it mean to you to return to your alma mater?

It’s an unbelievable opportunity. The education I received at the College of Law is central to who I am personally and professionally, and is at the center of many good things that have happened in my life. I’ve supported the college in any way I could over the years, from contributing to the campaign for the building of Dineen Hall to serving on the Board of Advisors. To now have the privilege of serving as dean is something I never would have dreamed possible. I can’t wait to get started.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities for the College of Law?

As I see it, the college has four primary strengths. The first is a longstanding reputation for academic excellence and outstanding graduates, including the current president of the United States. The second is an ability to produce innovative programs, including the first-in-nation . The third is a strong and supportive alumni network. The fourth is a diverse group of faculty experts, leaders in their field who contribute to the college’s research output and academic reputation.

Looking at these strengths, I think there are opportunities to leverage the Syracuse brand to grow JDi even more, and to continue to lead the nation in delivering high quality legal education on demand and, in the process, to continue to disrupt the legal education industry.

There are also opportunities to grow our dual-degree, blended and certificate programs, as more skilled workers seek smaller credentials and specialized legal knowledge beyond the broad-based J.D. program. I’d also love to see us tell our story in a more compelling way and to be recognized in external rankings as a top-tier law school.

Finally, as the nation’s economy continues to evolve in a post-COVID world, I see the legal industry changing to adapt to those changes, and legal education will also change. The traditional model of success as being defined by being part of “Big Law” in New York City will probably give way to a broader definition of success as a lawyer.

What are you most excited about?

I’m excited to take my wife and daughter to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que for the first time! And to explore all the beautiful places around Central New York.

At the College of Law, I’m excited to get to know our outstanding faculty and staff and listen to what they have to say about who we are, what we do, what makes us different and where we should be going. And I’m really looking forward to meeting some of our outstanding alumni who are making a big impact with their Syracuse legal education.

What are your priorities for the first year? What do you hope to have achieved in five years?

In my first year I hope to have met with every single faculty and staff member in the college in a meaningful way, to learn how I can best support them and give them the tools and resources they need to build a high performing organization. I hope to spend a significant amount of time with students in all our programs, listening to their dreams and aspirations as well as their frustrations and ideas for ways to improve their Syracuse experience. And I look forward to working with Interim Provost Lois Agnew and Chancellor Kent Syverud to continue to find ways for the college to contribute to the University’s goal of leading with distinction.

In five years, I hope we will see a law school that has moved up considerably in external rankings, with outstanding bar passage and employment outcomes, and that is recognized as a national leader in access and diversity, and in innovating new ways to meet the needs of the legal industry.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

First: Approach being a law student like it’s a job in terms of time management. It’s critical to set aside time and be really strict about academic work. When I was a law student, having nights and weekends as “me” time was really important, so I made myself a promise that if I was a law student between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., I didn’t have to be a law student after 5 p.m. or on weekends. It didn’t always work out that way, but having that understanding with myself helped me stay afloat of all the work.

Second: Make sure that self-care is high on the list. Students who are able to step away from their studies are the ones who can come back to it refreshed and energized, versus being burned out all the time.

Finally: The road to becoming a lawyer starts on the first day of law school, and the type of attorney you will become is defined early. Give some thought to what that means for you; it matters and will make a difference.

What do you do for fun?

My family and I love to travel, see new things and make new memories. And I’m an avid runner: I find it’s my most productive thinking time and a real stress reliever.

Lightning round:

Kindle/e-reader or old-school books?

Definitely old-school books.

Movies or series?

Series. These days there are so many good ones!

Take out or dine out?

Take out.

Museums or theater?

Theater.

Ocean or lake? Domestic or abroad? Beach or adventure?

Ocean. Abroad. Beach!

College sports: Yes or no? Football or basketball? Other?

Yes, and basketball!

Sleep: Night owl or early riser?

Early riser, definitely.

Favorite season?

Summer.

Something about you no one would expect?

I have a private pilot’s license and I love all things aviation related. And of course, being from the car industry, I think real cars have manual transmissions!

“Syracuse University is so fortunate to count outstanding teachers, scholars and administrators like Julie and Elisa among its faculty members, and I am truly grateful for their willingness to serve in these important roles,” Agnew says. “Their past leadership experiences and fresh perspectives position them to make a positive impact not only on the Academic Affairs team, but also across the University and in the local community.”

Julie Hasenwinkel

Julie Hasenwinkel

As associate provost for academic programs, Hasenwinkel will support teaching, learning and student success. Her portfolio will include oversight of a wide range of University offices and programs in these areas, including the , the and . She assumes the role from Agnew, who was named interim vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer July 1.

, a Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence, is currently chair of the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering in the (ECS). She is also a faculty affiliate of the . She has served as ECS associate dean for academic and student affairs and senior associate dean.

Her professional and scholarly areas of expertise include faculty development in teaching and learning; engineering education and active learning pedagogies; student success initiatives; orthopedic biomaterials; and biomaterials for nerve regeneration. She holds a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Northwestern University, an M.S. in bioengineering from Clemson University and a B.S.E. in biomedical engineering from Duke University.

“I’m very excited to take on this role and to have the opportunity to work with colleagues across the University and the leadership team in Academic Affairs to enhance our academic programs, student success, experiential inquiry and teaching and learning excellence,” Hasenwinkel says. “I look forward to implementing the goals of the academic strategic plan and exploring innovative ways that we can meet the current and future needs of our students so they can thrive at Syracuse University and beyond.”

Elisa Dekaney

Elisa Dekaney

In the role of associate provost for strategic initiatives, Dekaney will work to strengthen the academic experience through strong connections with campus and community-based programs, particularly in the arts and humanities. In this role, she will oversee University-based cultural organizations like the , and , among others. Dekaney will also have oversight of the University’s study abroad and study away initiatives. She assumes the role from Marcelle Haddix, who was recently named dean of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

, now the associate dean for research and global engagement and a professor of music education in the , is also a Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence.

Her scholarly research focuses on aesthetic response to music, world music and cultures, International Phonetic Alphabet, Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian culture and clinical simulation applied to music education. She holds a Ph.D. in choral music education from Florida State University, a master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas, a bachelor’s degree in sacred music (piano) from the Seminário Teológico Batista do Sul do Brasil and a bachelor’s degree in communications from the Universidade Federal Fluminense.

“I am honored to join Interim Provost Lois Agnew and the entire Academic Affairs team. This role presents an incredible opportunity to collaborate with Syracuse University faculty, staff and students in driving innovative projects and fostering a culture of excellence in an environment welcoming to all,” Dekaney says. “I am committed to advancing our strategic goals with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. By ensuring that our initiatives reflect these core values, we can create a transformative educational experience that benefits all members of our community.”

J. Cole Smith

Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer today announced that has been reappointed to a five-year term as dean of the . Today’s announcement follows a comprehensive review process that includes feedback from key stakeholders, including ECS faculty, staff and advisory board members.

“In Cole’s nearly five years as dean, the College of Engineering and Computer Science has grown stronger on multiple counts and made great strides towards reaching a new level of excellence,” Provost Ritter says. “This is an exciting time for the college, and I can think of no better leader to shepherd the students, faculty, staff and alumni into this new era.”

Smith assumed leadership of ECS in October 2019. His tenure has been marked by several high points for the college. A massive renovation, which included multiple new lab spaces and the Allyn Innovation Center, served to modernize ECS buildings and facilities. The pending new Campos Student Center, supported by a recent $2 million gift that Smith helped secure, will further enhance the college’s physical space.

Smith oversaw the development of the new Syracuse University Center for Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing, an interdisciplinary center that brings together expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, manufacturing processes, optimization and robotics to advance the science of semiconductor manufacturing. He also helped launch a new master’s degree program in , as well as the .

Under Smith’s leadership, ECS research expenditures grew by 30% during the 2022-2023 academic year over 2019 levels. Enrollment, faculty size and staff size are also on track to grow by 50% in the next four years as part of a plan Smith developed. He also helped guide the college toward .

“Engineering and Computer Science is driving regional, national and international growth in areas such as advanced manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, healthcare engineering, advanced computing technologies and materials science,” Smith says. “I have never been a part of a more exciting moment at the nexus of college, University, city and national growth. What we are doing here matters and will resonate for decades to come, and it is a true privilege to have the opportunity to realize the transformational opportunity that awaits Syracuse University and the College of Engineering and Computer Science.”

Smith came to Syracuse from Clemson University, where he held positions as associate provost for academic initiatives and chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering. His research focuses on integer programming and combinatorial optimization, network flows and facility location, computational optimization methods and large-scale optimization due to uncertainty or robustness considerations. In 2023, he was .

The work of the Human Dynamics Task Force will focus on programs in human development and family science; marriage and family therapy; public health; and social work with the aim of positioning them for future success by leveraging opportunities and expanding impact. Those programs have long been housed in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics which, as announced in April, will become the David B. Falk College of Sport and focus exclusively on sport-related disciplines.

“The human dynamics programs have played an important role in the history of our University, and have had a significant impact on the communities they serve,” Provost Ritter says. “With the transformation of Falk College comes a unique opportunity to take a thoughtful approach to ensuring the future success of these programs and the continuation of that legacy.”

The first meeting of the task force was held May 28, and work will continue throughout the summer. A final report will be submitted to Provost Ritter by the end of October.

Members of the task force include:

• , associate provost for academic programs (co-chair)
• , associate dean for human dynamics, Falk College (co-chair)
• , professor of practice of human development and family science, Falk College
• , associate provost for strategic initiatives
• , Falk College Advisory Board
• , Dean’s Professor, School of Education
• , assistant dean for online and distance education and associate teaching professor of social work, Falk College
• , deputy mayor, City of Syracuse
• , assistant director of undergraduate admissions, Falk College
• , deputy county executive for human services, Onondaga County
• , member, Falk Faculty Council and associate teaching professor and graduate director of marriage and family therapy, Falk College
• , professor of human development and family science and Marjorie Cantor Professor of Aging Studies, Falk College
• , associate professor of social work, Falk College
• , associate professor and undergraduate director of public health, Falk College
• , professor of practice and chair of marriage and family therapy, Falk College
• , associate dean, College of Professional Studies

The three-year grant supports the creation of a unique oral history archive and course development focused on the history and ethics of public health pandemic response and faculty and doctoral student training that centers humanities knowledge and methods.

From left: Marian Moser Jones, Amy Fairchild and Cheryl Healton

The educational and research resource will create “new, urgently needed, accessible opportunities for the humanities to speak to public health and broaden access to humanities higher learning opportunities,” says , professor at the Maxwell School, who is principal investigator (PI). Co-PIs are , associate professor of health services management and policy at The Ohio State University, and , founding dean and professor of public health policy and management at the School of Global Public Health at New York University (NYU).

The research team has already conducted nearly 100 interviews with state and local health officials, delving into their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A planned third phase of the oral history initiative will result in approximately 150 interviews from 40 states and two territories that will become part of a digital archive, “Stewards in the Storm,” housed at Syracuse University’s .

Widespread public and political backlash against protective health measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic—and against those who were trying to implement those measures—has had a lasting impact on public health, including ongoing staff shortages and attempts to sharply curtail public health authorities needed to preserve life. In their initial rounds of interviews, the research team found that 36 percent of health officials reported receiving death threats, and 24 percent reported serious threats to their families—with women and people of color more likely to receive such threats.

The third round of interviews is important, Healton says, “because it ensures a resource with a broad, nationally inclusive sample that both researchers and instructors can use to conduct reliable, valid research and to develop strong humanities content in courses that reach both public health and humanities students.”

In addition to expanding the interviews, the researchers also plan to establish a hands-on “Backlash Lab” that will introduce students to the history and ethics of public health, oral history interviewing techniques, qualitative coding strategies and techniques, and quantitative analysis. The lab, anchored at Syracuse, Ohio State and NYU, will also create partnerships with colleges that have historically served Black, Hispanic or first-generation students. Students will code interviews and write case studies to be used in undergraduate and graduate courses as well as professional settings.

Additionally, a survey course, Pandemics: History, Ethics, Politics and Policy, will be developed collaboratively and offered at Syracuse, Ohio State, NYU and Cornell University, with the aim of extending it to other collaborating institutions and other schools and programs in public health. The course aims to cut across public health, public policy and the humanities with a focus on history, medical sociology and communications.

In years two and three of the project, the team will run two workshops for scholars teaching public health and humanities at community and four-year colleges and universities across the country, with a focus on institutions that have public health schools or programs. The workshops will introduce teachers to the techniques of oral history, suggest ways to work with the archive and extend the reach of the new course.

The project capitalizes on synergies between public health and the humanities and addresses common gaps in knowledge about public health history. “As important as easy access to primary documents related to pandemic responses are, we can further illuminate broader historical themes that enrich both the humanities and the field of public health by providing insight into peoples’ lived experiences of pandemics and pandemic response,” Moser Jones says.

“This rich body of narrative history does more than create qualitative data through oral history methods,” Fairchild adds. “Rather, it uses the experience of the pandemic as a lens that can clarify and contextualize the continuing climate of pandemic-associated backlash that has ongoing repercussions for pragmatic efforts to confront population health challenges, from reproductive rights to climate change. It is primarily the foundation for humanistic investigation into the ways in which governmental responses to crises are social products and reflect the societies in which people live and die.”

“This well-deserved honor acknowledges the groundbreaking work and professional contributions of Professors Artuso and Qiu and, at the same time, honors them for their tremendous impact on the University and our students,” says Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter.

Marina Artuso

Marina Artuso

Artuso is an internationally recognized expert in experimental particle physics. Since 2005, she has worked on the at the CERN laboratory in Geneva, and since 2021 has served as the principal investigator of the LHCb team at Syracuse. Her scholarship challenges the dominant understanding of how the particles that make up all matter work, and she is a global expert in designing and building detectors to see these particles. The detector, recently completed under her leadership, is part of a new and improved LHCb detector that is expected to greatly increase sensitivity to new physics.

CERN researcher Monica Pepe Altarelli describes Artuso as “one of the world’s most experienced and recognized experts in experimental flavor physics… [with] broad expertise in both instrumentation and data analysis.” Carl Haber, a senior scientist with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, says she “is among the rare individuals who have successfully bridged the worlds of data analysis and instrumentation, and achieved the highest reputation in the process.”

