Jackson Capenos

Hailing from Central New York in a small town just north of Syracuse, Jackson grew up immersed in a close-knit community. His early life revolved around family, sports and work. Whether chopping wood or doing landscaping work with his grandfather, or taking part in football, track and the band at his high school, Capenos cultivated a strong work ethic that would guide him through life’s challenges.

“I grew up in Penneville and went to Phoenix High School; it’s one of those towns with a gas station and a few churches, not a lot going on. I just spent a lot of time either working for my grandfather, which was just like landscaping and chopping down trees,” says Capenos. “I did a lot of athletic stuff, played football since I was 5 years old and also did track and field, and even wrestled for a couple of years.”

A Family Legacy of Service

The call to serve came early. Inspired by a family legacy of military service among his two grandfathers and uncle—spanning the Army, Navy and Air Force, Jackson felt compelled to join the Marines, drawn by the camaraderie and the elite reputation. His grandfather, who Capenos credits with helping to raise him, gave him the most persuasive guidance when Capenos was torn between enlisting after high school or going off to college like a lot of other students.

“He told me I had two options. I could go to school for a few years and see how that goes, then by the time I was 27 or so it would be harder to join the military, if at all. Or I could go into the military, do my time, but then go to college afterwards and at least it would be paid for,” Capenos says.

During his time in the Marines, Jackson served as an amphibious assault vehicle crewman, a now-discontinued military occupational specialty, but an experience that taught him a lot about taking care of others and attention to detail.

The amphibious assault vehicle (AAV), or “Amtrack” as it was commonly called, was a lightly armored tracked vehicle that carried infantry Marines from ship to shore on contested beaches. In 2020, eight Marines and a sailor tragically lost their lives during a training incident when their AAV flooded with water, sinking off the coast of California before the service members could escape.

Capenos’ role in the AAV was ensuring the Marines in the back were safe, and that included highly detailed inspections of the AAV before the Marines ever boarded it. Every seal, every hinge, every valve was thoroughly checked to ensure the armored vehicle would keep the crew afloat.

Jackson Capenos

After being medically separated in 2014, Jackson faced the challenge of transitioning to civilian life. He pursued higher education, earning a degree in psychology from SUNY Oswego, with a focus on military and veteran mental health. His academic path underscored his passion for understanding the struggles veterans face during transitions and finding ways to support them.

After graduating, Capenos moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, for work. With his wife joining him, the pair started to make a new life for themselves and started to settle into the local community. Then COVID hit.

“We were living near Fort Carson, I became a football coach and was an educational assistant for students with developmental disabilities, so I became really ingrained in my community out there,” says Capenos. “Once COVID hit, my wife and I couldn’t afford to live out there anymore, so we were forced to move back to New York. The day we moved back we found out we were pregnant with our son, and I immediately took the next job that I could.”

His journey eventually led him to Syracuse University, where he found his calling as a liaison for student veterans navigating their education benefits. “When I was transitioning, I didn’t have much support,” Jackson says. “Now, I get to be that person for others. To help them navigate the process, talk through challenges and connect them with the resources they need.”

Ensuring Veterans Success

Today, Jackson’s role is more than a job—it’s a mission. He ensures veterans feel supported as they navigate the complexities of higher education, their education benefits and life after military service. His own story of resilience and dedication serves as an inspiration to the students he works with.

“There are so many parts with education benefits depending on which program the student is using. When you’re going through that educational process you don’t always know all the details like how the monthly housing allowance works with the G.I. Bill,” says Capenos. “As I’ve been going through my training, I’ve learned that there’s so many things I never knew about. So, I feel like the important thing about my role here at Syracuse University is helping to give the student a peace of mind that they’re taken care of.Ìę Here, the student comes first.”

Capenos, along with the other school certifying officials and administrators working with the , are available to answer questions any student may have about the educational benefits.

In addition to doing presentations for student veterans and keeping them informed about updates to their benefits, the University’s school certifying officials urge military-connected students to seek them out before making any significant changes to their academic plans to ensure they’ll have the coverage they’re expecting.

A gift from William T. “Ted” Frantz ’80, P’13 will establish a new endowed chair in engineering and computer science. (Photo by Joey Heslin)

His new gift, which will be partially matched by the University through the Forever Orange Faculty Excellence Program, will establish the William T. Frantz Endowed Chair in Engineering and Computer Science. “The idea for this gift has been simmering for nearly 20 years,” says Frantz. The engineer turned investor, who has studied and invested in many promising concepts and companies, says his newest investment in ECS as part of the was a matter of just-the-right timing.

“The timing is ideal, coming on the heels of Micron Technology’s Ìę$100 billion commitment to the region,” says Frantz. He says the partnership opportunities between the technology company and the University are a boon for students, faculty and the wider community. “It’s a great time to invest in the University, the expansion of the engineering program and in the region. These things tend to build on each other.”

Frantz draws similarities to the success of Silicon Valley, where he once worked for Hewlett-Packard. “I witnessed the growth of Silicon Valley and how nearby universities like Stanford, Berkeley and Santa Clara provided the intellectual expertise, engineering and research,” he says. Forward-looking investors seized opportunities brought about by the region’s dynamic partnerships and ingenuity.

New Ideas

Investing in new ideas has always held appeal for Frantz, who has provided capital for companies exploring new computer technologies and biotech firms developing new therapeutics for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes and other diseases. “It’s the challenge of seeing something grow and make a go of it, get off the ground and get bigger,” says Frantz.

The man who loves to see new ideas get off the ground and soar was perhaps inspired at a young age by his neighbors. They were airline pilots who built an aerobatic plane in the garage. A curious young Frantz helped out after school. One of those neighbors was Leo Loudenslager, who was a mechanic in the Air Force and a pilot for American Airlines, but who is best known for winning multiple U.S. Aerobatic Championships. “Leo was innovative,” says Frantz. “The design changes he made shook up the aerobatic community. And he not only built it, he flew it.”

Frantz, who has his own pilot’s license, has combined his passion for flight with his desire to fuel innovation through investment in a significant gift he made to Syracuse University students and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in 2008. Frantz funded the purchase and upkeep of an advanced flight simulator that would allow students to get hands-on experience with flight vehicles that they designed and to experiment “with the ‘edge of the envelope’ without endangering any persons or property.”

Edge of Innovation

Similarly, Frantz hopes his latest gift will help keep ECS on the edge of innovation, build on past successes and bring greater prestige. He notes that the gift is structured to allow for flexibility in that it is not restricted to a particular aspect or field of engineering. The recipient of the endowed chair will be selected by the dean of the college and hold a term of five years that is renewable. Frantz says flexibility allows the dean to look into the future and identify new fields where investing in faculty expertise would be most promising.

“Ted is a visionary in his approach to philanthropy,” says ECS Dean J. Cole Smith. “His background as both an engineer and investor allows him to look far into the future, to see where technology and creativity can take the next generation of engineers and computer scientists. His generosity is literally helping us shape the future of our program as we address the challenges facing our globe.”

“I’ve been studying the history of Syracuse,” says Frantz. “At one point, it was the center of commerce with proximity to the Erie Canal that allowed steel and manufacturing to thrive. But the city did not adjust to change, and new growth industries did not take root and adapt. Now, with Micron’s investment, the city has new opportunities, and Syracuse University is perfectly situated to take advantage of those opportunities.”

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. VisitÌęÌęto learn more.

This year, out of 14 student winners nationwide, four are advertising majors. And two of them are from the .

Tori Aragi ’24 and Jordan Leveille ’24, art directors in the Newhouse creative advertising program, won for five advertising campaigns they created in Portfolio 1, the first course for at Newhouse. One campaign by Aragi came from Portfolio III, the final course in the creative advertising track. Aragi and Leveille’s first-ever advertising campaigns were shown in the March/April 2024 print edition of Communication Arts.

“The fun of Portfolio I is that many students come in with no experience,” says , a professor of practice and Aragi and Leveille’s instructor in Portfolio I. “They tell me they’ve never created an advertising campaign before, and I tell them, ‘The work created in this course often goes on to win creative advertising student awards.’ Time and time again, this proves to be true. In my Portfolio I course, I don’t just teach students how to create ad campaigns; I teach them how to create compelling campaigns that are memorable.”

The Award-Winning Campaigns

“Too Tired to Function” for Raycon Wireless Earbuds

Tori Aragi’s campaign with a print ad for Raycon Wireless Earbuds.

Aragi’s “Too Tired to Function” campaign for Raycon Wireless Earbuds includes three print ads and was developed in her Portfolio I course. It is one of her three campaigns featured in this year’s print edition of Communication Arts. This campaign highlights Raycon’s superior battery life by showing Apple AirPods “falling asleep” during inconvenient travel times and uses visual solution advertising to tell this story, altering visuals to communicate the concept of the ad campaign.

“This was my first-ever advertising campaign,” Aragi says. “Professor White taught me how to blend visuals and copy to create this compelling story.”

“Hydroscape” for Hydro Flask

Jordan Leveille’s campaign featured print ads for Hydro Flask.

Leveille’s “Hydroscape” campaign for Hydro Flask, created in Portfolio I, similarly uses a visual solution approach, transforming Hydro Flask bottles into frigid, icy landscapes to represent how well the product keeps liquids cold. This concept visually links Hydro Flasks to glaciers, a recognizable symbol of cold water.

“This is a clever way of visually showing how the water bottle keeps water cold for a very long time,” White says. “Jordan is strikingly adept at using visual solution advertising.”

“Bad Hair Day” for Aveeno

Jordan Leveille’s campaign featured print ads for Aveeno.

Leveille’s “Bad Hair Day” campaign for Aveeno, created in Portfolio I, takes a playful approach with its visual solution. It depicts the torment of dealing with untreated, damaged hair by transforming the hair into a monstrosity. This campaign shows how Aveeno’s Oat Milk Hair Treatment can “tame” unruly hair, thus positioning the product as the solution to achieving hydrated, healthy locks.

“Fries Over Friends” for McDonald’s

Tori Aragi’s campaign featured print ads for McDonald’s.

Aragi’s second featured campaign, “Fries Over Feelings,” created in Portfolio I, captures the universal sting of someone swiping your McDonald’s fries. Aragi turned this everyday betrayal into a memorable ad series, blending serious undertones with exaggerated humor. Her long-form ads amplify the drama of the stolen fries by incorporating clever comedic twists.

“Professor White’s guidance on copy-based advertising was crucial in developing this idea and its comedic touch,” says Aragi.

“I’m Thirsty” for charity: water

For charity: water, a nonprofit dedicated to providing clean drinking water where many do not have access to it, Leveille came up with the idea in Portfolio I to create drinking water cans with no tab on them, making the water inside completely inaccessible. These cans would be placed in vending machines that appear to dispense free cans of water.

The can’s design is meant to give consumers a glimpse of what it’s like for people who lack access to clean drinking water, aiming to generate empathy for the 370 million individuals facing this challenge daily.ÌęThe cans lack tabs, so people cannot access the water. This design gives consumers a glimpse into experiencing first-hand, even if it’s just for a few seconds, what it’s like to have no access to clean drinking water.

Each can reads, “By making this can of water impossible to open, we have restricted your access to clean drinking water. Now you can relate to the 10% of our population who lack access to clean water daily. It shouldn’t be this difficult for anyone to quench their thirst.”

Jordan Leveille’s experiential idea for charity: water brings awareness to the fact that one in 10 people globally do not have access to clean water.

This campaign is notable for its innovative use of experiential advertising, creating a powerful and original experience for the consumer.

“The charity: water campaign tangibly recreates water inaccessibility through a completely sealed and visually identifiable can, allowing consumers to experience an issue that many typically don’t in their daily lives,” White says.

“Just Let It Go” for eBay

Aragi’s third campaign, “Just Let It Go” for eBay, was created in Portfolio III. Collaborating with copywriter Kayla Beck ’24, Aragi targeted Generation Z in the United Kingdom with this cheeky campaign.

Tori Aragi’s campaign featuring outdoor posters for eBay.

Through their research, Aragi and Beck said they found that Gen Z struggles to let go of preloved items, even when they have outgrown them. From there, the creative advertising students created a campaign that gives people the snarky shove they need to realize it is finally time to let go.

“Professor White always stressed the importance of simple ideas and cohesive campaigns, which helped me to create this project,” Aragi says.

2024 marks the sixth consecutive year Newhouse creative advertising students have won Communication Arts Students Showcase Awards.

Whitman MBA Online recent grad students from left, Bryan Perry, Diego Caro Ramirez and Melissa Clisson

The Poets&Quants’ rankings methodology relies on three categories equally relating to admissions standards, employment outcomes at graduation and academic experience, the latter two of which are based on a survey of recent alumni. In each of these alumni-based categories, Whitman was rated higher than in the last three years and ranked No. 14 overall on academic experience. Of particular note was alumni satisfaction with live synchronous classes (ranked No. 12 nationally), professor quality (ranked No. 4 nationally), responsiveness (ranked No. 12 nationally) and the amount and quality of teamwork (ranked No. 15 nationally). Whitman was again ranked No. 23 overall for career impact, with satisfaction in the ability to immediately apply what you learned in the program to your job was high (ranked No. 15 nationally).

“We are pleased to once again be among the best online MBA programs. The feedback from our students and alumni shows that the Whitman School places a tremendous emphasis on high-quality teaching, dynamic and interactive classes and overall student experience. Seeing this play out in the rankings validates our efforts and investments in these areas,” saysÌęÌę“Our recent alumni also show significant career benefits as a result of our MBA program. Career advancement—such as promotions and salary increases—are important factors for prospective MBA students, so we’re happy that our program scored so well nationally in this regard. It’s clear that we are a student-first program that makes a positive difference in students’ lives.”

Whitman alumni commented that they recommend the school’s online MBA program without hesitation, quoting flexibility, faculty and diversity as important to them. Alumni quotes included, “It is a great program with wonderful instructors. The flexible, online format with evening classes fits into most schedules seamlessly,” and “Whitman’s online MBA is top-notch and engaging to boot. I made extensive networking connections while furthering my own education of professional environments, and they are extremely flexible when it comes to class selection and scheduling, which is perfect for a working professional.” Another alum said “While challenging, the professors and staff of Whitman truly showed their interest in my success. The programs were interesting, engaging, and I was able to apply what I learned to my current occupation. The professors were able to apply their professional experiences to help enrich the curriculum. The one-credit residencies were fascinating and fun, in terms of the topics covered and where the residencies were held.”

, assistant dean for master’s programs adds: “Many of our courses have experiential learning opportunities and our residencies also allow students to spend a weekend diving into a specific topic in-person. Together these opportunities provide the knowledge and skills that can be immediately applied and create lasting connections. Alumni gave us high marks for the ability to create connections with fellow students (ranked No. 11) and faculty (ranked No. 6).”

faculty members , assistant professor of musical theatre, and , assistant professor of film, each won $10,000 NYSCA grants for their work.

Kathleen Wrinn

Wrinn is a musical theater performer, lyricist and librettist in the Department of Drama and founding artistic director of the department’s New Works/New Voices initiative. She earned the grant for her musical, “The Bridge, a New Musical Epic,” which was developed with the New Haven-based arts venture studio Midnight Oil Collective and was showcased at Yale University this fall.

Soudabeh Moradian is a director, producer, screenwriter and editor in the Department of Film and Media Arts. Her film, “,” is a psychological horror film exploring themes of trauma, misogyny and xenophobia.

Soudabeh Moradian

NYSCA grants also went to three University arts organizations:

• : $49,500 to support general theater productions
• (Punto de Contacto): $10,000 to support general operations
• : $10,000 to support a project by artists and .

Molina Martagon and McMillan will work in residence at Light Work in February. The project will be a participatory exploration of spirituality and emerging technologies, guiding viewers through a process of body-centered storytelling, digital avatar creation and motion-capture. The resulting work will be exhibited at Urban Video Project next fall.

This year, NYSCA to individuals and organizations. In the last six years, it has presented 302 capital grants totaling $92 million across 10 regions of the state to support visual, literary, performing and media arts organizations. NYSCA also supports individual artists and awarded grants to 426 of them last year.

A scene from “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” at Syracuse Stage.

Alex K. Jones

The introduction of , Willow, has sparked excitement both for its performance milestones and the ways it might help advance the commercial viability of quantum computing.

, chair of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at Syracuse University, shared his insights on the announcement and its implications for the future of the field.

Q: How significant is this announcement compared to previous quantum chips?

A: The biggest challenge around superconducting quantum systems has been noise, which limits the size of problems that can be computed. ÌęIf a quantum problem is too large, the noise will overcome the final calculation. ÌęA popular approach to address the noise problem is to apply an error correction algorithm called the surface code. ÌęHowever, noise can also cause problems during error correction, itself. ÌęFor error correction to be useful, the result after error correction must not be worse than if no error correction was attempted.

The excitement from the Google team centers on a . ÌęThe Google team was able to demonstrate using surface code error correction they could decrease the error on their system. ÌęThis capability has been very challenging to demonstrate previously. Successful error correction is an important enabler to make more practical, scalable quantum computers.

The actual hardware in the Google Willow chip does not advance superconducting hardware dramatically over other systems. ÌęFor instance, their qubit device lifetimes are not as good as IBM systems. ÌęIt seems Google has found a “sweet spot” to provide the right parameters to allow error correction to be a net positive.

If the past is prologue, then the advancements in classical computing technologies warrant excitement for commercial quantum computing.

Alex K. Jones

Q: What are some potential implications of quantum computing/real world applications?

A: Quantum computing has the potential to solve certain classes of problems much more efficiently than classical computing.Ìę This has to do with the exponentially increasing state space possible through entanglement that is not possible using classical approaches.Ìę An example is determining the prime factorization of extremely large numbers, which is accomplished with Shor’s algorithm and has applications in cryptography.

Quantum computing also has the potential to simulate large physical systems with much higher fidelity than classical approaches, which has applications to better understand our physical world as well as improve our knowledge of chemistry and material science.

There is also a significant thinking that quantum computing will enable further improvement in artificial intelligence (AI) due to the larger datasets involved, but that is much less certain.Ìę For small to moderate size computing problems, classical computing remains the winner.

Q: Does this push us closer to commercially viable quantum computing?Ìę

A: This datapoint in useful error correction is a boon to the multiple companies that offer commercial quantum solutions.Ìę This is an important milestone toward advancing problem scale, but it is only one of many steps along the way.Ìę Google has noted they are limited by the same fidelity improvement floor (factor of 2) no matter how many bits of correction they employ with the surface code.Ìę They are now promising to join the already substantial amount of research into other error correction algorithms that could be simpler than surface codes and unlock better error correction.

However, the promise of this technology remains quite exciting and having large-scale commercial investment in the area is part of a rich ecosystem that is leading to substantial advancements.Ìę If the past is prologue, then the advancements in classical computing technologies warrant excitement for commercial quantum computing.

To request interviews or get more information:

Chris Munoz
Media Relations Specialist
Division of Communications
cjmunoz@syr.edu

Molly Egan (left) and Marlana Bianchi won the Grand Prix for their Spotify AI idea, “Break the Sound Barrier.” (Photo courtesy of AKQA)

This is part one of a two-part series documenting the first time Newhouse creative advertising students won the Cannes Future Lions Grand Prix.

In June 2024, Newhouse School creative advertising students Molly Egan ’25 and Marlana Bianchi ’24 walked across the stage to claim the most prestigious student award in the world: the Cannes Future Lions Grand Prix, at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in Cannes, France.

The Cannes Lions Awards are so prestigious, they are considered the Oscars of the advertising industry. And this year, Syracuse made history as the first U.S. undergraduate university to win a Cannes Future Lions Grand Prix. In 2018, Syracuse became the first U.S. undergraduate university to ever win a Cannes Future Lions award.

This year’s competition saw entries from 245 schools across 59 countries—three times the number of entries from the previous year.

Each year, the competition releases a brief for students to answer. The brief for the 2024 competition was for Spotify. Egan and Bianchi earned the award through their compelling entry, “,” designed to make music streaming inclusive for the deaf community.

“‘Break the Sound Barrier’ is phenomenal, bravo. My favorite ideas make me deeply jealous that I didn’t think of them. And they make me ask: ‘How has this not been done yet?’ Because it’s so good,” says Avi Steinbach ’14, creative director/writer at Ogilvy and alumnus of the Newhouse creative advertising program.

Steinbach also won his first Cannes Lions Grand Prix this year in the Social and Influencer Category for the “” campaign. He was involved in every aspect of its creation—from the initial concept and pitching CeraVe to the script, social concepts and Super Bowl spot.

The Inspiration Behind the AI IdeaÌę

Egan and Bianchi said their goal was to make music streaming inclusive for the deaf community.

“Sometimes the best ideas are your first ideas,” says Bianchi. “For me, they often come late at night when I’m exhausted and falling asleep at my desk. This idea started like that, and then Molly and I built on it to create something truly unique.”

Egan said their inspiration began with what she called the unforgettable halftime show at the 2023 Super Bowl.

“Rihanna headlined, but she wasn’t the only performer to leave a lasting impression,” she says. “At that time, Marlana was studying abroad in Florence, Italy, and I was in my college house without ESPN, so we both ended up watching the show on YouTube. From our separate corners of the world, we were mesmerized. Rihanna was split screen with Justina Miles. Miles, a deaf sign language performer, didn’t just translate Riri’s music—she embodied it.”

