We know you were busy enjoying the summer break, so you may have missed that we welcomed two new Student Experience leaders to the University. Today, we meet Senior Vice President for the Student Experience Allen Groves. Cecelia Kersten ’23 posed the important questions, and a rapid-fire round of this-or-that so you could get a chance to get to know Allen a little better.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time as a college student?
A: Winning the intramural softball championship as the pitcher on my fraternity’s “B” team. We weren’t as talented as the guys on the “A” team, but we got hot at the right time and defeated them in the final.
Q: What Syracuse University event are you most looking forward to this year?
A: Watching a Syracuse rowing regatta in person. I’m a big fan of men’s and women’s crew—already bought my SU Crew hat.
Q: What is your go-to meal from the Schine Student Center?
A: Buffalo Southwest Chicken Purple Rice Bowl from CoreLife Eatery.
Q: What was the best class you took as an undergraduate college student?
A: Speech and Debate. I went from being a shy kid to being confident on my feet. Terrific professor who made me work hard.
Q: What made you want to join the Orange family?
A: A beautiful campus, great school spirit, high achieving students, a University with its eye on the future, a great part of the country in terms of available outdoor activities, and the ability to still wear all my orange and blue clothes.
Q: Who will you be rooting for when Syracuse University and UVA compete in sporting events?
A: I’ll be wearing orange and blue, and I’ll root for a close contest where ‘Cuse ultimately pulls it out.
This-or-That: Syracuse Edition
- What are you watching: football or basketball? Football
- Orange or blue? Orange
- Dunkin’ or Starbucks? Starbucks (For iced tea; I’m not a coffee guy.)
- Fall or Spring semester? Fall (the excitement of a new academic year)
- You’re ordering from Varsity: wings or pizza? Pizza, always pizza
There you have it! Now you’ve learned a little bit more about Allen. Next goal: meet him IRL. Allen will be all over campus this year looking to connect with you. Be sure to say hi!