Artuso was recently named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science for extraordinary achievements in her field and her efforts on behalf of the advancement of science. She is one of the most widely cited faculty members at Syracuse University. She holds a laurea in engineering from Politecnico di Milano and a Ph.D. in physics from Northwestern University. She worked as a postdoctoral research associate at Columbia and Cornell Universities before joining the Syracuse faculty in 1991.

Qinru Qiu

Qinru Qiu

Qiu is a world leader in the field of energy-efficient computing, a research area with deep technological and societal impacts that is transforming many fields, including major computation centers, cloud computing, mobile computing, next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Her work has fundamentally changed the principles of runtime power management design and enabled a systematic method to search for optimal power management policies. She has contributed groundbreaking research on brain-inspired neuromorphic computing, offering a new computing paradigm that overcomes hardware constraints in traditional GPU design and enables the handling of AI operations in an energy-efficient manner.

Vijay Narayanan, associate dean for innovation at the Penn State College of Engineering, says, “Her groundbreaking research, innovative contributions and unwavering dedication have solidified her reputation as a leader in the realm of computing systems and energy efficiency… she is known for her mentorship, leadership and collaborative spirit, fostering a vibrant and inclusive research community.”

Hai “Helen” Li, Clare Boothe Luce Professor and chair of electrical and computer engineering at Duke University, says, “Dr. Qiu has garnered widespread recognition for her recent pioneering efforts in neuromorphic computing, which have not only advanced the field but also gave inspiration for many researchers who now follow in her footsteps.”

Qiu holds a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Zhejiang University and a master of science degree in computer engineering and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California. She joined the Syracuse University faculty in 2011.

Syracuse City School District students work on an experiment

The initiative, Syracuse University Physics Emerging Research Technologies Summer High School Internship Program (SUPER-Tech SHIP), is a partnership between the Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Syracuse City School District (SCSD). , professor and chair of physics, is principal investigator. The co-principal investigator is , professor and associate chair of physics.

“This program will allow us to really increase the impact we can have on both the local community of high school students who might be interested in future STEM careers, and also on our Syracuse University undergraduate and graduate students who work alongside them and use the experience to develop as mentors, teachers and scientists,” Soderberg says.

Jennifer Ross

Through SUPER-Tech SHIP, student interns will be exposed to skills and concepts related to quantum information, semiconductors and biotechnology during a six-week program. It’s based on a run by the physics department during the summers of 2022 and 2023. That program, Syracuse University Research in Physics (SURPh), engaged SCSD students and recent graduates in six-week, paid internships, during which they worked alongside faculty researchers in physics labs and classrooms. Ross developed it after then-student Ruell Branch ’24 told her that his former classmates at SCSD’s Henninger High School would love to experience hands-on learning in the University’s physics lab.

“I am very invested in exposing people to the positives of physics and science—especially people who have been historically excluded from the field due to cultural stereotypes,” Ross says. “I want people to have opportunities, and this program is a way to give people opportunities to learn about other career paths.”

SUPER-Tech SHIP, like SURPh, seeks to create STEM career pathways for historically excluded groups by involving them in authentic research experiences and providing mentoring and peer networks. The SCSD student body is 48% Black, 15% Latino and 1% Indigenous; 85% of students are economically disadvantaged. To recruit students to the program, physics faculty members will visit SCSD classrooms to promote participation. Applications will be evaluated based on a student’s persistence and grit, rather than science experience.

Mitchell Soderberg

Following an orientation “boot camp,” interns will work in pairs on long-term research projects in the labs. Ross says interns may work on biotechnology in biophysics labs, looking at the mechanical nature of bacteria; particle detection, using semiconductor technology and novel detection schemes; or astrophysics, working to understand how black holes collide and tear apart stars.

Past participants in the SURPh project will return to serve as peer mentors and participate in research with current interns. The interns will also benefit from seminars on science topics, professional development workshops, lunch-and-learns with speakers from the University and the industry and weekly activities to introduce them to different areas of campus. The six weeks will conclude with a poster session and a celebration event attended by the interns’ friends, family members and teachers.

Ross says encouraging the next generation of creative problem-solvers to work in tech is essential in order for the U.S. to remain competitive in the high-tech industry, and that “creativity requires diversity in thought and that often comes from diversity in thinkers.”

She also notes the program’s synergy with the impending arrival of Micron Technology in Central New York. “Micron will need many workers for the fabrication and production factory, and the exposure the students will get will help them to understand the fundamental science and the cutting-edge technologies that microchips support,” she says. “It is the right thing to do to develop our local economy by training the folks in our community who have outstanding potential to make the world a better place through high-tech solutions to the world’s problems. Syracuse is the right place for this development to take place.”

Weems, an internationally renowned artist, will travel to Florence to deliver a public lecture, “Resistance as an Act of Love,” April 17. While there, she will review the work of students in the studio arts program.

Carrie Mae Weems (Photo by Jerry Klineberg)

The students will also attend the conference in Venice April 20 and 21. Weems and Florence faculty member will participate in the conference, which is co-sponsored by Syracuse University. Weems will be a panelist for the discussion “Black Realities through Digital Media,” and Nelson will serve on the “Radical Curricula” panel.

Students traveling to the conference include studio arts majors Anastasia Cardona, Sidney Hanson (a dual art history major in the College of Arts and Sciences) and Rumini Nguyen; computer art and animation major Mark Casadevall; and illustration majors Madeleine Herberger, Sarah Mednick, Sarah Skalski and Alissar Youssef.

Black Portraitures, now in its 14^th year, is organized in concert with the . This year’s theme “Shifting Paradigms,” brings together thought leaders in the arts from Africa and the African Diaspora. Founder Deborah Willis says the convening “will explore and expand narratives on memoir and memory studies; migration stories through family and politics; and reimagine ideas about art practices and the exhibition experience, all while considering new research practices.”

“We are seeking a skilled, experienced arts professional who will leverage the museum’s existing strengths to expand its impact on campus and beyond,” Haddix says.

Miranda Traudt, assistant provost for arts and community programming, is chair of the committee.

Members are:

• Kate Holohan, curator of education and academic outreach, Syracuse University Art Museum
• Samuel Johnson, assistant professor and director of graduate studies in art history, College of Arts and Sciences
• Juan Juarez, associate professor of studio arts, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• David Seaman, dean of Libraries and University Librarian

The search firm m/Oppenheim will assist the committee in all aspects of recruitment and selection. To , visit the Syracuse University Job Board. To apply or nominate individuals for the position, contact Lee Kappelman at 202.803.6674 or leek@moppenheim.com or Oscar Quiros at 415.762.2643 or oscarq@moppenheim.com.

The Success Scholars recognition event was held Feb. 23 in Schine Auditorium

The Success Scholars program recognizes new students who earned a GPA of 3.75 or higher in their first semester, completed a minimum of 15 credits and are in good standing with the University. This year, 1,141 students earned the accolade, which carries a $500 Invest in Success Scholarship per semester, renewable for up to four years if the student completes 15 credits each semester and maintains a 3.25 cumulative GPA.

“The Invest in Success Scholarship acknowledges the diligent efforts of these students during an outstanding initial semester at the University and aims to encourage their ongoing achievements. Their exceptional performance sets a strong foundation for their academic journey at Syracuse,” says Lois Agnew, associate provost for academic programs.

The Success Scholars program was started in 2019 to foster academic excellence and motivate and retain exceptional students. The recognition event also gives students the opportunity to connect with faculty and staff and learn about campus resources like the Renée Crown University Honors Program, Syracuse Abroad, The SOURCE, ’Cuse Works and the Shaw Center for Public and Community Service.

Kal Srinivas, director for retention and student success, says, “We applaud these students for their remarkable achievements during their inaugural year. As we celebrate the triumphs of our Success Scholars, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing a community of scholars, innovators and leaders who will shape the future with their unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Committee members, who serve two-year, staggered terms, work in an advisory capacity to ensure consistency across the promotion and tenure processes and promote high academic standards. They advise Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter, providing a wide range of perspectives and serving as Universitywide faculty representatives. Members must be tenured full professors and are not eligible to serve consecutive terms.

Newly elected committee members, whose terms span the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years (except where noted), include:

• , professor, College of Law
• , Distinguished Professor, School of Architecture
• , professor of Spanish and chair of languages, literatures and linguistics, College of Arts and Sciences (completing the two-year term of Amanda Eubanks-Winkler following her departure from the University)
• , Distinguished Professor of Information Science, School of Information Studies
• , associate dean for research and professor of inclusive education and disability studies, School of Education
• , Thonis Family Professor of earth and environmental sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
• , professor of political science, Maxwell School

They join the following committee members, who are completing their terms this academic year:

• , Edward Pettinella Professor of Finance, Whitman School
• , associate dean for research and professor of public health, Falk College
• , professor of electrical engineering and computer science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• , professor of communications and director of mass communications and media studies, Newhouse School
• , professor of communication and rhetorical studies, College of Visual and Performing Arts

Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs Jamie Winders convenes the committee. Winders assigns a subset of seven members to assess cases that meet the criteria for review, including those that have substantial disagreement between layers of recommendation or a strong probability of a negative determination. Members engage in timely consultation with the provost and offer an advisory vote but do not issue a formal report or consider appeals.

Provost Ritter is chair of the committee. Vice President for Research Duncan Brown serves in an ex-officio capacity.

Student-athletes will be able to take a new Maymester course in Los Angeles.

A new study away opportunity for student-athletes will be offered this year as a Maymester course in Los Angeles.

The course, Networking and the Art of the Pitch, was developed by , chair of communication and rhetorical studies (CRS) in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA), and , director of VPA’s Los Angeles program, working with , assistant provost for student-athlete academic development in the Department of Athletics.

The course was designed to help break down a common barrier faced by student-athletes who are interested in studying off campus.

“Student-athletes are often constrained by their training and game schedules, which means they do not have many opportunities for study abroad and study away,” Dubrofsky says. “Tommy mentioned that student-athletes would love an opportunity to study away, and that a perfect time for it is Maymester, when they don’t have any games or practices.”

Dubrofsky adds that CRS enrolls many student-athletes, making it the logical program to house the new initiative.

The two-week course will introduce students to the principles of persuasive communication and networking in the sports broadcasting industry. Students will visit studios and other companies and attend games and cultural events. Syracuse alumni who were student-athletes and pursued a variety of career paths will serve as guest lecturers.

The course is open to all CRS student-athletes; those in other majors can take it as an elective. For more information, contact Proulx at 818.314.6722 or asproulx@syr.edu.

The announcement was made today by , associate provost for academic programs.

“Jessamyn Neuhaus is a nationally respected scholar and leader in teaching and learning who will bring an exciting and creative vision to the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence,” Agnew says. “Jessamyn is noted for her skill in building collaborative partnerships, listening and responding carefully, supporting teachers across all ranks and levels of experience and centering diversity, equity and inclusion in all of her work. We are extremely fortunate that Jessamyn has agreed to lead the CTLE, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her.”

Neuhaus is currently director of the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) at SUNY Plattsburgh, where she is also a professor of history.

Jessamyn Neuhaus

“I am elated to be joining the Syracuse University CTLE. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with these outstanding faculty, professionals, staff and students, and so excited to become a member of the Syracuse pedagogical community of practice. I very much look forward to building connections with other centers, programs, departments and individuals on campus, and to supporting educators’ innovative, inclusive, and scholarly teaching,” Neuhaus says.

As CTE director at Plattsburgh, Neuhaus developed multiple professional development opportunities and spearheaded several new initiatives. She wrote and implemented a new mission and vision statement, collaborated on programming with other offices—such as the Office of Accessibility Resources and the Technology Enhanced Learning Unit—and created a “Thank a Professor” program and a CTE Student Think Tank. Neuhaus also created a CTE Advisory Board comprised of faculty and staff, the Department Delegate program to increase inclusive teaching and the “CTE Superstar” recognition program for faculty who engaged in five or more hours of center programming per semester.

Neuhaus teaches a wide range of courses on topics such as history methodology, historiography, social studies pedagogy and the history of popular culture in the United States, including courses on youth culture, religion, race, ethnicity and gender.

She has held teaching positions at Denison University, Case Western Reserve University, Oregon State University, Lewis and Clark College, Portland Community College, California State University East Bay and New College of California. She earned both a Ph.D. and a master of arts degree in history from Claremont Graduate University and a bachelor of arts degree in religious studies from the College of Wooster.

At Syracuse, the was launched in 2021 to help incoming students create meaningful and rewarding connections within the University community. Faculty, staff and graduate students participate in FYS as lead instructors, partnering with undergraduate students who serve as peer leaders.

Hundreds of University employees have served as lead instructors since the beginning of the program—but faculty engagement has not been as high as that of staff. This past fall, for example, of 162 lead instructors, only 39 were faculty. FYS leadership is now putting out a call for more faculty members to participate in the program.

“Due to the small class size and discussion-based pedagogy of First Year Seminar, faculty get to know their students and what they are experiencing on campus well. We find that faculty speak very highly of their experience, and they take what they learned from their students into their own disciplines,” says FYS Director .

Lead Instructor: A Pivotal Role

Following the Fall 2023 semester, a FYS 101 course feedback survey drew a 72.13% response rate and over 2,700 responses. Results indicated that students feel lead instructors and peer leaders create a trusting and positive environment and allow for dialogue and connections across differences.

“The impact that lead instructors and peer leaders have on students is what makes FYS unique,” Schantz says, noting that questions about these connections resulted in the highest course feedback averages among all students.

Rochele Royster

The desire to connect with students was one reason , an assistant professor of art therapy at the who recently joined the Syracuse community, decided to participate in FYS.

“Engaging with undergraduate students through meaningful conversations, coursework and assignments has provided invaluable insights. This interaction has allowed me to forge connections that extend beyond the traditional academic realm,” Royster says.

The impact isn’t just felt by faculty.

“The involvement of faculty in a leadership role significantly enhances the student experience by providing exposure to a diverse range of expertise, especially for students whose majors or fields of study may not naturally intersect. The diverse composition of students from across the campus adds richness to this experience,” Royster says. “In my role as an instructor for graduate students in a more specialized field, I found it particularly rewarding to share insights about my field, sparking interest and curiosity among undergraduate students who may not have otherwise encountered the field of art therapy. Beyond academic exposure, the presence of someone on campus not directly involved in grading or academic evaluation can offer valuable non-biased support, creating a more holistic and inclusive learning environment.”

A lead instructor guides discussions for one section of FYS 101 with the support of one or two peer leaders. Sections are capped at 19 first-year or incoming transfer students who come from programs across campus, including . Discussions are intended to create a sense of belonging and help new students navigate diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), the University and the local community.