With electrifying energy, Miles created a whole new dimension to the performance. She brought every lyric and note to life, performing each word while dancing to Rihanna’s beats. Her hands told the story, and her body caught the rhythm so precisely that it felt like she was channeling the core of Rihanna’s music, Egan said.

“Marlana and I couldn’t stop replaying her performance, captivated by how she brought the music to life for both deaf and hearing fans,” Egan added.

Little did they know, this was the first time a deaf sign language performer like Miles was invited to join the Super Bowl halftime show. This major move for music inclusivity is what inspired Egan and Bianchi’s award-winning idea.

Another source of inspiration was MasterCard’s “True Name” campaign, which was shared during their Portfolio III course taught by , professor of practice in advertising. The campaign inspired them to think about how ideas can move the needle on inclusivity. “True Name” lets transgender and nonbinary people display their chosen name on their banking cards, regardless of the name on their identification or birth certificate.

The Grand Prix-Winning Idea for Spotify

“Break the Sound Barrier” is a digital idea for Spotify that aims to make music streaming more inclusive to the deaf community by integrating deaf sign language performances into the platform, ensuring that music streaming is accessible to all users, regardless of their hearing ability.

By partnering with deaf performers like Miles and using deepfake technology, “Break the Sound Barrier” can scale deaf performances into over 300 sign languages for each song on the platform. This approach ensures that Spotify will be accessible to the deaf community.

The next part of their idea lets musicians choose to opt into “.” If a musician opts in, Spotify will generate them signing with deepfake technology. This will let musicians perform in all the world’s sign languages for the first time, bringing deaf fans closer to their favorite artists than ever before.

‘‘‘Break the Sound Barrier’ is just so simple. Real problem. Real solution. While so many agencies are trying to find ways to use deepfake and AI, this idea uses it to address a real issue. This idea also starts on the app, but I could see it extending in a number of ways [like real-life concerts]—another good sign of a huge idea,” says Steinbach.

To read the full story, visit .

Story by , senior in the Newhouse School

Joey Gawrysiak, executive director of the esports degree program (left) and Arnold Hur, CEO of Gen.G (Photo courtesy of Gen.G)

Syracuse University and global esports and gaming organization are collaborating on a multi-year partnership designed to enhance student engagement opportunities and support the University’s first-of-its-kind esports communications and management bachelor’s program.

The partnership will feature participation in the , which offers students the opportunity to take part in an intensive, three-week program to study in South Korea. The partnership will also bring Gen.G’s Campus Takeover conference and program to Syracuse to celebrate the University’s soon-to-be-completed esports hub in the center of campus at the Schine Student Center. Campus Takeover events draw students, faculty, professional leaders and other stakeholders from around the world to discuss key issues and emerging trends in the esports and gaming industries.

Syracuse University is the firstÌęmajor university in the country to offer an esports bachelor’s program. The degree is offered jointly by the Newhouse School of Public Communications andÌę.

“As a leader in esports education, it is essential for Syracuse to deliver to the right mix of academic excellence and hands-on experiences to our students,” says Joey Gawrysiak, executive director of the . “Given Gen.G’s outstanding track record of delivering educational programming that resonates with students, we look forward to building this important partnership in a growing field.”

The Gen.G Practicum Abroad program will offer Syracuse students an expansive hands-on learning experience in the heart of the esports industry in South Korea. The program led by Gen.G professionals includes custom esports programming, mentorship by industry professionals, special lectures, industry “lunch-and-learns” and professional networking, all while immersing students in Korean culture and its history in esports. Students will visit competitive organizations and gaming publisher studios.

Students will also take part in Gen.G’s award-winning Campus Takeover event, which will be hosted for the first time on the Syracuse campus inÌęfall 2025. The free-to-enter conference will focus on supporting the esports ecosystem in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, promoting academic, broadcast and competitive excellence through informative panels and seminars featuring industry professionals. The Campus Takeover at Syracuse will also be the first to feature an innovative business case study competition.

“Syracuse and Gen.G believe education plays a critical role in the future development of esports and gaming globally, so we’re committed to delivering hands-on experiences for the students who seek a rewarding career in our industry,” says Arnold Hur, CEO of Gen.G. Hur and Yugina Yan, the company’s assistant director of operations for education will serve as development advisors to the Syracuse’s esports program.

Last spring, Gen.G hosted industry lectures for students in the Department of Sport Management in Falk College and a marketing lecture exclusively for Syracuse esports students during the League of Legends World Championships in Berlin.

Gen.G’s commitment to education is celebrating its fifth year with its Gen.G Foundation, a $1 million pledge over the next 10 years to advance the importance of education in the esports and gaming industry. The foundation awards scholarships to more than 40 students across the United States. Gen.G also operates the Gen.G Global Academy, the world’s first fully integrated academic esports program in Korea.

About Gen.G

United under #TigerNation, Gen.G’s core mission is to help fans and athletes use the power of gaming and esports to get ahead in and beyond the competition. With an emphasis on education, DEI initiatives, and innovative partnerships, Gen.G is a commercial and thought leader, building a global, inclusive and cross-cultural future for gaming. Its unique portfolio of teams includes the Seoul Dynasty (Overwatch League), League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK), the Gen.G & Gen.G Black VALORANT teams, the PUBG Gen.G team, and the NBA2K’s Gen.G Tigers (the first non-NBA owned team in the NBA 2K League). Gen.G has also been a major proponent in seamlessly bringing in non-endemic brand partners to the world of gaming and esports, including 1Password, Burberry, Crocs, King’s Hawaiian, McDonald’s, Mobil1, Procter & Gamble, Toyota, and more. Gen.G also operates the Gen.G Global Academy, the world’s first fully-integrated academic esports program in Korea. Gen.G’s teams, content creators and corporate staff work out of their offices in Los Angeles, Seoul and Shanghai. For more information, visit GenG.gg or follow on Twitter @GenG.

Syracuse University established the in 1989, one year after the December 1988 bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, that claimed the lives of all 270 people on board, including who were returning from a semester studying abroad. Each Remembrance Scholar is paired with a victim and is tasked with honoring that individual and keeping their memory alive.

Miriam Luby Wolfe

When Sutherland found out she was accepted, she was studying abroad in India.

“I looked at my email and just immediately started crying,” says Sutherland, a public health major from St. Louis, Missouri. “It was instant honor and gratitude, but then as soon as you’re happy and excited, the next feeling that comes in is that weight and that heaviness of what that means to officially be a Remembrance Scholar.”

The news was equally emotional for Hulme, a public health major from Saratoga, California, whose grandfather had worked as a Pan Am pilot.

“I was on the phone with tech support for a computer problem when I got the email that I was selected as a Remembrance Scholar and I was so emotional I had to tell tech support I’d call them back,” Hulme says.

Miriam Luby Wolfe’s mother, Rosemary, sent this heartfelt note to Remembrance Scholar Alyssa Sutherland.

Sutherland’s scholarship is in honor of , a student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts who had spent her semester in London interning at King’s Head Theatre and studying dance, dramatic literature, acting, voice and art history. Sutherland has connected through email with Miriam’s mother, Rosemary, who now lives in Hawaii. Rosemary sent Alyssa a copy of her book, “,” with a handwritten note, “For Alyssa, May life bring you many blessings. With love and Aloha! Rosemary.”

Hulme’s scholarship is in honor of , a student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. He was an actor and athlete who competed on the Syracuse University men’s lacrosse team. Tabitha learned about Turhan’s life by spending time in the and having conversations with his friends, and she discovered almost kismet connections.

“There were so many commonalities between my life and his that I never expected to experience,” Hulme says. “In high school, he did journalism, and he got a national award for the type of journalism he did. It ended up that my father had actually received that same award when he was in high school.”

Turhan Michael Ergin

Sutherland and Hulme both share a strong dedication to service and intend to keep Miriam’s and Turhan’s memories with them throughout their lives. At this year’s , the two shared the following remarks:

Sutherland: “I lay this rose in memory of Miriam Luby Wolfe. I am acting forward by being a leader on campus and beyond. I am using my skills to promote and teach cultural competency as well as the importance of inclusivity and interdependence in every community.”

Hulme: “I lay this rose in honor of Turhan Michael Ergin. When I think of the profound impact of Pan Am Flight 103, I am reminded of the quote, ‘Grief is love with no place to go.’ This flight–meant to bring together family members, friends, beliefs, stories, cultures, and, above all else, love–has changed my perspective on action. As a pre-medical student studying public health and health humanities, I plan to act forward by pursuing a career as a physician focused on patient equity and forever a dedication to service.”

The annual Pan Am Flight 103 memorial service will be held at 2:03 p.m. EST on Saturday, Dec. 21, at Hendricks Chapel (that is the time of the incident over Lockerbie). The service will begin in the chapel’s Noble Room, with attendees then processing to the Place of Remembrance.

Learn more about the and to be a Remembrance Scholar.

The Syracuse University contingent at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting in November included Marjorie Cantor Professor of Aging Studies Merril Silverstein (second from left) and Human Development and Family Science doctoral students, from left to right, Xiaoyu Fu, Bo Jian and Ying Xu.

In mid-November, as part of the for the human dynamics programs in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Syracuse University announced that Falk’s departments of (MFT) and (HDFS) would merge and become one department within Syracuse’s starting July 1, 2025.

Within one week, the synergies between the two departments became apparent at the prestigious (NCFR) from Nov. 20-23 in Bellevue, Washington.

Eman Tadros

At the NCFR, MFT Assistant Professor was honored with both the Olson Grant and Advancing Family Science Emerging Mentor/Teacher Award. In addition, several HDFS faculty and doctoral students presented their research, including Marjorie Cantor Professor of Aging Studies , who was a keynote speaker.

“Dr. Tadros’ involvement with NCFR highlights the interconnection between the HDFS and MFT departments,” says MFT chair and Professor of Practice . “NCFR and many other professional organizations support both departments’ focus on expanding scholarship on human systems and development, and relational wellbeing.

“Our mutual emphasis on families and systems sets the stage for increased scholarship and service for individuals and systems in our community and around the world,” Watson adds.

The , which is available to NCFR members who contribute to the discipline of family science by bridging research, theory and practice, was previously awarded to Silverstein and former HDFS doctoral student , who is now an assistant professor at Texas Tech University.

“Dr. Hwang and Dr. Silverstein gave a keynote talk on their work with the award focusing on the impact of digital communication in maintaining intergenerational relationships during the pandemic,” says HDFS chair and Associate Professor . “Dr. Tadros will similarly present her work as a keynote next year. Through their important work, these faculty represent the shared values of research in the two departments, which will soon join and continue to do high-level research on family processes that has significant implications for the wellbeing of families.”

Watson says Tadros will use the Olson Grant to fund her scholarship on racially and ethnically minoritized individuals’ online dating behaviors. The highlights “Dr. Tadros’ exemplary mentorship, particularly in providing research opportunities for underrepresented students,” Watson says.

In addition to the NCFR, HDFS faculty and doctoral students recently presented at another prominent national conference: the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Nov. 13-16 in Seattle, Washington. At both the NCFR and GSA events, HDFS faculty and doctoral students presented on a wide array of topics related to important questions of well-being for families and older adults (the complete list of HDFS presenters is below).

Human Development and Family Science doctoral student Bo Jian with her poster presentation at the National Council on Family Relations 2024 Annual Conference.

“The presentations at the GSA included original research on dementia care, mortality patterns, mental health and intergenerational relationships in older adults,” Mulvaney says. “Much of the research was focused on examining key processes of aging and relationships across diverse contexts, including Mexican, Puerto Rican and Chinese communities. As a whole, the presentations represented cutting-edge research that adds to the scientific literature that highlight the experiences of diverse older adults.”

At the NCFR, Mulvaney says, the presentations focused on key features of family relationships and developmental processes, including biased-based harassment of adolescents, child maltreatment, intergenerational relationships and the impact of poverty on children’s self-regulation.

“All of the research utilized high-level and cutting-edge methodologies to inform our understanding of these critical family processes,” Mulvaney says.

Visit the for a complete list of the HDFS presenters at the GSA and NCFR conferences and the research they shared.

Erica Kiduko self-secured an internship with the Global Peace Foundation to connect and enhance the research in her thesis with a hands-on summer internship.

Erica Kiduko G’25, who grew up in Tanzania, decided to use her 2023-24 to help further her research and promote education around gender-based violence through a nonprofit in the country.

Kiduko, who is pursuing a master’s degree in Pan-African studies in the , was doing her thesis research on the status of women in Tanzania and a National Plan of Action to help prevent violence against women when she decided to expand her work through a Clements Internship.

“I was working on a project that is my passion, and I applied for an internship that captured my goals and my passions,” Kiduko says.

The Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Awards are now open for juniors, seniors and graduate students of any major who seek to further their career development through undertaking self-obtained unique internship opportunities. The award provides students with financial assistance to help in the pursuit of their unique professional goals.

The award typically provides students with $1,500-$6,000 to assist with internship-related travel, accommodations, required materials or living expenses.

Erica Kiduko

Kiduko was working on a thesis titled “Reckoning an Icon: Exploring Scholarship and Activism of [Kenyan professor] MÄ©cere GÄ©thae MĆ©go,” where she explored the ongoing imbalance women in Tanzania face and why, despite the implementation of the National Plan of Action, many women were still experiencing physical violence.

The action plan focuses on protecting the rights of women and girls, preventing such violent acts from occurring in the future and providing relief to help violence victims recover, but Kiduko says many of the citizens are unaware of the plan and many of the laws in place to protect these girls and women aren’t strict enough.

Wanting to connect and enhance the research in her thesis with a hands-on summer internship, Kiduko turned to the Clements Internship Award to study the effectiveness of the National Plan of Action through a self-secured internship with the Global Peace Foundation, which was one of the organizations involved in launching the National Plan of Action.

As a program officer, Kiduko worked on the Global Peace Foundation’s Uniting to End Violence Against Women in Football [soccer] initiative, which focused on both resolving issues of gender-based violence in women’s soccer and changing the societal norms and behaviors that often prevent victims of violence from reporting these incidents.ÌęKiduko worked with soccer players ages 16 to 25.

“The initiative was trying to promote women’s empowerment by preventing gender-based violence while creating a safe environment for everyone to play their sport,” Kiduko says.

Kiduko helped run workshops where she and her fellow program officers would provide consultations to determine how much they understood about the prevalence and risks of violence while also equipping them with the knowledge of how to proceed should they witness an attack. One of the culminating projects was the release of an app where the players could anonymously report incidents of violence, whether they were the victims or the witnesses to an attack.

Erica Kiduko (back row, third from the left) turned to the Clements Internship Award to study the effectiveness of Tanzania’s National Plan of Action to help prevent violence against women through a self-secured internship with the Global Peace Foundation.

“It can be really hard for these players to report these incidents. Soccer could be their entire life and they’re afraid of being taken off the team for reporting an attack,” Kiduko says.

How will Kiduko apply the critical lessons learned through her internship and apply them to her work once she graduates from Syracuse University?

“Once I graduate, I still plan on exploring this community-driven approach to solving the important issue of gender violence. Now, I can conceptualize the different types of activism, from political and humanitarian activism, and I’m so grateful to have received the Clements Internship Award,” Kiduko says.

Applying for the 2024-25 Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Award

This year’s application process closes on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. In addition to being responsible for self-securing internships, students interested in applying are also required to include their internship proposal, including outlining the purpose and goals of the internship and how this relates to their educational and career objectives. Interested students also need to secure a faculty or staff sponsor letter by the application deadline. Visit the for complete details.

Coach Mac’s daughters Janet Sweeney and Maureen MacPherson unveil the plaque for the Coach Mac Food Pantry at Hendricks Chapel. They were joined by their families, at left, and Chancellor Kent Syverud, College of Engineering and Computer Science Professor of Practice Dr. Ruth Chen, Sean McDonough ’84 and Vice President and Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol. (Photos by Zobayer Joti)

For 10 seasons, Syracuse football coach Richard “Dick” MacPherson (Coach Mac) led his team on the gridiron–propelling Syracuse Football back to the national powerhouse it once was. But it was the legendary football coach’s commitment to faith, family and the Orange that left an indelible mark on the Syracuse University community and the City of Syracuse. Although Coach Mac passed away in 2017, his legacy lives on at Syracuse University and in the former student-athletes and students whose lives he touched.

Last month, members of the Syracuse University community, Coach Mac’s family and loved ones, former student-athletes and alumni gathered to celebrate the dedication of the at Hendricks Chapel. The devout Catholic and dedicated family man was born in 1930 amid the Great Depression, the eleventh of 12 children. Like so many families during that time, putting food on the table wasn’t easy. That’s an experience Coach Mac never forgot. And that’s why it is only fitting that nearly a century later, the food pantry at Hendricks Chapel, at his beloved Syracuse University, now bears his name.

Sean McDonough ’84 provided a lead gift for the renaming of the food pantry.

The naming of the food pantry was made possible by generous benefactors, including the lead gift from Sean McDonough ’84, longtime sportscaster and member of the Hendricks Chapel Advisory Board. McDonough met Coach Mac in the fall of 1980, worked for him for three and a half years as a work-study assistant, and maintained a special relationship with him.

“He became to me a father figure, a mentor, a shining example of how life should be lived, particularly by someone in the public eye,” McDonough says. “He was a Hall of Fame person who embodied his considerable Catholic faith through his abundant love and kindness. Much more than one of the greatest football coaches of all time, he was an all-time great as a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, son, friend, mentor and a citizen of the world. He radiated God’s love in his interactions with everyone he encountered. He cared about everyone, everyone was and is important to Coach Mac. God is love. And Coach Mac was and is love.”

In recent years, McDonough, the MacPherson family and Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol began exploring ways to properly honor the man Coach Mac was off the field.

“We decided the food pantry would be the right place, the perfect place to honor Coach Mac and his life of compassionate care and service to others,” McDonough said. “In the place where faith is nourished and where people of many beliefs come to grow deeper in their faith.”

Cameron MacPherson ’16. G’18, Coach Mac’s grandson, looks at photos of his legendary grandfather.

In attendance at the naming ceremony and dedication were Chancellor Kent Syverud, Dr. Ruth Chen and members of the MacPherson family including Coach Mac’s daughters, Maureen MacPherson L’84 and Janet Sweeney ’85, G’92; son-in-law Greg Sweeney; and grandchildren Richard “Macky” MacPherson ’13, G’18, and his wife, Rachel, Cameron MacPherson ’16, G’18 and Suzy MacPherson ’20 and Molly Sweeney. Coach Mac’s wife, Sandra, who became a surrogate mom to many of Coach Mac’s players, died in January.

During his remarks, Konkol reflected on the significance of naming ceremonies. “Today we celebrate that the name of Richard MacPherson, Coach Mac, will be displayed here at Hendricks Chapel,” said Konkol. “We celebrate that from this day forward, more people will see his name. More people will be inspired by his name. Because more will associate his name with faith, with kindness, with generosity and with service.”

Coach Mac’s daughters, Janet Sweeney ’85, G’92 and Maureen MacPherson L’84, outside the food pantry named in honor of their father.

Chancellor Syverud recalled the first time he met Coach Mac, sharing breakfast together at the Chancellor’s House shortly after his arrival in Syracuse in 2014.

“He did most of the talking, and he talked about three subjects: football, family and Syracuse,” Chancellor Syverud recalled. “His greatest joy would be seeing the great human beings that each member of his family continues to be. What we’re doing right here is we’re honoring a good man.”

During the ceremony, a plaque that welcomes visitors to the food pantry was unveiled. Maureen MacPherson reflected on her father’s service off the field. “When he did food drives with the Salvation Army, it was personal to him. And for him to have this food pantry named after him, he’d be thrilled,” she said.

There are currently two food pantries on campus: the Coach Mac Food Pantry in Hendricks Chapel and another on South Campus. Both pantries rely on and donations.

Alison Murray, the chapel’s assistant dean for student assistance, is reminded daily of the importance of the food pantry. “Whenever someone supports the work of the pantry, they are directly supporting our students,” she said.

Leondra Tyler, Hendricks Chapel student engagement coordinator and a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, says “the Coach Mac Food Pantry plays an important role in the heart of campus in Hendricks Chapel. It allows students to have less worries, enhance their college experiences and succeed.”

Following the dedication ceremony, Coach Mac, who served as coach of the Orange from 1981-90, was inducted into the Ring of Honor during halftime of the Orange vs. Connecticut game in the JMA Wireless Dome.

“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.

Ghael Fobes ’22, an alumnus of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, has been named a 2025 Marshall Scholar.

The Marshall Scholarship program was created by an Act of British Parliament in 1953 as a living memorial to former U.S. Secretary of State Gen. George C. Marshall and American assistance provided following World War II. The scholarship allows up to three years of fully funded graduate study in any academic topic at any university in the United Kingdom. Fobes is one of 36 students selected from around the country and is Syracuse University’s seventh Marshall Scholar.

