Office of Community Engagement — 鶹Ʒ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:51:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 There’s Still Time to Support the Annual United Way Campaign (Video) /blog/2024/12/02/theres-still-time-to-support-the-annual-united-way-campaign-video/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:48:05 +0000 /?p=205876 Syracuse University head women’s basketball coachgrew up in Syracuse, and she understands the importance of charitable giving back to the local community. One of the biggest ways Legette-Jack feels the University community can make a difference in the lives of area residents is through supporting theemployee giving campaign.

A woman smiles while posing for a headshot.

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 beenproviding 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.

A man smiles while posing for a headshot.

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 atjjlosows@syr.eduor 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, 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.

A woman smiles while posing for a headshot.

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.

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2024 Holiday Giving Opportunities in the Syracuse Community /blog/2024/11/21/2024-holiday-giving-opportunities-in-the-syracuse-community/ Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:07:03 +0000 /?p=205606 As the holiday season approaches, there are for members of the Syracuse University community to make the season brighter within the City of Syracuse and greater Central New York communities. Some giving opportunities include:

PEACE, Inc.

is a nonprofit, community-based organization that serves nearly 10,000 clients in Syracuse, Onondaga County and portions of Oswego County. Its mission is to help people in the community realize their potential for becoming self-sufficient.

Give-A-Holiday

This program offers individuals and groups the opportunity to brighten up the holidays for families in need by supplying gifts during the holiday season through either a gift basket or a monetary donation. Syracuse University employees can . PEACE, Inc. will pick up baskets on campus on Monday, Dec. 16 from 9 to 10 a.m. and from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. If you’re unable to drop off your gifts on campus, we invite you to visit the PEACE, Inc. Eastwood Community Center during the following times:

    • Friday, Dec. 13: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Monday, Dec. 16: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Monetary donations can also be made online on the.

For more information or questions, please contact PEACE, Inc. at 315.634.3740 orgiveaholiday@peace-caa.org.

United Way of Central New York

is an innovative and collaborative local nonprofit organization that drives solutions to the most pressing human service community needs of Central New York.

CNY Care Package Project

  • The drive is now underway. Last year, this project collected enough donations to create 850 care packages. United Way needs your help to reach its 2024 goal of 1,000 care packages for people in need in our community. You can get involved by purchasing and donating personal care items at Syracuse-area Wegmans stores, via an Amazon wish list or by making a monetary donation at .

Salvation Army

is a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting human needs without discrimination and encouraging and empowering those in need to reach their full potential. Each year, The Salvation Army of Syracuse helps provide Christmas food and toys to nearly 10,000 people with the help of dozens of community partners.

Holiday Programs

  • : Each year, more than 1,200 teens receive a gift at The Salvation Army’s Christmas Bureau. You can help by donating a gift for a teen (ages 13-18) that ensures everyone can experience the magic of the holidays. To support this goal, The Hayner Hoyt Corporation has generously agreed to match all donations up to $25,000.
  • : Now through Christmas Eve, there are 24 Red Kettle locations across Onondaga County. Want to help ring the bell? Sign up now as an individual or as a group at .
  • Monetary donations can also be made online through .

For additional information or questions, please contact Deanna Delmonico at 315.479.1162 ordeanna.delmonico@use.salvationarmy.org.

InterFaith Works

is a nonprofit organization that provides services to address the needs of people who are vulnerable, low-income, targets of oppression and refugees who arrive through the federal refugee resettlement programs, fleeing war, political repression and famine. InterFaith Works also strives to address the needs of the frail or elderly, those in prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes, and to address hunger and housing needs.

Gift Basket Initiative

This fiscal year, InterFaith Works has resettled 1,015 refugees. Through the initiative, donors are asked to create a gift basket that will be given to families they serve. Some gift ideas for the baskets include:

  • Gift cards: $20 or more to Walmart, Target or Tops;
  • Food items: Honey, jam, crackers, hot chocolate, sweets, chocolates, candies, tea, cookies or graham crackers;
  • Warm items: Gender-neutral scarves/hats, warm socks/gloves or throw blankets;
  • Personal/household items: Disposable razors, lotion, shaving cream, key chains, water bottles, laundry baskets, detergent, cutting boards, dish towels or towel sets;
  • Fun items: Board games, cards or new toys.

This can be used to document the items being donated and should be included with the basket. All baskets must be delivered to the InterFaith Works offices (located at 1010 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203) by Friday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m. For more information, contact Rhonda Butler at 315.449.3552 ext. 127 or rbutler@ifwcny.org.

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University Employees Can Make a Difference by Supporting the Annual United Way Campaign (Video) /blog/2024/10/18/university-employees-can-make-a-difference-by-supporting-the-annual-united-way-campaign-video/ Fri, 18 Oct 2024 22:34:52 +0000 /?p=204447 Are you a faculty or staff member who wants to make a difference in the lives of people in Central New York? Consider contributing to the University’s annual employee giving campaign, an initiative supporting the vast impact United Way has in our community and empowering their work.

The employee giving campaign runs through Friday, Dec. 13. Celebrating 102 years of impact in the local community, thefunds 73 different human service programs and projects at 34 nonprofit partners.

A woman smiles while posing for a headshot.

Kirsten Elleby

“The United Way makes a direct impact on people through supporting a variety of amazing initiatives and programs within our community. You will treasure the feeling when you know your dollar helped make a profound difference in someone’s life, perhaps even a family member or a friend in need,” says , one of the co-chairs of the University’s employee giving campaign and the deputy athletics director and senior woman administrator.

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 atjjlosows@syr.eduor 315.443.4137.

In case you need inspiration for why your gift matters, featuring Elleby and her fellow University co-chair for the campaign, , vice president of enrollment services, along with other University employees discussing the importance of contributing to the United Way.

A woman smiles while posing for a headshot.

Ryan Williams

“Syracuse University is crucial to the vitality of the broad Syracuse community. When we partner with the United Way of Central New York, we ensure that services and supports are made available to community members who need them,” Williams says. “I have personally seen how United Way agencies change lives and knowing that Syracuse University faculty, students and staff contributed made it even more impactful.”

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.

People stand outside of an interfaith place of worship holding a United We Do More flag.

Through the Syracuse University employee giving campaign, faculty and staff can give back to this initiative that supports and empowers the United Way to continue making a vast impact in our community.

“I challenge us to come together and make this year the best turnout ever for the Syracuse University campaign—to not only reach our monetary goals, but more importantly the goals of making our community stronger, prouder and more united than ever before,” Elleby says.

Many departments organize activities to raise additional funds to be donated to the campaign. Fundraising activities have included bake sales, raffles, contests and gift baskets. In the past, the Department of Public Safety held a step counting challenge, while Syracuse University Libraries held a bake sale that was popular with staff and students with all proceeds benefiting the United Way. Employees are encouraged to get involved, even if they have not participated in the campaign in the past.

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.

“This campaign touches so many different aspects of peoples’ lives. It’s not just to give money to a company for them to do this one goal. It’s how can we take these funds and find the most important or the most critical or the ideal place to help the community in the best way possible,” says Kristin Jeter, access services librarian with Syracuse University Libraries.

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

“You don’t miss one or two dollars a week coming out of your paycheck. And that little bit can help make a big difference. Community is everyone working together for a common goal,” says Charlotte Stahrr, academic program administrator in the College of Professional Studies.

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Syracuse High School Students Gain Hands-On Experience Through Summer Internship Program /blog/2024/08/27/syracuse-high-school-students-gain-hands-on-experience-through-summer-internship-program/ Tue, 27 Aug 2024 21:53:31 +0000 /?p=202602 High school students in Syracuse once again had the chance to take part in a summer program to gain meaningful experience learning about their desired career path. Syracuse University, CNY Works and the Syracuse City School District teamed up for the fourth year to provide internships to rising seniors. It’s a partnership that brings to mind words like “opportunity” and “change.”

For the program, the interns are selected by what they want to do for their career. They then spend six weeks working and learning across campus. This year’s group included 25 interns at 20 different areas on the University campus.

I spoke with many of the participants, who shared their experience and their advice to future interns.

Meet the Interns

Person working at computer

Tristan Bey interns at WAER helping to research and write stories.

Tristan Bey, a student at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central (ITC), spent the summer at WAER radio. He says he did a lot of research on the news stories that led him to contact a lot of people. Bey says that when somebody gets back, it’s a big deal because it leads to an interview, which provides more reliable information on the stories he researched.

Corcoran High School student Moo Loe Htoo interned with the Higher Education Opportunity Program. He says his experience was calm and helpful, and he was able to give educational support to students.

The Newhouse Visitors Center welcomed ITC student Samaia Goodrich. She helped to create flyers and posters for events happening throughout the summer, along with signing students in for tours and information sessions.

Dwight Jones from ITC interned at the Community Folk Art Center. “I’ve been organizing my work area keeping everything tidy and kept-up, getting ready for certain events that are being brought to the center,” he says. “I recently took care of kids as there was a program and helped around such as fed them and took pictures to sponsor the program. I like the people I work with as I’ve grown to make a relationship with coworkers and my supervisors.”

Fellow ITC student Troy Green spent his summer at MakerSpace. There, he learned a lot about 3D printing, as well as how to design better and how to use Photoshop to implement his work better.

Cameron Stroud from ITC interned with the Radar Technology Lab in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. His experience was very hands-on. Stroud says he had lots of people to help, and it was a good structure for learning.

Also at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, ITC student Jose Pizarro was placed at the Composite Materials Lab. He also had a very hands-on experience, making composites for space. He says the team’s goal is to design and create better materials.

ITC student Tyra Wren was placed with food services.My experience really shows me a lot about the real world and how tough you must be in certain situations, especially in a real job,” she says.

How does your internship help you on your path to your future goals?

SCSD intern Moo Loe Htoo working at SENSES

Moo Loe Htoo works at the SENSES Project, where students can learn about music production, podcasting, and more.

Bey: Because my future goals in life are to do film production and getting to work with mics, video, articles and everything, [it] really helps me find my way toward going to Newhouse [Newhouse School of Public Communications] for film production.

Green: I want to be focused on being a digital designer. So, when I have all the opportunities here to work on digital designing and improve my skills, I feel like this is a fantastic opportunity for anybody who wants to be in designing in the future.

Stroud: Honestly, it is just another skill underneath your belt. You know, the more you learn, the better your future is going to be. It is a wonderful way to just expand my career and technical education because I am doing electrical engineering, so it is just one more thing I can learn. It is giving me a better idea of the different fields there are.

Kelston Luces, intern in Athletics Marketing: I want to get into sports broadcasting, and working at the athletic communications office would boost my chances of getting into that program at Newhouse.

Jones: The people I’ve met here not only gave me amazing opportunities for the future like starting a program for Black teens, also it’s been helping me mentally having people to talk to that have the same mindset as me and who have different ideas and perspectives. They definitely have been helping me thinking about what I want to do. And as of right now it doesn’t change anything for my future career.

Wren: I was not planning to do full service in the future. I am thinking of being a private chef now, so it does give me a lot of experience in that career path.

What advice do you have for future interns?

SCSD intern Troy Green at MakerSpace

Troy Green shows off a sculpture printed at MakerSpace.

Goodrich: I would say just go for it, you know, have fun, and learn new things, and be open you never know the opportunities. New people you meet and new beginnings you can have.

Bey: My advice is to use this time wisely and to not take long lunch breaks.

Htoo: My advice is to always keep yourself occupied and bring lunch.

Green: Do what you like to do. Because your thoughts of your career can always change. So, try to know what you want to do so you can be successful in your career. So, always talk to your internship professor or your coordinator and tell them what you want to do, and they will put you in the right one for you.

Stroud: It is a worthwhile experience. You get paid $15 an hour. But it is enjoyable. Honestly, it is a clever way to enjoy yourself, especially to have other people that you know come up with you.

Wren: I would tell y’all to be tough. Don’t go in there expecting them to treat you like a child because they will teach you and treat you as an adult as you work there.

Pizarro: Just have fun and enjoy your program.

Luces: Honestly just take whatever opportunities you get. Just say yes to everything.

Jones: Take every opportunity you get because any of them can change your life or be that opportunity you were waiting for.

Story by Neonna Vanco, Syracuse City School District communications intern

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One of Many: Making a Difference With the United Way (With Video) /blog/2023/10/24/one-of-many-making-a-difference-with-the-united-way-with-video/ Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:08:55 +0000 /?p=193206 Syracuse University is a longtime supporter of the . Please consider uniting with your colleagues and making a contribution to sustain the long-standing mission of the United Way. The United Way supports 72 specially funded programs and projects by 33 nonprofit partners serving our community. Your support offers hope to those in our community who need it most.

from on .

runsthrough Dec. 15. During this time, we encourage each University employee to consider making a voluntary one-time gift as your pledge. There is also an option to give through payroll deductions over the coming year. For those who prefer, a paper pledge card may be obtained by contacting our campaign coordinator, Jake Losowski at jjlosows@syr.edu or 315.443.4137.

If you have a favorite nonprofit organization that is not part of the United Way’s, please be sure that they follow this specific criteria in order for them to receive the funds from the United Way:

  • Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 health and human service agencies operating in New York state or other United Way chapters.
  • For each designation outside of the standard United Way funded programs, there is a $100 or 15% administrative fee, whichever is less.
  • The gift must be a minimum of $50 per agency, with a maximum of four designations.

The United Way of Central New York will also be collecting donations at the as a part of the overall University Giving Campaign for the United Way.

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Upcoming Free Homebuying Informational Sessions for Employees /blog/2023/10/16/upcoming-free-homebuying-informational-sessions-for-employees-2/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 18:07:35 +0000 /?p=192902 Buying a home can be a confusing process, especially for first-time homebuyers.

Luckily, for Syracuse University employees, there are three free upcoming informational sessions that will answer any questions you might have about purchasing a home in the City of Syracuse.

A miniature house with a set of keys and a pile of money below.

Three free upcoming informational sessions will answer questions about purchasing a home in the City of Syracuse.

The, in collaboration with theand, invites all University employees to attend one of the following sessions:

“Syracuse University is pleased to partner with Home HeadQuarters, an important partner who provides housing options and opportunities to become a homeowner in the Central New York region,” says , vice president of community engagement and government relations.