Lead instructors receive course materials, including Blackboard Ultra course shells, but they can expand those materials as desired, drawing from their own expertise and experience. In addition to instructing the weekly 80-minute class, lead instructors meet weekly with their peer leader, hold one office hour, grade assignments, input attendance in Orange Success and engage in training with the FYS team. Compensation is $2,500 per section.

In the first six weeks of the course, students engage in dialogue on their own intersectional identities and attend the shared experience activity and the first Home College Experience (HCE), which provides discipline-specific opportunities for students to connect to and build community within their home school or college. (Lead instructors do not hold classes during the HCE weeks.)

Over the subsequent weeks, the students engage in discussions on the foundations of DEIA before attending the second HCE. As the course progresses, students engage around the concepts of privilege, oppression and marginalization, and how these concepts work in context, specifically in the Syracuse community. Finally, students create a personal engagement plan, map personal goals and action items and attend the final HCE week.

Lead instructor training sessions are held during the summer. Participants can choose either a daylong, in-person session or two half-day, virtual sessions. Interested in becoming a lead instructor? . For more information, email firstyear@syr.edu or call 315.443.9035.

Prof Quinn Qiao (third from left) with his research team (from left) Hansheng Li, Madan Bahadur Saud, Muhammad Bilal Faheem Sattar, Poojan Indrajeet Kaswekar and Yuchen Zhang

Syracuse University is a core partner in the , one of 10 inaugural Regional Innovation Engines created by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The program was Monday by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, whose CHIPS and Science Act helped create the NSF Engines.

“Up to $160 million is now on its way to supercharge Upstate New York as a booming battery research hub from Syracuse to Binghamton and beyond,” Sen. Schumer says. “Thanks to my CHIPS and Science Law, Upstate New York will be the beating electric heart of federal efforts to help bring battery innovation and manufacturing back from overseas to spark the growth of this critical industry vital to America’s national and economic security. Whether it is Micron’s historic investment in Central New York or cutting-edge innovation in battery development, my CHIPS and Science Law has been the catalyst to supercharge a transformation in Upstate New York’s economy. Batteries are the building block for the next generation of technology—from cell phones to electric vehicles—and this esteemed award from the National Science Foundation shows that America’s top scientific minds believe Upstate New York universities and workforce are best-in-class for the scientific discovery and innovation to ensure this industry grows in America.”

Led by Binghamton University and its New Energy New York coalition, the Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine will bring $15 million in federal funding over two years and up to $160 million over 10 years to support research and development in battery and energy storage technologies.

The goal, according to NSF, is to establish a “tech-based, industry-driven hub for new battery componentry, safety testing and certification, pilot manufacturing, applications integration, workforce development and energy storage, including through material sourcing and recovery.” It builds on the region’s historical strengths in battery innovation and manufacturing.

“Syracuse looks forward to collaborating with New Energy New York to further world-renowned research and development, address next-generation energy storage challenges and inspire the future innovators of this critical industry,” says Vice President for Research .

At Syracuse, the program lead is , professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the (ECS) and an expert in solid-state batteries. Qiao is the Syracuse site director for the Center of Solid-State Electric Power Storage, an NSF Industry-University Cooperative Research Center.

“The transportation sector produces the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Battery is a key component in electric vehicles, which will significantly reduce the amount of carbon emissions,” Qiao says. “NSF Engines funding will address the entire battery technology value chain and facilitate new battery technologies for a green world by working on the three key areas including use-inspired battery research and development, technology translation and workforce development.”

Professor Quinn Qiao works with his graduate students on testing new solid-state batteries.

Qiao will conduct use-inspired battery research and development and training activities, work with industry partners and collaborate with local economic development agencies and government. Leveraging the work of the Center of Solid-State Electric Power Storage, he will also work with faculty, graduate students and existing entrepreneurship programs for technology transfer and commercialization. Additionally, he will organize workshops and other training opportunities for students from primary to graduate school as well as local industry employees.

“The College of Engineering and Computer Science is dedicated to research that tackles the grand challenges facing our planet today: research that improves the human condition,” says ECS Dean . “The NSF Engines award speaks to the heart of our college’s mission by promoting the development of cleaner, safer and more affordable energy sources. This prestigious award will serve as a vital cornerstone as our college embarks on its 50% growth trajectory in the next five years.”

In addition to Binghamton and Syracuse, core partners include Rochester Institute of Technology, Cornell University, New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium, Launch NY and Charge CCCV.

Members are:

• , professor of accounting, Whitman J. Whitman School of Management
• , professor and associate chair of psychology, College of Arts and Sciences (A&S)
• , professor of practice, Whitman School
• , professor of public affairs and international affairs, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• , professor of magazine, news and digital journalism, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
• , associate professor of women’s and gender studies and director of undergraduate studies, A&S
• , professor of electrical engineering and computer science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• , associate teaching professor of writing studies, rhetoric and composition and director of undergraduate studies, A&S
• , associate teaching professor of public relations and graduate program director, Newhouse School
• , professor of public health, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
• , associate professor of architecture, School of Architecture
• , teaching professor of nutrition and graduate director, Falk College
• , professor of art education and teaching and leadership, College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) and School of Education
• , professor of anthropology, Maxwell School
• , associate teaching professor and executive director of the Center for Online and Digital Learning, College of Professional Studies
• , associate professor of acting, VPA

“The PFSAC is tasked with providing key feedback and advice on faculty salary appeals and plays an important role in our efforts around salary transparency and equity,” Winders says. Members are jointly selected by Winders and the chair of the University Senate from a pool of nominees brought forward by deans and the senate agenda committee.

A for full-time faculty members seeking to appeal their current salary was recently established by the Office of Academic Affairs.

For each salary appeal, Winders will convene a subcommittee of nine PFSAC members based on disciplinary closeness with the faculty member whose case is under review. The subcommittee will not include faculty members who have had a prior role in a particular faculty salary appeals case or who come from the faculty member’s home department or unit.

The deadline for submitting faculty salary appeals for consideration by the PFSAC in this academic year is Friday, March 1. Appeals must first have been reviewed by the dean of the faculty member’s school or college.

is available online or by contacting the Office of Faculty Affairs at facultyaffairs@syr.edu.

Rumman Chowdhury

Data scientist and artificial intelligence (AI) expert will visit campus on Wednesday, March 6, as the featured speaker for the University’s annual Spring Lecture. Her talk, “Generative AI and the Future of Humanity,” will begin at 7 p.m. in the Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium.

Chowdhury’s remarks will touch 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.

Chowdhury will also participate in a Q&A session with , associate provost for faculty affairs, and , University professor and director of the Autonomous Systems Policy Institute at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

The event is free and open to the public, but for entry. Additionally, the University’s will be enforced.

Chowdhury is a data scientist and social scientist. She is the CEO of the tech nonprofit Humane Intelligence, which builds a community of practice around evaluations of AI models. She is also the Responsible AI Fellow at Harvard University’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society.

Previously, Chowdhury was the director of the Machine Learning, Ethics, Transparency and Accountability (META) team at Twitter (now X), as well as the global lead for responsible AI at Accenture Applied Intelligence. She was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in AI, BBC’s 100 Women, Worthy Magazine’s Top 100, recognized by San Francisco Business Times as one of the Bay Area’s top 40 under 40 and named by Forbes as one of Five Who are Shaping AI.

Chowdhury holds two undergraduate degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in quantitative methods of the social sciences from Columbia University and a doctorate in political science from the University of California San Diego.

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available. For more information, or to request additional accommodations, contact Sarah McAndrew at provost@syr.edu.

from the Syracuse University Student Box Office.

Under the direction of Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter, a has been convened to guide the implementation process and ensure accountability in addressing major institutional commitments outlined in the plan. Provost Ritter is the chair of the committee.

In addition, five have been formed to focus on key aspects of the plan: curricular; diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility; research transformation and STEM expansion; enrollment innovation; and veterans. Each thematic group is led by a chair and a lead or co-leads, who also serve on the steering committee.

The steering committee and thematic groups are inclusive of faculty, staff, students and administrators.

“‘Leading With Distinction’ reflects deep engagement from our University community. I am grateful to the individuals who are serving on the steering committee and thematic groups for their continued commitment to the plan and its successful implementation,” Provost Ritter says.

Members of the steering committee and thematic groups are listed on the . The site also includes the full text of “Leading With Distinction,” and will be updated throughout the implementation process.

“Bringing these already strong offices together creates an even stronger operation,” Provost Ritter says. “This is an important step that enhances our ability to produce data-driven decision making that supports students and faculty.”

Jerry Edmonds

OIRA serves all members of the University community. Its services span quantitative data, qualitative research, systems and processes, and helps to advance evidence-based decision making across campus. To that end, a new data request tool, accessible to all, will be available soon on the OIRA website.

The office is comprised of two aligned and integrated departments: Institutional Research and Institutional Effectiveness. Senior Assistant Provost Gerald Edmonds oversees the Institutional Effectiveness department, reporting to Steven Bennett, senior vice president, and Lois Agnew, associate provost for academic programs. Seth Ovadia, formerly the interim director of OIR, has been promoted to assistant vice president and oversees the Institutional Research department, reporting to Bennett.

Seth Ovadia

“While we have outstanding professionals in both institutional research and institutional effectiveness and assessment, they have not been able to leverage each other’s strengths. This combined office aligns the deep relationships and qualitative expertise of institutional effectiveness with the data analytics and practices of institutional research,” Bennett says.

He notes that OIRA provides services to all schools and colleges and many departments across multiple divisions, including budget, student experience, government affairs, legal, compliance, faculty affairs, public safety and others. It supports key activities such as the Middle States accreditation process, school and college accreditation data requests and reporting, faculty development, and curriculum planning and course development, as well as surveys of faculty, staff and students on matters ranging from diversity and inclusion to student wellness to project effectiveness.

Among the delegation visiting campus from the University of Seoul were Yongkul Won, president; Jung Hyeun Kim, dean of the College of Engineering; Kang Su Kim, dean of the College of Urban Science; Ji Hee Song, vice president of international affairs; Nohjeong Park, chief secretary to the president; and Eunhwa Shin, head of international partnerships.

Leaders from the University of Seoul met with Syracuse University leaders Jan. 8 to advance and expand academic and cultural collaboration and exchange between the two institutions. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

They met with Chancellor Kent Syverud; Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter; and several other University leaders. The group also toured campus. A group from Syracuse, including Chancellor Syverud, Provost Ritter and Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, visited the University of Seoul last March.

University of Seoul President Yongkul Won, left, and Chancellor Kent Syverud sign the memorandum of understanding. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Among the possible outcomes of the burgeoning relationship between the two institutions are the establishment of a University center in Korea as well as the development of new University of Seoul programs that leverage Syracuse’s study abroad and study away facilities. Other potential activities and programs include the exchange of faculty members; joint research activities, including semiconductor research; and participation in joint seminars and workshops.

The ongoing relationship between the two institutions includes an MOU between the University of Seoul and Syracuse’s that was signed last year.

“As we seek to deepen Syracuse University’s relationships with partners in Korea, we were pleased to welcome leadership from the University of Seoul to our campus,” Ritter says. “We are interested in collaborating across many disciplines with our Korean counterparts, and I am very excited to explore these possibilities.”

Lynn Brann, Renate Chancellor, Rachel Dubrofsky, Shana Kushner Gadarian and Jing Lei

Five faculty members have been selected to participate in the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Academic Leaders Network.

The program is designed to facilitate cross-institutional networking and collaboration among academic leaders while building leadership capacity at participating ACC institutions.

Syracuse University members of the 2024 cohort are:

• , associate professor and chair of nutrition and food studies in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics;
• , associate professor and associate dean for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the School of Information Studies;
• , professor and chair of communication and rhetorical studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts;
• , professor of political science and associate dean for research in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs; and
• , professor and associate dean for academic affairs in the School of Education.

The program will kick off with a virtual event Feb. 27, followed by three on-site sessions at Clemson University (March 20-22), University of Louisville (June 12-14) and North Carolina State University (Nov. 18-20).

The sessions will focus on leadership topics and promote leadership growth, awareness and effectiveness.

Participating faculty members from all member institutions have received foundational leadership training and served at least one year in a relevant leadership role.

“The ACC Academic Leaders Network is a fantastic opportunity for our faculty members to fast-track their leadership development and build important relationships with colleagues across higher education,” says Jamie Winders, associate provost for faculty affairs, who participated in the program in 2018-19.

Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks, “Pool Hall,” 1950, printed 2017, gelatin silver print, 8 3/8 x 12 in., Kansas State University, Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, gift of Gordon Parks and the Gordon Parks Foundation, 2017.445. Image courtesy of and copyright by the Gordon Parks Foundation.

The grant of more than $93,000 will support exhibition production costs and programming. It will also fund the hiring of two project-related positions: a project K-12 engagement specialist, who will work closely with the museum educator to engage Central New York students with the exhibition through tours and lesson plans, and a program assistant to aid in the planning and execution of programs both on campus at the museum and in the Syracuse community. Planned events include a screening of one of Gordon Parks’ films at a public park in Syracuse, with local vendors and artists present to contribute to a festive, community-focused atmosphere.

(1912-2006) was a prominent 20th century photographer whose work, spanning the 1940s through the early 2000s, documents American life and culture with a focus on race relations, poverty, civil rights and urban life. “Homeward to the Prairie I Come” is considered by many curators to be his self portrait. The collection’s title comes from the first line of a poem written by Parks, a Kansas native, who was also a composer, author and filmmaker.

“This exhibition leverages the power of art to catalyze dialogue about the wide range of issues that Parks engaged with in his photography, from systemic racism to the labor and ethics of the global fashion industry to ideas of celebrity and home,” says Melissa Yuen, the museum’s interim chief curator.

Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks, “Mrs. Jefferson,” 1950, printed 2017, gelatin silver print, 16 7/8 x 14 in., Kansas State University, Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, gift of Gordon Parks and the Gordon Parks Foundation, 2017.373. Image courtesy of and copyright by the Gordon Parks Foundation.

Interim museum director Emily Dittman says the project will allow the museum to experiment with new interpretation strategies and expand other existing interpretation plans. For example, museum staff members are planning to produce large-type labels and a family guide and incorporate audio, she says. Other plans include dedicated spaces for reading and reflection and features like a sound cone so that visitors will “not only be surrounded by his photographs, but also hear his music and read his writings for a multisensory experience of his wide-ranging output,” Dittman says.