“Marshall Scholars continue to represent the very best of American society, dedicating their time and effort to address some of the great challenges of our time, from cyber security and artificial intelligence to advancing our knowledge of the universe,” says Dame Karen Pierce, British ambassador to the U.S. “The Marshall Scholarship remains an integral part of the U.K.-U.S. relationship, established through British gratitude to General Marshall at the end of WWII. We are delighted to welcome such a diverse and talented group of students to the U.K. next year as they continue their studies at some of the U.K.’s top academic institutions.”

Fobes plans to pursue two master’s degrees—in data and artificial intelligence (AI) ethics and in future governance—at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He began producing for NBC News as an intern in college and is currently an associate White House producer for NBC News in Washington, D.C. In his position, he has a firsthand perspective on the role that AI is playing in journalism today.

“I think the effects right now are pretty wide-ranging and pose some great opportunities and challenges,” Fobes says. “For example, we’ve been using artificial intelligence tools at NBC News to make transcription more efficient and effective. We also use them to help verify the provenance of social media content. As for challenges, I think anybody using social media has seen a flood in content created with generative AI. That presents significant obstacles to journalists’ ability to quickly determine the veracityÌęof content.”

Building upon his Marshall experience, Fobes hopes to return to NBC News ready to lead an innovation office embedded in the network’s newsgathering operation. “My goal is to develop ethical workflows that enhance our ability to gather and present news, focusing specifically on expanding efforts to combat digital misinformation,” he says.

As an undergraduate, Fobes majored in broadcast and digital journalism in the Newhouse School and minored in political science in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences. He was a Syracuse University Scholar and Commencement class speaker in 2022, and says he continues to carry his Syracuse University experience with him.

“My coursework and the faculty at Newhouse and Maxwell deepened my technical knowledge of broadcasting, sharpened my storytelling skills, and broadened my understanding of domestic and international politics,” he says.Ìę“While a lotÌęof the learning behind my broadcast degree allowed me to hone my use of a camera, what was truly enriching was learning from Professor Les Rose about the subtletiesÌęof interviewing and story development. It is not just about what catches someone’s eye, but is also about finding ways of introducing your audience to new people, places and perspectives.”

Fobes says his academic experience prepared him for working at NBC News. “It gives me a great foundation for approaching my Marshall Scholarship proposal for developing ethical newsgathering workflows with AI,” he says.

“I am especially grateful to Syracuse for its focus on preparing students with professional development and networking opportunities, and for its satellite campuses in New York City and Washington, D.C,” he says. “Specifically, I’m thankful for Professor Cheryl Brody Franklin’s mentorship through the Newhouse NYC program and Professor Charlotte Grimes, who led the Robin Toner Program in Political Reporting, which I was a part of for four years. They opened the door that allowed me to intern at NBC News throughout my time at SU.”

FobesÌęalso worked for the Daily Orange. He led the newspaper’s audio department, expanding its footprint as the founder, editor and host of “The Daily Orange” podcast.Ìę“I am grateful to the Daily Orange for giving me the creative space and resources to launch our weekly podcast. Leading the podcast taught me how to pitch and integrate new technologies into the operations of a storied newspaper,” he says.

Fobes worked with the University’s Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) on his Marshall application.

“Ghael’s extraordinary record of service and leadership in his field—and his preparation for and commitment to graduate study in artificial intelligence ethics—made him an outstanding candidate for the Marshall Scholarship,” says Jolynn Parker, director of the CFSA.Ìę“We are thrilled this award will help him achieve his goals.”

Fobes is grateful to Parker and CFSA. “I would not have known about, pursued or completed the application, much less gotten the award, without Jolynn’s encouragement and guidance,” he says. “I am also grateful for the professors who took the time to conduct mock interviews with me.”

Students interested in applying for national scholarships that require University endorsement, such as the Marshall Scholarship, should complete an “intent to apply” form with Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising by the end of June 2025 and plan to work withÌę.

The Syracuse University football game day kit has everything you need to show your Orange pride and support our amazing student-athletes.

Get pumped, Orange Nation! Excitement is building as the Syracuse University football team gets ready for the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl in sunny San Diego, California, on Friday, Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. Remember this winning season with your very own game day kit, which has everything you need to show your Orange pride and support our amazing student-athletes.

What’s in the Game Day Kit?

Inspired by favorite traditions like “beat buttons” and banner flips, the kit includes:

• an 11-inch by 17-inch poster featuring Coach Fran Brown to track the season’s games;
• an 8.5-inch by 11-inch sticker sheet with Beat [Opponent] banners, game dates and pennant stickers to customize your poster;
• five Otto temporary tattoos to boost your game-day spirit; and
• a small felt Syracuse pennant to add some Orange flair to any space

How Can I Get One?

and make a gift of $10 or more to the Athletics Opportunity Fund, and a kit will be sent straight to you!ÌęGet your game day kit now and cheer on the Orange while supporting our student-athletes. It’s a win-win, just like we’re hoping the end of this season will be with a win in the Holiday Bowl. Let’s go, Syracuse!

The Intelligence++ program is an interdisciplinary initiative that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. It was established in 2020 in collaboration with the (InclusiveU) and the .

The program features an inclusive entrepreneurship and design curriculum open to students across disciplines which encourages participants to design and develop tangible solutions that address challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities. Students work in teams to conceptualize and prototype innovations in a hands-on, inclusive approach that blends principles of design thinking, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

Gianfranco Zaccai ’70 H’09 works with students from Intelligence++ program in the Blackstone LaunchPad at Syracuse University Libraries.

The program is supported by the Zaccai Foundation for Augmented Intelligence, thanks to a generous donation from Gianfranco Zaccai ’70 H’09. This funding underscores a commitment to translating research and creativity into real-world applications that promote accessibility and empowerment for individuals with disabilities.

“From artificial intelligence to digital technologies and physical products, this field is positioned for rapid growth,” says Zaccai, who hopes the program will attract students from diverse academic disciplines, fostering innovation in accessibility. “Participating students can join the leading edge of innovation.”

, introduced as an extension of the program, provides additional funding and resources to commercialize these ideas, enabling students to take their projects from concept to market-ready solutions. Students from all schools and colleges can apply for the Intelligence ++ Ventures fund, regardless of their participation in the original Intelligence++ course. The applications are rolling and will be reviewed as received. Applications are not limited to students in the Intelligence ++ program; however, applicants who have worked with the program can demonstrate the necessary discovery work with people in the field to validate their invention or innovation.

Applicants must submit a detailed project proposal, along with a scope and budget supported by a business commercialization plan that demonstrates a clearly identified production and sales path. Students must also demonstrate that they have a production or manufacturing partner capable of producing their innovation, and/or a technical team in place to deploy a commercial roll-out. Submissions must be beyond the concept stage and should have the potential to be deployed in the market within six months. If successfully executed, a student may apply for a second grant to introduce a new product line. A maximum of two grants may be awarded through the program.

An interdisciplinary group of faculty with expertise working in the disability field will make up the review team for proposals.

More information about Intelligence ++ is available . An Intelligence ++ application template can be requested by email or by visiting Bird Library Room 123.

Dana Spiotta

The December Vogue is a special issue guest-edited by fashion icon Marc Jacobs. is a long profile of Kaia Gerber, who in addition to being a well-known model and up-and-coming actress, now has a large following for her online book club, . Spiotta’s article explores Gerber’s experience growing up in the fashion world and the challenges of how the world perceives her vs. how she perceives herself.

Along with penning the Vogue cover story, Spiotta’s book “” is the inspiration for an alternative opera, which will take to the stage Jan. 9-17 as part of the in New York. The prestigious festival is a co-production of , “two trailblazers in the creation and presentation of contemporary, multi-disciplinary opera-theatre and music-theatre works.”

“Eat the Document” follows the intertwined lives of two anti-war activists who come together during the Vietnam era. After a protest they orchestrate goes tragically wrong, they are forced into hiding, adopting new identities to escape their past. The story alternates between the 1970s and the 1990s, delving into themes of identity, memory and the impact of political activism. Spiotta’s “Eat the Document” was a finalist for the National Book Award and the winner of the American Academy’s Rosenthal Foundation Award in 2007.

The new opera has been in development since 2020 by John Glover (composer), Kelley Rourke (librettist), Kristin Marting (director) and Mila Henry (music director).Ìę.”

A faculty member in the since 2009, Spiotta is one of the University’s leading fiction writers. She is the author of five novels. Alongside “Eat the Document,” she has written “Wayward,” which was named a best book of 2021 by Vogue and The New York Times, “Innocents and Others,” winner of the St. Francis College Literary Prize and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, “Stone Arabia,” a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and “Lightning Field,” which was a New York Times Notable Book. Spiotta is currently teaching workshop classes in the undergraduate and graduate Creative Writing Program.

The fellowship will support three months of field research in 2025 for a multi-year research project, “Civil Society Thrives in the Kafana: Locally Led Development and Grassroots Civic Engagement in Serbia.”

Catherine Herrold

Herrold will explore how Serbian civil society actors understand, implement and measure the effectiveness of initiatives such as sustainable agriculture, cultural festivals and community development programs by grassroots groups and philanthropic entities outside of professional non-governmental organizations.

The project builds on past research and collaborations with scholars at the University of Belgrade and contacts in Serbian civil society and international aid agencies. Herrold intends to produce a book, academic journal articles and policy briefs and hopes to build public engagement through opinion pieces and podcasts as well as course content.

“Professor Herrold’s research can help better explain how to build and maintain a dynamic society through the participation of everyday people at the grassroots,” says , associate dean for research and Merle Goldberg Fabian Professor of Excellence in Citizenship and Critical Thinking. “She epitomizes Maxwell’s commitment to engaging on pressing issues of democracy around the world and bringing those lessons back to campus.”

The Fulbright-Hays Program awards grants to U.S. teachers, administrators, pre-doctoral students and postdoctoral faculty as well as to institutions and organizations for overseas research and training that focus on non-Western foreign languages and area studies. The program is funded by a congressional appropriation to the U.S. Department of Education.

Maxwell School Associate Professor Catherine Herrold will spend three months in Serbia as she continues her research on civil society and grassroots development initiatives.

Herrold received a U.S. State Department Fulbright Scholar award for her 2023 research on citizen-led development initiatives in Serbia as well as the 2023 University of Maryland Do Good Institute and Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) Global Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership Award.

She spent five years doing similar research in Egypt and Palestine for her book, “Delta Democracy: Pathways to Incremental Civic Revolution in Egypt and Beyond” (Oxford University Press, 2020), which was awarded ARNOVA’s Virginia A. Hodgkinson Research Book Prize.

Herrold is a senior research associate for the Middle Eastern Studies Program and the Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration and an associate professor by courtesy appointment in the political science department. Her research focuses on global civil society, international development, democracy promotion, nonprofit management, and collaborative and participatory governance.

Story by Michael Kelly

The East Side Gallery, one of the last remaining pieces of the original Berlin Wall, stretches for 1.3 km along Muhlenstrasse.

Although the wall’s physical presence is diminished, the “fall” of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989, remains a significant moment in history.

Lauren Woodard, assistant professor of anthropology in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, says the event was just one of several across communist Eastern Europe that showed how solidarity among people could foster resistance and bring change.

“After growing resistance across the region, especially in neighboring Poland, East Germans had mobilized throughout the summer and fall of 1989 to visit West Germany,” says Woodard, who is also a senior research associate in the Center for European Studies within the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs. “There was a lot of confusion about crossing the border in this moment, amid growing protest and political transformations in the region (Solidarity’s successful movement in neighboring Poland and amid Mikhail Gorbachev’s perestroika in the Soviet Union).”

On Nov. 9, 1989, during a press conference, an East German official inadvertently said that a new policy allowing travel outside of East Germany could happen immediately without restrictions, when in fact the policy was going to be implemented the following day with prerequisites. Tens of thousands of people went to the wall, to various checkpoints, and eventually one opened, where West Germans and East Germans celebrated together.

Lauren Woodard

While the wall didn’t actually “fall” that day, the figurative collapse was symbolic of that period when the populations of Eastern Europe struggled out from the grip of communism.

“This is a starting point in my class [Transformations of Eastern Europe] to understand this moment as one of euphoria and celebration, the idea of the end of the Cold War, and the success of collective action, but one that was also deeply destabilizing for many people, as their economies crashed and they navigated profound social, economic and political transformations throughout the 1990s,” Woodard says.

In the following Q&A, Woodard shares her insights on the fall of the Berlin Wall. For any media who wish to schedule an interview with Woodard, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

Why was that moment when the Berlin Wall was breached such a visceral moment for people all over the world?

People responded to the “fall” of the Berlin Wall as a moment of victory, that demonstrated how resistance could be achieved through cooperation, as demonstrated earlier that year by the Solidarity Movement in Poland, demonstrations in Hungary and the Singing Revolution, in which nearly two million people held hands across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, calling for their independence from the Soviet Union. The “fall” of the Berlin Wall symbolized how people could work together and form coalitions to resist, providing hope to everyone for change.

How did the lives of citizens in those countries behind the Iron Curtain change once the wall came down?

The answer to this question varies based on location. I will speak from my own experiences conducting research in Russia and Kazakhstan, two former Soviet countries. While many people experienced the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union as euphoric—this sense of resistance and political collaboration across Cold War boundaries, experienced at the same time as romantic ideas of globalization and the decline of nation-states—the 1990s were a period of profound political, economic and social transformations that were deeply destabilizing. “Shock” therapy, meant to transition former communist countries to democracy and a global market economy, led to profound disenfranchisement and inequality.

As an American college student in 2010, studying abroad in Russia for the first time, I did not expect my host family and my friends to speak nostalgically of the Soviet Union and to genuinely support Vladimir Putin. They described great hardship of the 1990s—long lines, financial and political uncertainty, which factored into parents’ decisions whether to start a family.

A marker of the remains of Berlin Wall

They were also deeply disappointed with the West. They had believed that with the end of the Cold War, there would no longer be a divide between East and West, that there would be no need for NATO, and that the European Union’s (EU) expansion might include them too, since they were Russian and, therefore, European.

When NATO and the EU expanded to include Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, but not Russia, Ukraine or Georgia, for example, they felt isolated and othered. Meanwhile, they associated stability with Vladimir Putin’s presidency, even if it came at the cost of challenges to free speech.

Although the Cold War may have ended in 1989 and 1991, divisions reemerged in new ways in the 1990s that crystallized in the 2000s, leading to today’s present situation, in which Russia has isolated itself globally once again, while attacking its neighbor, Ukraine, as part of a larger project of Russian imperialism, that is markedly different from the Soviet project of communism. This is the subject of my book project—how people navigate these profound changes on an everyday level.

What have been the long-lasting impacts for Eastern Europe and all of Europe?

I think what gets lost is the impact of the end of communism for Western Europe and the United States. Without the Soviet Union as the U.S.’s foil, the U.S. floundered throughout the 1990s to identify who we were as a country and what we stood for. I think this is partially why we latched onto the idea of “global terrorism,” as an alternative to construct ourselves against, with serious implications.

With the Iraq War, we lost serious credibility as a global leader that will take decades to recover from. It is here that we see the reemergence of Russia as an illiberal alternative, aligned with China, Iran and other actors to challenge American hegemony.

Rendering of Micron plant

This initiative aligns with the CHIPS and Science Act, underscoring a shared commitment by the D’Aniello Institute, Syracuse University and Micron to create meaningful career opportunities for veterans and the military-connected community.

Building a Talent Pipeline for the Semiconductor Industry

Micron’s commitment to investing over $100 billion in New York state as part of a 20-year initiative to grow the semiconductor sector presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between veteran talent and industry needs. The Semiconductor Hub will equip participants with the skills, resources and connections to partners around the country required for success in semiconductor manufacturing and related fields, ensuring that veterans and their families are at the forefront of this growing industry.

“The D’Aniello Institute is proud to partner with Micron; the Semiconductor Hub is a testament to what’s possible when we align on a common goal,” says Ray Toenniessen, deputy executive director of the D’Aniello Institute. “Together, we’re not only addressing workforce needs but also empowering transitioning service members, veterans and their families to thrive in the private sector.”

Beyond technical training, the initiative addresses challenges faced by the military-connected community, such as underemployment and limited access to quality education. Through local and regional partnerships, Micron and the D’Aniello Institute aim to create opportunities for veterans, women and individuals from underserved communities.

Addressing the Transition Challenge

For many of the nation’s 17 million veterans, the transition from military to civilian life is a critical moment. A highlights the complexity of this process, noting that while the federal government spends over $13 billion annually on military-to-civilian transition programs—many of which focus on education—veterans often need immediate access to skills-based training and employment opportunities. Although veteran unemployment rates have declined in recent years, the challenge of underemployment is growing, making targeted initiatives like the Semiconductor Hub essential.

Empowering Military Families Through Collaboration

This investment represents a milestone in the D’Aniello Institute’s mission to support military families in their transition to post-service lives. By combining Micron’s leadership in technology with the institute’s expertise in career and workforce training, the Semiconductor Hub exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships to drive economic growth and create meaningful change for service members, veterans and their families.

To learn more about the Onward to Opportunity program, .

Since 1954, ALLUNY hasÌę brought together law library staff and people interested in law libraries from Upstate New York for professional development, networking and social activities. It is comprised of academic, court and law firm librarians. ALLUNY is a chapter of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL), the national organization for law libraries. While other chapters have struggled to keep members engaged, ALLUNY has seen success in participation from its members, in part, due to its compelling strategy around its meetings.

On Oct. 25, ALLUNY held its annual meeting as a hybrid event, both in person at the College of Law and online. Approximately 70 attendees participated in this year’s annual meeting. “Offering the ALLUNY annual meeting as a hybrid event makes it more accessible for everyone,” says Petitto. “While the dialogue and collegiality in person is important, it’s just not practical for those single practitioners who may be the only law librarian at their organization to leave for the day. This way, everyone who wants to participate is able.”

In addition to making the meeting physically accessible, ALLUNY also works to keep it financially accessible. Registration to attend for members is only $30, $35 for nonmembers and $15 for students. Plus, ALLUNY offers several grants and awards to offset member costs. ALLUNY encourages all librarians and library students to attend its annual meetings. In this way, it hopes to build a pipeline for future law library professionals.

For the second year in a row, the topic of the annual meeting centered around artificial intelligence (AI). This year’s theme was “Pioneering AI from Classrooms to Courtrooms.” Presentations, roundtables and discussions included real-life tools, applications and ethical considerations around the use of AI in law schools, law libraries and in the practice of law. Expert speakers were professors, legal professionals and AI experts from law library resource collections. AALL Executive Board Member Andre Davison from Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library, Houston, Texas, spent several days visiting law libraries in the Syracuse area and was the keynote speaker.

This year’s annual meeting sessions included:

• “15 Ways Law Libraries Can Use Generative AI” presented by Ellyssa Valenti Kroski, New York Law Institute
• “AI in Law School” presented by Nina Scholtz, Cornell Law School
• “AI in the Practice of Law – a Paralegal’s View” presented by Brigid Purtell, Bousquet Holstein PLLC
• “The History of AI Ethics” presented by Elisabeth Lasch-Quinn, Campbell Public Affairs Institute in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and Mary Szto, College of Law
• Aaron Eberle from LexisNexis and Ryan Groff and Erica Mohai from Thomson Reuters also shared updates around Generative AI developments in legal databases
• “AI Roundtable” led by Teresa Vadakin, Hurwitz Fine PC

“AI is a tool that librarians are in a good position to help users–students, faculty and legal practitioners– make use of in an ethical way,” says Petitto. “Ensuring that our association stays abreast of trends and makes professional development accessible and affordable is important, and I was pleased that the Law Library could play an important role.”

Tickets . Due to a special 40th anniversary combined dinner program setting, guests are encouraged to reserve their tables and seats as soon as possible.

This annual event is known as the largest of its kind on any college campus. The dinner program seeks to honor the life and legacy of a leader who brings hope and healing to our world and is a direct expression of Syracuse University’s commitment to advancing academic excellence at a university welcoming to all.

“Forty is a special number, and 40 years is a special commitment. We are honored to welcome President Sarah Willie-LeBreton as our featured speaker for this historic 40th anniversary celebration,” says the Rev. Brian Konkol, vice president and dean of Hendricks Chapel. “Through her remarkable impact built through years of dedicated service, President Willie-LeBreton honors her father’s legacy by creating a legacy of her own, and she inspires us all to spark and sustain a better world.”

An accomplished administrator, scholar and sociologist who studies social inequality and race and ethnicity, Willie-LeBreton is known for her commitment to the liberal arts, strengthening community and energizing the work of equity and inclusion.

Willie-LeBreton earned a bachelor’s degree from Haverford College in 1986, and a master’s degree (1988) and Ph.D. (1995) from Northwestern University, all in sociology. After having taught at Colby College (1991–95) and Bard College (1995–97) in tenure-track appointments, she was tenured at Swarthmore College, where she served as coordinator of the Black Studies Program and chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology for a total of 17 years. She was appointed as provost and dean of the faculty at Swarthmore in 2018 and served in that role until 2023.

Willie-LeBreton currently serves on the boards of the Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts and the Consortium on Financing Higher Education. She is a member of and has been active in the Eastern Sociological Society, Sociologists for Women in Society, the Association of Black Sociologists and the American Sociological Association (ASA). For several years, she reviewed sociology and affiliated departments as a member of the ASA’s Departmental Resources Group.