During the sessions, the Real Estate and Asset Management Office will explore its , while Home HeadQuarters will discuss the .

Attendees will have their homebuying questions answered by industry experts, and learn how they can benefit from theat Syracuse University.

Under the program—open to all full-time and part-time University employees—the University guarantees the loan to the lender, and private mortgage insurance is waived, potentially saving the borrower thousands of dollars over the life of the mortgage.

“The homebuying information sessions give employees the opportunity to hear about the guaranteed mortgage program offered by Syracuse University and also hear helpful tips and guidance on buying a home,” Johnson says. “The opportunity to use the mortgage program to support the financial commitment of purchasing a home is such a positive tool and allows the University to support living in the City of Syracuse.”

All sessions are in Community Room 016 of the Nancy Cantor Warehouse (350 W. Fayette St.). Sign-up is required.

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2024 United Way Employee Giving Campaign Officially Kicks Off Oct. 13 /blog/2023/10/12/2024-united-way-employee-giving-campaign-officially-kicks-off-oct-13/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 13:16:00 +0000 /?p=192664 Four people painting a color mural.

Photo courtesy of the United Way

The funds 72 different human service programs at 33 local agencies, with every dollar raised remaining in Central New York to help the United Way address various community needs. The University’s employee campaign giving initiative helps support the vast impact United Way has in the Central New York community.

During this year’s campaign—which runs through Friday, Dec. 15.—University employees are encouraged to consider making a voluntary pledge through MySlice. Options are available for either a one-time donation or a regular donation through payroll deduction each pay period. For those who prefer a paper pledge card, contact campaign coordinator Jake Losowski atjjlosows@syr.eduor 315.443.4137.

, associate provost for strategic initiatives, and , vice president of enrollment services, have returned in their roles as co-chairs again this year.

“Syracuse University is crucial to the vitality of the broad Syracuse community. When we partner with the United Way of Central New York, we ensure that needed services and supports are made available to community members who need them. I have personally seen how United Way agencies change lives and knowing that Syracuse University faculty, students and staff contributed made it even more impactful,” says Williams.

Besides 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.

Cydney Johnson, vice president of Community Engagement and Government Relations, hopes that the greater University community can come together to support such an important part of the Central New York community. “Syracuse University is proud to be partners with United Way and has a long and supportive history with United Way of Central New York,” says Johnson. “This year the University will host the United Way team at the Tuesday, Nov. 14, men’s basketball game versus Colgate University to give fans an opportunity to give as they attend this game. We hope everyone will consider giving this year during the campaign to help our community.”

Many departments organize their own activities to raise additional funds so they can donate the proceeds from these activities to the campaign. Past fundraising activities have included bake sales, raffles and gift baskets. In the past, Syracuse University Libraries held a bake sale that was popular with staff and students, while Facilities Services entered stadium memorabilia into a silent auction with all proceeds benefiting the United Way. Employees are encouraged to get involved, even if they have not participated in the campaign in the past.

“Whether you are new to Syracuse University or if you have been here for many years and you are looking for a way to stay involved and to have an impact on the needs here in our local community, supporting the United Way is a central way to do that,” says Haddix, who found a way to get more involved by serving as a campaign co-chair for the first time with last year’s campaign.

Employee participation in the campaign is voluntary and participating employees can select either an automatic payroll deduction or a one-time donation in any amount. University retirees are also invited to participate as many enjoy the longstanding tradition and generous spirit of this annual event.

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High School Students Gain Real-World Experience During the Summer Internship Program /blog/2023/09/20/high-school-students-gain-real-world-experience-during-the-summer-internship-program/ Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:21:44 +0000 /?p=190412 When you put the Syracuse City School District (SCSD), Syracuse University and CNY Works together, one word comes to mind: future.

A partnership between the three has sparked learning and opportunity across the five city high schools. Through the Syracuse University Summer Internship program, rising seniors apply for internships and are selected based on the excellence they demonstrate in their chosen career and technical education program.

The students are paid through CNY Works to spend six weeks at various Syracuse University locations. The program is now in its third year, and this class of interns included three digital multimedia students from the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central (ITC) who were selected to intern in radio, marketing and media relations.

Cultivating Skills

At WAER Radio, Anthony Davis cultivated his skill for sports writing. Given the opportunity to cover The Basketball Tournament Syracuse Regional as a WAER representative, Davis was thrilled to see familiar faces on the court again. “As a kid I loved watching Syracuse,” Davis says. “Seeing them compete at one of the higher levels of basketball and then interviewing them after the game was a really great experience. I’m glad that WAER gave me the opportunity to represent them at such a big tournament.” Davis is a basketball announcer for the ITC Varsity Basketball team and is pursuing a career in sportscasting.

At the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, Kaleb St. Louis learned about the importance of photography and videography in the world of marketing. “I’m doing the work at school. But now that I’ve interned with the media marketing team, I know why I’m doing it and why it has its own purpose in the field,” says the rising senior. St. Louis is a football announcer for the ITC varsity football team and is pursuing a career in sportscasting and announcing.

Working With Media Relations

The final ITC media intern is actually me! As an intern with the Syracuse University Media Relations team, I’ve learned how photography can be utilized to cater to a specific audience or story. After covering Pete’s Giving Garden and the South Campus food pantry, I saw the beauty of a photo and a story fitting perfectly in both meaning and importance. The biggest takeaway for me was the idea that a story can be read from any piece of paper or screen but can only be truly visualized by a photo.

An internship is nothing without its interns. The students who participated in the Syracuse University Summer Internship Program took advantage of their opportunity and made it into the experience of a lifetime. Whether a student is interested in public relations, photography or forensic science, there is a place for them in this program.

Story written by Angelina Grevi, Syracuse City School District Communications Intern

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Featured Media Coverage – Week of Sept. 11 /blog/2023/09/15/featured-media-coverage-week-of-sept-11/ Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:46:00 +0000 /?p=191727 Syracuse University thought leaders, events and research news were showcased in the following news outlets this week:

  • , director of the Goldring Arts Journalism and Communications program at Newhouse, was quoted in the Associated Press story “.”
  • , associate professor of law, was interviewed for The New York Times story ““
  • , a professor in the history department at Maxwell, was featured in the Al Jazeera article “‘.”
  • , chief operating officer at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, was for the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
  • , professor of environmental systems in the College of Engineering, spoke with Salon for the story ““
  • , an assistant professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences, was in the EcoWatch article “.”
  • , professor at the College of Law and director of the Syracuse Intellectual Property Law Institute, was interviewed for the Bloomberg Law story “.”
  • , professor of practice & chair, music industry & technologies at the Setnor School of Music, was quoted in the Lifewire story “.”
  • , vice president of community engagement and government relations, was on discussing Syracuse’s partnership with the Salvation Army.
  • , teaching professor at the College of Law, was in the Fortune story “”
  • , Esther M. Larsen faculty fellow in the humanities and assistant professor, was quoted in and
  • , head of digital stewardship and the digital library program at the Libraries, was featured in Yahoo Finance’s story “.”
  • , associate teaching professor in Falk College, was quoted in the Better Homes and Gardens story “
  • Carrie Mae Weems, Syracuse University artist in residence, was featured in the New York Times for the article “.”
  • , professor of political science in the Maxwell School was interviewed by Inside Higher Ed for the article
  • , Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, was quoted in the in Senior Executive story “
  • , associate professor in the iSchool, was interviewed by Agence France-Presse for the story “.”
  • , founding director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture and a Trustee Professor of Television and Popular Culture at Newhouse, was quoted in , , , , , , (Dallas), and (Los Angeles).

To get in touch and learn more about Syracuse University faculty members available for interviews, please contactmedia@syr.edu.

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Summer of Community Engagement for DPS /blog/2023/09/14/summer-of-community-engagement-for-dps/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 13:27:57 +0000 /?p=191630 Individual with a virtual reality headset on and an officer standing next to them to assist

Sergeant John Stephens of DPS helps a Youth Leadership Camp participant use the virtual reality headset.

Engaging with the campus community is a main priority for the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS); however, the desire to connect and have meaningful interactions extends well beyond the borders of campus. Throughout the summer, DPS collaborated with numerous partners to partake in two summer programs that brought local high school students to the Syracuse University campus to learn and work alongside the DPS team.

“Syracuse University is a pillar in the local community,” says Associate Vice President and DPS Chief Craig Stone. “DPS has increased our community engagement on campus and the community at large. Our team enjoyed spending time with our youth and exposing them to opportunities at Syracuse University.”

Each program provided a unique experience to the local high school students who participated.

Summer Internship Program

DPS proudly took part in the University’s Summer Internship program hosted by the Office of Community Engagement in collaboration with the Syracuse City School District Career and Technical Education program.

Two students with Coach Autry in his office overlooking the practice basketball court

Two of the rising seniors partaking in the Summer Internship Program chat with new Syracuse University Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Adrian Autry.

Rising high school seniors participated in this six-week work opportunity that aligned them with their chosen learning pathway. Throughout the six weeks, the three student interns interacted with the entire Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services (CSEMS) team, rotating between different units.

Summer Internship Coordinator for DPS, Commander Michael Hartnett, was thrilled by the work of the interns, “The three young women that took part in our summer internship program were exceptional. They accomplished so much throughout the summer and helped our CSEMS team tackle various projects.”

The three interns were recognized at the end of the six weeks with a ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments alongside other interns who spent time with various other departments at the University.

Youth Leadership Camp

Our first annual Youth Leadership Camp ran throughout July. This was yet again another collaboration with the Syracuse City School District and their Career and Technical Education program, which brought rising ninth graders to campus for four days. The students participated in an expansive curriculum, including learning sessions that focused on life, career and education skills. The group also got out of the classroom to tour campus, see the athletics facilities, use the esports gaming room, try virtual reality law enforcement scenarios and learn how to use a fire extinguisher.

“I am thankful for all of the instructors and other groups that we collaborated with on our first ever Youth Leadership Camp,” says Youth Leadership Camp Coordinator Sergeant John Stephens, “Above all, I am grateful to the group of students that spent the week with us; hopefully, they learned some new skills they can put to use as they begin high school.”

The Office of Community Engagement and Government Relations was also a key partner in making the Youth Leadership Camp a reality. DPS is already evaluating ways to expand and grow the program for next summer.

“I’m extremely proud of the initiatives our team at DPS took on this summer,” says Stone. “We will continue to find ways to engage with the community and craft programming that will make a positive impact in their development.”

Large group of students and instructors all standing together smiling

Youth Leadership Camp and Summer Internship participants pose with certificates received from program instructors.

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Office of Community Engagement Recognized by Syracuse City School District Education Foundation /blog/2023/05/03/office-of-community-engagement-recognized-by-syracuse-city-school-district-education-foundation/ Thu, 04 May 2023 00:57:04 +0000 /?p=187891 Three individuals standing together looking off the left.

Members of the Office of Community Engagement team from left to right: Jake Losowski, community engagement coordinator; Kate Flannery, executive director of community engagement; and Cydney Johnson, vice president of community engagement and government relations.

The Office of Community Engagement is committed to a mutually supportive relationship with the City of Syracuse and surrounding areas, to access learning, resources and services among all partners. The Syracuse City School District Education Foundation recently recognized the Office of Community Engagement for that work during the foundation’s recognition breakfast with a community partner award.

The celebration recognizes the dedicated individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to support the Syracuse City School District (SCSD). “We are humbled by the honor,” says Cydney Johnson, vice president of community engagement and government relations. “We work with an amazing team to bring high school students on campus to work and learn within their learning pathways.”

The two main programs that the Office of Community Engagement manages for the SCSD Career and Technical Education (CTE) students is a job shadow program and a summer internship program.

“With the support Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer, and his team, we have high school seniors come shadow supervisors in their area of learning and get real-world experience,” Johnson says. Last year the job shadow program had four students and this year there will be 10 seniors participating.

This summer, the Office of Community Engagement will also be looking to bring up to 30 high school rising seniors to campus for a six-week paid internship experience.The interns will work in an area on campus that aligns with their learning pathway.This program is going into its third summer and has been showing significant growth; it is the model that the SCSD uses for helping businesses develop an internship program for the CTE students.

“This relationship with the Syracuse City School District is possible due to our ongoing support from Chancellor Kent Syverud and Vice Chancellor Mike Haynie,” says Johnson.“We are thrilled and look forward to continued good work.”

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Syracuse Jazz Fest to Feature Performances from University Student, Faculty Groups /blog/2023/03/14/syracuse-jazz-fest-to-feature-performances-from-university-student-faculty-groups/ Tue, 14 Mar 2023 18:49:57 +0000 /?p=185815 Syracuse University is participating in and sponsoring the City of Syracuse’s 37th annual Jazz Fest, held June 22-25 at various locations around the city.

Students in the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble perform on the stage at Hendricks Chapel

Students in the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble perform on the stage at Hendricks Chapel.

New this year, the festival has expanded to four days, with the University hosting a Sunday Gospel Jazz service inside to close out Jazz Fest on Sunday, June 25. Members of the Syracuse community are invited to campus to hear performances from the out of Hendricks Chapel, along with a community choir and other nationally renowned gospel choirs and jazz groups.

Earlier in the week, the Orange Juice advanced jazz combo, made up of students in the , will perform from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at the Visit Syracuse Stage in Hanover Square.

The Syracuse University Jazz & Commercial Music Faculty Ensemble will play on the Amazon Stage in Clinton Square from 4-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 24. Both groups are housed in the Setnor School of Music in the .

“Syracuse University wants to ensure Jazz Fest will be a big success for our community. This is a great opportunity to support the local community and to open up our campus for a great closing event on Sunday showcasing our wonderful and talented students and faculty,” says , vice president of community engagement and government relations.

The headlining Jazz Fest performers are iconic jazz artists Herbie Hancock, a 14-time Grammy Award-winning keyboardist, and Gladys Knight, a seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer also known as the “Empress of Soul.” They will perform in Clinton Square on June 23 and 24, respectively.

Six other national and international artists and a collection of local acts will also play as part of the free five-day festival.

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Upcoming Free Homebuying Informational Sessions for Employees /blog/2023/02/17/upcoming-free-homebuying-informational-sessions-for-employees/ Fri, 17 Feb 2023 13:19:15 +0000 /?p=184951 Buying a home can be a confusing process, especially for first-time home buyers.