Additionally, an open-access digital community catalogue will allow members of the University and local arts communities to record their responses to the work. Through this project, and in partnership with venues, the museum will seek to establish new connections with area photographers and the Syracuse Black Artist Collective, Dittman says.

FYS 101 is a semester-long, one-credit course taken by all first-year and incoming transfer students. The course helps students learn about themselves, the University and the local community through guided conversations, experiential activities and reflective assignments. The goal is to create a more welcoming, inclusive and diverse campus community.

Since the start of the program, more than 400 faculty, staff and students have participated in FYS 101, either as (faculty, staff and graduate students) or (undergraduate students). Lead instructors partner with peer leaders to lead discussions for a single section of FYS 101, which is capped at 19 students.

As part of First Year Seminar 101, peer leaders like Sydney Rothstein (left) partner with lead instructors like Kal Srinivas to facilitate discussions for a single section of FYS 101.

, director for retention and student success, and Sydney Rothstein, a sophomore in the , make up one such pair. They both say they are gratified by the opportunity to help new students share their stories and become comfortable with what can sometimes be uncomfortable conversations.

“Our goal is to create a place for our students to share their thoughts without fear of being incorrect, and they often teach me and each other about how to communicate about uncomfortable topics without fear and with the goal of learning,” Rothstein says. “We all learn something new because of the discussions we have.”

“Students have told me that we have empowered them to be okay with telling their stories in class and also will speak up if they see, observe or witness anything. Engaging across differences and leaning into the more difficult conversations has become more comfortable,” adds Srinivas.

Srinivas says the experience has helped her learn about herself. “Taking the time to understand how my own identity impacts my ability to engage the students in supportive dialogue has been rewarding. FYS 101 has helped me be introspective about the biases that I bring to each conversation.” And while unlearning biases has been a challenge, she says, FYS 101 “has given me the opportunity, platform, tools and voice to speak about issues that I had not been comfortable with before.”

Rothstein says the most rewarding part of the experience is seeing other students succeed. She also enjoys the working relationship she has cultivated with Srinivas. In her first year at Syracuse, Rothstein was herself a student in a FYS 101 section led by Srinivas.

“Kal and I work well together because we can bridge the student vs. teacher experience for our students and encourage them to go outside of their comfort zones. We compare our experiences in front of our class so that students can see examples of civil cross-cultural communication and can contribute to the conversation across their differences as well,” Rothstein says.

Srinivas says the collaboration between lead instructor and peer leader is key.

“As we try to take our ideas and change some of the rhetoric circulating around today in the world, we truly believe that with constant conversations in our classroom, we can make a difference in the young minds of our students and launch them into this world equipped with knowledge, self-confidence and the ability to accept the whole (beauty and ugliness) within us,” adds Srinivas.

Information sessions for students, faculty and staff members interested in being part of FYS 101 will be held ; and ().

For more information, contact firstyear@syr.edu or call 315.443.9035.

“Navigating Civil Dialogue in the Context of the War in the Middle East” will be held Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 10:30 a.m. ET via .

Tarek El-Ariss (left) and Susannah Heschel

The professors—, James Wright Professor and chair of Middle Eastern Studies, and , Eli M. Black Distinguished Professor and chair of Jewish Studies—will share insights and relate details about the ways they have sought to educate and listen to students in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. The pair recently discussed their approach to these issues in an .

Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer will offer opening remarks. , Kramer Director of the Syracuse University Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship, will serve as moderator.

The event, sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs, is open to the University community. A Q&A session will follow the discussion, which can be on Nov. 28 at 10:30 a.m.

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be provided. For more information, contact Sarah McAndrew at provost@syr.edu.

Inside the Skä·noñh Great Law of Peace Center (photo courtesy of the Onondaga Historical Assocation)

Syracuse University students, faculty and staff will now enjoy free admission to , thanks to a new partnership with the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA).

Skä·noñh Center is a Haudenosaunee cultural center located in the Syracuse suburb of Liverpool at 6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway. The center offers a history of the native peoples of Central New York through the lens of the Onondaga Nation. Permanent and temporary exhibitions cover topics such as Creation, European Contact and The Great Law of Peace, among others.

The goal of the partnership is to “educate students, faculty and staff about the history, culture and knowledge of the Haudenosaunee people and the perspective of the citizens of the Onondaga Nation,” according to Lisa Moore, OHA executive director.

The , or “People of the Longhouse,” represent a confederacy of Six Nations: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora. The Onondaga are considered the Central Fire of the Confederacy. The Onondaga Nation Territory is located 10 miles south of the Syracuse University.

“Our University is located in an area with a rich, multilayered history, and getting off campus and learning about that history—and how it contributes to the present day—is an important experience not only for our students, but also for our faculty and staff,” says Marcelle Haddix, vice provost for strategic initiatives. “Partnerships that allow us to engage with our community, like this partnership with OHA, are vital to Syracuse University’s mission.”

Free Skä·noñh Center admission will be available through June 30, 2024. Funding will cover individual visits as well as attendance at center programs or classes. A valid Syracuse University ID is required for admission.

“This award gives our university the opportunity to recognize and celebrate excellence in nearly any member of our teams,” says Jamie Winders, associate provost for faculty affairs. “Our university community is full of people who go above and beyond every day in their scholarship, their work with students and their commitment to making our university and our world a better place. The Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence is a great way to recognize that excellence.”

Faculty, staff and students may be nominated in one of four categories:

• Award for Faculty Excellence and Scholarly Distinction (faculty)
• Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and University Initiatives (faculty or staff)
• Award for Excellence in Student Research (students)
• Lifetime Achievement Award (faculty)

More information about the award and the nomination process is . Questions may be directed to Amanda Latreille at 315.443.5413 or arlatrei@syr.edu.

The campus community is invited and encouraged to attend Tuesday’s Academic Strategic Plan Launch Symposium.

A launch symposium will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the K.G. Tan Auditorium, National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged; a option is available for those not on campus.

will offer welcoming remarks.

will host the event, which is the first of what will become an annual symposium allowing the campus community to examine and refine the plan. Provost Ritter will discuss the process of developing the plan and next steps for implementation.

, David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management in the , will discuss his experience leading a study abroad program at Mount Everest.

, vice president for research, will moderate a panel discussion on the expansion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at Syracuse. Panelists include:

• , Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence and chair of the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering in the ;
• Miguel Guzman, a senior biotechnology major and entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises minor in the and the ; and
• Joe Nehme, senior manager of external affairs, Micron Technology.

Sophie Creager-Roberts, a senior dual major in environment, sustainability and policy and history and minor in atrocity studies in the , will share her experience and the ways it impacted her education.

, associate provost for strategic initiatives, will discuss engaged citizenship and public impact in conversation with , Kramer Director of the Syracuse University Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship, and vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, Barnes Professor for Entrepreneurship, executive director of the and executive dean of the Whitman School.

, director of Syracuse University’s Los Angeles Academic Semester Program, will speak about the impact of study away opportunities for students.

During the final portion of the program, Provost Ritter, together with Haddix, Brown and , associate provost for faculty affairs, will answer audience questions.

Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) and American Sign Language (ASL) translation will be provided. For more information, contact Pamela Young at pyoung01@syr.edu.

At the Sept. 26, Guzman will take part in a panel discussion about the expansion of STEM at Syracuse University. �����鶹��Ʒ sat down with him to discuss his research, his future plans and how Syracuse nurtured his interest in the STEM fields.

Sophie Creager-Roberts ’24 is a senior double major in and in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs with a minor in in the School of Education. During the Fall 2021 semester, she studied abroad in Poland through Syracuse University’s program. Last summer, she interned in Belgium.

Creager-Roberts will discuss her time abroad at the Sept. 26. �����鶹��Ʒ sat down with her to get her thoughts on the ways an expanded worldview elevates the undergraduate experience.

Rayan Mohamed

The program aims to elevate photography and digital media as pathways for undergraduate students to pursue their careers and make a difference in their communities. Fellows receive a $2,000 tuition scholarship as well as mentorship for a community project. Mohamed plans to make an ethnographic film focusing on the mental health of first-generation refugee youth.

Mohamed was born in Somalia and spent several years in an Ethiopian refugee camp before moving to Syracuse as a grade-schooler in 2014. “I always wanted to start a discussion about the mental health of refugees,” she says. “This project is important to me because the topic of mental health in some cultures is found to be taboo, shame and embarrassing.”

The project will entail a series of interviews, workshops and creative art making, according to Mohamed. Participants will be asked questions such as, “What does it mean to be a first-generation refugee?” and “How do you heal from trauma?”

“I would love to give total control of creativity to these students and how they want to tell their stories to the world,” Mohamed says.

Before arriving on campus, Mohamed attended Syracuse City Schools and, as a junior at Henninger High School, , a storytelling and leadership initiative that provides resettled refugee youth in Syracuse with the tools and resources to share their histories and experiences through artistic expression.

The consortium brings together people from a range of disciplines and industries “to imagine, study and enact a more just and liberatory ‘America’ and world.” Syracuse University is a member institution.

In addition to working on her project, Mohamed will attend Imagining America’s —held this year in Providence, Rhode Island—and participate in regular, virtual learning exchanges. She will also benefit from connection to the consortium’s national network of scholars, artists and community organizers.

The Axios-Generation Lab-Syracuse University of computer science professors found that 37% favored a new “Department of AI” to regulate AI, while 22% thought a global organization or treaty was the best option. These findings compared with 16% of respondents who said Congress was the best entity to regulate AI, while 4% said the responsibility falls on the White House and 3% mentioned the private sector. About 14% of respondents said AI cannot be regulated, while 3% said AI should not be regulated.

The survey results were released Tuesday.

A new survey co-sponsored by two Syracuse University institutes finds that a majority of computer science experts at top U.S research universities want to see the creation of a new federal agency or global organization to govern artificial intelligence.

Generation Lab conducted the survey for Axios in partnership with Syracuse University’s (IDJC) and the (ASPI).

Margaret Talev, Kramer Director of the IDJC, says the survey offered a different and important perspective on the expanding conversation about the uses and proliferation of AI.

“While larger general-population surveys can provide broad insights into most Americans’ hopes, fears and understanding of AI, this new survey offers an in-depth look at how computer science professors with significant subject-matter expertise are thinking about the same issues,” says Talev, who is also an Axios senior contributor.

“This survey provides valuable information about the current state of AI because it is based on the views of those who are closely involved in the development of AI techniques and systems. We are glad to be part of this effort, which also informs our own initiatives, including our plan to launch the Academic Alliance on AI Policy next month in Washington, D.C.,” adds Hamid Ekbia, director of the ASPI.

IDJC is a joint initiative of and the , while ASPI is a Universitywide initiative housed in the Maxwell School that focuses on the intersection of technology, society and policy.

Some other key survey findings:

• About 62% predict AI will increase racial, gender and economic disparities.
• Respondents also predict that customer service; art, design or content creation; and administrative and support services are most likely to experience job losses due to AI over the next five years.
• No single person is highly trusted to deal with AI issues; President Biden ranked higher than individual tech CEOs.

The Axios-Generation Lab-Syracuse University AI Experts Survey was conducted July 15 – Aug. 6. Results are based on interviews with 213 computer science professors from 65 of the top 100 computer science programs in America, as defined by . Experts from Syracuse University were among those surveyed.

A listing of the participating institutions and additional details about the methodology may be found on the .

For more information, contact Margaret Talev at metalev@syr.edu.

The Direct Transfer Admission Program Agreement guarantees eligible OCC graduates admission to academic programs in Syracuse University’s , , and , where they can complete a bachelor’s degree in four semesters.

“Syracuse University is proud to partner with Onondaga Community College to offer a new pathway to prepare students for emerging careers,” says Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud. “To fully take advantage of the economic opportunities developing in the region, we need a workforce with the training and knowledge to meet the needs of emerging industries. This new agreement makes it easier for learners from OCC to benefit from the outstanding educational opportunities available at Syracuse University while building a ready workforce for the region’s employers.”

“We’re honored to partner with Syracuse University on this Direct Transfer Admission Program,” says OCC President Warren Hilton. “As the community’s college, we are committed to giving students access to higher education pathways, and ultimately the opportunity to enjoy rewarding careers at places like Micron’s new chip fabrication facility right here in Onondaga County. This agreement gives our students a clearly defined pathway to one of the top institutions in the country, and we are proud to collaborate with Syracuse University for the betterment of our students and the Central New York region.”

Syracuse University Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter says, “This partnership reflects the University’s commitment not only to expanding academic excellence in STEM and other areas, but also to growing and strengthening our local community and embracing economic opportunities for our students and alumni.”

Adds OCC Provost and Senior Vice President Anastasia Urtz: “We appreciate the tireless work of our innovative faculty who have built more than 20 new programs in health and human services, STEM and advanced technologies, and the liberal arts. Our programs respond to local economic needs and prepare people for careers across New York state and around the world.”

To be eligible for the program, OCC graduates must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0. Those with GPAs of 3.25 or higher will be awarded a merit-based scholarship of at least $10,000.

Both OCC and Syracuse University will establish advising guidelines and course transfer recommendations to support students in the program and ensure their ability to complete their degrees in a timely manner. The institutions will also work together to recruit students to the program from the Syracuse City School District and other regional schools.

While participants in the program may study a range of disciplines, an emphasis on pathways to STEM-related majors will serve to prepare students for careers at high-tech companies, including Micron Technology, which plans to build a $100 billion semiconductor fabrication facility in the Syracuse suburb of Clay. In this way, the program dovetails with OCC’s new associate degree in and related , as well as existing degrees in engineering science and liberal arts: mathematics and science.

Joey Gawrysiak

“Joey has the knowledge, the vision and the entrepreneurial approach needed to successfully launch the University’s robust esports degree program,” says Chancellor . “I am thrilled to have one of the pioneers in academic esports programming leading our efforts. I look forward to welcoming him to the Orange community.”

Says Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer , “As we invest in and grow the University’s sport-related academic disciplines and leverage this key area of distinction, Joey’s guidance and leadership will be crucial to our success. I look forward to working with him and the Falk and Newhouse deans to launch the new esports degree and expand our esports infrastructure.”

The esports communications and management degree, offered jointly by the and the , will launch this fall. Among the first of its kind at a major university, the program, taps into the rapidly growing, multibillion-dollar esports industry and builds upon work already happening on campus.

, special advisor to the chancellor on esports and digital transformation, led the effort to bring an esports major to Syracuse. “This is an exciting time for Syracuse University,” he says. “Joey will grow recreational and competitive esports on campus and will also help implement and utilize the University’s new sports facilities.”