Willie-LeBreton follows in the footsteps of her father,Ìęwho came to Syracuse University in 1950 as a graduate student and teaching assistant in sociology. He later earned his doctorate in 1957 from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. When he was appointed chair of the sociology department in 1967, he became the first Black department chair in Syracuse University history and later, the first Black full professor. He served as vice president for student affairs from 1972-74, becoming the University’s first Black vice president. A graduate and class president of the Morehouse College class of 1948, Willie’s legacy will forever be tied to his classmate Martin Luther King Jr., whom he recruited to the Syracuse University campus to speak in 1961 and 1965.

The 2025 program marks the 40th year for the MLK Celebration at Syracuse University, which will include an address from Willie-LeBreton, student and community group performances, and a presentation of this year’s .

Dinner buffets will open at 5 p.m. and will be held near the JMA Dome’s west end zone. Guests can enter the “Courtside Lounge and Suites” entrance located between Gates A and B. Halal, Kosher, gluten-free and vegetarian options will be available. This year all guests will remain at the tables for the program.

Ticket purchase options are as follows:

All tickets will be assigned a table number at the time of purchase, which will be included in the mobile tickets. Guests interested in sitting with friends are recommended to purchase tickets together to ensure the same table assignment.

Guests may order up to eight dinner and program tickets online. To purchase one full table (eight seats), select eight total tickets and proceed to checkout. To purchase more than one table or more than eight individual tickets, or if experiencing difficulties, please call the JMA Dome Box Office at 1.888.DOME.TIX (315.443.2121), option four.

Buy tickets online atÌę, in person at the Dome Box Office inside Gate B at 900 Irving Ave. (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or by phone (888.DOME.TIX or 315.443.2121, option four). Tickets will be mobile this year and uploaded directly to your MyCuse account to manage upon purchase. View the for more information.

Free parking is available in the , the , and the . American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, AIRA and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be available for the event.

For more information about the MLK Celebration or to request accommodations, contact Hendricks Chapel atÌęchapel@syr.eduÌęor 315.443.2901. Learn more about this and other Hendricks Chapel events by visiting .

The Whitman School’s “Discover Florence: A Gastronomic and Cultural Odyssey,” runs June 26 to July 4, 2025.

The will host an , “Discover Florence: A Gastronomic and Cultural Odyssey,” during the summer of 2025.ÌęThe edu-tourism experience will run from June 26 to July 4, 2025, and is open to interested University students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Syracuse University.

“The Whitman School has long valued the importance of experiential learning outside the classroom for students, and now we are excited to venture into the area of edu-tourism for faculty, alumni and others in our Orange family, too,” says trip leader ,ÌęWhitman’s professor of supply chain practice and director of executive education.

“Not only will participants learn firsthand about food, wine, art and culture, but they’ll also see some of the business concepts behind them as they meet award-winning chefs and restaurateurs, vineyard owners, government officials and alumni in related fields,” Penfield says. “To round out the trip, travelers will get a firsthand look at the historical significance of one of the world’s most iconic cities.”

This nine-day trip kicks off with a welcome reception that includes insights from faculty based at the , as well as a unique opportunity to hear from , the European Union Parliament minister of food and agriculture and former mayor of Florence who delivered the 2024 Commencement address at Syracuse University’s graduation ceremonies.

This event will allow travelers to network and get to know one another, as they prepare for a slate of activities* that includes:

• visits to and vineyards;
• culinary adventures through a hands-on Florentine cooking class;
• Stops at iconic landmarks like the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery;
• first-hand looks at the work of Renaissance masters like Michelangelo and Ghirlandaio;
• premier dining at two Michelin-star restaurants, and ;
• escapes to ancient olive groves, charming local markets, quaint cafĂ©s and more; and
• free time to explore, shop, relax and take in the beauty of Florence.

The cost of the trip includes the above adventures and lodging at the four-star in the heart of Florence. Based on the maximum enrollment of 20 people, the cost is $9,600 for single occupancy and $12,600 for double occupancy. Transportation to and from Florence is not included in the price, allowing travelers to make their own plans from anywhere in the world.

The registration deadline is March 20, 2025, and space is limited so to experience Florence with the Whitman School.

*Itinerary subject to change

• Racial and ethnic minorities have a higher prevalence of asthma in part due to poor living circumstances worsened by past housing segregation laws.
• Living next to a major highway increases the risk of asthma, particularly among children, due to greater exposure to pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone.
• Economic and environmental barriers prevent people of color from receiving asthma care, leading to a disproportionate number of emergency room visits, subpar medical treatment, and increased mortality.

• Asthma is strongly associated with where we live. For example, living near a major highway increases the risk of developing asthma due to motor vehicle pollution. Poor environmental factors, such as pollution and lack of emergency room access, lead to a higher prevalence of asthma among Black individuals than White individuals. This brief highlights Black-White disparities in asthma prevalence and demonstrates how living in unhealthy conditions results in a higher burden of asthma in Black communities.

Department of Exercise Science Assistant Professor Kylie Harmon (right) and exercise science student Rylie DiMaio review a sonogram of DiMaio’s leg muscles to provide a baseline for Harmon’s research on preserving muscle strength during immobilization.

Mind over matter.

, an assistant professor in the in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, has always been fascinated by this deep-rooted idea that a person could control a physical condition with their mind.

More specifically, she wondered if a person could use their mind to preserve muscle mass and strength during a prolonged period of immobilization. For Harmon, turning this idea into actual research was sparked by where researchers used neuromuscular electrical stimulation on muscles immobilized in a cast to preserve leg strength and mass. Surprisingly, mass was preserved, but strength was not.

Harmon’s research found that given the role of the nervous system in immobilization-induced weakness, targeted interventions may be able to preserve muscle strength but not mass, and vice versa. Though preliminary, her findings highlight the specific nature of clinical interventions and suggest that muscle strength can be independently targeted during rehabilitation.

Harmon’s innovative research, which was conducted over several months and with nearly 40 participants, was by the peer-reviewed scientific journal Experimental Physiology.

We sat down with Harmon to learn more about her research, most surprising findings, and next steps. Here’s that discussion:

Kylie Harmon

Q: What did you learn from the previous research on this topic, and how did that frame what you wanted to accomplish with your research?

A: Those researchers saw that daily muscle stimulation helped to maintain muscle size, but didn’t impact muscle strength. In much of my work, I was using interventions that improved muscle strength but had no impact on muscle size. I had some experience with action observation and mental imagery, which are neural intervention techniques in which a person observes muscular contractions or thinks about performing muscular contractions without actually doing so. These have been shown to be effective for strength gain or preservation, as they activate the neuromuscular pathways responsible for strength production. However, they don’t impact muscle size.

So, I thought it would be interesting to directly compare these two interventions–neuromuscular electrical stimulation versus action observation + mental imagery–to see if previous findings held up. We decided to design a lower-limb immobilization study with one group performing daily action observation + mental imagery to preserve strength, and another group performing daily electrical stimulation to preserve muscle size. The goals were twofold: 1) To further demonstrate that strength and size are distinct qualities and need to be addressed with specific interventions and 2) To hopefully improve rehabilitation outcomes by preserving size and strength during immobilization.

Q: Once you established your goals, how did you determine your research methods?

A: It took several months and a lot of teamwork to determine our methods. I relied heavily on existing literature to determine how to best implement lower-limb immobilization, what leg braces to use, what joint angle to immobilize at, and how long immobilization was needed before we would observe decreases in strength and size. I reached out to authors of my favorite papers to ask them about their methodologies, such as how to design an appropriate action observation + mental imagery intervention and what stimulation devices to buy.

Once I had a good idea of the game plan, I presented the idea to my mentors and collaborators to get their feedback. Finally, we developed a sizable research team to help with the project: three Ph.D. students, three M.S. students, four physical therapy students, and five undergraduate students. It was very much a team effort!

As demonstrated by exercise science student Lydia Van Boxtel, the subjects in Kylie Harmon’s study need to learn how to use crutches after being fitted with the leg brace.

Q: Can you describe the process of gathering your data?

A: We screened 117 interested people, and when all was said and done, we had 39 individuals fully participate in the study. Prior to the immobilization week, we tested muscle strength, muscle size and the ability of their brain to activate their muscles. We then had physical therapy students fit participants with a leg brace and crutches and show them how to navigate a variety of obstacles–opening doors, using stairs, sitting and standing.

During their week on crutches, participants had to wear accelerometers around both ankles so we could ensure that they were actually using the brace and crutches when away from the lab. We gave them a shower chair to assist in bathing, as they had to keep the brace on at all times except during sleep. We asked them to track the food that they ate. We also had a member of the research team call and check in on each participant every day during the immobilization week to make sure they were complying with study protocols and weren’t running into any issues.

In addition to immobilization, one group performed daily action observation + mental imagery using a guided video and audio recording, and another group performed daily neuromuscular electrical stimulation on their thigh muscles with a stimulation device we gave them.

We had participants return to the lab for a post-testing visit and again re-tested their muscle strength, size and neuromuscular function. If they lost strength (which almost everyone did), we had them come back to the lab twice a week for lower body resistance training until they regained their strength. We didn’t want them to leave the lab with weak, small muscles because of our experiment. Not very ethical. We ensured they were recovered and as well. Amazingly, no one dropped out during the leg immobilization, and we had 100% compliance.

To read the full Q&A with Harmon, visit the .

What was the Battle of the Bulge?
‘The Battle of the Bulge’ is the name given in the English-speaking world to the last great German offensive in western Europe in World War II, which took place from December 16, 1944 to January 28, 1945. The Germans launched a surprise attack on the American front line in the forested Ardennes region of Belgium. Their aim was to break through the line, reach the English Channel coast at the important port of Antwerp, and split the Americans from the British and Canadian forces to their north. Hitler hoped that such a devastating blow would cause friction between the western Allies and persuade them to make peace on terms favorable to the Third Reich (allowing him to then concentrate his remaining military forces against the Soviets in the east).

Thanks to total strategic surprise, bad weather which kept the Allied air forces grounded, and the use of Germany’s last heavy tank units, the offensive was initially very successful and caused the ‘bulge’ in the front line which gives the battle its name. But unexpectedly stubborn resistance in key locations like the crossroads town of Bastogne, and a fast and effective Allied response once the initial shock had worn off, prevented the Germans from breaking through as they had hoped. By Christmas Day, the advance had halted, the skies had cleared, and the American ground forces, aided by devastating Allied air power, were pushing back against Hitler’s tanks, which had anyway mostly run short of gasoline. The German gamble had failed, and they were never again in a position to launch a major attack in the west. The war ended five months later with Hitler’s suicide and Germany’s total defeat.

Why is the Battle of the Bulge important?
‘The Bulge’ was one of the biggest battles of the war and the largest and bloodiest single engagement fought by the United States between Pearl Harbor and V-J Day. The Germans employed 410,000 troops and over 1,400 tanks, including the infamous 70-ton ‘King Tiger’ with its massive 88-mm gun and almost impenetrably thick armor. Almost 700,000 Allied troops took part in the battle, most of them American, and over 8,600 soldiers and airmen were killed in action. It was the last occasion in the war in which the western Allies could have suffered a major defeat at the hands of the Germans, and if this had happened it might have forced Roosevelt and Churchill to consider negotiating with Hitler to end the fighting with less than unconditional German surrender. As it was, the German Army and Air Force was so badly mauled in the Battle of the Bulge that it probably ended up hastening the war’s end, because they were in no position to defend their homeland once the Allies began advancing again in 1945.

How did the battle influence Allied strategy and relationships?
Hitler’s intention was, among other things, to cause friction between the western Allies, and it’s true that the crisis in the Ardennes did at least temporarily intensify disagreements between the British and American high commands which had existed for months. It was an open secret by December 1944 that the supreme Allied commander-in-chief, US general Dwight D. Eisenhower, did not get along well with the senior British commander in Europe, Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. ‘Monty’ did not have a high opinion of ‘Ike,’ nor any of the other American generals he was serving alongside, and after his own Anglo-Canadian forces advanced to support the Americans in Belgium, he gave a press conference which tactlessly suggested that he had rescued ‘the Yanks’ from their own ineptitude. Eisenhower was tempted to sack Montgomery for this tactless insubordination, and it was only thanks to the intervention of cooler heads that a major breakdown in the Allied high command was avoided. Eventually, Monty himself realized he had overstepped the line, and he personally apologized to Eisenhower.

What leadership lessons remain relevant today?
The Battle of the Bulge was ultimately a victory for the Allies, but it also represented a major intelligence failure. The Germans had been able to achieve total strategic surprise despite the ability of the British and Americans to read many of their top-secret communications. The evidence was there for those who wanted to see it that the Germans might be planning something. But a combination of hubris and bad luck (the poor weather preventing proper aerial reconnaissance of the enemy front line) meant the Allies had no idea a crisis was imminent in December 1944. The Bulge reminds us that even the best intelligence sources are useless if the people receiving them have built up a false impression in their minds about what is occurring.

The Bulge also shows how important it is to respond to a crisis with a cool head, flexibility, and creativity. In the first few days following the German attack all was chaos and panic on the Allied side, and it appeared as though Hitler’s troops would be able to break through the Allied line completely. But in fact, the confusion was temporary and once the American commanders had a better appreciation of what was happening, they could see that the advantage still lay with their own side – the bad weather grounding the Allied air forces would not last forever, and the Germans were critically short of the gasoline their tanks would need to get to Antwerp. By remaining calm in the midst of seeming defeat they were able to reestablish control of the battlefield and ultimately deliver a critical blow to the enemy.

Another little-remembered detail about the Bulge is the key role played by African American soldiers in the racially segregated US Army. Black GIs were normally forbidden to serve in front-line combat units in 1944 and relegated to unglamorous support tasks. But African American drivers in the ‘Red Ball Express’ truck convoy system kept Allied forces supplied with the ammunition and food they needed to fight; and Eisenhower even decided to temporarily suspend segregation and allow Black soldiers to fight alongside their white comrades. Over 2,000 African American GIs volunteered to go to the front and 708 of them were killed in action. This incident helped to establish the groundwork for the complete desegregation of the US military after the war.

“Following the transformation of the former Sheraton Hotel, it was clear that there was still a significant need for additional hotel and event space in the area immediately adjacent to our campus,” says Brett Padgett, senior vice president and chief financial officer. “While we are in the early stages of this process, we are confident a new hotel will not only serve our campus community well, it will also further strengthen the University’s role as a vibrant and integral part of the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County.”

At this time, the University is planning to build a roughly 200-room, full-service hotel that will have a three-meal restaurant and event space. The new hotel will be built at the corner of University Avenue and Harrison Street across from the University Avenue Garage. University leaders are currently meeting with high-profile hotel brands to determine which brand may meet the needs and expectations of our campus community. At the same time, the University is also collaborating closely with Onondaga County leadership to ensure that this effort is aligned with and advances the future needs of the city and county communities.

The University will focus on selecting a brand partner while advancing the design, development and permitting phases. Following Board of Trustees approval, the University anticipates opening the new hotel in the fall of 2027.

Robert E. Dineen Jr. (center) served on the Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2016 and was a member of the Budget and Advancement and External Affairs committees. He was also a member of the College of Law Board of Advisors and the National Alumni Association Board.

Dineen Jr. was generationally attached to the College of Law. His parents had attended the College of Law and Dineen Hall is named in honor of them: Robert E. Dineen Sr. L’1924, H’66 and Carolyn Bareham Dineen L’1932. His mother was one of only two women in her class. His father was raised in the Irish immigrant neighborhood near the law school at the western edge of the University campus, a neighborhood referred to as “the swamp.”

Dineen Jr. passed away Oct. 12, 2024, at 84. He served on the Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2016 and was a member of the Budget and Advancement and External Affairs committees. He was also a member of the College of Law Board of Advisors and the National Alumni Association Board. He was generous in his philanthropy, supporting scholarships and financial aid for law school students.

“For decades, Bob Dineen Jr. played a major role in ensuring Syracuse University remained at the forefront of legal education,” said Chancellor Kent Syverud. “That’s evident in all the ways he continued to give back to his alma mater, including his years of dedicated service on the Board of Trustees and on the College of Law Board of Advisors. His family’s transformational gift led the way in creating a state-of-the-art facility to support the next generation of law students, while honoring his parents’ legacy. And Bob’s accomplishments in finance law across the globe demonstrate that a Syracuse education can take our students anywhere.”

When Hannah Arterian became dean of the College of Law in 2003, she asked for Dineen Jr.’s assistance in creating a strategic plan to form a new Board of Advisors. She described him as “an incredible person” for his guidance. ÌęHe was a driving force behind the capital campaign that would bring Dineen Hall to life—a 200,000-square-foot building that brought together the law school community under one roof for the first time and would be hailed as one of the most architecturally attractive law school buildings in the world.

Robert E. Dineen Jr.

Dineen Jr. had attended the College of Law after earning his undergraduate degree at Brown University. He served as editor of the Syracuse Law Review and was named to the Order of the Coif and the Justinian Honor Society. In 2010, the College of Law presented him with its Law Review Alumni Achievement Award.

Dineen Jr. had a successful career focused on public finance transactions. He was also a specialist in U.S. and international private banking and financial transactions, including equipment and project financing.

He was a partner of Shearman & Sterling LLP, a leading international law firm from 1974 until his retirement inÌęDecember 2005. While at Shearman & Sterling, he led several of the firm’s corporate groups, including those responsible for Latin America and Asia as well asÌęits global project finance work. Over the years, he spent significant time in the firm’s offices in Algeria, Hong Kong, London, New York, Paris, Toronto, and Washington.

“Bob’s brilliant career in international legal and financial transactions and steadfast client relationships inspires our students to excel in everything they do,” says College of Law Dean Terence Lau L’98. “As commendable is his leadership, along with his siblings, in honoring their parents when they led the campaign to build Dineen Hall that our students, faculty, and staff are thankful for every day.”

Dineen Jr. is survived by his wife, Jeanne C. Olivier, Esq., and his sister, the Honorable Carolyn Dineen King H’06, judge and formerÌęchief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

The report finds President Joe Biden’s and Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaigns together outspent now President-elect Donald Trump on Facebook and Instagram by about 6-to-1 ($140 million to $24 million) between Sept. 1, 2023, and the Nov. 5, 2024, election. Meta owns the social media platforms Facebook and Instagram.ÌęÌę

The fourth quarterly report from Syracuse University’s  (IDJC) also identifies more than $6 million in negative ads from groups backed by Elon Musk that accept unlimited sums from anonymous donors, a source of financing known as “dark money.” The ads, which undercut Harris, aired during the closing weeks of the campaign.ÌęÌę

The world’s richest man, Musk is CEO of Tesla and owns social media platform X. He has emerged as a close advisor to Trump.ÌęÌę

• The report looks at spending on Meta Platforms related to Musk-backed Progress 2028, Building America’s Future PAC, Future Coalition and FC PACs, Duty to America, FairÌęElection Fund, RBG PAC and America PAC.Ìę

• In addition to messaging about the economy and illegal immigration, the ads aim to erode support for Democrats among Black Americans who smoke menthol cigarettes;, and send conflicting, targeted messages about the Israel-Hamas war. For instance, in Michigan, ads played up Harris’ support for Israel to erode Arab and Muslim voters’ support for the vice president; while in Pennsylvania, ads emphasized Harris’ sympathy for Palestinians to turn off Jewish voters.Ìę

ÌęThe ElectionGraph report provides a powerful—though only partial—measure of the volume of election-related messaging on social media, whether ads originated from the candidates’ own campaigns or the vast web of outside groups that range from truthful and transparent, to murky and conspiracy-minded, and everything in between.ÌęÌę

This is the final installment in a yearlong research project that seeks to identify misinformation trends in the U.S. presidential election. The project is supported by a grant and the use of analytics software from , the world’s leading graph database and analytics company.Ìę

The ElectionGraph team’s efforts include pinpointing origins of messages and tracing misinformation by collecting and algorithmically classifying ads run on Facebook and Instagram. ElectionGraph also has developed a publicly accessible dashboard to explore its findings.Ìę

“In the closing days of the election, shady groups with unclear motives ran duplicitous ads meant to manipulate the public’s understanding of candidate Harris’ policies,” says Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a professor in the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University and ElectionGraph’s lead researcher. “The fragmented information environment combined with weak regulation around campaign finance and disclosures on digital ads leaves the public vulnerable to actors who will say anything to try and win elections.”Ìę

While Meta allows approved organizations to access ad data, such data is not required to be made available—and is not similarly trackable—on TikTok, Google, YouTube or Snapchat. The findings nevertheless provide a framework to visualize the fire hose of information and misinformation targeting voters from groups with a jumble of motives, ties and trustworthiness ahead of the 2024 election.Ìę

Graph databases have emerged as a formidable ally in unmasking coordinated misinformation campaigns this election cycle, says Jim Webber, chief scientist at Neo4j. Ìę

“Using Neo4j, IDJC ElectionGraph researchers have illuminated vast networks of accounts acting in unison to amplify false narratives, even when those accounts tried to maintain a veneer of independence,” Webber says. “They were able to quickly see the forest through the trees and map out an intricate structure of this problematic content, which had the potential to deceive voters.”Ìę

The Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship is a joint University initiative of the  and the .Ìę

“Election ads on social media in the closing weeks of the campaign can be particularly influential, but also difficult in terms of voters’ ability to see whose money and influence is behind them, given lag times in reporting requirements,”says IDJC Kramer Director , a journalist and professor of practice at the Newhouse School.  Ìę

Madison Manning (Cinderella), right, and Trisha Jeffrey (Fairy Godmother) in “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” (Photos by Michael Davis)

Manning plays Cinderella in the production that runs through Jan. 5 in the Archbold Theatre at Syracuse Stage. All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets may be , by phone at 315.443.3275 or in person at the Syracuse Stage Box Office.