Luckily, for Syracuse University employees, it’s not too late to take advantage of two free upcoming informational sessions that will answer any questions you might have about purchasing a home in the City of Syracuse.

The, in collaboration with the, theand, is pleased to invite all University employees to attend one of the following sessions:

  • .

“This is a great opportunity for employees. The City of Syracuse is vibrant and diverse and a great place to live,” says , vice president for community engagement and government relations.

A miniature house with a set of keys and a pile of money below.

Two free upcoming informational sessions will answer questions about purchasing a home in the City of Syracuse.

Attendees will have their homebuying questions answered by industry experts, and learn how they can benefit from the at Syracuse University.

The program, open to all full-time and part-time University employees, including faculty and staff members, enables employees to finance up to 100% of the price of the home and receive the bank’s best interest rate.

“This program allows for more employees to find homes in both the east and south sectors of our city to purchase and live in great neighborhoods. The ability to purchase and renovate homes with support is so positive to helping increase home ownership and living in off-campus areas,” Johnson says.

All sessions are in Community Room 016 of the Nancy Cantor Warehouse (350 W. Fayette St.). Sign-up is required.

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University Offering Free Homebuying Informational Sessions for All Employees /blog/2023/01/24/university-offering-free-homebuying-informational-sessions-for-all-employees/ Tue, 24 Jan 2023 14:12:42 +0000 /?p=183857 Buying a home can be a confusing process, but Syracuse University faculty and staff who are interested in purchasing a home can take advantage of three free upcoming informational sessions that will answer any questions you might have about the homebuying process in the City of Syracuse.

The , in collaboration with the , the and , is pleased to invite all University employees to attend one of the following sessions:

  • Jan. 28 from 9 a.m.-noon
  • Feb. 25 from 9 a.m.-noon
  • March 29 from 5-8 p.m.

Besides having homebuying questions answered by industry experts, attendees will also learn how they can benefit from the at Syracuse University and hear about open positions available with the University.

“This is a great opportunity for employees. The City of Syracuse is vibrant and diverse and a great place to live,” says Cydney Johnson ’77, G’96, vice president for community engagement and government relations.

The enhanced mortgage program is open to all full-time and part-time University faculty and staff members. It enables employees to finance up to 100% of the price of the home and receive the bank’s best interest rate.

“This program allows for more employees to find homes in both the east and south sectors of our city to purchase and live in great neighborhoods. The ability to purchase and renovate homes with support is so positive in helping increase home ownership and living in off-campus areas,” Johnson says.

All sessions will occur in Community Room 016 of the Nancy Cantor Warehouse (350 W. Fayette St.). .

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Various Opportunities Available for Campus Community Members to Participate in Holiday Giving, Volunteerism /blog/2022/12/02/various-opportunities-available-for-campus-community-members-to-participate-in-holiday-giving-volunteerism/ Fri, 02 Dec 2022 21:26:37 +0000 /?p=182663 During the holiday season, the coordinates various giving programs on campus so the University community can voluntarily contribute to the distribution of holiday items through programs administered by our local nonprofit partners. Participation opportunities are available this year with , , , and the .

Several people putting food into a line of paper bags for a food drive.

Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army

“This holiday season is another opportunity and example of our campus community’s kindness and generosity in supporting local families and individuals experiencing financial and other challenges” says Kathleen Flannery, executive director community engagement. “Whether it is a specific item from a wish list, a basket of personal items or household supplies, volunteering your time or a monetary donation, your gift will mean everything to people and families in our greater Syracuse community.”

Here are the ways individuals, departments, or schools or colleges can help a family in need this holiday season:

InterFaith Works

About: is a nonprofit organization that provides support and programming for refugees and their families as well as senior citizens, and is the home to the Center for Dialogue & Action, which is a program engaged in organizing efforts about racism, race relations and healing.

Build a Gift Basket: This program offers gift baskets to many of the resettled men, women and families in the Syracuse area community. Recommendations for items to include in the baskets .

Drop-off Dates, Times and Location: The final two donation drop-off dates are Monday, Dec. 5, and Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. The baskets can be dropped off to 1010 James Street, Syracuse.

Monetary donations can also be made online on the .

For more information and additional resources to become involved, visit the or contact Rhonda Butler at 315.449.3552, extension 127, or rbutler@ifwcny.org.

PEACE, Inc.

About: Inc., is a nonprofit, community-based organization with the mission of helping people in the community realize their potential for becoming self-sufficient.

Give-A-Holiday: This program offers individuals and groups the opportunity to brighten up the holidays for families in need by supplying gifts during the holiday season in the form of a gift basket or a monetary donation.

How to Register: Syracuse University employees can.

Monetary donations can also be made online on the .

For more information or questions, please contact PEACE, Inc. at 315.634.3740 or giveaholiday@peace-caa.org.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

About: is a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering beds to children (ages 3-17) in need in the greater Syracuse and Oswego city area.

Wish Lists: Donate new twin size sheets, pillows and bedding items to the Syracuse chapter via one of the following wish lists:

For more information, resources to be involved and to make monetary donations visit the .

The Salvation Army

About: is a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting human needs without discrimination, and to encourage and empower those in need to reach their full potential.

Holiday Events: Each year, The Salvation Army of Syracuse helps provide Christmas food and toys to nearly 10,000 people with the help of dozens of community partners. There are several ways you can help brighten the holidays for others including:

  • Christmas Bureau
  • Ringing the Bell
  • Adopt-A-Program
  • Hold a Toy Drive, Food Drive or Angel Tree Drive

How to Register: Individuals, groups or departments can register through The Salvation Army website by completing their .

Monetary donations can also be made online on .

For additional information or questions, please contact Deanna Delmonico at 315.479.1162 or deanna.delmonico@use.salvationarmy.org.

United Way of Central New York

Four women standing together looking at and putting books together on a table for a book drive.

Photo courtesy of the United Way of Central New York

About: is an innovative and collaborative local nonprofit organization that drives solutions to the most pressing human service community needs of Central New York.

Christmas Bureau Book Drive: This program offers new books to local children in need from newborn to 18 years old. To get involved and make a difference in a child’s life this holiday season, visit the .

Monetary donations can also be made online on the .

For more information or questions, please contact Katie Hanlon at 315.428.2200or khanlon@unitedway-cny.org.

 

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How Supporting the United Way Employee Giving Campaign Makes a Difference in Central New York on the ‘’Cuse Conversations’ Podcast /blog/2022/11/03/how-supporting-the-united-way-employee-giving-campaign-makes-a-difference-in-central-new-york-on-the-cuse-conversations-podcast/ Thu, 03 Nov 2022 17:17:01 +0000 /?p=181796 Syracuse University head men’s basketball coach and head women’s basketball coach understand the importance of charitable giving, and one of the biggest ways Boeheim and Legette-Jack feel the University community can make a difference in the lives of area residents is through supporting the employee giving campaign.

The United Way of Central New York has been providing residents with access to essential resources for 100 years, and the University community has supported the United Way’s employee giving campaign for the last 50 years.

With a little more 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. 14 and runs through Dec. 16.

MIchael Frasciello

Mike Frasciello

Given the current state of the economy, including paying more to fill up our cars, heat our homes and put food on the table, , dean of the, understands that employees could hesitate when asked to open up their wallets and give back to a charity like the United Way.

Frasciello, one of three co-chairs of the University’s campaign, urges all University employees to make a gift of any size to help their neighbors in need this holiday season, as all of the proceeds go directly back into the community.

“Syracuse University has been directly involved with supporting the United Way since 1972 through our annual employee giving. That employee giving has a direct and powerful impact on helping the local community right here in the Central New York region, and is really designed to address the community’s most pressing issues. This is the community we live and work in, and so when we talk about an obligation and responsibility to the community it’s actually, these are our neighbors, these people are us. This includes individuals within the University that benefit from these programs. So I think the commitment to the United Way, if it’s not seamless, it’s almost symbiotic,” Frasciello says.

Frasciello shares why it’s important for University employees to give what they can to help their neighbors, spotlights some of the fun and creative ways employees are supporting this effort, and how all gifts benefit the Central New York community through more than 70 unique and impactful programs and projects offered by the United Way’s 28 nonprofit partners.

Check out episode 122 of the “’Cuse Conversations” podcast featuring Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. A transcript [PDF]is also available.

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Discover How University Employees Can Make a Difference By Supporting the Annual United Way Campaign (With Video) /blog/2022/10/20/university-employees-encouraged-to-support-the-annual-united-way-campaign-with-video/ Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:39:32 +0000 /?p=181400 The United Way employee giving campaign is back on campus, with this year’s campaign running through December 16.

Now celebrating its 100th anniversary, the funds efforts in our community via 70 specially funded programs and projects by 28 nonprofit partners.

The University’s employee campaign giving initiative helps support the vast impact United Way has in the community while making their work possible.

In case you need inspiration for why your gift matters, , featuring the co-chairs of the University’s employee giving campaign—, associate provost for strategic initiatives, and two previous co-chairs:, vice president of enrollment services, and, dean of the—discussing the importance of employees contributing to the United Way.

The co-chairs are joined by men’s basketball coach , women’s basketball head coach , and , director, strategic marketing and communications for Syracuse University Libraries, in encouraging employee giving.

“I believe the most important thing we can do is help our community,” Boeheim says. “By giving back to our community, which really gives us so much up here at the University, your contribution is going to help someone.”

University employees are encouraged to consider making a voluntary pledge through MySlice. Options are available for either a one-time donation or a regular 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 our campaign coordinator, Jake Losowski at jjlosows@syr.edu or 315.443.4137.

“The United Way is really the hub of the non-profit community in Central New York. It is the center for which all of the other services fan out. Funneling your dollars and your donation through the United Way ensures that it is getting to all of the organizations and all of the people that need those services,” says Hatem.

Every dollar raised remains in Central New York to help the United Way address various community needs. Please consider uniting with your fellow Orange to give hope to those with the greatest need in our community.

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

“I am challenging this great village that we love, Syracuse, to give what you can. … Whatever it is that’s in your heart and soul to want to give, be a part of the village. Get in the game,” Legette-Jack says.

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University Employees Encouraged to Support the Annual United Way Campaign /blog/2022/10/13/university-employees-encouraged-to-support-the-annual-united-way-campaign/ Thu, 13 Oct 2022 15:19:23 +0000 /?p=181026 The Syracuse University United Way Employee Giving 2023 pledge campaign officially kicks off on Oct. 14.

During this year’s campaign—which runs through Dec. 16.—University employees are encouraged to consider making a voluntary pledge through MySlice. Options are available for either a one-time donation or a regular donation through payroll deduction each pay period.

For those who prefer a paper pledge card, contact campaign coordinator Jake Losowski atjjlosows@syr.edu or 315.443.4137.

Now celebrating its 100th anniversary, the funds 70 different human service programs at 28 local agencies, with every dollar raised remaining in Central New York to help the United Way address various community needs.

This year, the co-chairs of the University’s employee giving campaign are , associate provost for strategic initiatives, and two previous co-chairs: , vice president of enrollment services, and , dean of the .

The University’s employee campaign giving initiative helps support the vast impact United Way has in the Central New York community while making their work possible.

“Syracuse University is crucial to the vitality of the broad Syracuse community. When we partner with the United Way of Central New York, we ensure that needed services and supports are made available to community members who need them. I have personally seen how United Way agencies change lives and knowing that Syracuse University faculty, students and staff contributed made it even more impactful,” says Williams.

Entering his second year as a campaign co-chair. Frasciello understands the importance every contribution—big or small—can have on the campaign.

“Every dollar we provide to the United Way makes our community more resilient, stronger and healthier. This university’s power of giving comes from our collective commitment to improving and transforming lives in intentional, purposeful and sustainable ways,” says Frasciello.

Besides 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.

Many departments organize their own activities to raise additional funds so they can donate the proceeds from these activities to the campaign. Past fundraising activities have included bake sales, raffles and gift baskets. In the past, Syracuse University Libraries held a bake sale that was popular with staff and students, while Facilities Services entered stadium memorabilia into a silent auction with all proceeds benefiting the United Way. Employees are encouraged to get involved, even if they have not participated in the campaign in the past.

“Whether you are new to Syracuse University or if you have been here for many years and you are looking for a way to stay involved and to have an impact on the needs here in our local community, supporting the United Way is a central way to do that,” says Haddix, who found a way to get more involved by serving as a campaign co-chair for the first time.

Employee participation in the campaign is voluntary and participating employees can select either an automatic payroll deduction or a one-time donation in any amount. University retirees are also invited to participate as many enjoy the longstanding tradition and generous spirit of this annual event.

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Studying Human Behavior and Turning Policy Into Practice to Address Food Insecurity on the ‘’Cuse Conversations’ Podcast /blog/2022/09/15/studying-human-behavior-and-turning-policy-into-practice-to-address-food-insecurity-on-the-cuse-conversations-podcast/ Thu, 15 Sep 2022 13:12:20 +0000 /?p=180066 Children living in the City of Syracuse face the highest child poverty rate in the country, with 48.4% of children living in poverty, not sure where their next meal will come from, according to the most recent data published in the 2020 U.S. census.

Those numbers are staggering, but this week, Syracuse University is partnering with the Salvation Army of Syracuse to raise awareness of the problem and collect valuable donations, coming together to combat food insecurity as one university and one community.

On Sept. 13, the University launched an awareness initiative, Combating Food Insecurity as One University, to showcase the work being done both on campus and throughout the City of Syracuse to raise awareness about food insecurity issues.

Colleen Heflin headshot

Colleen Heflin

“We’re going to have some food drives where people can donate food that will go both toward Hendricks Chapel as well as the community food bank. I think these are great ways of dealing with the short-term need in our community. Those emergency food assistance providers are great ways to deal with the food insecurity issue, even if it’s occurring in a cyclical way. Providing several days’ worth of food can really be meaningful and help support our community,” says Colleen Heflin, associate dean, chair and professor in the (PAIA) department.

Food Insecurity Awareness Week is being hosted by the , and on this week’s episode of “’Cuse Conversations,” we spotlight the incredible, data-driven work being done on campus to address food insecurity and food justice.

, a senior research associate with both the and the has areas of expertise in poverty and child, family and social policies.