Gawrysiak will report to incoming Falk Dean Jeremy S. Jordan and Newhouse Dean .

“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Joey Gawrysiak as executive director of esports,” says Falk Dean , who announced the conclusion of her tenure earlier this year. “He is well-equipped to guide the Falk College and our partners at the Newhouse School as we connect our respective disciplines around esports. In Falk, esports will benefit from our thriving sport management and sport analytics programs, and interdisciplinary connections with highly relevant Falk College scholarship in public health, social justice and equity. Under Joey’s leadership, I am confident we will maximize opportunities in Falk and Newhouse to position Syracuse University as a national trailblazer in esports.”

“Newhouse has been a leader in this space as one of the first schools in the country to offer courses in esports and communications,” Lodato says. “We’re very excited to welcome Joey to the Syracuse University family and look forward to building on our foundation to create an academic program with the Falk College that prepares students to succeed in this burgeoning field.”

Gawrysiak joined Shenandoah in 2012 and is a faculty member in sport management and esports. As director of esports, he has oversight of all aspects of the program, developing curriculum and experiential learning while securing more than $100,000 in partnerships.

Gawrysiak earned a Ph.D. in sport management and policy, an M.Ed. in physical education and sport studies, and a B.S.Ed. in sport studies, all from the University of Georgia. His research focuses on esports; video games and sport; sports and socialization; international sport culture; and sport and technology. He has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles on topics related to esports. He sits on the board of directors of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) and has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2021 NACE Director of the Year and 2022 NACE Hero Award.

“Syracuse University has shown remarkable commitment to embracing emerging fields and providing its students with cutting-edge educational opportunities,” Gawrysiak says. “I am thrilled to join this esteemed institution and lead its esports program. My goal is to create a dynamic and inclusive environment that promotes academic excellence, fosters competitive success and cultivates a strong sense of community among our esports students.”

The search committee was co-chaired by , professor of practice and chair of sport management in the Falk College, and , professor of practice and director of the Newhouse School’s Sports Media Center.

Jeremy Jordan

Jeremy S. Jordan, a seasoned academic with extensive experience in sport and recreation management, has been named the next dean of the . The announcement was made today by Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer . His appointment, effective Sept. 1, was approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.

“Jeremy Jordan brings a combination of academic leadership experience and hands-on industry knowledge that will be a boon to Falk College and its professional programs—from food studies to marriage and family therapy to social work,” Provost Ritter says. “I look forward to working with him, especially on important initiatives like the launch of the esports degree and the expansion of the sport management program.”

Jordan is currently the vice provost for faculty affairs at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he is also a professor and Ed Rosen Senior Research Fellow in the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management’s Department of Sport and Recreation Management. He is the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, and has also been the director of the Sport Industry Research Center and the Millard E. Gladfelter Research Fellow.

Jordan’s research focuses on the impact of sport participation and events on individuals and communities, as well as the social, environmental and financial impact of sport events and organizations. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and has participated in more than 65 funded research projects.

Before joining Temple in 2008, Jordan held faculty positions at the University of Miami, Mississippi State University and the University of Memphis, and served as the athletic director at La Sierra University in Riverside, California. He earned a Ph.D. in sport management from The Ohio State University, a master’s degree in exercise and sport science from the University of Utah and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from La Sierra.

“I am honored to have been selected as the next dean of Falk College and look forward to becoming a member of the Syracuse community,” Jordan says. “The college is known for its academic excellence, impactful research and commitment to community engagement. I admire the culture and rigor of the college and Syracuse University, and I look forward to contributing to the success of both with the support of the students, staff, faculty and alumni.”

The dean search committee, convened by Provost Ritter in February, was co-chaired by Falk College faculty members , professor of sport management and faculty athletic representative, and , associate dean of research and professor of public health.

“I am grateful to the committee members for their hard work in recruiting a talented leader like Jeremy Jordan to join our campus community,” Provost Ritter says.

Jordan succeeds , who is concluding her tenure as dean of the Falk College, a position she has held since 2005. She has served 45 years at Syracuse University. “Diane has truly left her mark on Falk College, shepherding it from its early days and overseeing multiple successful initiatives,” Provost Ritter says. “I thank her for her service and her incredible contributions to the college and the University.”

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden confers the 2023 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction to George Saunders at the National Book Festival on Aug. 12. (Photo by Shawn Miller/Library of Congress)

Syracuse University professor and acclaimed fiction writer received the 2023 at the Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden presented Saunders with the award during the ceremony. In a subsequent conversation with Clay Smith, the festival’s literary director, Saunders discussed his writing career and his award-winning and bestselling novel “Lincoln in the Bardo.” (Updated Aug. 16, 2022)

The annual prize is one of the most distinguished awards in fiction, recognizing a writer “whose body of work is distinguished not only for its mastery of the art but also for its originality of thought and imagination,” according to an announcement from the Library of Congress.

Saunders, a professor of English in the , is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of 12 books, including:

• “Lincoln in the Bardo,” which won the 2017 Man Booker Prize
• “A Swim in a Pond in the Rain”
• “Congratulations, by the way”
• “Tenth of December,” a finalist for the National Book Award and winner of the inaugural Folio Award
• “The Braindead Megaphone”
• “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline”
• “Liberation Day,” a collection of short stories chosen as one of President Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2022

George Saunders

“We are delighted to see Professor Saunders recognized by our nation’s oldest federal cultural institution,” says , dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “This well-deserved honor shines a spotlight on the fantastic talent and teaching offered by Syracuse University’s English department and its creative writing program. We are so proud of George—and so pleased to offer our students the invaluable opportunity to hone the craft alongside such luminaries.”

In 2013, Saunders was named one of the world’s 100 most influential people by Time magazine. He is the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship and a Guggenheim Fellowship. He has taught in the creative writing program since 1996.

“I look forward to… working with the Library [of Congress] to further the art of fiction; an art form that can do so much to bring us together and deepen our empathy for, and interest in, one another,” Saunders said when the prize was announced.

Judy Woodruff

Woodruff served as anchor and managing editor of “PBS NewsHour” for 11 years before becoming a senior correspondent. During 2023 and 2024, she is undertaking a reporting project, “America at a Crossroads,” to better understand the country’s political divide. She has covered politics and other news for more than four decades at CNN, NBC and PBS.

Woodruff is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Peabody Journalistic Integrity Award, the Poynter Medal, an Emmy for Lifetime Achievement and the Radcliffe Medal. She and late journalist Gwen Ifill were together awarded Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism after Woodruff and Ifill were named co-anchors of the “PBS NewsHour” in 2013, marking the first time an American national news broadcast was co-anchored by two women.

For 12 years, Woodruff served as anchor and senior correspondent for CNN, where her duties included anchoring the weekday program “Inside Politics.” At PBS, she was the chief Washington correspondent for “The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour,” anchored PBS’ award-winning weekly documentary series “Frontline with Judy Woodruff,” was the principal reporter for the PBS documentary “Nancy Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime” and completed “Generation Next: Speak Up. Be Heard,” an extensive project on the views of young Americans.

At NBC News, Woodruff served as White House correspondent and as “Today” show chief Washington correspondent.

Woodruff is a founding co-chair of the International Women’s Media Foundation and serves on the boards of trustees of the Freedom Forum and The Duke Endowment. She is a former trustee of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Urban Institute, and a member of the Knight Foundation Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics. She is the author of “This is Judy Woodruff at the White House.”

The Dressler Award is given to individuals or organizations that have made distinct, consistent and unique contributions to the public’s understanding of the media.

About the Mirror Awards

The are the most important awards for recognizing excellence in media industry reporting. Established by the Newhouse School in 2006, the awards honor the reporters, editors and teams of writers who hold a mirror to their own industry for the public’s benefit. This year’s finalists will be announced next month.

The 2023 Mirror Awards ceremony will be held Monday, June 12, in New York City. Additional details will be announced soon.

For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Carol Satchwell at cmsatchw@syr.edu. For information about the event, email mirrorawards@syr.edu.

Today’s announcement follows a comprehensive decanal review that took into account the feedback of key stakeholders, including School of Architecture faculty, staff and Advisory Board members.

“With Michael’s deanship has come a new era of success for the School of Architecture,” Ritter says. “He has extended the school’s reach and enhanced its already strong academic program. I know the school will continue to flourish with him at the helm and I look forward to our continued work together.”

Michael A. Speaks, dean of the School of Architecture.

Speaks was named dean of the School of Architecture in 2013. His accomplishments since then include the establishment of the Harry der Boghosian Endowed Fellowship Program for emerging professors in architecture, the Patrick Ahearn Workshops, the Design | Energy | Futures post-professional M.S. degree program and the Hal and Nina Fetner Architecture + Real Estate Summer Internship Program.

In addition, Speaks established the China studies program, including studios in Beijing and Shanghai, the Three Cities Asia Summer Studio Program, a research partnership with the Institute Building Research in Shenzhen and a high school recruiting initiative. He also established a faculty and student exchange, research and project collaboration with Ewha Womans University, Yonsei University, Korea University, University of Seoul, Yeungnam University and Pusan National University in South Korea; and a scholarship program for overseas study in arts and design, organized by the Taiwan Ministry of Education.

He was selected three times as a Design Intelligence Most Admired Educator and served as an advisory group member for the Syracuse University Campus Framework and Campus Framework Refresh.

“It has been an honor and privilege to lead this great school of architecture over the last several years and I look forward to continuing as we prepare, this fall, to celebrate our 150th anniversary,” Speaks says. “With our incomparable students, faculty and staff to thank, the Syracuse University School of Architecture has become the best single-discipline, global school of architecture in the U.S. and in the world.”

Previously, he was dean of the University of Kentucky College of Design, and director of the graduate program and founding director of the metropolitan research and design postgraduate program at the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles. He earned a Ph.D. at Duke University.

“The Maxwell School has thrived under David’s leadership,” says Provost Ritter. “He has strengthened an already strong school in numerous areas ranging from undergraduate enrollment to external funding. I am grateful for his continued service to the school and the University.”

David Van Slyke, dean of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Since he took the helm as dean in 2016, Van Slyke hired 79 faculty members who help broaden the school’s research impact and visibility, increased opportunities for students, advanced Maxwell’s cross-disciplinary ethos and amplified the University’s prestige among prospective students, alumni and benefactors.

Under Van Slyke’s leadership, the Maxwell School has made significant progress on a number of key strategic priorities, including:

• The racial, ethnic and gender balance of the school’s faculty, staff and advisory board have increased, and priority has been given to initiatives focused on developing an inclusive learning and working environment that is committed to principles of diversity, equity and accessibility.
• The appointment of an associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion to lead the development of Maxwell’s strategic plan in these areas.
• Enhanced programming aimed at fostering discourse and mutual understanding amid some of the most divisive times in recent history, including the launch of the Renewing Democratic Community Speaker Series, featuring a range of perspectives on topics of racial, disability, gender and other inequalities aimed at building mutual understanding.
• External funding for disciplinary and interdisciplinary research has increased nearly 50%.
• Five new Maxwell-affiliated research centers and institutes have opened, including the Syracuse University Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship with the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Autonomous Systems Policy Institute with the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
• Significantly increased fundraising, with $74.1 million raised since 2016, which supports experiential learning opportunities, faculty and student research and named positions to support faculty recruitment and retention.
• The transition to direct-admit Maxwell undergraduates and a nearly 50% growth in undergraduate enrollment.
• The launch of three undergraduate majors, three graduate programs and three graduate certificates of advanced study, as well as expanded executive education opportunities.

“I am pleased with what we have accomplished together as we approach Maxwell’s centennial using research, learning and service to address challenges and opportunities facing our local and global communities,” Van Slyke says. “It is an honor to be reappointed, and I am optimistic that our approach to interdisciplinary, innovative, citizenship-focused education will enable the Syracuse University community to lead the way in solving complex societal issues.”

Van Slyke, a highly successful researcher, passionate educator and dedicated mentor, is a professor of , the Louis A. Bantle Chair in Business-Government Policy and a senior research associate with the and the .

He is the only academic member of the , a select group of business leaders appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Defense to help the department operate more effectively. He also co-chairs the group on addressing structural racism and is a member of its military service to public service working group and a mentor with its Future Leaders of Schools of Public Service BIPOC faculty leadership mentoring group. He is actively involved with the National Academy of Public Administration and the Association for Professional Schools of International Affairs.

Van Slyke received a Ph.D. from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University at Albany.

Esports gaming room at The Barnes Center at The Arch.

Syracuse University will soon begin offering a new, first-of-its-kind degree program focused on esports.

The program, Esports Communications and Management, will be offered jointly by the and the . It will include three tracks: Esports Business and Management; Esports Communications; and Esports Media and Design. The University will begin enrolling students to the program in fall 2024.

“The esports program is a natural extension of Syracuse University’s leadership in sport-related programs and commitment to 21st century academic excellence,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “This new major is the latest example of Syracuse University innovating, expanding career options in emerging fields and delivering programs students want.”

“This new academic offering is particularly exciting because it leverages the University’s key areas of strength, distinction and excellence to embrace an emerging, fast-growing field and provide our students with the tools to enter that field,” says Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter. “Investment in our sport-related academic disciplines will be one of the keys to our success moving forward.”

A proposal for the Esports Communications and Management degree was passed by Falk College and Newhouse School faculty last fall. It was subsequently passed by the University Senate in December and approved by the New York State Department of Education in February. A search is currently underway for an .

The program, which will be among the first of its kind at a major university, taps into the rapidly growing, multibillion dollar esports industry and builds upon work already happening on campus. The Barnes Center at The Arch, the University’s recreation center, includes a outfitted with Omen Obelisk gaming stations; Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo consoles; SIM racing stations; and a virtual reality unit. An active Esports Club has also flourished in recent years.

, special advisor to the chancellor on esports and digital transformation, has been leading the effort to bring an esports major to Syracuse. For more than a year, Rubin has been working with faculty and deans from both Falk College and the Newhouse School to develop the program that will span both colleges.

“It has been an extraordinary experience working with some of the smartest minds in communications and sport management to develop a program that will be at the forefront of this burgeoning industry,” says Rubin. “I am especially proud of the collaborative work that is producing the educational opportunities and experiences are students are looking for.”