Manning shares insights into the production and her role.

What can audience members expect from this production?

They can expect a modern twist to it, especially because this is “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” It’s not something that’s very complex in language, and it’s more contemporary in its scene work, general dialogue, blocking techniques and the demeanor to which we perform the show.

Besides expecting a contemporary aspect, they can expect a lot of beauty in the staging, projections, lighting and costuming. Regardless of if they’re following the story or listening to the singing, people will come in and enjoy getting to see such beauty and attention to detail in the visual aspect of it. They can expect to see a heartwarming story that visually, emotionally and mindfully has a lot of love, care and warmth put into it.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your performance?

I’m big on finding inspiration in multiple mediums of art. Most of it comes from other theater, a lot of film and TV, and a few years ago I got into reading a lot of young adult fantasy novels. Even though those stories can be different from the ones told in theater, just tapping into different mediums of storytelling has been a big inspiration for how to tell a story to specific audiences with specific material or storylines.

If it had to be a person, I draw a lot of inspiration from Patina Miller and Cynthia Erivo—Black, female artists that are not only talented but driven and know how to collaborate with other artists. I also draw a lot of inspiration from the faculty at Syracuse and my peers. When you’re in class, watching other people perform, whether there’s solo performances, duets and trios, or scene work, you learn from your peers because you’re constantly watching them grow.

What do you want to convey in the character?

Cinderella speaks with animals.

In the original Disney movie, it literally says that Cinderella was abused, humiliated and forced to be a servant in her own home. Despite all of that, she woke up every single day with hope and optimism. She still showed the stepfamily gentleness and reverence in the face of their hatred and unjustified anger.

The biggest thing I want to convey about the character is that she’s not a damsel in distress and that her strength comes from her ability to choose kindness in the face of adversity. It’s much easier to be mean right back to somebody that’s being mean to you. It’s even harder to show them kindness, continuously show them love and make them a part of your life despite what they’ve done.

What’s the best part about becoming this classic character, Cinderella?

“Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” co-produced by Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, runs through Jan. 5.

The best part, besides wearing beautiful costumes and telling such a fun story, is getting to inspire little boys and girls throughout the Syracuse area. When I was a phantom in “A Christmas Carol” [the Syracuse Stage/Department of Drama co-production] last year, I got to crawl up and down the aisles and look into the faces of people. For children’s matinees, there were a lot of Black and brown children in the audience. The first thing I thought when I got cast was, “How great is it going to be for those boys and girls to see themselves represented on stage, not just as a side character or someone in the ensemble but someone who’s playing the main lead.”

Adeera Harris ’25, my cast member who plays Grace, also pointed out that it’s such a blessing to not see the pigeonholed stereotype of the Black girls, the sassy sidekick or the mean girls; rather, you get to see People of Color in our cast play the prince, the princess, one of the step-sisters, ensemble members and the fairy godmother. You get to see so much diversity that I think will impact a lot of children. My hope is that they take away that things are still possible, and it’s possible for them to be a source of inspiration and encouragement for others.

What’s the most challenging part of this role?

The most challenging part is definitely the singing. After doing three previews, I’m still nervous about getting through all 50-plus shows with this score. It’s a very demanding role vocally in a way that I’m not used to. I would consider myself a belter, but this role requires me to use my reinforced mix, which I’m just now developing as an artist.

I didn’t come into college with vocal training. I did choir in high school but never one-on-one training for my vocal instrument, so I always felt a little late to the game in terms of singing. I knew going into this I would need to really prepare and know these songs like the back of my hand, so that even if I was sick or lost my voice and got it back two minutes before curtain, I’d be able to do the show.

To read the full story, visit the .

Photo by Marilyn Hesler

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

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

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

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

Bella

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

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

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

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

Samuel

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

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

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

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

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

You can follow the adventures of Samuel on his .

Clayton

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

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

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

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

The annual Pan Am 103 memorial service will honor the 270 people, including Syracuse University study abroad students, who were killed when Pan Am Flight 103 was destroyed by a terrorist bomb on Dec. 21, 1988.

The service will honor the 270 people, including Syracuse University study abroad students, who were killed when Pan Am Flight 103 was destroyed by a terrorist bomb over Lockerbie, Scotland, on that date and at that time 36 years ago. Chaplains will offer prayers and reflections.ÌęThe event will also be offered virtually;Ìę is required to receive the YouTube link.

Personal reflections and memories, which can be submitted upon registration, may be included in the ceremony. Closed captioning will be provided.

Requests for additional accommodations can be made by contacting Hendricks Chapel atÌęchapelevents@syr.edu.

This service is offered in partnership with the Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars, Hendricks Chapel and the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving.

A memorial service at the Pan Am 103 memorial cairn at Arlington National Cemetery, organized by the Victims of Pan Am Flight 103 families group, will also be held that afternoon.

On this “‘Cuse Conversation,” Kathrine Switzer discusses making history as the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, why she’s never stopped advocating for the inclusion of women in sports and what it means to be a proud alumna.

Instead of wallowing in what could have potentially been the lowest moment of her life, Kathrine Switzer ’68, G’72, H’18 used the adversity she overcame during her historic run at the Boston Marathon as fuel to inspire women around the world.

Switzer, who in 1967 became the first woman to officially run and finish the Boston Marathon when she entered as K.V. Switzer using bib number 261, contended not only with the grueling course and frigid race conditions, but also a physical challenge from race director Jock Semple. Around mile four, Semple leapt out of the photographers’ press truck and headed straight for Switzer and her contingent of runners from Syracuse University.

Kathrine Switzer (wearing bib number 261) is harassed by Boston Marathon race director Jock Semple (in black) while she is running in the marathon. Switzer’s boyfriend at the time, Tom Miller (wearing bib number 390), delivers a block to Semple that frees up Switzer to continue running. (Photo courtesy of the Boston Herald)

As Semple tried to rip Switzer’s bib off the front and back of her grey Syracuse track sweatshirt, Switzer was frightened. Her coach, Arnie Briggs, the University’s mailman and a veteran runner at the Boston Marathon, tried to convince Semple that Switzer belonged in the race, to no avail. Only after Switzer’s boyfriend, Tom Miller, a member of the Orange football and track and field teams, blocked Semple, was Switzer free to continue chasing down her pursuit of history.

In that moment, Switzer followed Briggs’ advice to run like hell, driven to prove Semple and the other doubters wrong by finishing the race. She hasn’t stopped running with a purpose since.

Kathrine Switzer

“As I was running, I realized that if these women had the opportunity, just the opportunity, that’s all they needed. And by the time I finished the race I said, ‘I’m going to prove myself, play by their rules and then change those rules,’” says Switzer, an emeritus member of the of Sport and Human Dynamics’ .

“From the worst things can come the best things and that’s what I tell students whenever I speak to classes. If something is wrong, there’s an opportunity to change it, and we can then reverse it. When you’re training for a marathon, you’re out there for hours by yourself. I loved to use that time to take on a problem and solve it,” says Switzer, who earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism from the and English from the , and a master’s degree in public relations from the Newhouse School.

After her triumph in Boston, Switzer would complete more than 40 marathons, including winning the New York City Marathon in 1974, and she was instrumental in getting the women’s marathon included in the Summer Olympics. Switzer’s global nonprofit, (an homage to her Boston race bib), has helped thousands of women discover their potential through the creation of local running clubs, educational programs, communication platforms and social running events.

On this “’Cuse Conversation,” Switzer discusses making history as the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, why she’s never stopped advocating for the inclusion of women in sports and what it means to be a proud alumna whose running career was launched as a student on campus.

Check outÌę featuring Switzer. A transcript [PDF]Ìęis also available.

How did you use the Boston Marathon experience to create more running opportunities for women?

Kathrine Switzer finishes the Boston Marathon in 1975 doing her personal best: 2:51.37. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Johnson)

I was raised by parents who said you know right from wrong, so always go for what’s right. I knew it was going to be time-consuming, but I knew it was important to both correct the error the establishment had made, but more than that, I wanted women to know how great you can feel when you’re running. When I was running, I felt empowered. I felt like I could overcome anything. Running is naturally empowering, it’s a super endorphin high, and I wanted women to experience that.

One of the issues I wanted to solve was getting the women’s marathon into the Summer Olympics. It came down to opportunities and I wanted to create these opportunities, so [once I was working for Avon Cosmetics] I created the Avon International Running Circuit, a series of races around the world that are for women only, where we could make every woman feel welcome and treat her like a hero.

Eventually, we had 400 races in 27 countries for over a million women around the world. We had the participation, we had the sponsorships, we had the media coverage and we had the international representation. In 1981, by a vote of nine to one, women’s marathon was voted into the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. That was an incredible feeling.

What has running given you?

Running has given me just about everything. It’s given me my religion, my husband, travel opportunities, my health and wellness, but the biggest thing it has given me is thisÌęperspective on myself, this empowerment and belief in myself that I can do whatever I set out to accomplish.

What kind of impact has 261 Fearless had in empowering and lifting up other women through running?

We’ve already proved that, regardless of your age, your ability or your background, if you get out there and put one foot in front of the other, you’re going to become empowered. If you want to lift a woman up, show her how to run.

We need to do it at the grassroots level and invite women around the world to have a jog or a walk with one of our more than 500 trained coaches. We’re working village by village, city by city, country by country to spread the word on the life-changing benefits of running, and we’ve worked with nearly 7,000 women in 14 countries and five continents so far. 261 was perfect for this mission. It became a number that means being fearless in the face of adversity. People have told me that 261 Fearless has changed their lives and that they’re taking courage from what I did.

Note: This conversation was edited for brevity and clarity.

Kathrine Switzer speaks to students in Falk College Professor Lindsey Darvin’s Sport Management “Race, Gender and Diversity in Sport Organizations” class. (Photo by Cathleen O’Hare)

In 2019, the U.S. Army implemented a newer, more rigorous physical fitness test to evaluate a soldier’s potential for physical performance in combat. Named the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), the new test required specific equipment and training space that many ROTC detachments across the nation simply did not have readily available.

When Syracuse University learned about this potential setback, they set forth a plan to ensure their future soldiers were given the tools necessary to succeed.

“Physical fitness is critical for our soldiers to meet the demands of their profession in the most challenging of situations and, ultimately, to accomplish our mission,” says U.S. Army Lt.Col. Matthew Coyne, the ranking professor of military science at Syracuse University and detachment commander for the Stalwart Battalion. “Having a higher physical fitness score improves their ability to assess into the component of their choice, or the branch of their choice.”

By component or branch, Coyne is referring to the career field a soldier is assigned upon commissioning. Understanding the long-term impact that a fitness test could have on a cadet’s future career in the military, the University moved forward to turn a warehouse near Jamesville Avenue into the Stalwart Tactical Athlete Center, better known as the STAC.

U.S. Army ROTC cadets conducting unit physical training (Photo by Charlie Poag)

The results of this initiative were made clear over the summer of 2024 when cadets from Syracuse University excelled in comparison to other ROTC units from the region and across the nation. “Our cadets have achieved the highest Army combat fitness test average of all programs in the northeast. So out of 42 programs, they have the highest ACFT average, and they’re within the top three out of all programs in the United States,” says Coyne.

U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Byron Levi ’25 (right) achieved the highest ACFT score during summer training (Photo courtesy of the Stalwart Battalion)

Among those accolades, Syracuse University boasts the highest individual score during the 2024 Summer Cadet Training (CST) evolution. Cadet Byron Levi ’25, a senior in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, credits the University’s support as being instrumental for his accomplishment.

“The STAC has been monumental in the physical and tactical preparation leading up to CST. Having a dedicated fitness facility that can be utilized allowed us to have a sharp advantage over most programs, not only in the northeastern region but nationwide,” says Levi. “Stalwart Battalion cadets pride ourselves on our commitment and pursuit of excellence, but our capacity to produce results and represent Syracuse University at the national level, especially during CST, would be limited without the support and resources we receive here.”

As Syracuse University’s prominence in the military and veteran communities has increased over the years, so has the interest to attend the University by the next generation of U.S. Army officers. The Stalwart Battalion, year over year, has seen a growing trend with its enrollment, and 2024 marked its highest enrollment of cadets since 2020 and the second highest in the last 20 years; the detachment is currently preparing 124 cadets for military service after graduation.

“Syracuse University has a historical commitment to supporting veterans in higher education, and since Chancellor Syverud’s 2014 inaugural address calling for this university to once again become the ‘Best Place for Veterans,’ we have seen a dramatic shift in the quality of our programs, services and support we can offer our military-connected students,” says retired U.S. Army Colonel Ron Novack, the executive director of Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. “Nowhere is that more evident than in the success of our ROTC programs. These young men and women are not only going to make incredible officers in the military, but they’re going forward as ambassadors of our University. We’re dedicated to ensuring that their time here with us is not only rewarding personally but impactful for their future careers as commissioned officers.”

Since the STAC opened, the ROTC staff and cadets have found multiple uses for the facility. In addition to much-needed storage space for the military equipment the detachment uses, the facility also offers a classroom and training space for cadets to meet and plan upcoming exercises and events, as well as rehearse small unit tactics in a controlled environment.

To learn more about the Syracuse University Army ROTC program, contact the Admissions and Recruiting Operations Officer Eric Schaertl at eshaert@syr.edu or 315.443.2462. To support Syracuse University’s initiatives to train the next generation of military leaders, please consider giving to the .

U.S. Army ROTC cadet prepares for a circuit course exercise (Photo by Charlie Poag)

First-year head coach Fran Brown guided Syracuse to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Holiday Bowl, the 29th bowl appearance in program history. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University Athletics)

For the third straight season, the Syracuse University football team has qualified for a bowl game, the first time the Orange have secured back-to-back-to-back postseason appearances since a run of five consecutive bowl games from the 1995 to 1999 seasons.

On Sunday afternoon, Syracuse (9-3, 5-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference) learned it will take on the Washington State Cougars (8-4) in the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST on Dec. 27 and will be broadcast nationally on FOX.

Fans who are interested in making the trip to California to cheer on the Orange can visit for information on the Holiday Bowl, including how to purchase tickets. Fans are encouraged to buy their Holiday Bowl tickets through Syracuse Athletics to ensure their seats in the Syracuse sections of Snapdragon Stadium.

This year’s squad earned the 29th bowl appearance in program history, with the Orange sporting a 16-11-1 record all-time in bowl games. This will be Syracuse’s first time playing in the Holiday Bowl.

First-year head coach Fran Brown has the Orange at 9-3 after the regular season, tied for the most regular season victories by a first-year head coach in program history. Syracuse will enter the bowl game ranked in the College Football Playoff (No. 21), Associated Press (No. 22) and USA Today Coaches Polls (No. 25).

The Orange closed out the regular season with a thrilling 42-38 win over No. 8 Miami inside the JMA Wireless Dome on Nov. 30, a game where the Orange pulled off the largest comeback in school history (rallying from down 21 points), earned its first top 10 win since 2017 and secured its third win over a ranked opponent for the first time since 1998.

A win in the Holiday Bowl would be Syracuse’s 10th this year and would represent the program’s third 10-win season since the 2000 campaign.

The Orange and the Cougars have met once before, in 1979, with Syracuse defeating Washington State by a score of 52-25. With construction occurring on the JMA Wireless Dome, that game was played at then Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, home of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.

Eunkyu Lee

Eunkyu Lee, associate dean for global initiatives and professor of marketing in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, has been selected as one of the Top 50 Best Undergraduate Business Professors of 2024 by .

Lee was nominated by S.P. Raj, chair of marketing in the Whitman School, says, “I am thrilled to nominate Professor Lee for the Best Undergraduate B-School Professor of 2024, as his teaching career exemplifies unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. Known for his enthusiastic and personable approach, he captivates students with his animated communication style, fostering a classroom environment that encourages critical thinking and active participation.

“He is a strong advocate for experiential learning, exemplified by his acclaimed Brand Management course, where students manage multi-million dollar brands in a simulated environment. Over 30 years of his excellent career in education is evidenced by multiple accolades, outstanding teaching evaluations and words of appreciation by his former and current students. Professor Lee truly deserves this recognition for his extraordinary impact on undergraduate education,” Raj says.

Lee is a leading scholar on marketing channel management and brand strategy. His research has appeared in such top academic journals as Marketing Science, Journal of Marketing Research, Management Science and Journal of Retailing. He also regularly contributes his vast knowledge on current marketing and business issues to various media outlets.

In addition, his teaching talents are well-known throughout the Whitman School, having received the Graduate Faculty of the Year Award, as well as the Dean’s Recognition of Teaching Excellence, multiple times. Lee has also been nominated for the University’s Meredith Teaching Recognition Award and received acknowledgement for his outstanding research by receiving a Martin J. Whitman Research Fellowship and the Whitman Dean’s Research Fellowship.

Poets&QuantsÌęreceived approximately 1,000 nominations for 160 professors from students, alumni, colleagues and deans at more than 60 of the best undergraduate business programs worldwide. Every nomination is individually evaluated, assigning all professors a 1-to-10 score based on research (weighted 30%) determined by volume of Google Scholar citations, media attention, research and writing awards and industry impact; and teaching accolades (weighted 70%), including nominations, awards and impact on their departments and schools. The average of both factors makes up the final score to determine the Top 50.

“It is truly an honor to be chosen for such a prestigious award, and I appreciate those who have nominated me and supported my work at the Whitman School. To me, marketing is a field that is fascinating and dynamic, and there is nothing I like to do more than transfer my own enthusiasm to my students by explaining concepts and principles of marketing through real-world examples that resonate in ways they can easily understand,” says Lee, who joined the Whitman School in 2000.

“Equally important to me is continuing to build on my research and share it with others—students, colleagues, media—as I examine some of the emerging topics in marketing,” Lee says. “Currently, some of my research projects are looking closely at the impact of artificial intelligence on customer shopping assistance and advertising, as well as the importance of disclosing use of AI to consumers in order to enhance the trustworthiness of a brand. AI is just one more element that continues to make the marketing field fascinating and fast paced.”

This is Poets&Quant’s seventh edition of the 50 Best Professors in Undergraduate Business Education. For more information on Lee, see his on Poets&Quants where he elaborates more about his career as a business school professor in the Whitman School.

The winner of the Syracuse University competition will receive an expense paid trip to compete in the ACC InVenture Prize finals at the end of March at the University of Notre Dame. The televised finals feature one team from each ACC college/university who compete for Ìę$30,000 in prizes. Teams with generated revenue or venture capital funding of more than $100,000 are ineligible (including funding from both institutional and non-institutional sources such as contests, grants, friends and family, bank loans, etc.).

Katy Arons ’24 (School of Information Studies), founder of Continual Consent LLC, holds an oversize boarding pass for last year’s flight to the ACC InVenture competition in Florida

Syracuse University student startup teams or researchers are invited to submitÌę of a venture idea to participate in the Syracuse campus qualifier along with a five-minute pitch video.Ìę All campus qualifier finalists will also be invited to apply for LaunchPad Innovation Fund grants as well as , both available through gifts to Syracuse University Libraries. Competitive applications typically include technology or research that is being commercialized in areas such as agriculture, biology, life sciences, medical, climate, consumer electronics, education, finance, sports, hardware, software, artificial intelligence, augmented or virtual reality, Ìębig data, autonomous devices, robotics, advanced materials, Internet of Things, 5G and more. Digital platforms or services should have an underlying novel technology and ideally should be past the idea stage with some customer discovery and design drawings.

The Syracuse University ACC InVenture Prize is supported by the Provost’s Office and is hosted by Syracuse University Libraries and the .

This year’s winning companies are , , and .

Each awardee will receive $10,000 to support product development and technological innovation. The companies were selected from a competitive pool of applicants who pitched their projects to a panel of external reviewers. Partner companies were invited to submit proposals aligned with SyracuseCoE’s key focus areas of indoor environmental quality, clean and renewable energy and water resources. The selected projects are:

Hydronic Shell Technologies: “Optimization of Hydrobox Terminal Units”

In this project, Hydronic Shell Technologies will work with its fabrication partners to further develop the HydroBox, a proprietary terminal unit that is key to the hydronic shell system. The funding will be utilized towards overall optimization of the HydroBox design, including air filtration, throw and distribution as well as development of the anchoring and support of the HydroBox to Hydronic Shell’s facade system.