Len Lopoo headshot

Len Lopoo

is a Maxwell PAIA professor, Paul Volcker Chair in behavioral economics, senior research associate in the Center for Policy Research and , where experts examine policy issues through different disciplinary lenses to come up with practical solutions.

Heflin and Lopoo join the podcast to discuss how severe the food insecurity issue is in the City of Syracuse, and explain how public policy leaders partner with the Maxwell X Lab to study human behavior, with the goal of turning policy into practice to combat food insecurity and other issues affecting our citizens.

They also share how students, faculty and staff can give back and do their part to fight food insecurity through numerous food drives on campus, how the X Lab’s data-driven approach leads to successful outreach, how they measure an initiative’s success, and what other kind of societal issues can be tackled through this partnership between the X Lab and policymakers on campus and in the City of Syracuse.

As an extension of Food Insecurity Awareness Week, Heflin and , fellow Maxwell professor and researcher, will be the featured guests at next week’s Thursday Morning Roundtable on Sept. 22, presenting .

Check out episode 115 of the “’Cuse Conversations” podcast featuring Colleen Heflin and Len Lopoo. A transcript [PDF]is also available.

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Syracuse University Launching Food Insecurity Awareness Week: Combating Food Insecurity as One University /blog/2022/09/01/syracuse-university-launching-food-insecurity-awareness-week-combating-food-insecurity-as-one-university/ Thu, 01 Sep 2022 16:00:30 +0000 /?p=179661 Every day in the City of Syracuse, thousands of children face uncertainty over where their next meal will come from. According to U.S. Census data, the child poverty rate in the city in 2020 was 48.4%—the highest in the country. Syracuse University is teaming up with the Salvation Army of Syracuse to raise awareness of the problem and collect donations, coming together to combat food insecurity as one university and one community.

icon of fork, knife and spoon with the text: "Combating Food Insecurity as One University" and the Syracuse University wordmarkStarting Sept. 13, the University will launch an awareness initiative, Combating Food Insecurity as One University, highlighting efforts both on campus and throughout the City of Syracuse—culminating with a donation drive at the Syracuse University-Purdue football game at the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday, Sept. 17.

Salvation Army Director of Emergency Services Allison Brooks says addressing food insecurity is especially important now.

The waiting room in our food pantry has been consistently full of local families who need food for months now and our shelves haven’t been this depleted since the recession in 2009,” Brooks says. “Food insecurity is a significant problem in Central New York, and we are thankful for our neighbors who continue to partner with us to combat hunger.”

Cydney Johnson, Syracuse University vice president of community engagement and government relations, says that this is an important call to action.

“Both on the University campus and in our Syracuse community, we have neighbors struggling with food insecurity and we can all help. We hope to bring more awareness to this issue by supporting the very good and ongoing work that many are doing to combat hunger,” Johnson says.

At the Sept. 17 football game, the Salvation Army of Syracuse will partner with the University to collect nonperishable food items for the Emergency Pantry. There will be drop-off barrels at 11 locations around campus approaching the JMA Wireless Dome ahead of the noon kickoff, and volunteers for the Salvation Army will collect monetary donations at Red Kettles stationed around the JMA Dome.

Currently, the pantry’s most-needed items include:

  • Pasta sauce (no glass)
  • Rice
  • Canned beans
  • Canned fruit
  • Juice (shelf-stable cartons or plastic)
  • Oatmeal

The Salvation Army’s food pantry has served more than 1,100 individuals in Syracuse over the last month. It provides families and individuals with enough food for three meals per day for five days. Pantry staff also assist with completing applications for food stamps, WIC and other resources.

“The food drive before the Syracuse University vs. Purdue football game is one way to give to the community to combat the problem of food insecurity,” Johnson says. “We ask all of our neighbors and fans to bring non-perishable food items to donate. Barrels will be along the way into the JMA Wireless Dome, and we hope the University and Syracuse community will help us help others!”

During the game on Sept. 17, there will also be a special ceremony during halftime recognizing the efforts of student and community leaders who work together as one every day to combat food insecurity.

On campus, there are several longstanding initiatives that make a difference in making sure people on campus and in the community who are in need have access to healthy food.

“Our students on the campus, along with the Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry, work to provide assistance and food to support our friends who may need a helping hand. In the Syracuse community, the need is significant,” Johnson says. “For our community members, their families and the children in our schools, food insecurity must be addressed, and we all can do our part.”

The offers food and personal care items at no cost to students at both Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF). The pantry, which has locations at both Hendricks Chapel and on South Campus at the Carriage House, 161 Farm Acre Rd., takes delivery of fresh vegetables when harvested or available from Pete’s Giving Garden, located on South Campus.

To support the Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry, individuals or groups of people can donate food or personal care items; hold a food and toiletry drive; or volunteer at the food pantry. For more information, visit the .

A student organization, the , is a collaboration between Syracuse University and SUNY ESF. Student volunteers go to dining centers each night to pick up untouched food, which is then distributed to homeless shelters, transitional housing and guest homes in the local area.

Students can recover about 100 pounds of food from every meal from just one dining hall. In 2021, they recovered almost 11 tons of food, contributing to more than 18,000 meals for people in need.

In terms of outreach to the community, the University supports the Samaritan Center, through Hendricks Chapel and volunteers from across campus. The Samaritan Center has been providing hot meals to the Syracuse community 7 days a week, all year long, since 1981. The center also offers case management support and access to services.

On Thursday, Sept. 15, Samaritan Center Executive Director Mary Beth Frey will be the presenter at Thursday Morning Roundtable starting at 8 a.m.

In another campus-community program, student-athletes support the work of Blessings in a Backpack, a nationwide program that provides food on the weekends to school-aged children in need. Each year, student-athletes take part in a fundraising effort for the Syracuse chapter.

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Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day to Be Held Sept. 17 at the JMA Wireless Dome /blog/2022/08/31/faculty-and-staff-appreciation-day-to-be-held-sept-17-at-the-jma-wireless-dome/ Wed, 31 Aug 2022 16:21:28 +0000 /?p=179587 Syracuse University will celebrate its faculty and staff with $10 football tickets for the Saturday, Sept. 17, game at the JMA Dome when the Orange take on Purdue at noon. Faculty and staff and their guests are invited to the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle prior to the game to enjoy a performance from the Pride of the Orange Marching Band along with food and beverage concessions.

The first 500 full-time, part-time or temporary faculty and staff with a faculty or staff Syracuse University I.D. to visit the University’s pregame Faculty and Staff Appreciation tent on the Shaw Quad will receive a game day gift and a $5 concession coupon.

A few days prior to the game, a drawing will be held to invite faculty and staff members to enjoy an enhanced game day experience. Those who have purchased tickets prior to Sept. 12 will be eligible for the drawing. Winners will be notified prior to game day.

Tickets

Tickets cost $10 apiece for University faculty and staff, their children and their guests (up to a limit of 10). Faculty and staff may , and tickets can be purchased until the day of the event.

Team Competition on the Quad

Join with other schools, colleges and administrative units for some friendly competition during ’Cuse on the Quad! Teams of three to five members are being recruited to join a short, bracket-style game against colleagues before kickoff at noon. To register a team, email Abby Lozon at aclozon@syr.edu with the following information:

  • One team representative
  • The school/college/administrative unit you’re representing
  • Names of all team members

Teams will try to guess the most popular answers to a series of ’Cuse-themed questions, with winners receiving bragging rights and a prize.

Food Drive to Benefit the Salvation Army

On game day, the University’s Office of Community Engagement will collect non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army of Syracuse’s emergency pantry as part of its Food Insecurity Awareness Week. Drop-off barrels will be placed at 11 locations approaching the JMA Dome that morning, including at the faculty and staff appreciation tent on the Quad. Volunteers for the Salvation Army will also collect monetary donations at various red kettles stationed around the JMA Dome.

Currently, the pantry’s most-needed items include:

  • Pasta sauce (no glass jars, please)
  • Rice
  • Canned beans
  • Canned fruit
  • Juice (shelf-stable cartons or plastic)
  • Oatmeal

Faculty and staff are encouraged to contribute to this cause. The Salvation Army’s food pantry has served more than 1,100 individuals in Syracuse over the last month, providing families and individuals with enough food for three meals per day for five days.

Parking

University parking permits will be honored for free game day parking at the Skytop parking lot. For faculty and staff who do not already have University parking permits, a single, complimentary, one-time-use Skytop parking pass will be available for game day. These permits will be available for pickup on Thursday, Sept. 15, and Friday, Sept. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Office of Human Resources, Skytop Office Building, with proof of a Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day game ticket and a Syracuse University I.D.

Questions about Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day? Contact the HR Service Center at 315.443.4042 or send them an email. Questions about football tickets? Call the JMA Wireless Dome Box Office at 315.443.2121.

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Syracuse University Basketball Legend Legette-Jack Inspires Children to ‘Make a Change for Greatness’ /blog/2021/11/17/syracuse-university-basketball-legend-legette-jack-inspires-children-to-make-a-change-for-greatness/ Thu, 18 Nov 2021 00:56:41 +0000 /?p=171085 It may have been one of basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack’s best pre-game speeches. Only this time it wasn’t delivered to her players, but to a group of nearly 50 girls from the Syracuse chapter of the Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL).

“If you guys don’t believe in you, then tell me, who should?” Legette-Jack asked the girls. “Nobody. You’ve got to believe in yourself first, and when you do believe in yourself, you get other people to believe in you as well.

“May I ask you guys to repeat after me: I am somebody. … I am worth it. … I too matter. … If you say that proclamation every day, you’ve already won. You can change your life right now,” Legette-Jack said. “Who’s ready to make a change for greatness?”

Message received.

person with microphone speaking to group of students in stadium

“If you guys don’t believe in you, then tell me, who should?” Felisha Legette-Jack asked a group of girls from the Syracuse chapter of the Police Athletic/Activities League.

“When she told us don’t ever say we can’t, it made me feel like I’m important,” said 10-year-old Lila DeGonzaque of Syracuse at the event.

“When she came to talk to us, she inspired me,” said 9-year-old Francesca Tartt of Syracuse. “It was inspirational.”

Inspiring children is the mission of PAL, and Legette-Jack’s story is as inspirational as they get. Shy and awkward as a child growing up in Syracuse’s Pioneer Homes–informally known as “Brick City”–Legette-Jack grew into a phenomenal basketball player who became a star for the Syracuse University women’s basketball team.

Following her college playing career (there was no WNBA back then), Legette-Jack started a coaching career that included a stop as an assistant coach at Syracuse before she became a head coach at Hofstra, Indiana and now the University at Buffalo. At halftime of the Nov. 14 Syracuse women’s game at the stadium, the University retired Legette-Jack’s jersey –the first such honor for a Syracuse female athlete.

Cydney Johnson, the University’s vice president for community engagement and government relations, worked with Syracuse Police Department Director of Community Engagement Jimmy Oliver to connect the dots between Legette-Jack’s ceremony and the girls from PAL’s basketball league. Johnson invited the girls to attend the game, meet Legette-Jack before the game and sit in the players’ chairs on the court when Legette-Jack’s jersey was raised to the stadium roof and her No. 33 was unveiled on Jim Boeheim Court.

“We wanted to find an opportunity to collaborate and support PAL’s work in a way that would be meaningful and tied to the University community,” Johnson says. “Hosting the girls and their parents and chaperones while we honored a Syracuse native daughter was a perfect opportunity because Felisha is such a great role model and Syracuse University alum.”

‘Looking for Positive Role Models’

The Police Athletic League started in New York City in 1914 with the goal of reducing tensions between police officers and youth. In Syracuse, Police Chief Kenton Buckner and Oliver built on programs that former city parks commissioner Otis Jennings had started by launching the in June 2021.

As with the original PAL, the goal of the Syracuse program is to improve the relationship between the police department and children in the community. Oliver says the program has already served more than 600 children ages 5-12 with the help of volunteer law enforcement personnel from the Syracuse Police Department; New York State Police; Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Probation Department and District Attorney’s Office; DeWitt Police Department and other agencies.

Felisha Legette-Jack jersey

A banner is raised in the stadium to recognize the retirement of Felisha Legette-Jack’s jersey. (Photo by Michael J. Okoniewski-Syracuse University Athletics Communications)

“We’re new, but one thing I can tell you for sure is that we’re going to put our kids around positive individuals from law enforcement and partner with Syracuse University to mentor our kids and help academically,” Oliver says. “We’re going to be intentional, we’re going to be consistent, and we want to develop the whole person and give them opportunities they may not have been exposed to.”

Richard Shoff, a deputy chief with the Syracuse Police Department, assists Oliver with the PAL programs. Shoff said the Syracuse chapter purposely changed its name to Police Athletic/Activities League because “everybody doesn’t bounce basketballs or throw footballs.”

“We’re going to be exploring all sorts of activities, not just athletics,” Shoff said. “This program has been shown to make a difference in kids’ lives in its 100-year-plus history because it helps them make good life choices.”

As a longtime member of the community, Shoff says he knows that the former and current Syracuse University players and coaches are “rock stars” to the children and can serve as positive role models. And Shoff and Oliver says there is no better role model than Legette-Jack for the PAL girls, most of whom are from the Syracuse City School District.

They’re looking for those positive role models, because a lot of times as kids they don’t feel like it’s attainable because they can’t really relate,” Oliver says. “But to have someone like Felisha being the first woman to have her jersey retired, this could turn on a light bulb for one of these young ladies.”

‘I Just Believed That I Can’

Linda Betts of Syracuse has been an Onondaga County probation officer for 22 years and is now coaching girls basketball for PAL. She’s also a former teammate of Legette-Jack at Nottingham High School in Syracuse and knows firsthand the story that Legette-Jack told the children about being an awkward young girl who through hard work and determination became a standout basketball player who was recruited by 300 colleges.

Felisha Legette-Jack poses with the group from the Syracuse chapter of the Police Athletic/Activities League. Legette (back row center) is holding a proclamation from Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahan that declared Nov. 12, 2021, as Felisha Legette-Jack Day in the city and county.

“She was always this fierce force,” Betts says. “She could get the rebound, dribble all the way down the court and then finish it.”