In 2018, the Newhouse School collaborated with social video service Twitch to launch an innovative new course, Esports and Media, which is still offered through the school’s . Rotating industry partners serve as case studies for the students, who develop skills to enhance the company’s social media strategy, distributed content and brand management. Some recent partners include ESL, Microsoft and Super League. The course is co-taught by SMC director and , associate professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences, who has taught multiple courses with an esports component over the last several years.

“The Newhouse School has long been known for excellence in sports communications, with roots stretching back to 1939 alumnus Marty Glickman, one of the first great sports broadcasters,” says Newhouse School Dean . “We are excited to build on that foundation with this new degree, which—as we have already seen with our academic programming in esports—will set students up for success in this burgeoning field. Our partnership with Falk College ensures a truly top-notch program that will provide students with the best possible education and training to keep pace with the industry.”

The Falk College has been at the forefront of sport industry education for 20 years. In 2005, Falk launched one of the nation’s earliest undergraduate degrees in , followed by one of the very first undergraduate degrees in in 2017.

“The Falk College is an established leader in sport management and sport analytics academic training, preparing future leaders who have found great career success in the sport industry,” says Falk College Dean . “With this partnership between the Falk College and the Newhouse School, Syracuse University is well positioned to enter the next era of growth in sport academic programming with a major in esports.”

“This pioneering esports degree will focus on an emerging sector of the global and domestic sport industry,” says , chair of the Department of Sport Management in the Falk College. “It combines the strengths of Falk and Newhouse programs in sport communications, media production, technology, business and event management to offer a cutting-edge degree.”

“This esports major embodies the culture and reputation of both the Newhouse School and the Falk College,” says Stomski. “We have spent countless hours researching the industry and the interests of our students to create a rigorous and dynamic curriculum that will prepare graduates to succeed in this thriving, ever-changing field.”

Stomski, Veley and Hanson—together with Newhouse School Assistant Director of Academic Operations , sport management Undergraduate Director , David B. Falk Endowed Professor , Falk College Senior Associate Dean , and Falk Academic Operations Manager —worked to build the new degree as part of a University-wide task force convened last spring. The well-rounded curriculum is designed to provide students with industry-specific competencies in event management and marketing, broadcasting/production, communications, content creation, entrepreneurship, strategic communications and esports experience and design. The three tracks will provide students with the ability to tailor the degree according to their career goals.

• Esports Business and Management: Covers such topics as sport promotion, sport venue management and finance for emerging enterprises.
• Esports Communications: Includes coursework in virtual reality storytelling, esports and advertising, public relations principles and sports in the metaverse.
• Esports Media and Design: Covers 3D animation, game experience design and virtual production.

Abby Phillip

Abby Phillip, CNN’s senior political correspondent and anchor of “Inside Politics Sunday,” will serve as master of ceremonies at the award ceremony for the  on Monday, March 27, in Washington, D.C.

The Toner Prizes, sponsored by Syracuse University’s , honor the life and work of late alumna Robin Toner ’76, the first woman to be national political correspondent for The New York Times.

Phillip joined CNN in 2017, covering the Trump Administration as White House correspondent through 2019. In 2020, she moderated CNN’s Democratic Presidential Debate in Iowa. She also anchored special coverage of Election Night in America. In January 2021, she anchored the CNN Special Report “Kamala Harris: Making History.”

Phillip joined CNN from The Washington Post, where she served as a national political reporter covering the White House. She previously was a digital reporter for politics at ABC News, and has also covered the Obama White House for Politico as well as campaign finance and lobbying.

Phillip was named to the Time 100 Next list in 2021 and she was the recipient of the National Urban League’s Women of Power award.

The Toner Prizes for Excellence in Political Reporting recognize the best U.S. national or local political reporting in any medium or on any platform—print, broadcast or online. Two prizes—one for local and one for national reporting—carry a $5,000 honorarium. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. .

For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Carol Satchwell at cmsatchw@syr.edu. For information about the event, contact Amanda Griffin at nhspecialevents@syr.edu.

Kelly Chandler-Olcott

“Kelly will provide strong and capable leadership for the School of Education, as evidenced during her time as interim dean,” Provost Ritter says. “Her history with the school, her administrative experience and her deep knowledge of the field of education—from her experience as a teacher to her scholarship as a faculty member to her transformational work as interim dean—make her the clear choice for this position. I look forward to continuing to work with her.”

As interim dean, Chandler-Olcott led a redesign of the SOE to ensure the school’s short- and long-term success and align resources with three areas of distinction: pioneering work in inclusion, equity and social justice; experiential pedagogy; and instructional design and technology-mediated teaching and learning.

The collaborative effort, comprising work and input from the school’s faculty, staff and students and from Provost Ritter and the SOE Board of Visitors, culminated in a proposal presented by Chandler-Olcott to Provost Ritter last spring. Following a period of refinement, the proposal was overwhelmingly passed by the SOE Assembly, which is made up of faculty, staff and students, in October.

“Over the past several years, the School of Education has worked bravely and boldly to redesign our structures, actions and messages to align with our areas of distinction, increase our commitment to anti-racism and inclusion and promote fiscal sustainability,” Chandler-Olcott says. “As a 25-year member of this community, I have never been prouder or more inspired by my colleagues or our students than I am at this moment. I’m grateful to have this opportunity for continued service to a unit that makes such important contributions to the University, the region and the field of education more broadly.”

Chandler-Olcott’s service to and leadership on behalf of the University extends beyond the walls of the SOE. Due to her work on the redesign of the school, she was recruited by Provost Ritter to serve on the executive steering committee driving the Universitywide process and has played an instrumental role in this important, campuswide exercise.

At the SOE, she served as chair of the Department of Reading and Language Arts (2008-15) and associate dean for research (2015-18) before becoming interim dean in 2021. On behalf of the University, she has been a member (elected and ex officio) of the University Senate, the Teaching Recognition Awards Selection Committee, the Advisory Committee for Academic Integrity Policy Review, the Institutional Review Board and the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Shared Competencies.

Chandler-Olcott is a Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor for Teaching Excellence. A former high school English and social studies teacher, she has taught English methods and content literacy courses to secondary and K-12 education majors since 1998.

With support from the National Science Foundation, the International Reading Association and the Spencer Foundation, Chandler-Olcott has published seven books and more than 120 book chapters, articles and editorials. Her scholarly interests cluster in three areas: classroom inquiry by teachers, literacy across the curriculum and preparing professionals to teach writing in diverse, inclusive classrooms. She identifies primarily as a design researcher, developing, testing and refining instructional approaches in collaboration with school-based practitioners, University colleagues and students.

Her scholarship has been recognized with the International Literacy Association’s Computers in Reading Research Award (2019) and the Divergent Book Award for Excellence in 21st Century Literacies Research (2021). She served as a member of the board of directors for the Literacy Research Association from 2010-13 and co-edited Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy with her reading and language arts colleague Kathleen A. Hinchman from 2015-21. She holds an Ed.D. from the University of Maine.

Behzad Mortazavi

“Behzad Mortazavi is an experienced academic administrator with an impressive track record of success in research and scholarship,” Provost Ritter says. “His collaborative leadership style will be an asset not only to the College of Arts and Sciences but also to the University at large as he works with his fellow deans and with me to enhance liberal arts and sciences education.”

As dean of A&S, Mortazavi will report to Provost Ritter and be part of the Academic Deans’ Cabinet and the Chancellor’s Council. He will be responsible for enhancing the student experience and student success; inspiring innovative, impactful and interdisciplinary research and collaboration; prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging; managing fiscal resources; and attracting and retaining talented and exceptional faculty and students, ensuring the continued success of the college.

“I am delighted to have the privilege of serving as the next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University,” Mortazavi says. “Syracuse is an academic institution with a tradition of excellence. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students and University leadership to build on our successes and to collectively advance a vision for the future.”

In his current role at the University of Alabama, Mortazavi is responsible for the largest department in the College of Arts and Sciences, with oversight of 42 full-time faculty members, 1,900 undergraduate students and more than 100 graduate students. The department offers B.S., M.S., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees and generates more than $6 million in sponsored research each year. He also manages two off campus-properties: the University of Alabama Arboretum and the Tanglewood Biological Field Station.

Additionally, Mortazavi led the faculty in a two-year strategic planning process, established a diversity, equity and inclusivity committee in the department and hired 19 faculty members. He operates a research lab that has secured more than $2 million in funding from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy and other entities.

Mortazavi studied biology and marine ecology at the Université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie in Paris, and earned a Ph.D. in biological oceanography at Florida State University, where he served as a member of the research faculty before joining the University of Alabama in 2008. He also served as program director for the Division of Environmental Biology, Ecosystem Sciences Cluster at the National Science Foundation.

Provost Ritter offers her thanks to Professor Lois Agnew, who has served as interim dean of A&S since July. “With Lois, the College of Arts and Sciences has been in capable hands. I appreciate her partnership and her dedicated leadership as she has guided the college through this period of transition.”

The dean search committee, convened by Provost Ritter in September, was co-chaired by , associate professor and the Renée Crown Professor in the Sciences and Mathematics, and , associate professor and Dean’s Professor of Community Engagement.

The Toner Prizes, sponsored by Syracuse University’s , honor the life and work of late alumna Robin Toner ’76, the first woman to be national political correspondent for The New York Times.

Romney was sworn in as senator in January 2019. He serves on the Foreign Relations; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; Homeland Security and Government Affairs; and Budget committees. On the Foreign Relations Committee, Romney serves as a ranking member of the subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific and International Cybersecurity Policy. He is also a member of the Senate National Security Working Group. In 2021, he was honored with the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum’s Profile in Courage Award for his consistent defense of the fundamental principles of democratic governance.

Romney has earned a reputation for reaching across the aisle to advance major priorities that benefit Utah and people across the country. As part of the “G10” working group of bipartisan senators, Romney played a key role in enacting landmark legislation that invests in U.S. infrastructure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped lead negotiations on the Bipartisan Emergency COVID Relief Act, which provided more than $900 billion in emergency relief to American students, families, businesses, workers and healthcare providers. Romney continues to advocate for his bipartisan TRUST Act, legislation to rescue federal trust funds like Medicare and Social Security from impending insolvency.

Past keynote speakers for the Toner Prize Celebration include U.S. Sen. Corey Booker of New Jersey, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, former Ohio Governor John Kasich, President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, then-Vice President Joe Biden, late Rep. John Lewis of Georgia and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.

The Toner Prizes for Excellence in Political Reporting recognize the best U.S. national or local political reporting in any medium or on any platform—print, broadcast or online. Two prizes—one for local and one for national reporting—carry a $5,000 honorarium. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. .

For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Carol Satchwell at cmsatchw@syr.edu.

For information about the event, contact Amanda Griffin at nhspecialevents@syr.edu.

Last month, in partnership with Antica Productions and Trint and in association with WAER, the Newhouse School launched “,” a podcast that explores this new era of storytelling. Initial guests include Ted Koppel ’60, H’82, acclaimed journalist and former longtime anchor of “Nightline” on ABC, and Stacey Mindich ’86, a Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning theatrical producer.

Jeff Kofman

“This collaboration is an example of what’s best about the Newhouse School: the ability to bring professionals together with students to produce strong content destined for a wider audience,” says Newhouse dean . “We all know podcasting is growing fast and it is a space where the Newhouse School intends to lead.”

During host Jeff Kofman’s 33-year career as an Emmy Award-winning international journalist, he reported from more than 40 countries for ABC, CBS and CBC News. He left news media to found Trint, a London-based tech startup that leverages the power of artificial intelligence to turn audio and video into powerful content for reporters and producers.

“For a long time, I’ve been fascinated with how technology and innovation shape what we read, hear and watch,” Kofman says.

In each episode of “StoryTech,” Kofman weaves in his experience as a journalist, war correspondent and tech inventor to explore how storytelling has been shaped by innovation. WAER general manager Chris Bolt ’89, G95 says, “The episodes provide a kind of media literacy that helps people understand what they’re hearing, watching and reading.”

Listen to “StoryTech at  or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information, contact WAER general manager Chris Bolt at 315.443.5242 or cabolt@syr.edu.

Howard Woolley

A gift from Newhouse School alumnus and Syracuse University Trustee Howard Woolley ’80 will support students studying in Washington, D.C.

Woolley, who is based in Washington, is president and CEO of the Howard Woolley Group, a strategic business and public policy advisory firm for the telecommunications and technology industries. He is a member of the Newhouse Advisory Board and sits on the DEI subcommittee.

The gift will support students with demonstrated financial need who are studying in the school’s program, based at the new Syracuse University Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship Institute. Preference will be given to students who advance the University’s interest in promoting the educational benefits of a diverse student body. Students may begin benefiting from the fund as early as this spring.

“The academic work and  professional internships will be invaluable to the students’ careers,” says Woolley. “Their participation in the Democracy, Journalism, and Citizenship Institute will be invaluable  to society.”

Newhouse dean says support from Woolley and other alumni will play a key role in the success of the school’s DC-based initiatives. “We are grateful for alumni like Howard, who share our vision for an expanded presence in Washington and who understand the myriad ways our students will benefit from educational and hands-on experiences in the nation’s capital.”

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors closes the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University

Orange isn’t just our color. It’s our promise to leave the world better than we found it. Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University is poised to do just that. Fueled by more than 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can enhance academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. Forever Orange endeavors to raise $1.5 billion in philanthropic support, inspire 125,000 individual donors to participate in the campaign, and actively engage one in five alumni in the life of the University. Now is the time to show the world what Orange can do. Visit to learn more.

The training program brings together professionals and scholars with seasoned administrators to give participants the opportunity to learn about the challenges and rewards of leading an academic institution. A cohort of 12 to 16 participants will be chosen for this year’s program, which will feature the themes of innovation, transformation and the work schools of journalism and mass communications must do to tackle the challenges facing the industry today.

“Challenges to democracy and freedoms of the press and an enhanced scrutiny on media credibility are just a few of the major issues affecting journalism and mass communications schools at the society level,” says Newhouse Dean . “Academic institutions are evolving rapidly as the shift in the ways we consume information places new expectations on universities. As a past Scripps Howard Leadership Academy participant, I am beyond ecstatic to host this group of new and emerging leaders as we seek to build an even stronger future for journalism and mass communications, and for our academic institutions.”

Previously hosted by Louisiana State University’s Manship School of Mass Communication, the Scripps Howard Leadership Academy has focused on a wide range of topics for emerging and new leaders, including professional and academic pathways to administration, budgeting and fundraising, stimulating faculty performance and first-year lessons learned.