M3 Innovation: “Autonomous Optimization of Energy Usage through IoT Wireless Control System”

This project involves the development and demonstration of Autonomous Optimization Energy Usage through an IoT Wireless Lighting Control System that utilizes a secure IoT platform at 915 MHz and enables long-range communication to remote sensor nodes. The system autonomously adjusts energy consumption, monitors power conditions and integrates with existing infrastructure to minimize energy usage and provide real-time data analysis.

ThermoVerse: “Smart Insulation Material System (SIMs)”

The SIMs project deploys ThermoVerse’s innovative smart insulation drop-ceiling panels in a quarter-scale test bed to reduce HVAC energy consumption by 40% or greater, without compromising the thermal comfort of building occupants. This work forms part of a larger project on grid-interactive smart building envelopes funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office (BTO) and the American-Made Lab MATCH Prize.

tomPhyzx: “Validation, Visualization and Optimization of Air Flow Analysis in Digital Twins of Hospital and Exam Rooms to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections with Minimal Energy Impact”

This project will extend initial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies conducted through SyracuseCoE’s EPIC Buildings program to validate and improve air flow models in Upstate Medical Simulation Center’s single-patient hospital room and a medical exam room. The goal is to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) while minimizing energy consumption.

The external reviewers who evaluated applicant pitches included Marco Adolph of TROX; Scott MacBain of Carrier Corp.; Cindy Oehmigen of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York; Kate Oja of the Workforce Development Institute; and Dan Rickman of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“The quality and creativity of these project proposals speaks to the strength of the innovation ecosystem that SyracuseCoE fosters,” says MacBain, director of compression module engineering at Carrier Corp, and chair of SyracuseCoE’s Industry Partners Council.

“SyracuseCoE is uniquely positioned to connect startups with academic experts,” says SyracuseCoE Executive Director Jianshun “Jensen” Zhang. “Through partnerships with Syracuse University faculty and students, these Innovation Fund projects will advance energy-efficient technologies and intelligent systems for human health, comfort, resilience and sustainability.”

Created in 2014, the has invested more than $640,000 in more than 60 projects, many of which are based in New York State. Participating companies have reported more than 264 jobs created and over $49,000,000 in additional public and private funding leveraged from the Innovation Fund projects.

All current members of the are eligible to apply to the Innovation Fund. To join the Partner Program or learn more, contact Tammy Rosanio, associate director of partner programs, at tlrosani@syr.edu.

Professor Beth Kubala works with students (Photo by The Lovewigs)

“Elizabeth Kubala takes her students from the classroom to the community, breaking down barriers so veteran clients can access quality health care, food and other government benefits,” says Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association. “Her work bridges generations, aiding recent veterans now enrolled in college to those who fought in Korea and Vietnam.”

Kubala is executive director of the College of Law’s (VLC). Under her direction, students have authored amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court and argued cases at the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. Kubala’s tenacity has brought about new programs and funding to fight veteran homelessness and substance use. Her nomination praised her infectious enthusiasm and passion for her work.

Syracuse University and the College of Law proudly support veterans through a legacy of over 100 years of commitment to military-connected students. Recognized as one of theÌęBest Private Schools for VeteransÌęand dedicated to being theÌęBest Place for Veterans, Syracuse offers unparalleled resources, academic programs and student organizations for our veteran population. The University is home to the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, a national nonprofit organization which has supported more than 208,000 service members, veterans and military family members through programs and services which empower them in their post service lives.

• Friday, Dec. 13, through Monday, Dec. 16: Bird Library will be open 24 hours a day and Carnegie Library will be open until 11 p.m.

The Libraries is also offering the following destress activities at Bird Library during finals:

• Dec. 4-13: Positivity station on the first floor of Bird Library. Students can pick up study goodie bags, encouraging notes with candy, coloring pages and snacks.
• Tuesday, Dec. 10: Stop by Room 114 for the Libraries wellness room. Destress from finals from 4 to 6 p.m. and participate in coloring, Zen boards, guided meditation, chair massage pillows and board games.
• As a reminder, the Libraries’ have two MindSpa Ìęavailable to reserve.

Rebecca G. Johnston

Rebecca G. Johnston recently joined Syracuse University Libraries this fall as the social sciences and humanities Librarian in the Department of Research and Scholarship.

In this role, Johnston will be subjectÌę librarian in the subjects of African American studies, history, language and literature (except French), Latin American studies, Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) studies, Native American studies, philosophy, religion and women’s and gender studies.

Prior to joining Syracuse University Libraries, Johnston was a reference librarian at Wells College. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in English and history from the College of Wooster, and master’s degrees in library and information science and history from Simmons University.

Goodman writes: “France’s political crisis can be captured by the title of the famous Sartre play – ‘No Exit’. After President Macron’s speech tonight, there appears no escape from the impasse created after he dissolved the National Assembly in June and called for new elections.ÌęEssentially, Macron said tonight that he would not resign – in doing so, acknowledging that this was in fact an open question – and that he would try again to name a prime minister that could set up a government. If you don’t succeed at first, try again 


In the meantime, he tried to reassure the French, saying that, regardless of the political situation, the 2024 budget would be rolled over into 2025, and a new budget adopted in January 2025. In essence, Christmas will be saved, salaries will be paid (but may not get increases for inflation).

Macron reminded viewers of all that the country had faced under his leadership, including COVID, the war in Ukraine, the Paris Olympics, and the rebuilding of Notre-Dame cathedral. But also repeated again and again that he had “30 months” left in his term, as if he himself were counting the days.

France’s crisis is for now still a political crisis. There is no larger unrest. Politics will most likely painfully limp along in the months to come – unless a new variable is introduced and takes the current situation in an even more serious direction.”

Today’s announcement follows the creation of the University’s first housing strategy which was co-led by Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Brett Padgett. Other university leaders, including John Papazoglou, senior vice president and chief operations officer, and Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer, among others, were also part of the group charged with crafting the strategy. As part of the group’s work, its members surveyed students to assess their housing expectations, reviewed Syracuse University’s current housing stock, and toured recent renovations and new construction at peer institutions.

“A lot of intentional thought around current and future needs and cross-campus collaboration went into developing this housing strategy,” says Groves. “Not only is the University focused on enhancing its housing stock for students, but we’re also thinking strategically about how we can create and offer housing options for other important campus constituency groups, including new faculty, staff and graduate students. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this important work and look forward to seeing progress as demolition and construction get underway.”

The forthcoming demolition and new construction builds on the recent conversions of both the former Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center and the apartment complex formerly known as the Marshall into residence halls. Orange Hall (formerly the Sheraton) and Milton Hall (formerly the Marshall) opened to students this academic year and currently house 660 sophomores in total. The new residence halls will be the first built since Ernie Davis Hall opened 15 years ago.

“Prospective students are looking at the total experience when determining which university to attend, and that includes housing,” says Padgett. “One of the most common pieces of feedback from our current students was the desire to have more modern living accommodations that offer gathering spaces, multipurpose rooms and other amenities that support their ability to thrive inside and outside of the classroom. The two new residence halls will offer all of that and more and serve Syracuse University students for decades to come.”

In addition to the new residence halls being built at the former sites of Marion and Kimmel Halls and Comstock Avenue Garage, the University will also construct a new residence hall at 544 University Place, along Ostrom Avenue, adjacent to Thornden Park. This new facility will house approximately 570 students. The design is nearing completion, and construction is anticipated to begin early in 2025.

The state’s new paid prenatal leave is first-in-the-nation and gives employees the ability to take up to 20 hours of paid leave for health care services related to the employee’s pregnancy in a 52-week period. The paid prenatal leave is in addition to the existing sick time available to University employees and will not carry over to the next year.

To learn more, visit the .

Questions about these changes should be directed to HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

Joe Sidoni, associate director of Drumlins food and beverage, carves a turkey as students look on (Photos by Chuck Wainwright)

The University’s International Thanksgiving Celebration marked its 40th anniversary on Nov. 21 in the Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium. The beloved University tradition is believed to be the only celebration of its kind on a college campus in the United States.

Students David Ojo and Stephanie Hua served as the evening’s emcees

The seed for today’s celebration was planted in 1965 when T.E. Koshy left his home in India and came to Syracuse to pursue a doctoral degree in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. With no family in Syracuse, no car and few resources, he found himself homesick, recalls his son, Jay Koshy.

“He was in his room one day, probably feeling a little bit lonely, and came up with an idea. God was speaking in his heart, telling him to reach out to fellow international students and be a blessing,” Koshy says.

T.E. Koshy, who later became the University’s Evangelical Christian chaplain, started serving free meals to international students, a practice that continues to this day through the Evangelical Christian chaplaincy at Hendricks Chapel, which Jay Koshy now leads.

T.E.’s wife, Dr. Indira Koshy, joined him in ministry to the campus community. They decided to start offering a free Thanksgiving meal to international students. “It was a great opportunity to provide a blessing to students, most of who had not experienced an American Thanksgiving meal and who could not go home for the holidays,” says Jay Koshy.

In the early years, the meal was offered in Rockefeller Church in the University’s eastern neighborhood. There, the Koshys and Indira’s mother, Dinah Perry, provided a sense of family and community for international students. In subsequent years, the celebration moved to campus.

Evangelical Christian Chaplain Jay Koshy, back row center, has been to every dinner since its inception and has been a table host for many years. His father, the late T.E. Koshy, began the tradition, Jay’s son, Josh Koshy ’24, stands next to him.

The Nov. 21 celebration was sponsored by the Chancellor’s House and the Center for International Services. Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and Juan Tavares, director of the Center for International Services, serve as co-hosts. Stephanie Hua, an undergraduate student in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and David Ojo, a Ph.D. student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, served as the evening’s emcees.

This year’s event was attended by more than 600 people. During dinner, table hosts—faculty, staff and community members—engaged attendees in conversation and answered questions about the history and traditions of Thanksgiving. It’s also an opportunity for those attending to learn about different cultures. Jay Koshy, who has attended every celebration since its inception, offered the invocation and served as a table host. His son, Josh Koshy ’24, also attended.

Regina Jones and Neal Powless delivered the Native Thanksgiving Address

The Native American blessing was given by Regina Jones, member of the Oneida Nation Turtle Clan and retired assistant director of the University’s Native Student Program, and Neal Powless, member of the Onondaga Nation Eel Clan and University ombuds.

Food Services prepared and served traditional Thanksgiving fare: 600 pounds of turkey, 15 gallons of gravy, 250 pounds of mashed potatoes, 200 pounds of corn and 135 pies. Kosher and Halal turkey and vegetarian options were also served. Vendors from the greater Syracuse area donated the food, linens and table decorations.

A highlight of the evening was the ceremonial carving of the turkey on the Goldstein Auditorium stage. Students, with camera phones in hand, eagerly crowded around Associate Director of Drumlins Food and Beverage Joe Sidoni as he carved the turkey.

A musical performance was given by Ania Kapplani, Catherine Cosenza and Kai Wong, jazz and commercial music studies students in the Setnor College of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The evening closed with a benediction by Christian Protestant Chaplain Devon Bartholomew.

Michael Tick, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, serves to students at his table

“It was my honor to co-host the 40th Annual International Thanksgiving Celebration,” says Tavares. “I really enjoyed sharing this time at the table with nine students from different countries. I am especially grateful for the Chancellor and Dr. Chen’s continued support of this tradition.”

Tula Goenka, professor of television, radio and film in the Newhouse School, attended the first dinner 40 years ago. She was an international student studying for a master’s degree in the Newhouse School. She attended with her housemate, who was also an international student.

After years as a filmmaker, Goenka returned to the Newhouse School to teach. She has served as a table host at the celebration for many years. As the Newhouse Dean’s Leadership Fellow, one of her charges is outreach to international students.

“When I realized it had been 40 years since that first dinner, it was a full-circle Thanksgiving for me. I have been fortunate to not only teach hundreds of students over the years, but also help create a sense of belonging,” she says.

Chancellor Kent Syverud hosted a table and gave welcoming remarks at the celebration

Jedidiah Koubiessi, a first-year student from Monrovia, Liberia, attended for the first time. This was her first experience with the traditional American Thanksgiving.

“It was a good way to bond and celebrate together,” she says. “Thanksgiving as a whole is very meaningful to me, as it is always good to reflect and see how far I have come, and be thankful for my journey so far.”

Jay Koshy says his parents, who have both passed away, would be proud to see the tradition that they established and nurtured continues to flourish today. “They would be thrilled that it is continuing and would be thrilled to see the care they have for their international students during Thanksgiving,” he says. “I am so thankful to Dr. Chen and Chancellor Syverud and to all who are involved. I know international students are thankful and blessed to be able to experience this.”

Students enjoy the celebration

In addition to the regular University holidays of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 and bonus days Dec. 24 and 31, the following days have been designated as paid Orange Appreciation Days: Dec. 23, 26, 27 and 30.

Units providing essential services that will remain fully operational during the Winter Break include the Department of Public Safety and Facilities Services.

Services During Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break

Admissions and Enrollment Processing
The office will be closed for Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break and will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Advancement and External Affairs

Advancement Services staff will maintain business hours at the 640 Skytop Office Building Dec. 26, 27, 30 and 31, 2024 to receive and process fundraising gifts.

Building Occupancy

The University will be operating under its Orange Appreciation Days format for the winter break period from 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Normal business hours will resume onÌęThursday, Jan. 2, 2025

During the Holiday/Orange Appreciation Days period:

Request for Building Access (locking):
If you require your building to be open over the Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days period, please submit a request to yourÌębuilding coordinator, noting the specific dates and times. Requests should be made by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12. (Note that faculty and staff will be able to access the buildings you work in, as usual, by using their SU I.D. cards, even when the buildings are locked.)

Building temperatures will be lowered to 60 degrees unless prior arrangements have been made.

Request for Adjustments to Temperature and Lighting:
Deans, directors and department heads may submit a detailed request for adjustments to temperature and lighting during the Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days period. Please review the University’s temperature guidelines. We ask that requests be made using the Maximo Maintenance system by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12. Requests will be reviewed and approved by either the vice president and chief facilities officer or the provost.

Important: Buildings Not Included in Winter Break Reduced Occupancy Schedule
The following buildings will be excluded from the temperature setback, and will remain on normal access, temperature and lighting settings:

640 Skytop Road
Heroy Geology Laboratory
Bowne Hall – Fourth Floor
Lyman Hall – Fourth Floor
Sims Hall – Department of Public Safety
Center for Science and Technology
Bird Library – Operating hours are listed on the library website
Life Sciences Complex
Link Hall
Physics Building
Ensley Athletic Center
South Campus Library Facility
Lally Complex
Carmelo Anthony Center
Tennity Ice Rink
Crouse Hinds Hall

Questions on building occupancy can be directed to the Department of Energy Systems and Sustainability Management, 315.443.1535 orÌęenergy@syr.edu.

Bursar’s Office

In continuation of Syracuse University’s commitment to providing comprehensive benefits and in appreciation of the contributions of faculty and staff, the Bursar’s Office will be closed from Saturday, Dec. 21, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, and will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 9 a.m. Student account payments can be made through MySlice under the billing/payments tile. Questions may be directed to theÌęÌęform. The Bursar’s Office will monitor incoming questions sent through this form and will respondÌęas quickly as possible during this time.

Campus Bus Shuttle
The campus shuttle service will operate on a reduced schedule until the conclusion of Winter Break. For schedule updates, visitÌęparking.syr.edu. If a matter is urgent, on-call staff can be contacted through the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Campus Dining
Hours of operation for campus cafes and other dining facilities can be found on theÌę.

Campus Planning, Design and Construction

The office at 1320 Jamesville Ave. will be closed from 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Normal business hours will resume on Thursday, Jan. 2. If you have project-specific questions, please reach out to the assigned project manager. For general information, emailÌęcpdc@syr.edu.

Campus Store

The Campus Store will be closed Saturday, Dec. 21, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. During this time, the online store will be available for customer orders. Orders received on or after Friday, Dec. 20, will be processed beginning Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Staff will be available beginning Thursday, Jan. 2, at 8:30 a.m. Please contactÌęcampusstore@syr.eduÌęwith questions or for assistance.

Cash Operations (Bowne Hall)
The offices at Bowne Hall will be closed. For questions, emailÌęcashops@syr.edu. Email will be monitored daily.

Counseling

Counseling will be closed from Monday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, as well as Monday, Jan. 20. However, in the event of a mental health emergency, or if there is a need to contact a member of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team, 24-hour services remain available. These services can be accessed by calling 315.443.8000.

Custodial ServicesÌę

Services will be provided, on a reduced basis, in academic and administrative buildings. All residence halls close on Wednesday, Dec. 18, and no custodial services will be provided. If assistance is needed, call 315.443.1234.

DeliveriesÌę

Delivery and pick up will be provided to departments requesting service. Arrangements for service can be requested by contacting Materials Distribution atÌęe-materials@syr.edu.

Deliveries (UPS and FedEx)

Materials Distribution will be operating/delivering Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., from Monday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, with the exceptions of Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. If your department has a specific request pertaining to deliveries over Winter Break, please emailÌęe-materials@syr.edu.

Disability Benefits and Workers’ Compensation Benefit Payments
Disability benefits checks will be on regular payroll schedule. For those who don’t use the direct deposit option, checks will be mailed to the employee’s home address by the payroll department during the week of Dec. 23. For assistance with workers’ compensation checks, please contact our third-party administrator, PMA, at 1.888.476.2669. For assistance during Orange Appreciation Days, contact Sheera Buckley atÌęslbuck01@syr.eduÌęor 315.416.9066.

Disbursements

Disbursements will not be processing payments after Thursday, Dec. 19. The last payment run will be the night of Thursday, Dec. 19, for distribution and handling on Friday, Dec. 20. After Thursday, normal processing will resume on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.

To ensure timeliness of payments your department may have, please make appropriate arrangements to have requests received in the disbursements processing emailÌędisburse@syr.eduÌęor in theÌęautomated payment request moduleÌęor in theÌęMySlice Travel and Expense CenterÌęon or beforeÌę2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9,Ìęfor the following:

• Vendor invoices on a purchase order (PO)
• Requisitions with invoices attached off PO
• Consultant forms
• Wire transfers: foreign and domestic
• Out-of-pocket travel submissions for employee or non-employee guests
• Travel advances for travel scheduled during the end of December 2024
• Clearing any outstanding travel advances for travel that occurred prior to December 2024

*Other considerations—Should your time sensitive payment requests require additional approvals such as sponsored or restricted fund approvals, please allow additional time to your planning process.

All JPMC credit card transactions, for activity through Nov. 30, 2024, should be submitted in theÌęMySlice Travel and Expense CenterÌęon or beforeÌę5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20.

Drumlins

The Tennis Club will operate as follows:

Dec. 22, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Dec. 23, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 24, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dec. 25, closed

Dec. 26, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 27, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Dec. 28, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Dec. 29, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Dec. 30, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 31, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jan. 1, 2025, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Normal hours of operation will resume on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Call 315.446.2323 for court times and reservations

Bistro 1926 will operate as follows:

Dec. 23, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 24, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dec. 25, closed

Dec. 26, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 27, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Dec. 28, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Dec. 29, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Dec. 30, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dec. 31, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jan. 1, 2025, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Banquet Sales Office will be closed starting Monday, Dec. 23, and will reopen Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.

The Golf Shop will be closed beginning Monday, Dec. 23, and reopen Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.

The Business Management Office will be closed beginning Monday, Dec. 23, and reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.

Energy Systems and Sustainability ManagementÌę

The Energy Management Operations Center is staffed 24/7. For building systems scheduling questions or concerns, call 315.443.1535. For building access issues, contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Enrollment Management
The office will be closed during Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break and will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Environmental Health and Safety Services

Environmental Health and Safety Services will have on-call staff available to assist in the event of a hazardous materials spill or emergency during Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break. Environmental Health’s on-call staff can be contacted through the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services

The office will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, and bonus days on Dec. 26 and Dec. 29. On Dec. 27 and Dec. 28, this year’s designated Orange Appreciation Days, the office will be available to employees by email atÌęequalopp@syr.edu.ÌęEmail will be checked once a day on Orange Appreciation Days and emergencies will be addressed within 24 hours. The office will return to normal business hours on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs
The office will be closed for Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break, and will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Fire and Life Safety Services

Fire and Life Safety Services will be staffed on Orange Appreciation Days from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If assistance is needed, call 315.443.5474 or the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. On Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Health Care at the Barnes Center at The Arch

Health Care at the Barnes Center will be closed from Monday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025, as well as Monday, Jan. 20; 24-hour on-call service is available at 315.443.8000.

Hendricks Chapel

The chapel will host the annual Pam Am 103 Memorial Service on Dec. 21 at 2:03 p.m., and will then be closed through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. The chapel’s food pantry will be available upon request (chapel@syr.edu) for those in need, and will fully reopen on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. For additional information please visit the chapelÌęÌęor call 315.443.2901.

Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Service Centers
The offices at 111 Waverly Avenue and 210 Goldstein Student Center will be closed beginning 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20. Both location centers will resume regular business hours on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. If you have an emergency that requires immediate attention, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Human Resources

The office will be closed for Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break. However, employees can reach HR Shared Services by calling and leaving a message at 315.443.4042 or by email atÌęhrservice@syr.edu. The voice and email service will be checked twice daily on Orange Appreciation Days, and emergencies will be addressed promptly. All other matters will be addressed when the University returns to regular business hours, 8:30 to 5 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.