As a coach, Betts said she wants the girls to learn the fundamentals of the sport and what it means to be a good teammate, and to have fun. The life lessons, she says, will flow from there.

“Our mission is to work with youth and to try to pull out what’s in there, because a lot of them don’t believe in themselves,” Betts says.

In her talk with the PAL girls and again during her speech at the jersey retirement ceremony, Legette-Jack said “there’s nothing special about me”–other than her intense belief in herself.

“I just believed that I can,” Legette-Jack told the PAL girls. “And I want you to change your thought right now and say you can. And eventually, what you say to yourself you become.

“If you say can’t–which I think is a four-letter word and it’s a bad word and you should never say it–you become nothing,” she added. “But if you say you can, there’s a chance. If there’s a chance there’s hope, and if there’s hope there’s success. It’s just around the corner.”

Tartt, the fourth-grader, and Lila DeGonzaque, the fifth-grader, were later asked what they wanted to be when they’re older. Tartt said she wanted to go to medical school and become a surgeon, while DeGonzaque said she wants to be an FBI agent. After hearing Legette-Jack’s story, both said they now feel those goals are within reach.

Message received–again.

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Campus Community Has Many Ways to Show ‘Generosity and Kindness’ This Holiday Season /blog/2021/11/16/campus-community-has-many-ways-to-show-generosity-and-kindness-this-holiday-season/ Tue, 16 Nov 2021 14:00:38 +0000 /?p=170913 This holiday season, Syracuse University’s voluntary Holiday Sharing Program will provide a variety of ways for members of the campus community to help local families in need. Participation opportunities are available with ., and .

“We are pleased to offer several options for our campus community to show its generosity and kindness this holiday season,” says Cydney Johnson, vice president for community engagement and government relations. “Holiday Sharing is the best way to bring our community together to make an impact on people who are struggling or experiencing a challenging time, particularly with the ongoing pandemic.”

2019 Holiday Sharing Collection

University staff members deliver gifts for the Holiday Sharing Program in 2019.

Whether it’s a specific item from a wish list, a basket of household supplies and personal items, or a monetary donation, your gift will mean everything to people and families in our greater Syracuse community.

“The holidays should be something that are warm and exciting, and it’s easy to forget that sometimes they’re more stressful to some people because of family relations, or money, or something else,” says Lucy Totino, PEACE Inc. grants coordinator and holiday program organizer. “So, I hope this program lifts that weight off some people and makes them a little more lighthearted throughout the holiday season.”

Virgie Townsend, director of marketing and communications at Vera House, recalled a teenager who was at the shelter with their family during the holidays last year. The teen amazed the shelter staff with their selflessness and love for their family, and the staff wanted the teen and their family to have a special Christmas.

“Thanks to our generous donors, we were able to buy the teenager their own small flat screen TV and gift card, as well as presents for their parent and siblings,” Townsend says. “The teen cried tears of joy when they saw the gifts, and the presents allowed them to keep in touch with the friends they had to leave behind when the family moved to safety.”

Here are the ways you, your department, or your school or college can help a family in need this holiday season:

PEACE Inc.

About PEACE Inc.: Inc., is a nonprofit, community-based organization with the mission of helping people in the community realize their potential for becoming self-sufficient.

Give-A-Holiday program: Participants can choose to give gifts to a family or families, and you’ll receive a family wish list that includes the first name, gender, age and sizes of each family member along with gift suggestions. You can also give a gift basket, a collection of items or a monetary donation.

For more information, visit PEACE Inc.’s . Questions can be directed to giveaholiday@peace-caa.org.

How to register: Syracuse University employees can . The general public can register on the .

Pick-up location: For Syracuse University employees–not the public–PEACE Inc., will pick up gift-wrapped items for family members and gift baskets from 9 to 10:15 a.m. and 1:15-2:15 p.m. Dec. 13, and 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Dec. 14 at Gate D of the stadium (enter the Quad Lot via South Crouse Drive and proceed to Gate D).

If you’re unable to drop off your items during those times, you can drop them off at PEACE Inc.’s DeFrancisco Eastwood Community Center, 401 S. Midler Ave., Syracuse, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 and from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 13.

Spirit of Giving: “Every year, we try to make sure that different families have a chance to participate in this program and receive gifts,” says Arielle Kaigler-Hall, a community engagement associate who works with Totino to create wish lists for the families. “It’s amazing to see how some donors go above and beyond to personalize their gifts or add extra gifts. People are excited to shop and give back!”

Vera House

About Vera House: , is a nonprofit organization with the mission to prevent, respond to and partner to end domestic and sexual violence and other forms of abuse.

Holiday Giving Program: Participants have the option (or two) of choosing either the (a monetary donation for a gift card or certificate), or from the . Vera House asks that donations be delivered, mailed or dropped off to Vera House by Dec. 17 to allow enough time for holiday distribution.

For more information, visit the . For questions or to donate in a different way, contact Sara Tucker at stucker@verahouse.org or 315-425-0818 ext. 2234.

Meeting the Needs: “We’ve tailored Vera House’s Holiday Giving Program to the needs of the people we serve,” Townsend says. “The Gift of Choice option is particularly powerful because it allows the people we serve to buy gifts for their unique needs. For example, it’s common for our shelter residents to have left their homes with very few of their belongings. Gift cards allow them to buy the things they had to leave behind when they moved to safety.

“Our Amazon Wish List features items that we always need for the people we serve, like bedding, towels, kitchen supplies and games for children,” Townsend adds.

The Salvation Army Christmas Bureau

About The Salvation Army: is a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting human needs without discrimination, and to encourage and empower those in need to reach their full potential.

Christmas Bureau: Individuals, groups or departments may donate food and/or toys to the Salvation Army to be distributed during its annualevent at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. For donation ideas,view the bureau’s . The bureau’s food wish list includes canned beans, canned fruit, canned meat, canned vegetables, canned soup, stuffing, macaroni and cheese and tuna (no glass containers, please).

Drop-Off Day: Friday, Dec. 10, at the Oncenter.

Wish List: If you’d like to donate to The Salvation Army and you’re not sure what to purchase, Gina Lazara, public relations and special events manager, says “This year we will really need toys because there might be a shortage.”

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Thursday Morning Roundtable’s 56th Season Promises Mix of Virtual and In-Person Forums /blog/2021/09/14/thursday-morning-roundtables-56th-season-promises-mix-of-virtual-and-in-person-forums/ Tue, 14 Sep 2021 17:13:05 +0000 /?p=168623 The need to know more about the issues impacting our community has never been more essential, and neither has Thursday Morning Roundtable (TMR).

TMR is a weekly public forum hosted by Syracuse University’s Office of Community Engagement that features prominent newsmakers who discuss current events in Central New York and beyond. Before the pandemic, community members gathered for the forums in the community room of the Nancy Cantor Warehouse in downtown Syracuse.

Kirsten Gillibrand

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) will welcome guests to the first Thursday Morning Roundtable of the 2021-22 season Sept. 16.

But for the locked-down 2020-21 season, staff members from the Office of Community Engagement worked with the University’s IT staff to transform TMR into a weekly Zoom session that remained open to the public through a simple registration process.

As TMR embarks on its 56th season in 2021-22, the forums will remain virtual and the TMR staff will remain nimble with the goal that safe in-person forums will eventually return based on the latest COVID protocols and guidelines.

“We learned how to make TMR more accessible through Zoom, so we’ll continue to offer access through Zoom while also inviting community members to join us in-person when we can offer that option later this season,” says Emily Langan, community engagement coordinator for the Office of Community Engagement. “Working with our advisory council, we’ve built a strong lineup of speakers who will cover a broad range of topics from local to international issues, and we hope to see participants both virtually and in-person.”

The Zoom option was a success as attendance for the 2020-21 TMR forums surpassed the previous season. But the return of in-person forums will also be welcome as the appeal of TMR has always been its personal touch with community members enjoying fresh coffee and pastries, listening to the speaker, and asking questions following the presentation.

Even when TMR does return to an in-person setting, the 8 to 9 a.m. forums will be live-streamed and virtual, and participants will be able to ask questions at the end, Langan says.

MIchael Frasciello

Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. Frasciello will discuss the college’s past, present and future at the Sept. 16 Thursday Morning Roundtable.

The 2021-22 TMR season will kick off Sept. 16 with U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), who will provide a welcome to guests for the new season and brief comments. The guest speaker for the Sept. 16 forum will be , Ph.D., dean of the (formerly University College) at Syracuse. Frasciello will discuss the college’s past and current work in adult and continuing education, and the future of the college.

will be required for the Sept. 16 TMR and all other forums this season.

Other confirmed TMR forums this fall include a panel discussion about the impacts of COVID-19, and presentations on the current housing situation in Central New York, quantum technology and legalized cannabis in New York.

One byproduct of the Zoom forums was that speakers were able to participate even with their busy travel schedules. The 2020-21 lineup featured U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus), Assemblymember Pamela Hunter (D-Syracuse), Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and other lawmakers who make decisions that impact all of us in Central New York.

“One of the enduring strengths of TMR is that our presentations remain timely and relevant, and that has never been more important than today with all of the issues that we’re facing locally, regionally and nationally,” says Cydney Johnson, vice president for community engagement and government relations. “As we build this year’s lineup, we will continue keep in mind the issues that are most important to our community.”

For those who can’t attend either virtually or in-person on a Thursday morning, the presentations will continue to be recorded and available through the . The forums will also be recorded through a partnership with WCNY radio, and the audio versions can be found on

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Syracuse University Internships for Area High School Students Turns Into ‘Something Special’ /blog/2021/09/07/syracuse-university-internships-for-area-high-school-students-turns-into-something-special/ Tue, 07 Sep 2021 11:30:54 +0000 /?p=168241 High school students running around the Syracuse University campus with blow torches . . . what could possibly go wrong?

University Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer Pete Sala admits that thought crossed his mind when Cydney Johnson, vice president for community engagement and government relations, came to him with the idea of hosting several Syracuse high school students for a month this summer as interns at the physical plant and with food services.

But then Sala discovered that the students were already learning the necessary skills through the Syracuse City School District’s (CTE) program. And when the student welders from Corcoran High School showed up with top-of-the-line blow torches and other equipment they had received through the program, Sala was sold.

Josiah Rouse

Josiah Rouse, one of 11 high school students who interned at Syracuse University this summer, worked in the electronics shop under supervisor Ted Woodruff.

“Then it was like, wait a second, this could be something special,” Sala says. “These kids didn’t come here without any knowledge of what they were getting into. The fact that they were as prepared as they were made this so successful.”

So successful, in fact, that University officials are already in discussions with the school district to expand the program next summer and perhaps host students at other times of the year.

“It started out smaller, but I’d love to see it get much larger with dozens of students involved, perhaps with multiple sessions over the summer or other internship opportunities for the community,” says , the University’s senior associate vice president of auxiliary services who oversees Food Services. “It’s a great opportunity for us to build a workforce that is willing and able to work.”

Josiah Rouse, who is entering his junior year at Fowler, was one of the 11 students who interned this summer. Rouse worked under supervisor Ted Woodruff in the electronics shop at the physical plant and says the experience made him realize that working at the University one day was not out of his reach.

“It’s a good opportunity to really know if you want to do this or not,” Rouse says. “Being here made me think this is something I want to do for the rest of my life.”

‘Life-Changing’ Opportunity

Johnson has worked on a myriad of community engagement projects in the past year, but none had as many moving parts—or was as dear to her heart—as this one.

Since 2016, Johnson has been a member of the Syracuse City School District’s , which is co-chaired by SCSD Superintendent Jaime Alicea and focuses on career pathways for students, specifically through the CTE program. In the past year, Johnson had extensive conversations with Alicea and SCSD officials Nick Lisi, Susan Centore and Bruno Primerano about how internships could benefit both the students and the University.

Johnson’s is one of University’s Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation Mike Haynie’s direct reports, and with Haynie’s approval Johnson reached out to Sala and Klinger to see if hosting interns was feasible. Sala and Klinger said they were on board and Cathy Bottari, labor relations senior specialist, and Food Services Director Susan Bracy handled the paperwork and logistics needed to bring the students on campus, particularly during a pandemic.

HS Student Interns Welders

Students worked in the welding shop under the supervision of Scott Wright and Robin Light.

The employment center in Syracuse agreed to provide funding so the students could be paid, and CTE summer internship coordinator Scott Lane and the other SCSD officials secured parent approvals and worked on other details from their end.

As the saying goes, it really does take a village.

“I am so grateful to Pete and Kris for their support and enthusiasm for this pilot program, and also the city school district team supported by CNY Works,” Johnson says. “A lot of people came to the table to make it possible.”

The students worked under supervisors and other employees who made sure the students felt at home in their workplace and were involved in all day-to-day activities. The supervisors included Bracy (food services), Robin Light (machine shop and welding/general maintenance), Christopher Myslow (Drumlins Country Club), Richard Stach (auto garage), Brian Wheeler (carpenter shop), Woodruff (electronics shop) and Scott Wright (welding/general maintenance).

The 11 students who worked as interns for three or four days a week from mid-July through mid-August were Ruqaiya Ali Ahmad, Benjamin Foley, Peter Gilbert, Fadumo Hassan, Thomas Hennessey, Marie Malkoske, Kevin Matias, Kevin Pontello, Josiah Rouse, Cadence Wright and Iving Yang.

“One of the things that I’ve learned working with the Partnership Council is that you can’t underestimate what it means to a young person to come to big place such as Syracuse University to have an experience like this,” Johnson says. “It is life-changing, and that’s what we want, to give them life-changing events and it’s up to us to make it happen.”

‘A Working Interview’

For Fadumo Hassan, working for Bracy at the Schine Student Center restaurants has been a life-changer. In addition to honing a variety of food service skills (greeting customers, serving food and prepping food), Hassan’s internship opened her eyes to the importance of universal skills such as responsibility, time management and working for and with others.

“This is my first job, my first work experience, and it was really fun,” says Hassan, who’s entering her senior year at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central (ITC) high school. “I enjoy my co-workers the most; they’re really nice and have been walking through everything with me.”

Hassan, who is in the CTE culinary pathway at ITC, was one of three students who worked for Bracy and rotated at Schine’s three restaurants (Halal Shack, CoreLife Eatery and Dunkin’). Once they got comfortable with their surroundings, Bracy says, the students fully embraced their jobs.