“This program gives the Scripps Howard Fund the ability to positively influence the future leaders of journalism education in a way that can be magnified significantly over time,” says , director of journalism strategies for the Scripps Howard Fund. “The trickle-down effects for students and the industry are ramifications of reviving a program that has trained a number of academic leaders over the last two decades.”

Past participants have noted the benefits of the academy:

• “I learned that the learning curve for these positions is steep, and that I need to slow down and wait for wisdom. For journalists, it’s hard to be patient in these careers and the program helped me understand that.”
• “It opened my eyes to more of the complexities and nuances of administration—including how [journalism] schools fit into the larger higher ed environment and how challenging governance can be.”
• “Prior to the leadership program, I had been very leery about becoming a part of academic administration. During the conference, my views changed and I am now open to taking a leadership position.”

Applications and nominations for the 2023 program may be . The deadline is April 15; selected participants will be notified in early May.

For more information, contact Brad Horn, associate dean for strategic initiatives at the Newhouse School, at bdhorn@syr.edu.

Margaret Talev

“Margaret Talev brings both the experience and the perspective needed to head up our new Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship Institute,” Lodato says. “Her many years as a political journalist have given her an on-the-ground view of the issues and a deep knowledge of Washington. She has worked to build diverse teams and share diverse stories. And she is committed to the ideals of the institute and to supporting and leading our students and faculty as they do this important work.”

Talev joins the University following a 30-year career covering American politics and the White House. She is currently the managing editor for politics at Axios and a CNN political analyst. She has also served as senior White House correspondent for Bloomberg News and McClatchy Newspapers and held positions at the Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee and Tampa Tribune. She is a past president of the White House Correspondents’ Association and the Washington Press Club Foundation, and has taught courses at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She will transition to a role as senior contributor at Axios following her move to the institute.

“I am thrilled to have been entrusted with launching Syracuse’s Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship Institute—and grateful to my colleagues at Axios for their support,” Talev says. “The mission of this institute is truly my North Star. It is what drew me to journalism as the child of an immigrant who fled communism for American democracy, and what’s guided my approach for 30 years covering everything from local news to the White House.”

Says Axios co-founder Mike Allen, “Margaret Talev—one of Washington’s best connected and most respected journalists—has long bolstered democracy through her reporting, teaching and leadership. Margaret has the perfect combination of personal passion and life experience to pioneer this new institute.”

The Syracuse University Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship Institute is . Based in Washington, the institute will promote nonpartisan, evidence-based research and dialogue in the public interest and support the work of faculty and students. It will strive to create new knowledge, foster a more informed and engaged citizenry and better equip students for success.

“We’re confident in Margaret’s leadership strength, deep knowledge of the issues and the ability to work across a range of interests to develop this partnership and our shared vision of Syracuse University’s contribution to advancing civic dialogue,” says , dean of the Maxwell School.

Beverly Kirk was appointed director of Washington programs in August. The Newhouse School currently has open positions for —one based in Syracuse and the other in Washington—who will be associated with the institute and also be part of the University’s . Other institute faculty will include a research director from the Maxwell School.

The directorship is supported by a $1 million endowment from alumnus and University Trustee Larry Kramer ’72, former president and publisher of USA Today.

“This country must restore the ability of people with differing opinions to respectfully debate these important issues. We must revive respect for truth and trust,” Kramer says. “The combination of two powerhouse schools—Newhouse and Maxwell—puts us in a perfect position to launch this new institute and to host the debate over the biggest problems our democracy is facing today. Trust in our governing institutions, our political system and the media are at all-time lows. By raising the level of respectful debate and discussion, we will seek to find constructive solutions to restoring that trust.”

Two professors at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications have been awarded nearly $600,000 in funding from the Department of Homeland Security’s .

Kelly Leahy

, assistant professor of television, radio and film, and , David J. Levidow Endowed Professor and director of the Newhouse School’s , will study how media literacy can offer a method for mediating cognitive and emotional responses in an extended (virtual, augmented and mixed) reality environment.

Leahy, Chock and a team of student researchers will create and test media literacy interventions focused on harmful information in virtual spaces in order to inform the prevention of extremism and violent content in the metaverse.

T . Makana Chock

“Immersive virtual spaces such as virtual reality and the metaverse create more visceral emotions than traditional online spaces such as the internet,” Chock says. “This makes the virtual world a potentially high-risk environment for manipulation.”

Adds Leahy, “Terrorist recruiters and violent extremists are active in online social spaces and will most certainly target new forms of technology for their efforts to spread conspiracy theories, air grievances and craft misinformation, disinformation and ‘malinformation’ (reality-based information used to inflict harm).”

The study will identify key concepts and techniques specifically related to persuasion in extended reality contexts and apply these findings to create gamified interventions based on existing research from media literacy. These experiences will be piloted for young adults who are members of the extended reality community.

Emerging evidence suggests that people tend to feel increased empathy in virtual spaces, which could lead to increased manipulation, according to Leahy. Past research has shown that young adults are more likely to be targeted for terrorist recruitment, she adds.

“Extended reality impacts us in ways we are only just beginning to understand,” says Newhouse dean . “The work of Professors Leahy and Chock will play an important role in increasing that understanding and shaping the way we use and moderate these spaces, especially when it comes to young people.”

TVTP seeks to help prevent incidents of domestic violent extremism and bolster efforts to counter online radicalization and mobilization to violence. The Newhouse award was one of 43 grants totaling $20 million awarded this year by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“Working in partnership with one another is how we best prevent acts of terrorism and targeted violence,” said DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas in a press release when the grants were announced. “We are equipping local communities and organizations—including those historically underserved—with needed resources so they can become more effective partners, strengthen our security and help the American people feel safe and secure in our daily lives.”

The Newhouse School’s has been by Billboard magazine. The program has been included on the publication’s “Top Music Business Schools” list every time it has run.

The Bandier program combines the study of the business of music, media, marketing and entrepreneurship with hands-on experiences to prepare students for a successful career in the music industry. It was made possible through a generous gift from Syracuse University Trustee and Sony/ATV Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Martin Bandier ’62.

The Billboard announcement notes the 10-year run of the program’s David M. Rezak Music Business Lecture Series, which has allowed students to hear from and network with major industry figures, including Tat Tong, head of A&R for Sony Music in Greater China, and Jacqueline Saturn ’90, president of Virgin Music Label and Artist Services.

“It’s just one of the ways the program, a creative community housed within the larger, high-spirited student body of Syracuse, fortifies its industry-facing curriculum.”

The Syracuse University Human Rights Film Festival (SUHRFF) celebrates 20 years of programming with outstanding films about human rights and social justice from around the world. SUHRFF takes place Sept. 22-24, and is part of 2022-23: REPAIR. It is presented by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Tula Goenka

“When I started the Human Rights Film Festival 20 years ago, I never imagined that we would sustain the energy and momentum over two decades, or that it would become an eagerly awaited annual event for our Syracuse University campus community,” says festival founder , professor of television, radio and film at the Newhouse School. , associate professor of English and SUHRFF co-director, ascribes the festival’s staying power to a combination of factors. “We’ve been able to build an audience among students, faculty, staff and the Syracuse public by consistently programming what we believe to be the most interesting, stimulating and vital films to emerge from the international film festival circuit.”

Adds Goenka, “Roger and I have programmed several films for the University community before they’ve gained wider recognition or success, such as Joshua Oppenheimer’s Oscar-nominated ‘The Act of Killing’ (2012) or Rudy Valdez’s ‘The Sentence’ (2019), which won an Emmy for exceptional merit in documentary filmmaking.”

Hallas also points out that he and Goenka work hard to build enriching experiences for students and visiting filmmakers, who interact with one another during post-screening Q&As and smaller special events where they discuss social justice storytelling in greater depth.

Roger Hallas

“The Syracuse University Human Rights Film Festival is a prime example of the important work of our faculty,” says Newhouse dean . “It builds community and provides our students with the opportunity to view and understand the world in new ways. Kudos to Professor Goenka for creating this initiative and sustaining it for 20 years.”

Syracuse University faculty also praise the festival for providing students with intellectual and social engagement both in and out of their coursework. While many instructors incorporate the festival’s films into their course syllabi, others appreciate the festival’s capacity to broaden campus discussions of major issues.

Vivian May, director of the Humanities Center, says, “We are delighted to once again partner with SUHRFF to celebrate its 20th year as part of our annual Syracuse Symposium public event series. Film is an important medium for forging dialogue, offering an immersive experience and bridging divides. Social justice storytelling is essential in our collective pursuit of a more just world for all, locally and globally.”

SUHRFF began as “Illuminating Oppression” in 2003, when Goenka collaborated with the international social justice organization Breakthrough to program a series of films focused on human rights issues in South Asia. The program was broadened to showcase films from across the world in 2007. Mallika Dutt, founder and former president and CEO of Breakthrough, says, “It has been an honor and delight for me to collaborate with my genius friend Tula to create the first South Asian human rights film festival in the United States in 2003 as a partnership between Breakthrough and Syracuse University. As the festival celebrates 20 years of highlighting multiple forms of justice, I want to congratulate everyone involved for their ongoing commitment to global social change.”

When Hallas joined Goenka as co-director in 2010, they collaborated with the Mellon Central New York Humanities Corridor to organize the first Digital Witness Symposium as part of the festival. The symposium, which ran for five years, invited scholars, media makers and human rights leaders to discuss how the digital revolution was transforming human rights media.

The 2022 Syracuse Symposium theme of “Repair” proved a powerful inspiration for this year’s program, according to Goenka. The opening film, “Tantura,” investigates how difficult the repair work of peace building becomes when one side refuses to recognize the historical trauma endured by the other. The film will be screened on Thursday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. in the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium in Newhouse 3. Israeli filmmaker Alon Schwarz will introduce the film and participate in a Q&A session following the screening.

SUHRFF continues with “Framing Agnes,” Chase Joynt’s playful but deeply moving documentary about the everyday lives of trans people in mid-century Los Angeles. Joynt uses inventive formal devices to repair trans histories so long beholden to the power of medical science. The film will be screened on Friday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. in the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium in Newhouse 3. Joynt will introduce the film and participate in a Q&A session following the screening.

SUHRFF concludes on Saturday, Sept. 24, with three films: “Hidden Letters,” “Aftershock” and “Rehana Maryam Noor,” which explore the necessary work of repair in the process of empowerment against diverse forms of gendered and racial discrimination in China, the United States and Bangladesh.

Festival co-sponsors are the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics; Atrocity Studies and the Practices of Social Justice Minor; Department of Anthropology; Department of Film and Media Arts; Department of Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Department of Political Science; Department of Religion; Latino- Latin American Studies Program; Jewish Studies Program; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Studies Program; Renée Crown University Honors Program; Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration (PARCC); Hendricks Chapel; Lender Center for Social Justice; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Resource Center; Office of Diversity and Inclusion; and South Asia Center.

Festival supporters are the Department of Art & Music Histories; Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies; Department of English; Department of History; Department of Women’s and Gender Studies; Department of Writing Studies, Rhetoric, and Composition; Asian/Asian American Studies Program; Disability Cultural Center; and South Asian Student Association (SASA).

All films are closed-captioned or subtitled and audio described in English. Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) is available during all Q&A sessions. If you require other accommodations, contact Amanda Lerch at alerch@syr.edu or 315.443.2150.

Free parking is available to the public on Thursday and Friday at the University Avenue Garage, and on Saturday at either the College Place or Women’s Building lots. Drivers should indicate to the attendant that they are attending the film festival.

Full information is available online at . Follow on social media at #SUHRFF.

Tarryn Mento, professional in residence at , has been named the station’s news director. The announcement was made by executive director and general manager Chris Bolt.

Tarryn Mento

“Tarryn has a professional past that shows commitment to elevating journalism and creativity,” Bolt says. “In the professional in residence role, she has also demonstrated great enthusiasm and energy in helping students learn and grow. I see her as a perfect addition to help WAER with both of our missions: to enlighten, entertain and engage the community; and to provide professional development opportunities to students.”

Mento joined WAER in 2021 as professional in residence after her experience at KPBS in San Diego, where she produced audio, video and digital content as a health, immigration and community journalist. She was previously a multimedia producer in New York City at MetroFocus and a Pulliam Fellow at the Arizona Republic in Phoenix.

She will oversee the news department’s shift to more digital content and distribution and will also work to enhance broadcast news offerings, improve community engagement programming and elevate student experiences. She will report to Kevin Kloss, content and operations manager.

“Tarryn brings a tremendous number of fresh ideas to the role of news director, and we’re excited to see her vision for multiplatform news coverage develop at WAER,” Kloss says.

WAER serves the greater Syracuse area with NPR and local news, eclectic music and Syracuse University sports. The station has long been the training ground of choice for aspiring broadcasters from the Newhouse School, and it .

Beverly Kirk

“As we look forward to launching the new Center for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship with the Maxwell School, we are excited to have Beverly join us as a key player in those efforts. Her extensive Washington experience, her knowledge of journalism and communications and her passion for educating and shaping the next generation of journalism leaders combine to make her the ideal candidate for this position.”

Beginning in 2023, Kirk will also lead the Newhouse School’s , which allows broadcast and digital journalism graduate students to spend a summer reporting from the capital.

Kirk is currently executive director of JOURNEY to Lead, a nonprofit women’s leadership initiative, and is also a non-resident senior associate of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) International Security Program. She previously was fellow and director for outreach for the CSIS International Security Program and director of the CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative, where she hosted the “Smart Women, Smart Power” podcast featuring women leaders from around the world who are experts in foreign policy, national security, international business and development. Before that, she was director of the CSIS multimedia production and design studio iDeas Lab.

Before joining CSIS, Kirk was a journalist working for local and national news organizations including NBC, NPR and PBS. She spent much of her career focused on domestic and international politics and government. She also founded a media consulting company and has expertise in media curriculum design. She is a member of the national advisory board of the University of Kentucky Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues and a member of the board of the Leadership Council for Women in National Security.

Kirk holds an M.A. in diplomacy and international commerce from the University of Kentucky and is a summa cum laude graduate of Western Kentucky University with degrees in history and broadcast journalism.

“I am honored to join the Newhouse School and to be a part of the new Center for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship,” Kirk says. “The opportunity to help expand Newhouse’s presence in Washington and work with the next generation of journalists is very exciting.”

“The students at Newhouse continue to impress,” said alumnus Dan Lucey ’99, chief creative officer at Havas in New York City. “They consistently demonstrate clear and powerful thinking that translates into brand activations, social media executions, mobile apps, experiential, new technology integrations, out-of-home advertising and print.”