ITS Support
ITS support staff is available by calling 315.443.2677, by emailingÌęhelp@syr.eduÌęor by chatting with us onÌęÌęorÌęÌęduring regular business hours through Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, and at the following dates and times:

• Dec. 20 to 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dec. 26 to 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For ITS support during days and times outside those listed above, emailÌęhelp@syr.eduÌęor call 315.443.2677. If you choose to call, follow the automated prompts and leave a message for the on-call ITS staff. On-call support is available outside the hours listed above and on the following dates: Dec. 24, 25 and 31 and Jan. 1, 2025.

The ITS Help Desk willÌęresume regular businessÌęhours on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2025.

ITSÌęService Center In-Person Support HoursÌęÌęÌęÌęÌęÌęÌęÌęÌęÌęÌę

The ITS Service Center in Room 1-227 of the Center for Science and Technology will be closed starting Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, and will be moving locations during the break. The new location will be in the lobby of the Women’s Building, and will tentatively reopen on Jan. 10, 2025. Users needing assistance can call 315.443.2677 orÌęhelp@syr.eduÌębefore we reopen.

Updates and Hours of operation will be available on theÌę.

Libraries

All libraries will be closed beginning Saturday, Dec. 21, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, with the following exception: Bird Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22 and from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, Friday Dec. 27 and Monday Dec. 30. Special Collections, located on the sixth floor of Bird Library, will not be open on these days. All Library hours can be found on theÌę.

Mail Services

Delivery and pick up will be provided to departments requesting service. Arrangements for service can be requested by contacting Mail Services at 315.443.2803 or emailingÌęmailsrvc@syr.edu. AÌęÌęis available.

Maintenance Requests

Maintenance requests for academic and administrative buildings, residence halls, dining facilities or South Campus apartments may be requested by contacting Facilities Services immediately at 315.443.1234.

Materials Distribution

Deliveries and pick up will be provided to departments requesting service. Arrangements for service can be requested by contacting Materials Distribution at 315.443.1940 orÌę. Service requests should be e-mailed toÌęe-materials@syr.edu.

Media Inquiries/University Communications
The University’s media relations team’s email,Ìę, is monitored regularly over Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break. Urgent media inquiries should be directed to Sarah Scalese, senior associate vice president for University communications, atÌęsescales@syr.edu.

Paycheck DistributionÌę

Weekly Pay Immediately Prior to Winter Break
Weekly pay for the work week ending Wednesday, Dec. 11, will be paid on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Paper paychecks will be delivered to the employee’s department; direct deposit will be available to individuals’ accounts. Employees who have not signed up for direct deposit and will therefore receive a paper paycheck should inquire with their department for check delivery.

All paper paychecks are delivered to the employee’s home department on payday. As a reminder, anyone with a NetID and password is able to set up direct deposit through MySlice.

Weekly and Semi-Monthly Pay During Winter Break
Pay for the work week ending Wednesday, Dec. 18, will be paid on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Pay for the work week ending Wednesday, Dec. 25, will be paid on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This is the last paycheck of the calendar year 2024 Form W-2 reporting period.

The semi-monthly pay period ending Tuesday, Dec. 31, will be paid on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This is the last paycheck of the calendar year 2024 Form W-2 reporting period.

Employees who have not signed up for direct deposit, and will therefore receive a paper paycheck, should ensure their permanent address is accurate by going to MySlice and clicking on the personal profile tile on the employee home page. Weekly paper paychecks dated Tuesday,ÌęDec. 24, and Tuesday,ÌęDec. 31,Ìęand semi paper paychecks dated Tuesday,ÌęDec. 31,Ìęwill be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service to the employee’s permanent address on file.

Direct deposit for the weekly payroll will be available in individuals’ accounts on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday, Dec 31. Direct deposit for the semi-monthly payroll will be available to individuals’ accounts on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Payments by direct deposit can be viewed anytime on MySlice by clicking on the payroll tile on the employee home page.

Weekly Pay Immediately After Winter Break
Pay for the work week ending Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, will be paid on Wednesday Jan. 8.

Payroll Deadlines

Weekly Payroll Deadlines Immediately Prior to Winter Break
The week ending Wednesday, Dec. 11, paid on Wednesday, Dec. 18:

• Time approval is due by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12.
• Online RAP approval is due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12.

The week ending Wednesday, Dec. 18 , paid on Tuesday, Dec. 24:

• Time approval is due by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19.
• Online RAP approval is due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19.

Semi Payroll Deadlines Immediately Prior to Winter Break
Semi online RAPs for the pay period ending Tuesday, Dec. 31, are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Weekly Payroll Deadlines During Winter Break

The week ending Wednesday, Dec. 25, paid on Tuesday, Dec. 31:

• Time approval is due by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26.
• Online RAP approval is due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26.
• Employees will be paid (or not paid) based upon the time that has or has not been approved in the system. Any adjustments or corrections will have to be submitted for payment in the following pay period. There will be no special checks processed.

Payroll Frequently Asked Questions

If I do not have direct deposit, how will I get my paychecks on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Tuesday Dec. 31?
Paychecks will be mailed to your permanent address. You can verify your permanent address is accurate by going to MySlice and clicking on the personal profile tile on the employee home page.

Where can I sign up for direct deposit?
Log onto MySlice and click on the payroll tile on the employee home page.

Why might I not receive a paycheck at my home by Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday Dec. 31?
Several reasons could result in you not receiving your paper paycheck on or before Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday Dec. 31. Your permanent address in MySlice has to be correct. For example, if you have moved and did not change your address, the paper paycheck will be delivered to the address per MySlice and either forwarded to your new address (if you have filed a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service) or it will be returned to Payroll. Either case will result in potentially significant delays in your receipt of your paper paycheck.

What happens if my permanent address is incorrect in MySlice?
Since paper paychecks will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, Syracuse University cannot control, track or locate your paycheck once mailed. If you have filed a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service to forward your mail, delivery of your paycheck will be delayed. If no such form has been filed, the paper paycheck will be returned to Payroll. Either case will result in potentially significant delays in your receipt of your paper paycheck.

How do I change my permanent address?
Log in to MySlice and click on the personal profile tile on the employee home page.

If I receive my weekly paper paycheck before Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday Dec. 31, or my semi-monthly paper paycheck before Tuesday, Dec. 31, can I cash/deposit it?
No. Paychecks dated Tuesday, Dec. 24, or Tuesday, Dec. 31, are not valid prior to that date.

What happens if I don’t receive my paper paycheck?
If you have not received your paycheck by Thursday, Dec. 26, you can call Payroll at 315.443.4042, option 2, and leave a message with the following information:

• Indicate that you did not receive your paycheck.
• Give your name and SU I.D. number.
• Give the name of the University department that you were expecting pay from.
• Provide a telephone number where you can be reached.
• Messages will be reviewed at various times during the day and calls will be returned as soon as possible.

No special checks will be issued during Winter Break.

Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety will remain open 24/7 during the Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break. For emergencies or assistance, call 315.443.2224, connect with us via the Orange Safe app, or text or emailÌę711@syr.edu.

Purchasing
With Orange Appreciation Days approaching, the Purchasing Department wishes to make you aware that any eProcurement requisition received after Friday, December 13, may not be sent out until after Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. If your purchase requires a bid to be completed, the requisition should be received by Friday, Dec. 6, to ensure processing.

All JPMC credit card transactions, for activity through Nov. 30, should be submitted in the MySlice Travel and Expense Center on or before 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20.

Other purchasing considerations to take into account as we approach the break:

Should your purchase request require additional approvals such as those for sponsored or restricted funds, please build in additional time to your planning process. If your purchase is over $50,000, please allow additional time, as the Office of Budget and Planning must review and approve those orders before they are released. Contact Vincent Patriarco at 315.443.7427 orÌęvmpatria@syr.eduÌęwith any questions.

Recreation and Fitness

The recreation and fitness areas at the Barnes Center at The Arch, Ernie Davis Hall and the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion are closed from Saturday, Dec. 21, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. For updates on operating status, visit theÌę.

Registrar’s Office

The office will be closed for Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break. If you need to reach our office during the closure, please emailÌęregistrar@syr.edu.

Research Integrity and Protections

Facilities Services will have staff on campus throughout Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break to monitor and maintain building systems for research spaces.ÌęFor emergencies or assistance, please call the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

Snow Clearing

Normal snow clearing activities will take place. If assistance is needed, call 315.443.1234.

Sponsored Programs
The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) will have limited staff checking email during the Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break period. OSP can be contacted atÌęospoff@syr.eduÌęor Stuart Taub can be contacted directly atÌęstaub@syr.edu.

Submission of applications with deadlines during the Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break period should be coordinated with OSP staff in advance of the break to ensure timely review and authorization.

Student Box Office

The Student Box Office is now virtual. Please email any questions toÌęboxoffice@syr.edu.

Student Engagement

The Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center and the Ann and Alfred Goldstein Student Center will be open during the following times:

• Dec. 18 to 20: Schine 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Goldstein 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Dec. 21 to Jan. 1, 2025: Closed
• Jan. 2 to 3: Schine 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Goldstein 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Jan. 4 to 5: Closed
• Jan. 6 to 9: Schine 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Goldstein 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Jan. 10: Schine 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Goldstein 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Jan. 11: Schine 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Goldstein 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Jan. 12: Schine 8 a.m. to midnight, Goldstein 9 a.m. to midnight

Student Experience

Career Services, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs,ÌęHealth Promotion (Barnes Center), Student Employment and the Office of Community Standards will all be closed from Monday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. If issues arise during this time, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224 for assistance. New Student Programs will be closed Monday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. To support the arrival of our new and returning first-year and transfer students, staff members will respond to voicemails and emails during this time.

Student Living

Student Living’s main offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. On-call staff will be available in the event of emergencies. If issues arise during this time, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224 for assistance.

Student Outreach and Support

The office will be closed for Orange Appreciations Days/Winter Break; however, the Division of the Student Experience staff is on call during this time in the event of a student emergency; please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224 for assistance. For 24/7 health and wellness support, contact the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000

Student Title IX Case Management

The office will be closed for Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break, however, on-call staff will be available to respond if issues arise. To file a report, emailÌętitleix@syr.edu.ÌęIn the event of a student emergency, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. For 24/7 health and wellness support, contact the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000.

Syracuse Abroad

The Syracuse Abroad main campus office will be closed from 2Ìęp.m. Friday, Dec. 20, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, reopening at 8:30 a.m., on Thursday, Jan. 2.The general voicemail (800.235.3472 or 315.443.3471) and email (suabroad@syr.edu) will be checked regularly. In case of a true emergency, please call the Department of Public Safety: 315.443.2224.ÌęFor more information, visit theÌę.

Technology Transfer
Staff will be checking email during the Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break period and will respond to urgent matters as needed. Invention disclosures with imminent publication (conference presentation/poster session, grant application, paper submission) deadlines prior to Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, should be coordinated with the Office of Technology Transfer staff well in advance of Friday, Dec. 20, to ensure timely review and filing for protection.

Treasurer’s Office
The Treasurer’s Office at 621 Skytop Rd. will be closed starting Saturday, Dec. 21, through Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. Only critical functions will continue to be performed during this time, including secure gift processing, bank transfers and electronic payments. For any requests for the Treasurer’s Office of an urgent nature, please e-mailÌętreasoff@syr.eduÌęwith the subject heading URGENT or call Scott Kemp at 315.443.6204.

University Credit Cards
Please contact J.P. Morgan directly at 1.800.316.6056 for any issues related to lost or stolen cards, fraud charges or declined transactions. Please be aware that the digits 6 through 9 of your SU I.D. number is the pin number on file. University staff will also be available to handle credit issues relating to University procurement or credit cards by email toÌęJPMCSUCC@syr.eduÌęor by calling 315.443.1957 or 315.443.2281.

Additional information regarding Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break services and resources may be found at:

Questions on building occupancy can be directed to the Department of Energy Systems and Sustainability Management at 315.443.1535 orÌęenergy@syr.edu.

Course Highlights

The NSF I-Corps program is nationally recognized for helping researchers bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and commercial applications. Through hands-on activities and expert mentorship, participants will engage in the critical process of customer discovery, learning to identify the best product-market fit for their technology or research project. The program opens the door to government grant programs such as (fund investments of up to $2 million with no equity to help bring research to market), as well as private investments.

The program includes a combination of live virtual sessions and one-on-one meetings offering teams an opportunity to receive additional guidance from the course instructors and refine their discoveries.

Participants will gain:

• Firsthand experience with customer discovery
• Feedback and mentorship from NSF-trained instructors
• A clearer understanding of the product-market fit for their innovations; and
• The potential to be nominated for the NSF I-Corps Teams program, which offers additional resources and support.

Schedule

One-hour virtual class sessions are offered at convenient times for participants. Two days are scheduled for 1:1 mentoring sessions.

• Session 1: Monday, Feb, 17, 2025
• Session 2a: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 — (1:1 mentoring meetings)
• Session 2b: Friday, Feb. 21, 2025
• Session 3: Monday, Feb. 24, 2025
• Session 4: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 — (1:1 mentoring meetings)
• Session 5a: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
• Session 5b: Monday, March 10, 2025
• Session 6: Wednesday, March 12, 2025

NSF I-Corps programming is co-led by Linda Dickerson Hartsock, strategic initiatives advisor at the Libraries; Jeff Fuchsberg, director of the Syracuse Center for Advanced Systems and Engineering (CASE); and Cristiano Bellavitis, assistant professor of entrepreneurship in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, who serves as project research lead. Whitman Interim Dean Alex McKelvie serves as principal investigator for the University’s NSF I-Corps grant.

For more information about the upcoming NSF I-Corps course, contact Hartsock at ldhart01@syr.edu or Fuchsberg at jrfuchsb@syr.edu.

About the NSF I-Corps Program

The NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) is a program designed to help researchers in the STEM fields transition from fundamental research to the commercialization of their ideas. Through a national network of training programs and partnerships, I-Corps provides the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate the commercial potential of scientific and technological innovations.

The course is offered through Syracuse University as a partner in theÌę, funded by the NSF, led by Cornell University, with other collaborators, including Dartmouth College, Rochester Institute of Technology, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Buffalo, University of Pittsburgh, University of Rochester, University of Vermont and West Virginia University. The hub is part of the , connecting researchers, entrepreneurial communities and federal agencies to help commercialize research.

As misinformation surges online, Hirsch became increasingly concerned with how AI has made the creation and spread of fake news easier than ever. Her innovative solution? Use the same technology driving misinformation to combat it.

Hirsch wondered, “what better way to protect people from false AI content than using AI to detect it?” This thought sparked her idea, which she cleverly titled “AI vs. AI.” Her two-minuteÌęÌęshows how this idea would work.

Creative advertising student Brooke Hirsch ’24 is one of 10 worldwide winners of the Clio Award for Student Innovation for her idea “AI vs. AI.”

This past May, 10 student ideas from around the world won a 2024 Clio Award for Student Innovation. Hirsch’s idea was one of them. Winning a Clio as a student or a professional in the industry is one of advertising’s highest honors, and Hirsch earned this distinction while a student in theÌę in the Newhouse School.

“Brooke Hirsch created an innovative AI idea that would help move the needle on protecting people from believing deceptive AI content,” says , creative advertising professor of practice at Newhouse. “This student work was created after I gave a presentation in my Portfolio III course on how to effectively use emerging technologies for brands. Our creative advertising students learn how to create original ideas utilizing emerging technologies to solve problems, all so that they are prepared to work as copywriters or art directors in the advertising industry. Brooke nailed it. This idea is excellent.”

The Story Behind Her Win: How Did Hirsch Create “AI vs. AI?”

After her presentation on emerging technologies, White tasked her Portfolio III students with this brief: Create a digital idea using new technology for a global brand that solves a problem.

When brainstorming problems to solve, Hirsch recalled recent news coverage about how the deceptive use of AI is tricking people into believing that fake news is real. Coverage of AI’s problematic usage led Hirsch to pick AI-generated misinformation as the problem to address.

“I’m deeply concerned about the impact of AI,” Hirsch says. “That’s when I started thinking—what if we could turn AI against itself? I know that AI has the potential to be a powerful tool for social good. This led me to explore how we could harness it to combat the problem it’s created. That’s how the idea for ‘AI vs. AI’ was born.”

Hirsch’s NYT ad campaign calls out deceptive AI journalism and shows “AI vs. AI” as a revolutionary tool that detects and notifies people of AI-generated misinformation.

Hirsch chose The New York Times (NYT) as her brand because of its demonstrated commitment to safeguarding the truth. As Hirsch developed her idea, White helped her think about how each component of the digital idea would appear in the NYT app, asking “How will this feature work?” and “What’s the user experience from start to finish?” White also guided Hirsch to decide on the creative name of her idea.

“Professor White’s superpower is knowing when an idea is good,” Hirsch says. “The sentence to pit AI against AI was somewhere in one of my write-ups. It was just something that I wrote, and she was like, ‘that should be the name. That should be everywhere.’ It was just a sentence that I threw out there. For that to be the crux of the idea, I needed her to tell me that.”

As Hirsch worked on the idea, her Portfolio III mentor Carl Peterson gave her helpful feedback. In Portfolio III, White uses her industry connections to pair each student team with a creative director from a top ad agency to receive additional feedback on their work. Peterson, an award-winning creative director at Mischief—named Ad Age’s #1 Global Ad Agency of the Year and Creative Agency of the Year— introduced Hirsch to Droga5’s “The Truth is Hard” campaign, helping Hirsch to capture the Times’s voice in her “AI vs. AI” case video.

“The hardest part was making the case study video script because it’s all about getting the language right, Hirsch said. “Each brand has a specific voice, and The New York Times has a very specific voice. They’re witty but not goofy. It was a great experience to learn how to write for a brand as big as this one.”

How Does “AI vs. AI” Protect the Truth?

“The New York Times has always believed that the truth comes before anything,” Hirsch’s case study video starts. “But how do you find the truth when you can’t tell between what’s real and what’s fake?”

To fight in the war against AI, “AI vs. AI” would create a revolutionary AI tool that detects and notifies people of AI-created misinformation on their phones and computers, in real-time.

“AI vs. AI” would scan images for signs of AI creation or manipulation, articles for signs of AI writing that is deceptive and videos for deepfakes and AI voices that misportray people or information.

To get the word out, Hirsch created ads to get Americans to question the “news” they see. These ads would read “How do you know that AI didn’t write this article? Now you can find out. Spot AI using AI. Free with a NYT subscription.”

Banner ads would be placed on YouTube, where deepfakes circulate. These ads would read “There’s no way to tell what you’re watching is a deepfake. Until now. Spot AI using AI. Download the NYT app.”

Hirsch’s student idea “AI vs. AI” is about the preservation of human truth.

The case study video concludes: “In order to protect ourselves, we need to protect the truth. Because human truth is everything.”

Why Does This Matter?

In a world where people use their phones to rapidly access information, they rely on their social feeds for their news. The danger of AI-driven misinformation is that it is increasingly convincing and difficult to spot, making it a huge threat to those relying on social media for their information.

Hirsch’s idea protects people from this AI-driven misinformation by turning AI against itself, creating a tool that finds AI-generated misinformation. This tool is more important than ever, as it provides a vital method to safeguard our democracy from AI-driven deception.

Crucially, “AI vs. AI” does not infringe on the right to free speech. Instead, it helps people effectively dodge AI-driven misinformation by teaming up with a trusted source: The New York Times.

How the Creative Advertising Program Helps Students Succeed

Hirsch credited Newhouse’s creative advertising program for pushing students like her to achieve such extraordinary feats.

“The program pushes students to be creative and encourages them to stretch an idea as far as possible, with just the weight of the idea,” she says. “This program pushes you to start with a huge idea, and Professor White won’t let you go any further without one. I think that’s what makes the program create so many amazing creatives. I watched my classmates develop campaigns that you would imagine a huge agency to do, or are even better than what huge agencies do, because all the work stems from the power of an idea. This program demands you be creative with what you already know and what you can do.”

This story was written by Molly Egan.

Performances

Photo courtesy of the Landmark Theatre’s Facebook page

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

Photo courtesy of Hendricks Chapel

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

Photo courtesy of The Syracuse Orchestra

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

Photo by Julie Herman

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

Photo courtesy of Syracuse Stage

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

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

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

Exhibitions

Photo courtesy of Everson Museum of Art

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

Photo courtesy of the Friends of Lorenzo

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

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

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

Events

Photo courtesy of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo

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

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

Photo courtesy of Lights on the Lake’s Facebook page

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

Photo courtesy of The Wild’s Facebook

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

Photo courtesy of skaneateles.com

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

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

, FYS associate director, has worked with the for the past three years. This fall, FYS 101 student volunteers compiled 480 winter-care packages of warm clothing, snacks and personal care items for Rescue Mission clients. FYS 101 lead instructors and peer leaders also helped package meals for the organization’s annual Thanksgiving dinner, which is open to anyone in need.

As a result of that relationship, leaders from the Rescue Mission invited Luckman and FYS students to participate in this year’s donation drive, “,” on Sunday, Dec. 8. Luckman will appear as an on-air telethon guest between 12:30 and 12:50 p.m. He’ll talk about the purpose of FYS, the University’s partnership with the Rescue Mission and how the organizations work together to help community members while providing positive experiences for students. He and some student volunteers were also invited to answer telethon phones to receive viewer pledges.