“These students are committed to the program, they want to learn, and they offer to work extra hours,” Bracy says. “These students really want to be in the program, and they want to be here, and the labor market isn’t always like that.”

Food Services Director Susan Bracy says students like Fadumo Hassan “really want to be in the program” and may continue working for the University.

Bracy says the internship may help the students find a job at a CoreLife Eatery or Dunkin’ in the Syracuse area because they’re now fully trained. But more importantly, two of the three students have indicated that they’d like to work more at the University in the future.

Klinger, the University’s senior associate vice president of auxiliary services, says his department is always on the lookout for student help. Of the more than 2,400 staff members employed by auxiliary services, 1,200 to 1,400 are students at any one time.

“The internship is like a working interview; you know what you’re getting and that’s not often the option or case,” Klinger says. “It really seems like these kids want to work and learn as they applied to get into the program and are taking full advantage of it.”

Before joining Syracuse, Klinger spent 11 years as an assistant vice president in the University of Southern California’s auxiliary services department. At USC, Klinger says his department offered several programs that supported the local community and helped fill his staff and he hopes to offer similar programs here.

“There are a lot of ways to develop the students’ skills and I’m excited to see what we can come up with,” Klinger says.

Hassan, who wants to work for the University again, says she will be sure to tell her friends in the culinary program at ITC about the summer internship.

“It was a really good experience and you get paid, which is a nice bonus,” Hassan says, smiling.

‘We’ve Got to Continue This Program’

Josiah Rouse, the 11th-grade student at Fowler, says he has known since he was in seventh grade that he wanted to work in electronics. Interning under Woodruff, the shop supervisor, and with electronic technicians Bill Drew and Jim Perkins, Rouse observed or participated in a variety service calls, including a check on the fire alarm systems throughout the University.

In talking with their supervisors and co-workers, Rouse and the other students who interned at the physical plant learned more about the schooling and training they’ll need to land a job one day, perhaps at the University.

As far as employment goes and a career, it’s definitely a great career opportunity,” says Woodruff, who oversees electronics, maintenance and new construction at the physical plant. “Working for a big institution like this, it’s a city within a city and no one trade can do it all. They’re high-demand jobs that pay well.”

Woodruff says the students’ “interest and enthusiasm” made it easy for the supervisors to pass along their knowledge. Sala, the University’s vice president and chief facilities officer, says in addition to the students’ top-end equipment, he was impressed by the commitment shown by the students and their families.

University Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer Pete Sala says “we’ve got to continue this program” and he’d like to see it expand next year.

“When we first met them, some of them brought their parents and you know there is buy-in when the parents are there to say, ‘My child is so excited about this program,’” Sala says. “The first day, we ran through eight hours of safety training, got them lunch and safety gear and that immediately made them feel like part of the team. My supervisors were all very pleasantly surprised at how all this went.”

As with Food Services, Sala saw the program as an opportunity to create a pipeline for jobs at the University that have been traditionally hard to fill.

“When I took over (as chief facilities officer) in 2015, I wanted a trainee in each one of these trade areas because they’re so hard to find,” Sala says. “And when I met with these kids, I said, ‘Get through this program because there will always be a job for you here at Syracuse University.’ This is an opportunity for us and the University to educate these young people and find good help.”

To that end, Sala says, “we’ve got to continue this program” and he’d like to see it expand to add students for his stadium staff and with his campus planning, design and construction team. Johnson says she would like to add more students next summer and perhaps at other times of the year, and create programs where CTE students can visit campus and learn about all the options that are available to them at the University to reach their career goals.

“I have been working with the Syracuse City School District and the CTE program for five years and this summer was really indicative of the growth and success of the program,” Johnson says. “These students are capable, ambitious and eager to learn, and they bring strong skills and an interest in gaining experience in a real-world setting.”

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Syracuse University Football Players Changing the World One Child at a Time /blog/2021/07/02/syracuse-university-football-players-changing-the-world-one-child-at-a-time/ Fri, 02 Jul 2021 18:01:39 +0000 /?p=166743 Chris Elmore NYS Mentoring Program

Syracuse University football player Chris Elmore ’22 mentors a student at Dr. Weeks Elementary School in Syracuse. (Photo courtesy of Patty Sawmiller)

When students at Dr. Weeks Elementary School in Syracuse see Patty Sawmiller in the halls, the questions start flying.

Are you coming to get me today? Are we having mentoring today? When are they coming in?

The students are asking about the one-on-one mentoring they receive from an adult from outside the school through the New York State Mentoring Program. Sawmiller, the community school director at Dr. Weeks, coordinates the program and helps match third- through fifth-grade students with mentors.

“Even if it’s just 15 minutes a week, it feels like the world to some of our kids because this is a special thing that they say I get to be a part of, I get to hang out with my mentor and they like me,” Sawmiller says. “Feeling liked is everything for kids struggling with social-emotional issues.”

Mark Jackson, Syracuse University’s executive director for community engagement, was familiar with the mentoring program and its impact on children and had discussions with Stephanie Parks, the Central New York regional coordinator for the program, about how the University could get involved.

Meanwhile, Syracuse University student-athletes watched the global protests against racial inequality following the murder of George Floyd and started talking about what they could do to promote social justice in the Syracuse community. At a football team meeting last summer, fullback Chris Elmore ’22 brought up the idea of a mentoring program for local students and the players shared the idea with Salatha Willis, associate athletic director for diversity, culture and climate.

Willis checked in with Jackson to see what programs were available, and through that collaboration between and the several football players started to connect with elementary school students from different Syracuse City School District schools as part of the state mentoring program.

“This is truly a blessing for our student-athletes because they wanted an opportunity to engage and do something meaningful and not just wear a T-shirt or have an event,” Willis says. “Even though those things can be good for drawing attention to community issues of social justice, taking the time that you have during the day and investing in an individual will reap more benefits in the end because it’s more personal.”

Sawmiller says many of the Dr. Weeks’ students who are in the program play sports and follow Syracuse University sports, especially football. To have a player as a mentor, Sawmiller says, is “like being able to connect one-on-one with one of your heroes.”

“You can talk to a whole group of people about something that’s very important and as long as you change one person’s life out of that group, you accomplished something positive because now they’re going to take that message and they’re going to apply it to another group and eventually grab somebody else,” Elmore says. “That’s all it takes.

“As long as we get a message to one kid who can spread it to another kid, we’ve made a positive impact,” Elmore adds. “Even though we want more, as long as we can change one, we know it’s going to trickle down.”

Helping Young Students ‘Become What They Want to Be’

was created in 1984 by Matilda Raffa Cuomo, the wife of Gov. Mario Cuomo, as the nation’s first statewide, one-to-one mentoring program to help prevent school dropout. Suspended when Mario Cuomo left office, the program was reinstated in 2015 by current Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who named his mother as chairperson.

According to the program website, children who succeed despite overwhelming personal, economic and social obstacles usually do so because of a caring adult in their lives. Mentoring outcomes include greater participation in school, improved attendance, higher graduation and college admission rates, and better overall performance.

“Some come from large families where the one-on-one time with an adult is maybe an hour a week, and some come from families are in environments where there’s not a positive role model, male or female,” says Parks, the Central New York regional coordinator. “Usually, it’s the child or children that need an extra little bit of a lift and that extra little bit of a support.”

Parks is no stranger to the University community. Her father, Donald Parks, earned a doctoral degree in instructional design, development and evaluation in 1985; her mother, Francis McMillan Parks, is a former academic advisor at University College, director of Students Offering Service and African American Programs in Hendricks Chapel, and adjunct professor who may return to teach in the fall; and Stephanie received a bachelor’s degree in 1997 and master’s degree in social work in 2015 and worked at the University as director of development and at the College of Law.

“I knew Mark (Jackson) from community engagement was very interested in our program and then he got a call saying that the athletics department was interested too,” Parks says. “I always see Syracuse University as a wonderful opportunity to engage kids and the community, so it was a natural fit.”

Kingsley Jonathan

Kingsley Jonathan ’22 is one of the Syracuse University football players who joined the New York State Mentoring Program. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University Athletics)

For Jackson, the state mentoring program dovetailed nicely with other partnerships between the Office of Community Engagement and athletics, such as the Adopt A Classroom program initiated earlier this spring. And it helped that the University was joining an established program that had all the pieces in place to connect the football players with the right students.

“The program is very well done, and they have site coordinators at every school and organization where they have a mentor,” Jackson says. “The site coordinator is working with the teacher and administrators, and they focus on making matches and making sure there’s some chemistry there.”

Willis says Jackson and Cydney Johnson, vice president for community engagement and government relations, did “a phenomenal job” finding a “plug-and-play” mentoring program that fit with the players’ busy schedules. The New York State Mentoring Program provides background checks and training for volunteer mentors and the site coordinators like Sawmiller work with Parks to make the matches because they are most familiar with the students’ needs.

“We had to go through the applications, training and background checks, but in the long run it’s going to be extremely beneficial for our students because they don’t have to do a lot of work just to get in front of the students,” Willis says. “Everything is there for them–the curriculum, the conversation points–so it’s a lot easier given the time barriers that the student-athletes face and that allows them more freedom to perhaps get other initiatives off the ground.”

This spring, the meetings between the football players and students were virtual, and they lasted anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Sawmiller and Parks say they are hoping in-person sessions can start in the fall, but the good news from this past year is that mentors with busy schedules–such as college football players–will still be able to meet with the students virtually if they can’t make it in person.

“We started with group discussions to give them time to adjust and start talking with us, and that’s the biggest thing,” says mentor Kingsley Jonathan ’22, a defensive lineman. “It’s important because some of them don’t have that person they look up to as mentors and realizing we have such an impact in their lives gives us that opportunity to help them become what they want to be.”

Playing the Long Game

Elmore and Jonathan know the impact that one person can make in a young person’s life.

For Elmore, his role model (along with his father) was Demarius Reed, a football player who, like Elmore, was from Chicago. In 2013, Reed was fatally shot by two men during a robbery in the stairwell of his apartment complex near Eastern Michigan University, where he was a starting wide receiver.

“I’m taking his story and trying to implement it into mine,” Elmore says. “My high school football team opened doors for guys to get out of Chicago and go someplace to succeed. That was something I wanted to do because here was somebody (Reed) who couldn’t do that.”

For Jonathan, his mentor was his high school football coach, Henry Russell at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore. Russell recruited players from the city and provided housing for them so he could keep an eye on their schoolwork and help with their college recruitment opportunities.

“We overlook how big little things we do can affect people,” Jonathan says. “Keeping in mind that just showing up to somebody’s game to support them, or telling them, ‘Great job in the game,’ or just looking out for somebody, those little things can make a big difference in somebody’s life in the long run.”

Chris Elmore

Chris Elmore says the Syracuse University football players are “trying to make sure this program goes on forever.” (Photo courtesy of Syracuse University Athletics)

Sawmiller, who has been coordinating the mentoring program at Dr. Weeks Elementary School for the past three years, says she’s grateful mentors like Elmore and Jonathan understand the need to create trusting relationships with male students who may not have many male role models in their lives. The initial group of Syracuse players who are participating in the program include, in addition to Elmore and Jonathan, defensive lineman Caleb Okechukwu ’23, linebacker Tyrell Richards ’21 and defensive back Kyle Strickland ’21.

“We’re starting small, but we see huge potential and we have high hopes,” Jackson says. “And we have potential beyond football to ultimately go throughout athletics and throughout the school.”

Willis says the football players have talked about several other social justice projects, including a community garden to help fight hunger in Syracuse, free summer youth football camps, and youth football involvement during halftime of Orange football games. Elmore says his hope is that one day, the students who benefit from the mentoring program and the other projects will become positive role models for the next generation.

“We’re trying to make sure this (mentoring) program goes on forever,” Elmore says. “We don’t want to be just the pioneers and we leave and it’s done. This is something we want to get in motion for every year and it just becomes a part of Syracuse football.”

How to Become a Mentor

If you’d like to become a mentor or learn more about the program, call 1.844.337.6304 or visit website. Once your mentoring application is received, an appointment will be made for you to interview with a program director. Once you are trained, you will be matched with a mentee at a nearby school and a start date will be provided.

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Thursday Morning Roundtable Evolves to Host 55th Season During Pandemic /blog/2021/05/30/thursday-morning-roundtable-evolves-to-host-55th-season-during-pandemic/ Sun, 30 May 2021 22:58:29 +0000 /?p=166200 In March 2020, the Thursday Morning Roundtable weekly public forum was nearing the end of its 54th year as a Syracuse University and Syracuse community institution.

The charm of “TMR” had always been its personal touch: Community members would gather at a Syracuse University location, enjoy fresh coffee and pastries, and listen to prominent newsmakers discuss current topics in Central New York and beyond. And following the presentations, community members could ask whatever questions they’d like.

But then the pandemic hit, lockdowns were ordered, and the staff members from the University’s Office of Community Engagement who host TMR knew they would have to get creative if they wanted to get to season No. 55.

“We’re always looking at ways to improve TMR and make it more engaging,” says Emily Winiecki, community engagement coordinator for the Office of Community Engagement, who schedules speakers and moderates the Q&A sessions. “In an odd way, the pandemic gave us an opportunity to implement changes we had been considering as a way to expand the reach of TMR.”

Pamela Hunter at TMR

Assemblymember Pamela Hunter on her Zoom for the April 22 Thursday Morning Roundtable.

Working with the University’s IT staff and in coordination with Cydney Johnson, vice president for community engagement and government relations, and Mark Jackson, executive director for community engagement, the Office of Community Engagement turned TMR into a weekly Zoom session that remained open to the public through a simple registration process. Participants were still able to ask questions through the chat function, so the Q&A session remained a staple at the end of the 8-9 a.m. forums.

With TMR now on Zoom, participants didn’t have to wake up as early, drive in snow or miss any work because they could watch from their homes or offices.

“They did a fabulous job with TMR on Zoom this year,” says Jeanne Jackson, a regular TMR participant from Manlius and a retired vice president at Feldmeier Equipment in Syracuse. “Several of us who are no longer working love having it on Zoom so that we don’t have to get up, get dressed and get out of the house early. Zoom works perfectly for us.”