The winning campaigns were created in the creative advertising portfolio courses taught by professors of practice �����Ի���. Sam Luo, who created three of the winning campaigns, said the experience and mentorship of his professors helped him succeed both in and out of the classroom

“They both are so experienced in guiding students and young creatives into landing the best work of their lives,” Luo said. “They are very patient but give direct, honest feedback each round. They are not afraid to push students into becoming better craftsmen in the creative advertising field.”

The portfolio courses are designed to mirror the intensity of the creative advertising industry. Entering in competitions like the Communication Arts Advertising Annual awards helps students’ portfolios stand out when applying for jobs and internships.

“The advertising industry is a very competitive business, the creative end especially so,” O’Neill said. “Contending for awards in publications like Communication Arts hones our students’ competitive instincts and drives them to ever higher standards of excellence.”

“The students work hard in their creative advertising courses to create compelling ad campaigns, and these Communication Arts Advertising Awards and Shortlist Awards are an excellent outcome of that. The advertising industry has communicated that these students create award-winning work. And this goes a long way when interviewing for jobs.”

The two award winners in the Communication Arts Advertising Annual 62 were “,” created by Mike Gaines, and “,” created by Luo. The campaigns are shown in the most recent November/December print and digital editions of Communications Arts’ international publication.

“Both projects demonstrate a strategic understanding of the brand, brand assets and the need for simple communication in an era when we are dividing our attention between multiple screens,” Lucey said.

Gaines wanted to create a campaign that spoke to Jeep’s ruggedness and functionality.

“To Jeep owners, their vehicles are far more than just cars. They are a way of exploring and experiencing places previously unimaginable,” Gaines said.

One of Gaines biggest challenges was simply communicating Jeep’s ability to unlock new experiences for owners and drivers while keeping the company’s branding at the forefront. In Gaines’ campaign, Jeep’s signature grill became framing cutouts in billboards and print ads. Mountainous, snow-capped and desert landscapes peek through the grills ready to be explored behind the wheel of a Jeep.

For Gaines, the award affirmed he’d chosen the right career path. “It feels amazing to have my hard work, dedication and creativity celebrated by such a prestigious advertising competition. Even being considered in the running among so many other young creatives was an accomplishment to me,” he said.

Art director Luo won the other Communication Arts Advertising Annual award for his “” campaign for McDonald’s. Luo wanted his campaign to highlight McDonald’s delivery service while fitting with the company’s signature brand.

“I just have seen so many well-done, iconic McDonald’s campaigns over the years. Their brand voice is so clear and easy to understand,” Luo said.

Luo focused on the insight that McDonald’s has one of the most comprehensive fast food delivery services worldwide, making it easy for customers to order their favorite meals. From there, Luo turned to his pencil to visually brainstorm his concept, using McDonald’s distinct branding as a guide.

“Writing down every nugget of an idea is crucial because that may build over time and spark even more thoughts,” Luo said. “Usually at that phase, I draw a lot of stuff and pick about a dozen ideas to further develop.”

To illustrate the company’s delivery service, Luo developed a print campaign featuring McDonald’s arches glowing in the night as they bounce off city streets into apartment windows. While the art direction came clearly to him, Luo said figuring out how to physically achieve his vision was challenging.

“The execution took a really long time,” he said. “I tried different ways to bring the iconic golden arches to life, and in the end I landed on 3-D renderings, which took a while to figure out.”

“This award is one of the hardest awards to win in the industry because they give out such a limited amount,” he said. “Also the judges are really high-level creative directors and even executive creative directors, so having their support means the world.”

Five Newhouse creative advertising student campaigns earned Communication Arts Advertising Shortlist awards.

Luo and partner copywriter Grace Curran worked on the shortlisted campaign “” (video) for WhatsApp, which focused on mental health. This integrated campaign addressed the high depression and anxiety levels among Generation Z and their connection to social media.

“Sam and I were inspired by our own experiences as members of Gen Z,” Curran said. “We had a lot of discussions about anxiety and mental health as a whole and agreed that being tied to our phones was a root cause for many of the mental challenges we faced on an everyday basis.”

Luo and Curran decided to do the unexpected and turn to the technology in their phones for inspiration. “Obviously, it seems counterintuitive for a phone app like WhatsApp to tell people to take time away from their phones, but that’s what we liked about it,” Curran said. “It’s not only provocative, but also shows that they care and that, sure, sometimes what’s going on digitally is important, but what’s going on mentally is always going to be more important.”

“On Hold” uses mental health check-ins through facial recognition scans, signal-blocking “On Hold” towers and automatic away messages to help users who feel overwhelmed and anxious. The campaign also included streetwear printed with barcodes that, when scanned with a phone’s camera, took users to the WhatsApp On Hold app to find mental health support. Curran said Professor White and the team’s mentor Grant Mason, creative at Wieden+Kennedy in NYC at that time, encouraged them to create a fully integrated idea and stretch it as much as possible.

“We were always taught to think big and to make our campaigns flow seamlessly, and mimicking shutting off our personal devices on a larger scale was definitely something we saw as a seamless strategic activation,” Curran said.

“” (video), created by art director Rachel Hayashi and copywriter Jessica Mastorides for Apple, was shortlisted.The pair received a brief to use new technology to address a real world problem. Hayashi and Mastorides’searched for an issue they both felt passionate about, which led to the creation of PAL, a campaign designed to address the sharp rise in violent anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically the many unreported crimes.

“With a lot of these hateful incidents and violence against Asian Americans, unfortunately, a lot of cases cannot be proven as hate crimes or hate motivated,” Hayashi said. “There can be video footage, but sometimes if there’s not an audio recording as proof that it’s actually driven by hate against Asian Americans, it won’t be classified as a hate crime.”

The two researched new technologies and found location tracking software developed by Apple during the COVID-19 pandemic. When activated, PAL combines this location tracking software and voice-activation to monitor the user’s travels. If it detected any anti-Asian language, the Apple app would begin recording audio. PAL then uploaded this evidence and the location of the incident to a secure database that informed not only the nearest police station but also a Stop AAPI Hate organization for help.

“When we were thinking about ways in which we could help the Asian community, we steered towards solutions that are already in their hands,” Mastorides said. “That’s why we thought immediately of using Apple and iPhones because everybody has iPhones, and it’s an easy way to have new technology right at your fingertips when you’re in any type of crisis.”

The pair was thrilled to see PAL get recognition at the Communication Arts Awards. “This one meant a lot. It was originally an assignment for our Portfolio III class, but then it quickly turned into a passion project for us,” Hayashi said. “Hopefully with this being shortlisted, and even just a few judges being able to see our thoughts and how we can address the issue, it can make not only the ‘solve’ more well known but also the actual issue.”

Art director Serena Maldonado and copywriter Marta Lala’s shortlisted “” (video) for the World Health Organization also focused on mental health. They created the phone app UoK? to help people when they are at their most vulnerable.

“We developed our campaign around the insight that people are often alone when they go through a manic episode and are left with just their phone to turn to,” Maldonado said.

When a user engages with unusual phone behavior associated with mental health crises, such as sudden increases in online shopping, faster typing, web searches specific to depressive thoughts and ignored messages and calls, the app would trigger a simple notification asking if the user is ok. If the user selects “I am not ok,” the app would open a screen detailing the user’s unusual behavior and connect them with important tools such as a chatbot to express their feelings,  mindfulness exercises and call buttons for mental health professionals and crisis hotlines.

The team turned to feedback from their target audience and market space research to figure out what was lacking or simply not working in other mental health apps.

“We were designing an app to help users with mental illness, knowing well that an improperly designed app could have adverse effects,” Maldonado said. “We had to think about UI/UX design, which is something we hadn’t worked on previously, while trying to provide a virtual safe space as a resource to our target audience.”

Maldonado said their creative advertising professors made themselves available to give feedback on their campaign. The professors asked tough questions and constantly pushed the team to go further with their campaign.

“The Newhouse portfolio classes helped me to understand what good creative looks like. It taught me that in order to come up with a good idea you need to look at the problem from every angle before moving forward with any kind of execution or layout,” she said.

“” (video) for Coca-Cola was shortlisted for its innovation around greener practices. “People are growing more environmentally conscious every day, and any opportunity to make their lives easier, quicker, faster and cheaper while doing so is a golden space to be explored,” copywriter Joseph Cutuli said.

Cutuli and art director Maia Baptista wanted to address the growing number of Coca-Cola cans and bottles piling up in landfills. “CashCan” incentivizes Coca-Cola product users to recycle using accessible, branded, high-tech recycling bins linked to Apple Pay. Consumers toss their empty Coca-Cola product bottles and cans into designated CashCans, which would be conveniently located on street corners. The recycling bin would scan the items’ barcodes and transfer money to the user’s bank account using Apple Pay. Figuring out how to implement contactless payment options into the CashCan proved a major challenge for the team, but they knew it was an important component of their idea.

“People want to feel like they are making a difference in the environment, but people also want to feel like their time is well spent, and they want to get something out of something, one way or the other,” Cutuli said.

Cutuli credits the attention and dedication of his Newhouse professors White and O’Neill and mentors in helping the team craft a shortlisted campaign. “From guidance on the idea, target audience and art direction to final critiques on the script, they were present every step of the way,” he said.

Luo also won a Shortlist award for “Go Wild”, a print campaign for Jeep. “Go Wild” showcased Jeep’s adaptability and adventurous spirit on any terrain. By zooming in on wild animals, zebra stripes and giraffe spots, the animal prints became roads for Jeeps to explore.

A complete list of Communication Arts Advertising Annual 62, Winners and Shortlists can be found below:

• “,” Jeep by art director Mike Gaines, Communication Arts Advertising Award
• “,” McDonald’s by art director Sam Luo, Communication Arts Advertising Award
• “” (video), WhatsApp by art director Sam Luo and copywriter Grace Curran, Communication Arts Advertising Shortlist
• “” (video), Apple by art director Rachel Hayashi and copywriter Jessica Mastorides, Communication Arts Advertising Shortlist
• “” (video), Coca-Cola by art director Maia Baptista and copywriter Joe Cutuli, Communication Arts Advertising Shortlist
• “” (video), World Health Organization by art director Serena Maldonado and copywriter Marta Lala, Communication Arts Advertising Shortlist
• “Go Wild,” Jeep by art director Sam Luo, Communication Arts Advertising Shortlist

Tula Goenka

, professor of  (TRF) and director of the TRF graduate program, has been named the inaugural Dean’s Leadership Fellow at the Newhouse School. In this role, Goenka will focus on the engagement, inclusivity and support of the school’s international student community.

“I first came to the United States as a Newhouse international graduate student in 1984, and it is truly an honor for me to be appointed as the first Dean’s Leadership Fellow 38 years later,” Goenka says. “I have lived through the trials and tribulations of not only moving to a foreign country and learning in a brand new educational system but also simultaneously trying to figure out how to live day-to-day so far from home. It’s more than a culture shock, and I am thrilled to help our Newhouse international students have a smoother transition so that they can flourish and blossom here.”

Goenka joined the Newhouse faculty in 1996 following a career in filmmaking that included work as an editor for directors Spike Lee, James Ivory and Mira Nair, among others. Her own documentary work includes the award-winning PBS film “Dancing On Mother Earth,” about singer/songwriter Joanne Shenandoah; “El Charango,” about the musical instrument from Bolivia; and “Likhiya: Writing Stories With Mithila Art,” a series of short films on artists from Madhubani, Bihar in India. She is the creator and director of the “Look Now Project,” which uses visual storytelling to highlight the resilience of all those affected by breast cancer—patient, survivor, caregiver, medical practitioner and advocate. She earned the Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence Award for Engaging the World in 2009.

Born and raised in India, Goenka is involved with the South Asian community in the U.S. She served as co-director of the federally funded South Asia Center, part of the Maxwell School’s Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs, from 2012-14. She is affiliated faculty with the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies and the Minor in South Asian Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Goenka is the author of “Not Just Bollywood: Indian Directors Speak.” In 2008, she created the Syracuse University Abroad program Bollywood Snapshots, and has taken more than 50 Newhouse students to Mumbai for the month-long immersion. She was the Newhouse Endowed Chair of Public Communications from 2016-19. She is the founder and co-director of the annual Syracuse University Human Rights Film Festival, now in its 20th year.

“Throughout her career, Tula has been a passionate supporter of our Newhouse students, particularly those from other countries,” Lodato says. “She will be outstanding in this role, giving the needs of our international students a stronger voice at the highest levels.”

Jiang

Hua Jiang

Jiang is an accomplished scholar who has earned research recognitions from national and international flagship communication associations. She has published more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, with her work appearing in leading refereed journals, and she serves on the editorial board of the top three public relations journals: Journal of Public Relations Research, Public Relations Review and Public Relations Journal (PRSA journal). A member of the Newhouse faculty since 2013, she graciously and capably stepped in to serve as interim chair of the public relations department for a year. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Nanjing University and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park.

“During the past 13 years of engagement in institutions of higher education, I have worked with countless undergraduate students in the classroom and more than 60 master’s and doctoral students on their theses and dissertations,” Jiang says. “My top priority has always been to be a dedicated and inspiring educator committed to student success. To that end, I am extremely excited by this leadership opportunity that empowers me to demonstrate my undeterred passion, enthusiasm, and determination to academic excellence and student success.”

Jiang replaces Amy Falkner, who was recently named dean of Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications.

Brad Horn

Horn

Horn brings more than 20 years of public relations management and organizational communications leadership to the newly-created position of associate dean for strategic initiatives. An active contributor to the industry, he is focused on the roles of leadership, trust, ethics and digital engagement. His past experiences have focused on national and international media relations; public relations strategy creation; digital and social media engagement; educational program development; crisis management; and board and executive communication. He is a graduate of the Newhouse School’s communications management master’s program, and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism (advertising/public relations) from Texas Christian University.

“Partnerships and people are the cornerstones of the bridge between academic excellence and creative industry engagement,” Horn says. “I’m honored to join Dean Lodato’s inspiring vision in this new challenge to create and support opportunities for all. I’m looking forward to collaborating with our faculty, students, staff, alumni and industry leaders to develop and sustain partnerships, programs and projects that elevate the reach and reputation of the Newhouse School.”

Says Lodato: “Hua and Brad have already contributed so much to the Newhouse School as faculty members. I am excited to see what they bring to the leadership team in support of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.”