Jimmy Luckman

The ability to help others through community volunteerism resonates with students, Luckman says. He believes the Rescue Mission’s motto, “Put Love Into Action,” reflects how students can see the immediate impact of their efforts.

“Our lead instructors and peer leaders have love for our campus and the local community. They recognize that helping people who need emergency shelter, housing, clothing, food, employment, educational resources and connections to other services—which the Rescue Mission provides—is a transformational experience that creates positive change within the community we love. As part of their exploration of the concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), working in the community provides tangible experiences [that connect] to what we discuss in class,” Luckman says. “ is a tool that creates connections to help make Syracuse home and to actively engage in DEIA work outside of the classroom. We’re happy to have this relationship with the Rescue Mission and to work with several other local organizations to help make a difference in the community.”

“Movie With a Mission,” now in its 35^th year, will air from noon to 3 p.m. on . The telethon features the 1935 movie classic, “Scrooge.” The fundraising goal is $85,000, and pledges can be made by calling 315.446.9999. Gifts made before and during the program will be matched by community sponsors.

Bins will be labeled and placed in the lobby for students to drop off items from Wednesday, Dec. 11, through Tuesday, Dec. 17. Clothing and household items will be donated to local nonprofit organizations and any winter coats will go to the University’s Operation Orange Warmup initative. All non-perishable food will go to the South Campus food pantry, funded by Hendricks Chapel.

All students are welcome to donate, not just those who live on South Campus.

Items accepted include:

• Gently used/new clothing
• Lamps
• Kitchen utensils
• Blenders, toasters, mixers
• Gently used/new shoes

Items not accepted include:

• Pillows, pillowcases
• Mattress toppers
• Comforters
• Sheets, blankets

Donated items will benefit the community and help reduce the amount of waste generated at the end of the semester. If you have any questions, contact Sustainability Management at sustain@syr.edu.

Aakanksha Maheshwari ’25 MSBA, Vaijayanthi Kadhiravan ’26 MBA/M.A. (international relations, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs) and Trang Nguyen ’25 MBA didn’t even know each other before they joined together to compete in the competition sponsored by the James E. Rogers Energy Access Project at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke. Thanks to introductions from mutual friends and the Whitman Women in Business Club, the three came together due to their diversity of talents to enter the competition along with 71 teams from 35 schools in 10 countries. Maheshwari reached out to Erin Draper, director of experiential learning, who helped the group secure funding to travel to the competition in North Carolina and offered the team assistance in preparing for the event.

“Each of us brought our strengths to the competition,” says Maheshwari. “I am good at research and market analysis. Trang is good at financial modeling, and Vaijayanthi has expertise in geographical research and a background in geopolitics. One thing we all have in common, though, is that we are all so organized and structured. We decided to go for this and test our research competition skills. And, we are grateful that the Whitman School is so supportive of experiential learning opportunities like this and provided us with the financial support we needed to get to the finals.”

The case competition was based around Zembo, an emobility pioneer based in Uganda that is striving to build the country’s largest battery-swapping network for e-motorcycles. The two-wheelers provide affordable transportation while reducing carbon emissions.

In Uganda alone, there are more than 600,000 self-employed motorcycle taxi drivers (known as boda boda drivers) providing transportation to approximately 60% of the population. The competing teams worked on a case study that looked at whether Zembo should supply a hybrid model or use internal investments to expand, particularly because the e-motorcycles require recharging by swapping out the entire battery again and again.

“Our teamwork was excellent. Each of us took ownership of various tasks, which gave us time to think of ideas, and no one was cross-checking or micromanaging,” says Nguyen, of the team’s preparation for the competition.

“Team OG,” as the three Whitman students called themselves, made it through Stage 1 with a summary document of a proposed solution and Stage 2 with a PowerPoint presentation explaining their solution to Zembo senior managers. Then, they were invited to Duke University to compete in the finals, giving a 20-minute in-person presentation in front of a panel of judges.

The Whitman team proposed a hybrid solution that utilized a franchisee and internal investment model with multiple charging outlets established at malls, gas stations and commercial and residential buildings. Their idea proposed that Zembo could share the cost of building an entire infrastructure, while also outlining the financials of what the project might look like in seven years.

Presenting last in the competition, the team’s creative approach in the final round ensured they had the judges’ full attention by intermingling their slides with short videos and a role playing scenario between a fictitious investor and CEO to more clearly explain their proposal.

In the end, the Whitman team took first place and a $10,000 cash prize. All three are not only enjoying the prize money but, more importantly, valuing what they learned by competing together in this competition.

“As the only first-year graduate student on my team, I had the opportunity to learn so many things from my teammates,” says Kadhiravan. “Students at Whitman are busy as bees. Had it not been for the competition, I don’t think there would have been as many chances for me to interact so deeply with those who knew more than me.”

“I have been skeptical about what field I want to pursue. But, during this case study competition I really liked the research and think I will continue exploring this further, particularly in the field of AI,” Maheshwari says. “It was a great experience in getting to know myself, and I think we have all become more confident from this competition. We are proud to have brought first place home for Syracuse University and the Whitman School.”

Felisha Legette-Jack

With a little less than two weeks remaining in this year’s campaign, there’s still time for University employees to make a gift of any size to support their fellow Central New Yorkers in need. The campaign kicked off on Oct. 18 and runs through Friday, Dec. 13.

“Syracuse is a strong, blue-collar city. When we do things together, when we do things united, my hope is I am going to be living proof of what giving back to our community looks like,” Legette-Jack says.

The United Way of Central New York has beenÌęproviding residents with access to essential resources for 102 years, funding 73 different human service programs and projects at 34 nonprofit partners. Through the employee giving campaign, faculty and staff have supported the vast impact United Way has in our community while empowering its work for the last 52 years.

Michael Frasciello

“The United Way gives us that opportunity to make sure we are helping those who have the biggest needs. This is the community we live and work in, and so when we talk about an obligation and responsibility to the community, these are our neighbors, these people are us. This includes individuals within the University who benefit from these programs. The University’s commitment to the United Way, if it’s not seamless, it’s almost symbiotic,” says , dean of the .

This year’s employee giving campaign runs through Friday, Dec. 13.

University employees are encouraged to consider making a voluntary pledge through MySlice. Options are available for either a one-time donation or a recurring donation through payroll deduction each pay period. University retirees are also invited to participate as many enjoy the longstanding tradition and generous spirit of this annual event. For those who prefer, a paper pledge card may be obtained by contacting campaign coordinator Jake Losowski atÌęjjlosows@syr.eduÌęor 315.443.4137.

Every dollar raised remains in Central New York to help the United Way address various community needs. Faculty and staff are encouraged to unite with their Orange colleagues to give hope to those with the greatest need in our community.

In case you need inspiration for why your gift matters,Ìę featuring co-chairs of the University’s employee giving campaign, , the deputy athletics director and senior woman administrator, and , vice president of enrollment services, along with other University employees discussing the importance of contributing to the United Way.

Kirsten Elleby

“The United Way is literally changing lives through the work that they do in partnering with other organizations. You never know when your friend, your neighbor, your family member is going to benefit from some of the good that United Way does, so I think it’s really important for us to give back,” Elleby says.

In addition to the co-chairs, the annual campaign is led by a collection of team leaders from colleges and departments across campus who collaborate to promote the campaign and encourage their colleagues to participate.

“The United Way is really the hub of the nonprofit community in Central New York. We have a lot to be fortunate for, so giving back is a way to acknowledge that and make a difference,” says Cristina Hatem, director, strategic marketing and communications for Syracuse University Libraries.

No gift is too small and every dollar helps change lives.

Tillman Scholar Benetta Dousuah G’25, a U.S. Army veteran and graduate student in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics (Photo by Charlie Poag)

The Tillman Foundation, established in memory of former National Football League player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman, honors his legacy by supporting veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses through scholarships, professional development and a lifelong network. Tillman left behind a promising football career to serve his country following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and in 2004 suffered a tragic incident that cost him his life. His foundation seeks to empower others to embody his values of service, scholarship and humble leadership.

Benetta Dousuah and her daughter upon Duasuah’s graduation from U.S. Army Basic Training (Photo courtesy of Benetta Dousuah)

For Dousuah, being named a Tillman Scholar is a culmination of hard work and community-focused ambition. “When I first heard about the Tillman Foundation, I was honestly shocked that there was a foundation like that with people still in the service, veterans, and military spouses who were making an impact like that,” Dousuah says. “I wanted to be a part of that organization because they were making an impact, and that’s something that I wanted to do in my community; that was one of the main reasons why I applied for the scholarship.”

The journey to becoming a Tillman Scholar is rigorous, many of those selected often speak of having to overcome imposter syndrome just to apply after seeing the accomplishments of past Tillman Scholars. Dousuah credits the supportive environment at Syracuse University for helping her succeed through the application process which is renowned for requiring personal reflection.

One of those supportive sources she found was Syracuse University’s Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA). Jolynn Parker, director of CFSA, assisted Dousuah in ensuring that she had the best application to put forward and, at times, gave her the encouragement that Dousuah says she needed.

“She gave me ‘mom vibes’—the kind where someone believes in you so much that you feel you can’t let them down,” says Dousuah, who is a mother to a young daughter herself. “Jolynn pushed me to be my best, holding me accountable while reminding me I could achieve this.”

Additionally, Dousuah says she found help in preparing from the OVMA Executive Director Ron Novack provided Dousuah with opportunities to practice through mock interviews and prepare her to represent herself to the selection board.

Benetta Dousuah celebrating as the Hometown Hero during the recent Syracuse vs. University of Connecticut football game at the JMA Wireless Dome (Photo by Charlie Poag)

For her dedication to service, Dousuah was recently honored as the Hometown Hero at the JMA Wireless Dome during men’s football game against the University of Connecticut. She says she’s excited for what the future brings to her with this new community of support behind her, and aims to help other military-connected students at Syracuse University who are interested in the Tillman Foundation or looking to apply.

Looking ahead, Dousuah plans to use her platform as a Tillman Scholar to advocate for veterans and pursue her goals of shaping policies within the Department of Defense’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP). She is also preparing for an impactful return to her home country of Liberia this winter, where she will distribute donated school supplies to children in need—a project she describes as fulfilling the Tillman Foundation’s mission of making a lasting difference.

Her advice for aspiring Tillman Scholars is simple, “Be yourself and don’t get discouraged. Whether or not you’re selected, the journey of applying is worth it—and the foundation’s work is something to be a part of in any way you can,” says Dousuah.

Applications for the Tillman Scholarship will open in early December and close in February 2025. Those military-connected students at Syracuse University who are interested in applying are highly encouraged to reach out to the OVMA, CFSA and any of the University’s .

To mark Giving Tuesday, the global generosity movement that started in 2012, the University introduced Giving ’CUSEday in 2016. Since then, it’s become a beloved tradition for our campus, encouraging everyone—alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends—to come together and give back in meaningful ways.

Your Gift, Their Future

Every dollar you contribute to the Annual Fund opens doors of opportunity—funding scholarships, groundbreaking research and transformative student experiences. Your gift isn’t simply an act of generosity; you’re investing in the dreams of future leaders.

Double Your Impact Today!

Make history with us by supporting one of 18 remarkable student organizations in their Fall 2024 Student Organization Challenge. Your gift goes even further with additional challenge funds:

• $1,000 bonus for the group with the most unique donors
• $700 for the second-place organization
• $300 for the third-place finisher

Show Your Orange Pride

Join the movement! Share your giving story by posting an #Unselfie on social media with #GivingCUSEday. Let’s show the world the extraordinary power of Orange generosity!

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Together, we can create ripples of change that will impact generations of Syracuse students.

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From Schumer’s official remarks, “I come to the floor today to congratulate Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs on its 100th anniversary. One hundred years. A remarkable milestone. A remarkable legacy. A remarkable school.”

Sen. Charles Schumer, right, presents Maxwell Dean David M. Van Slyke with a copy of the remarks from the official congressional record commemorating Maxwell’s centennial.

Founded in 1924 by George Holmes Maxwell, the Maxwell School today is the top-ranked school for public affairs, according to U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, offering graduate and professional programs in public administration and international affairs, and undergraduate and graduate degrees across the social sciences, including signature interdisciplinary undergraduate programs in citizenship and civic engagement; environment, sustainability and policy; and law, society and policy. It is also home to 15 interdisciplinary research centers focused on topical areas within public affairs.

Schumer continued in his remarks, “The school’s more than 38,500 graduates are living and working across the globe, helping to inform public policy—including key legislation that has come before us here, helping to forge compromise amid divide, bringing aid to those in need and defending democracy.”

Schumer also shared that Maxwell alumni have gone on to become ambassadors, legislators, journalists and economists, with many notable names including former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala G’70, H’87; New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul ’80; Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh G’05; and former Detroit Mayor Dave Bing ’66, H’06.

“Though it is based in Syracuse, it has a strong presence here in the nation’s capital, offering programs, internship opportunities and world class instruction through a partnership with the Center for Strategic and International Studies,” Schumer continued. “The Maxwell School’s work supports the foundations and institutions of democracy itself, here and across the globe. This is vital at this time in our world’s history.”

As a guest of Schumer, Van Slyke also toured the Capitol and was able to sit in the gallery as the Senate voted on other matters.

“It was an honor to meet with the senator, and we are thankful that he recognized the Maxwell School’s contribution to our great nation over the past 100 years,” Van Slyke said. “That tribute will be in the official Congressional Record for the next 100 years and beyond. We are delighted to have such a strong supporter of the Maxwell School and Syracuse University in Senator Schumer.”

Schumer’s official floor remarks concluded, “I congratulate Syracuse University, the Maxwell School, Chancellor Kent Syverud, Maxwell Dean David Van Slyke, and the school’s faculty, students, staff and alumni for everything they do to leave the world better than they found it.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Campus reflections (Photo by Dylan Mills ’28)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Born and raised in Argentina, Olivier came to the U.S. for the first time in 2012, when he entered graduate school at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He began the process of applying for U.S. citizenship in 2020.

New U.S. citizens take the pledge of allegiance in the Paul and Natalie Strasser Legacy Room.

At the close of his USCIS interview and exam, Olivier learned that his application for citizenship was approved—and that his naturalization ceremony would be held at the Maxwell School,Ìę just a couple floors away from his office in Eggers Hall.

The news that the ceremony would be at his workplace came as a surprise, Olivier says, adding, “But it also means a lot, because even though I’ve been here only for a year and a half, I have a deep appreciation for the school and the department. And, it feels right to have my citizenship ceremony at a school of citizenship.”

The recent event marked the first time in Maxwell’s 100-year history that a naturalization ceremony has taken place at the school. Most such proceedings take place in court, but occasionally USCIS sets up events at other locations in the community, and in late summer the Syracuse office reached out to the Maxwell School about hosting the ceremony.

TomĂĄs Olivier, assistant professor of public administration and international affairs, came to the U.S. for the first time in 2012, when he entered graduate school.

Gladys McCormick, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion, was one of the event’s coordinators. A native of Costa Rica who became a U.S. citizen 20 years ago, McCormick immediately felt the appropriateness of this occasion—especially in the Maxwell School’s centennial year, which through its Tenth Decade Project has seen a wave of new initiatives relating to citizenship. In the last few years McCormick has also spearheaded the project “A Conversation with George Washington,” which exhibits portraits of citizen activists in the foyer of Maxwell Hall, beside the Washington statue and the inscription of the Athenian Oath.

“For me, the naturalization ceremony ties back into the Athenian Oath,” McCormick says. “There’s a sense of, we have made the U.S. our home, and we are committed to making this country better than it was. That element of choice really underscores the importance of having a ceremony like this.”

On the morning of the ceremony, sunlight streamed into the Paul and Natalie Strasser Legacy Room as it filled with 41 new citizens who’d come from 26 countries and six continents, along with an array of their family members and friends. Olivier was joined by his wife, Claire Perrott, their four-month-old daughter, Sofía, and several of his Maxwell students who came to celebrate the milestone.

The Maxwell connections ran deep throughout the ceremony. The presiding judge, Patrick Radel, commented on the school’s legacy of citizenship education and shared that he has two sons currently at Syracuse, one of whom, Luke Radel ’26, is a Maxwell political science major. Christina Cleason, an administrator in the history department, sang the national anthem and “America the Beautiful.” Adol Mayen, appointed by Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh ’05 M.P.A. as the city’s immigrant and refugee affairs coordinator, spoke movingly of how her mother’s job with Syracuse University’s cleaning staff opened the door for Mayen to attend college and ultimately serve Syracuse’s immigrant communities.

TomĂĄs Olivier, assistant professor of public administration and international affairs, is shown with his daughter, SofĂ­a, and presiding judge Patrick Radel.

The event’s guest speaker was political scientist Baobao Zhang, who is originally from China and became a naturalized citizen in February. “We want to recognize the incredible journey that you and your loved ones have been on to get here today,” Zhang said. “You are not alone on this journey. You are here among many—as you can see from the many naturalized citizens among the Maxwell faculty and staff.”

With those words, numerous members of the audience who’d been through the process themselves rose from their seats.

Along with Judge Radel, Maxwell School Dean David M. Van Slyke congratulated the 41 new citizens as they came to the podium to receive their certificates. “At the Maxwell School, we take the notion of citizenship very seriously,” Van Slyke said in his comments. “It’s in our name and is the core focus of teaching, research and public impact mission.”

Van Slyke said that citizenship can become something of an abstract concept amid such dissection.

“We should never forget how real it is,” he said. “Citizenship is more than a concept; it is a very real, legal status that confers privileges and responsibilities. It is a license to be a full and participating member of the community in which you live and of our great nation. And it is a goal that is well earned.”

The Syracuse University contingent at the American College of Sports Medicine annual conference included, from left to right, Andrew Heckel, Assistant Professor Joon Young Kim, Alaina Glasgow, Wonhee Cho and Tara Cuddihee from the Department of Exercise Science.

Four students in the in the were recognized for their exceptional research at the recent Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (MARC-ACSM) annual conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Doctoral students Alaina Glasgow and Andrew Heckel and undergraduate student Tara Cuddihee presented their research at the conference, while doctoral student Wonhee Cho presented for undergraduate student Eleanor Kwacz, who was unable to attend. (Read more about Cho and his research later in this story).

Heckel’s study was selected as a top five doctoral abstract, and Kwacz’s research was chosen as a top five undergraduate abstract. Exercise Science Assistant Professor works with all four students on their research and says they “demonstrate an impressive level of scientific understanding, critical thinking, hard work and dedication.”

“The students’ curiosity, intellectual rigor and resilience in tackling complex challenges reflect not only their individual talents but also the supportive academic environment that fosters their growth,” Kim says. “These students represent the next generation of researchers, innovators and problem-solvers.”

is comprised of a diverse group of professionals and students dedicated to the advancement of sports medicine and exercise science. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter represents Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., and “the chapter seeks to communicate scientific information, provide a forum for research, foster professional peer interaction and support career growth,” according to its website.

Doctoral student Wonhee Cho presents at the conference for Eleanor Kwacz, whose research was chosen as a top five undergraduate abstract.

Two Falk College faculty members also presented at the conference: Exercise Science Associate Professor (Measuring Sleep with Wearable Devices) and Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Assistant Professor (Moving Beyond Female Athlete Triad: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport).

“This recognition strengthens Syracuse University’s reputation, opening doors to further collaborations, future funding opportunities and increased visibility within the academic community,” Kim says. “It highlights the faculty’s mentorship, the quality of resources available to students through their mentor, department, college and university, and the university’s role in advancing knowledge in their fields.”

To learn more about their research journey in Falk College, we asked doctoral student Heckel G’25 and Kwacz ’27, a health and exercise science major on the pre-med track, to tell us about the MARC-ACSM conference, their presentations and their mentors. Visit the to read their answers.

Stronger as a Team

Cho, who presented for Kwacz at the MARC-ACSM conference, is another student who has made a significant impact the Department of Exercise Science.

Cho’s most recently, co-authored by Kim and his team members, appeared in Science Direct, one of the world’s leading sources for scientific, technical and medical research. He recently presented his abstract at annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas, where he received $1,500 for being selected as a finalist for the 2024 Ethan Sims Young Investigator Award.

Cho’s abstract presentation, “Relative Fat Mass as an Estimator of Abdominal Adiposity in Youth Across the BMI Spectrum,” was the result of a collaboration between Kim’s lab and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where Kim did his postdoctoral training before joining Syracuse University.

Heckel says he would have not been recognized by MARC-ACSM without the support and teamwork of his fellow lab mates, Cho and doctoral student Alaina Glasgow.

“Dr. Kim encourages us all to work together as a team, and I’m a better student and researcher today because of the people I get to surround myself with,” Heckel says. “I’m very thankful to have been able to work alongside Wonhee and Lainie during this project, and I’m excited for the future research we’ll all be able to do together.”

Visit the Department of Exercise Science website to learn more about Kim’s and exercise science , and . If you’d like to participate in research being conducted by the lab, contact Kim at jkim291@syr.edu.