Another byproduct of the Zoom forums was that speakers didn’t have to be physically present, which added flexibility to Winiecki’s search for guests. The result was a 2020-21 lineup of speakers that included such top newsmakers as U.S. Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus; Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, D-Syracuse; Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon; Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick; City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh; and Syracuse City School District Superintendent Jaime Alicea.

U.S. Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, was one of the most popular guests during the 55th season of TMR.

“Not only are we getting more attendees, but we are able to bring in different speakers from local, state and national politics because they can connect from anywhere,” Winiecki says. “We hope to use this technology to continue to expand the reach of TMR and continue to connect speakers to the general public to spark more discussion of the day’s important topics.”

The timing of the speakers was as notable as their prominence: Katko appeared at TMR just weeks after he became the first Republican member of Congress to announce his support for the article of impeachment against President Donald Trump; Hunter appeared just two days after Derek Chauvin was found guilty in the death of George Floyd and she provided a national perspective on policing; and Onondaga County Board of Election commissioners Dustin Czarny and Michele Sardo presented before the Nov. 3 election and provided prescient comments on election reform as the fairness of elections would soon be called into question.

“Thursday Morning Roundtable did a great job of pivoting their weekly conversations to a virtual forum that allowed for community leaders to deliver their presentations and messages with just as much impact as before the pandemic,” says TMR participant Calvin Corriders, manager of neighborhood economic development at CenterState CEO in Syracuse.

In addition to keeping up with the ever-changing news cycle this past year, TMR recognized many significant observances with presentations on:

  • Native American Heritage Month in November with University ombuds Neal Powless, who discussed the history of the relationship between the Onondaga Nation and surrounding community.
  • Black History Month in February with poet Cedric Bolton, coordinator of student engagement in the University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and an adjunct instructor with the Renée Crown University Honors Program and College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Women’s History Month in March with Sally Roesch Wagner, founder and executive director of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Center for Social Justice Dialogue in Fayetteville and an adjunct faculty member in the Renée Crown University Honors Program.

The video from Sally Roesch Wagner’s presentation on Women’s History Month was the most viewed this TMR season.

Throughout TMR’s 25 presentations over the fall and spring semesters, participants also learned, among other things, about the new Salt City Market food hall in downtown Syracuse; the Blueprint 15 plan for holistic redevelopment of the East Adams Street neighborhood in Syracuse; and the COVID-19 developed by a local team of scientists led by the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics public health professor David Larsen.

And naturally, the 2020-21 TMR season kicked off with “Syracuse University’s Reopening and Response to COVID-19” with speaker J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and founder and executive director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, who continues to lead University’s COVID-19 response.

The 2020-21 TMR forums attracted nearly 1,450 attendees, an average of 58 attendees per forum that was higher than the previous in-person average. The forums were also amplified through media coverage from , , , radio and other local news outlets.

The forums were recorded on Zoom and viewed frequently through the . They were also recorded through a partnership with WCNY radio, and the audio versions can be found on .

As for the 2021-22 season of TMR, Winiecki says the safety of the participants and guests will remain the top priority, but she envisions a time when campus and community members can attend either through Zoom or in-person, whichever is most convenient for them. And for those who can’t attend in real time, the forums will continue to be accessible through the community engagement and WCNY websites.

“We want to continue to emphasize the ‘Thursday’ in Thursday Morning Roundtable, but we also understand that times have changed,” Winiecki says. “Through our various platforms you can participate live or watch or listen later on any day of the week.”

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‘Adopt A Classroom’ a Win-Win for Student-Athletes, Syracuse Community /blog/2021/05/06/adopt-a-classroom-a-win-win-for-student-athletes-syracuse-community/ Thu, 06 May 2021 12:00:55 +0000 /?p=165229 The best part about the program that’s connecting Syracuse University student-athletes to students from the North Side Learning Center in Syracuse is that it’s hard to tell who’s having more fun.

“It’s been really fun to have that interaction,” says Kate Donovan ’22, a member of the Orange women’s soccer team. “Just being able to get on a (Zoom) call and talk to these kids and help guide them through little things, it has been fun and helps us bridge that gap of wanting to be part of the Syracuse community, even during COVID times.”

The “Adopt A Classroom” partnership between the Syracuse University student-athletes and the North Side Learning Center is a collaborative effort among the University Athletics Department, the Diversity and Inclusion Student-Athlete Board (DISAB), the Football Club composed of former Syracuse football players, the University’s Office of Community Engagement and the North Side Learning Center.

At the heart of this initiative is a commitment by the University, its current and former student-athletes and the Office of Community Engagement to support and give back to the Syracuse community through these mentoring sessions.

“I want them to know I’m not just a hockey player,” says student-athlete Jessica DiGirolamo ’21. “I care about the Syracuse community, I care about those around me, I care about my neighbors here.”

Since March 3, eight student-athletes have been meeting virtually on Wednesdays and Thursdays with elementary and middle school students from the North Side Learning Center who are the children of immigrants. The sessions, which have been both one-on-one and in groups, will run until May 13.

Adopt A Classroom (Rachel Bonner)

Syracuse University student-athletes Rachel Bonner (top center) and Jessica DiGirolamo (top left) meet virtually with students from the North Side Learning Center in Syracuse.

Their discussions are all over the map, from serious conversations about family, school and religion to more light-hearted banter about pets, TikTok dances and braiding hair. Balqisa Mumin, a sixth-grader at H.W. Smith Pre-K-8 School in Syracuse, says she bonded with student-athlete Rachel Bonner ’21 over religion.

“What surprised me was that I didn’t know that many people were religious like we both were,” says Balqisa Mumin, whose parents are from Ethiopia and Somalia. “It’s easier to talk to her because she knows more about her religion and she’s older. I don’t have many Muslim kids in my grade, so they don’t tell me about their religions and things.”

Bonner, a distance runner on the women’s track and field team, says the most important lesson the student-athletes can impart to the students is that there is more that unites us than divides us.

What I really appreciate about this is how it’s a beneficial relationship for both of us,” Bonner says. “We’re all daughters, athletes, students, sisters, people who identify with religion and practice religion, so it’s very cool to compare and contrast those identities.”

“The childlike resilience they bring to the table at this time is so admirable,” Bonner adds. “It’s something that inspires me to not be too adultlike during the pandemic and to just have that childlike joy about getting the best out of this.”

Connecting with the Community

When Keenan Hale ’15 attended Syracuse University, the former football wide receiver couldn’t help but notice the other world that existed just beyond the campus border.

“I recall on many occasions walking off campus directly under the bridge into the low-income housing area,” Hale says. “To see the inner city, which appeared to have a lack of resources and no one investing time, efforts, energy or money into the surrounding community, was disheartening.”

Hale is a member of the board of directors for the , which started in 2000 as a fundraising platform for former players to give back to the program but in recent years has expanded to provide support to football alumni, the University and the Syracuse community. Hale, who is now a federal lobbyist and senior director of government and regulatory affairs for the advisory firm Ian Reid LLC, is also familiar with the North Side Learning Center because his fraternity performed community service work at the center when he was a student.

North Side Learning Center

Students gather at the North Side Learning Center for Adopt-A-Classroom sessions with Syracuse University student-athletes. (Photo courtesy of the North Side Learning Center)

The Football Club became involved with the Adopt A Classroom program at the request of Director of Athletics John Wildhack, who has been working with Associate Athletic Director for Diversity, Culture and Climate Salatha Willis, the newly formed Diversity and Inclusion Student-Athlete Board (DISAB) and the Office of Community Engagement to find projects that connect student-athletes with the community. The Office of Community Engagement had partnered with the North Side Learning Center for other projects and was familiar with the Adopt A Classroom program.

“When some people look at my position, they only see the diversity and inclusion aspects of it; they don’t see culture and climate,” Willis says. “This program is an opportunity to lift the climate that exists within athletics and push our student-athletes outside of their environment and into the Syracuse community. And the other great thing about this program is that it’s a cross-collaboration between individuals among multiple teams, so young men and women are operating together in a capacity to mentor and support young individuals within their educational experience.”

The Adopt A Classroom program did require a financial commitment because it’s a means for the center to purchase needed books and supplies for students, and the Syracuse Football Club agreed to pay that cost. Football Club board member and former safety Chris Williamson ’14 says as the club grew and broadened its areas of support, it was important to find projects that impact children.

“The Adopt A Classroom initiative really goes into that aspect of being able to touch lives and make people’s daily lives better,” says Williamson, an award-winning and Emmy-nominated sports anchor/personality for SportsNet New York (SNY). “A lot of times, it comes down to supplies and books and the basic necessities and that touches on some of the things that Keenan brought up about the divide between the University and the community. This program is something to help bridge that gap.”

There are 12 students (seven from middle school and five from elementary school) who are meeting with the student-athletes to create relationships that ideally will last beyond this spring. Many of the North Side Learning Center students will be the first in their family to attend college, and the Syracuse student-athletes are sharing stories of their own journeys to help the younger students achieve their goals.

“When you think about refugees and immigrant families that have language barriers and other obstacles like that, they also need additional resources to navigate this complex American system,” Hale says. “Anytime we can be here to help guide them and provide those resources to that community, it’s an important thing for us to do.”

‘More Than Just Athletes’

In the nearly two months since the Adopt A Classroom program started, Syracuse University student and North Side Learning Center teacher Khadija Sharif says she can already see a change in the students at the center.

“They seem to be more confident about their abilities to get into sports,” says Sharif ’23, a student in the College of Arts and Sciences. “It was really nice for our students to talk to them and get to know abouttheir interests and thoughts outside of being an athlete.”

Often, those conversations turn to the future. Fatma Mohamed, a seventh grader at H.W. Smith Pre-K-8 School in Syracuse, says that in addition to running track and playing soccer, she enjoys unique clothing and would like to become “a CEO of a fashion company.”

Adopt a Classroom (Kate Donovan)

Women’s soccer player Kate Donovan (top center) says “it’s been really fun to have that interaction” with the North Side Learning Center students.

“We get to talk about what we want to become when we’re older and I like talking to other people about what I want my future job to be because it might inspire them to become what I want to be and I can be a role model for other people,” says Mohamed, whose parents are from Somalia.

Mumin, the sixth grader from H.W. Smith, has also talked to the Syracuse student-athletes about her career goals.

“When I grow older, I want to be a hair stylist,” Mumin says. “I want to create my own building with three different things: one floor could have where you get your nails done, another place you can get your makeup done, and then the top floor is where I will work and do people’s hair and give them haircuts.”

The Syracuse student-athletes say they are pleasantly surprised by the students’ focus and determination to go to college and have a career. “I don’t think I was in that same place at their age,” Donovan says, smiling.

“They’re very driven and passionate about the things they like and enjoy and a common theme with them is they’re all very family-oriented and talk a lot about how hard their parents and siblings have worked and they look up to their siblings who have gone to school and are working,” says, Donovan, the Orange soccer forward.

Bonner says she was encouraged that the University was able to find a connection that benefits Syracuse’s large immigrant community. And the student-athletes involved in this program say they will encourage other student-athletes to get involved in similar projects because it’s truly a win-win: They’re helping the community and they’re getting as much out of it–if not more–than students they’re mentoring.

“As much as I’m bringing happiness into their life for an hour or so, they’re making me happy as well,” says DiGirolamo, the hockey defenseman. “It’s about building those relationships and wanting them to understand that people are there to support them and care for them.”

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Remote Tutoring Program Offers a Valuable Virtual Learning Experience for K-12, Early College Students in CNY /blog/2021/03/03/remote-tutoring-program-offers-a-valuable-virtual-learning-experience-for-k-12-early-college-students-in-cny/ Wed, 03 Mar 2021 20:57:26 +0000 /?p=163149

people at a table working on computersFrom fully virtual to part-time in-person and socially distanced, students have persevered through the challenges of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. But for some, limited access to technology, unreliable internet connectivity and a lack of quiet, designated spaces to work make it difficult to keep up with essential schoolwork. To help K-12 and early college students in Central New York facing these difficulties, Syracuse University has partnered with more than a dozen organizations to coordinate a regional remote tutoring program.

The program was recently featured on , and .

Organized by Brice Nordquist, Dean’s Professor of Community Engagement in the College of Arts and Sciences; Emily Winiecki, community engagement coordinator in the Office of Community Engagement; and Aley O’Mara, A&S engaged humanities research assistant, the program virtually connects local K-12 and early college students with tutors to work one-on-on or in small groups on schoolwork.

The program also facilitates a number of “enrichment” workshops—from creative writing to college application coaching. Most students meet with tutors in a virtual drop-in setting hosted by one of the partnering organizations. Over 200 students have connected to tutors and workshop leaders through the program and over 300 tutors have volunteered to provide support, including a mix of professionals, retired teachers, college students, staff and professors, and experts nationwide.

To support students and families in their communities, local organizations are facilitating connections with virtual tutors, providing students with educational-technology support, such as videoconferencing workstations, where tutors are available to offer help in various subjects. Partnering organizations include La Casita Cultural Center; Catholic Charities of Onondaga County; the Center for Community Alternatives; Dunbar Association, Inc.; Good Life Foundation; Hopeprint; Mercy Works at the Clarence Jordan Vision Center; the North Side Learning Center; RISE; Salvation Army; Syracuse City School District ENL Department; Syracuse Housing Authority; and YWCA Syracuse.

If you are interested in becoming a remote tutor, fill out the . For those interested in receiving help, or becoming a community partner, fill out the or contact Brice Nordquist at banordqu@syr.edu.

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Office of Community Engagement’s Thursday Morning Roundtable with Congressman John Katko covered by various outlets /blog/2021/02/11/office-of-community-engagements-thursday-morning-roundtable-with-congressman-john-katko-covered-by-various-outlets/ Fri, 12 Feb 2021 02:26:27 +0000 /?p=162605 The most recent Thursday Morning Roundtable, hosted by the Office of Community Engagement, featured Congressman John Katko. Coverage of that event was reported on by ,, and. At the event, Katko spoke about his personal experience during the recent attacks on the U.S. Capitol, where he was in the building with other Congressmen and wounded police officers.

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University Provides COVID Testing Support to Syracuse Community /blog/2021/01/06/university-provides-covid-testing-support-to-syracuse-community/ Wed, 06 Jan 2021 15:40:44 +0000 /?p=161081 In late November, New York state designated many parts of Onondaga County as COVID-19 “orange zones,” geographic areas experiencing a growing COVID-19 positivity rate.

The designation forced the Syracuse City School District (SCSD) to suspend in-person instruction, creating significant challenges for the district’s students and families. To reopen schools at that time, the district was required to test 100 percent of students and staff (and 25 percent tested weekly thereafter).

Faced with this monumental task, the SCSD and Onondaga County turned to its neighbor that had built a deep well of experience in COVID-19 testing—Syracuse University.

The University had just completed residential learning for the Fall 2020 semester, in which more than 100,000 saliva-based surveillance COVID-19 tests were administered to students, faculty and staff. Additional diagnostic tests were performed by the health team at the Barnes Center.

“Given that Syracuse University has developed both an infrastructure and competency related to COVID testing, the University’s public health team—in partnership with the Office of Community Engagement—was glad to offer our support in whatever way would be most helpful to accomplish the school district’s goal of 100 percent testing,” says J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, who has led the University’s COVID-19 response.

SU volunteers worked in city schools during the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 4, teaming with members of the Syracuse City Fire Department to administer a nasal swab that provided rapid results. A number of University volunteers were deployed at schools around the city during the week and supported the administration of tests to 10,284 SCSD students and staff at more than 20 sites, says Joe Hernon, the University’s director of emergency management who led the volunteer effort.

“The science and data have proven that schools are safe which is why County Executive McMahon has made it a top priority to do everything we can to keep them open,” says Daniel Wears, Onondaga County’s commissioner of emergency management. “A critical piece of that effort is to provide onsite testing at the schools. When cluster zones were first identified, we immediately knew staffing would be our most significant need to complete testing in each facility. Our existing relationships with the University allowed us to quickly mobilize teams and keep kids in school. It is a benefit to the children to continue their education and a benefit to the families to limit any further disruptions.”

Hernon says that the volunteers came from all corners of the University—from the Barnes Center to the schools and colleges, Food Services to Athletics. The cross-section of volunteers “speaks to the character of Syracuse University,” Hernon says. “The portfolio of personnel that we provided was amazing.”

The University remains committed to being a resource for the community as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold. “We are able to mobilize and get up and running very quickly, and we have experience and know-how in how to do it,” Hernon says.

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Annual Holiday Sharing Program Is Now Underway /blog/2020/11/17/annual-holiday-sharing-program-is-now-underway/ Tue, 17 Nov 2020 17:50:46 +0000 /?p=160249 This year, Syracuse University’s is again partnering with PEACE, Inc.’s Give-A-Holiday program to help local families in need during the holiday season. In 2019, 29 University schools, colleges and departments participated in the voluntary Holiday Sharing program.

2019 Holiday Sharing Collection

Staff members in the Division of Marketing and Communications deliver gifts for the Holiday Sharing Program in 2019.

“The pandemic has complicated many of the routine joys we take for granted. Given how stressful this year has been it is especially rewarding to ensure a struggling family’s basic human needs are met,” says Brandon Dyer, an executive writer in the Division of Marketing and Communications who participated in the division’s Holiday Sharing efforts last year. “Thankfully, this is a welcome dose of normalcy in two ways. To those of us who donate, as well as the families we assist with Holiday Sharing. No matter how many challenges we have personally faced this year, we can still participate in the spirit of the season and support the most vulnerable members of our community. This is one of my favorite campus service initiatives every year, and this year it has a special significance.”

Participation opportunities are described below. University departments that would like to participate in the 2020 Give-A-Holiday program should submit a request on the .Questions can be directed to events@peace-caa.org.

These are the ways to participate:

Giving to a Family(ies)

If you choose to give gifts to a family or families, you will be provided with a family wish list that includes the first name, gender, age, and sizes ofeach family member along with gift suggestions. Sponsors will purchase, wrap, and drop off gifts for each member of the family. See below for drop-off information.

Give a Basket(s)

You can put together a basket with the following items: toiletry items, paper goods, laundry detergent, grocery and/or gas gift cards, board games, candy, and/or arts and craft supplies. You will be sent a more specific list of items after completing this form. These items can be collected and put into a basket(s) (i.e. gift basket, laundry basket, etc.). If desired, sponsors may provide baskets in addition to giving gifts to a family.

Give a Collection of Items

Many families do not have the opportunity to be sponsored for holiday gifts. You can still help these families by donating a collection of items such as socks, hat/scarves/gloves, blankets, gift cards, etc., to PEACE, Inc. These items will then be given to families.

Give Monetary Donations

Monetary donations will be used to purchase gifts and items for unsponsored families. Donations may be givenor by mail. To mail donations, please send checks payable to PEACE, Inc. and mail to PEACE, Inc./Give-A-Holiday, 217 S. Salina St., second floor, Syracuse, NY 13202

Drop Off Date/Times and Locations for Syracuse University

PEACE, Inc. will be at Syracuse University at three locations on various days. Your pick-up date and time will depend on your location at SU along with assigned pick up time.

  • The Warehouse/Downtown: Monday, Dec. 14, in the morning (exact time TBD).
  • Skytop: Monday, Dec. 14, in the afternoon (exact time TBD).
  • Main Campus: Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. in the College Place parking lot.

Pick up times will be communicated in the donation instructions. If you need a particular campus time slot, please notify PEACE, Inc. when making your sponsor request. It is very important that you deliver within your assigned time.

If you are unable to make the pick-up schedule at Syracuse University, you can deliver to the PEACE, Inc. hub located at the Eastwood Community Center, 401 S. Midler Ave. in Syracuse, on Friday, Dec. 11, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Monday, Dec. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please wear a mask or face covering during drop off.

 

 

 

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New Virtual Concert Series Launches This Friday /blog/2020/10/22/new-virtual-concert-series-launches-this-friday/ Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:20:41 +0000 /?p=159307 promotional image of musical act Sophistapunk

Local funk and hip-hop act Sophistapunk will perform virtually on Oct. 23.

Through a partnership with Enrollment and the Student Experience, Office of Community Engagement, and , the University is pleased to offer students, faculty and staff an exclusive virtual concert series this year. The CNY Jazz concert series will feature local acts across a variety of musical genres. Each Friday from 8 to 10 p.m. ET, the virtual concert will stream via YouTube and then remain available for additional viewings for up to five days.

The lineup of musicians during the Fall 2020 semester includes:

  • Oct. 23 – Sophistafunk
    A trio rooted in funk and hip-hop who explores electronic dance grooves while infusing soul and positively charged lyrics.
  • Oct. 30 – Mark Nanni and The Intention
    Jam/classic rock, soul and roots music of all kinds, with a collective improvisational process.
  • Nov. 6 – Akuma Roots
    A reggae, afrobeat and dance hall band.
  • Nov. 13 – Count Blastula
    A music collective performing eclectic music likened to classic jam artists such as Phish, The Allman Brothers, and The Grateful Dead.
  • Nov. 20 – Quatro
    An Americana music group performing original songs and compositions.

To access the concerts, visit the , where the direct link to the YouTube stream will be listed for each event.

For more information, contact the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience at studentexperience@syr.edu.

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Volunteers Needed for Remote Tutoring and Educational Technology Support /blog/2020/10/14/volunteers-needed-for-remote-tutoring-and-educational-technology-support/ Wed, 14 Oct 2020 14:51:09 +0000 /?p=158966 Picture of Crouse College with fall trees in front.In response to the needs of students across the Central New York area, Syracuse University’s Office of Community Engagement and the College of Arts and Sciences are seeking volunteers for a citywide remote tutoring program. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni interested in helping local students via telephone or online tutoring sessions can complete to participate.

“Volunteers will participate in at least one 45-minute session a week for the next few months and continuing through the fall,” says Brice Nordquist, dean’s professor of community engagement in the College of Arts and Sciences. Volunteers will work remotely with students at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse, La Casita, Mercy Works at the Clarence Jordan Vision Center, North Side Learning Center and the YWCA. “These remote tutoring sessions will offer subject area and educational technology support to K-12 and early college students across the city.”

The public health crisis has made completing essential schoolwork a challenge for many members of the Syracuse community, says Nordquist. “The limited access to technology and unreliable internet connectivity disproportionately affects marginalized communities,” says Nordquist. “Coupled with a scarcity of quiet, designated spaces to work, these students are at risk of falling behind without additional support.”

“The Office of Community Engagement is excited to support this innovative project that will connect K-12 students with community members across the city and region,” says Cydney Johnson ’77, G’96, vice president for community engagement and government relations.“COVID-19 has had an impact on some many parts of our lives, especially the education of our children. It is wonderful that our community members and neighbors will have the opportunity to help.”

After completing the form, volunteers will be matched with a community organization. Tutoring sessions will be scheduled in collaboration with participating organizations and the students they serve. Volunteers will be required to attend online orientation sessions to discuss remote tutoring protocols, risk management requirements and the broader context of working with students and organizations in the community. “Connecting with a K-12 student is an opportunity to support our community in a tangible way,” says Nordquist. “A crisis at this scale requires all hands on deck; we need your help.”

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Writer, Professor, TV Host Melissa Harris-Perry Will Discuss Equity during Virtual Presentation April 24 /blog/2020/04/21/writer-professor-tv-host-melissa-harris-perry-will-discuss-equity-during-virtual-presentation-april-24/ Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:54:49 +0000 /?p=153962 head shot

Melissa Harris-Perry

American writer, professor and television host Melissa Harris-Perry will discuss her reflections on equity, especially during this time of a global pandemic, during a on Friday, April 24, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Harris-Perry is the Maya Angelou Presidential Chair at Wake Forest University, where she teaches courses on American politics and elections at the intersections of race, place and gender.

Sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Community Engagement, this virtual event will include an hour discussion and 30 minutes of Q&A. Any campus community member with an active @syr.edu account can participate. Those interested in participating are asked to .

Whether in the midst of a health crisis such as COVID-19 or not, equity eludes many in the global community and has become a focal point of social justice efforts. Perry will provide her perspective as to why equity is so critically important in all our endeavors.

“We all have been impacted in some form by the multiple effects of COVID-19. However, some of our campus populations are being impacted disproportionately,” says Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Keith Alford. “Focusing a lens on equity and taking appropriate actions must be foremost in our work every day, and especially during these unprecedented times. As we close out the semester, Professor Harris-Perry will help us contemplate where we are as a society and how we can improve.”

For nearly two decades, Harris-Perry has contributed to American public life through her distinct combination of scholarly analysis and ordinary wisdom applied to the analysis of race, gender, politics and power. At Wake Forest University she served as founding director of the Anna Julia Cooper Center and founded the innovative bipartisan program, Wake the Vote. Along with her teaching, she currently serves as editor-at-large for ZORA, a Medium publication for women of color. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune and many other print and digital venues.

She hosted the award-winning television show “Melissa Harris-Perry” from 2012-2016 on weekend mornings on MSNBC and, in 2016, won the Hillman Prize for broadcast journalism. She is the author of the award-winning “Barbershops, Bibles, and BET: Everyday Talk and Black Political Thought” and “Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America.”

Joshua E. Reid ’21 is looking forward to Harris-Perry’s presentation.

“I truly believe that Dr. Harris-Perry’s voice and knowledge will deepen our University’s compassion,” says Reid, an active-duty soldier in the U.S. Army and a student in the cybersecurity administration program. “She will open our students’ and faculty and staff member’s eyes to the value of equity in this very moment. Her experiences will help us develop a map to see the ‘game’ equally.”

The entire campus community is encouraged to attend the virtual event with Harris-Perry, says Craig Tucker, now director of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program and co-chair of the Council on Diversity and Inclusion.

“Those of us in of higher education and in general must concern ourselves with issues centered around equity. These conversations must happen and continue even in times when we find ourselves socially isolated and distracted by the uncertainty of pandemic global events,” says Tucker. “We have an obligation to keep equity in the forefront as we strive to advance the genuineness of humanity. This needs to start and continue with honest and healthy discussions. We must be leaders in this effort.”

Paula Possenti-Perez, director of the Office of Disability Services and co-chair of the Council on Diversity and Inclusion, agrees that this is a crucial time for the work of equity and inclusion.

“Amid the uncertainties of COVID-19 we must resist the idea that while we are all in this together, everyone does not experience this pandemic the same,” says Possenti-Perez. “Communities of color, the disabled, our elders and, of course, the essential workers on the front lines often risk more, endure more and, ultimately, lose more. Stay informed, join the conversation and continue doing the work.”

The session will include live captioning.

More information can be found on the .

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Building Local Fair Leads to New Partnerships With Local Businesses /blog/2020/02/11/building-local-fair-leads-to-new-partnerships-with-local-businesses/ Tue, 11 Feb 2020 16:15:30 +0000 /?p=151791 crowd of participants at fair

Representatives of local businesses mingle with University employees at the 2019 Building Local fair.

Last May, the Office of Community Engagement and the Division of Business, Finance and Administrative Services hosted Syracuse University’s first-ever Building Local procurement fair.

The fair introduced local business enterprises—including those owned by women, minorities, veterans and others (referred to collectively as XBEs)—to opportunities with the University; helped local businesses and XBEs understand the goods and services used and needed by the University; and provided information on how to gain diverse business certifications.

The connections made at that fair have begun to bear fruit on both sides. Laura Cueva, the owner of Interior Innovations, attended the Building Local fair. Her contract furniture and interior architectural solutions firm is located on East Genesee Street, not far from the University. At the fair, she had met with representatives from the University’s Purchasing Department to outline thecapabilities of her firm and discuss potential opportunities for doing business with the University and its business units.

“The opportunity to attend the Building Local fair was a dream come true, bringing together the right group of decision makers and allowing local suppliers like Interior Innovations the opportunity to present what we can do,” said Cueva.

In the intervening months, the Purchasing Department, in conjunction with Campus Planning, Design and Construction, prepared a request for proposal (RFP) for its open line furniture business, which included Claridge, ERG International, Source International, Human Scale and Kreuger International. The awarding of the RFP would mean that the University would buy its furniture from those lines from one firm.

Building on their interaction at the Building Local event, the Purchasing Department included Interior Innovations in the RFP, and in January, Laura Cueva and her firm were awarded the bid.

Vince Patriarco, the University’s executive director of purchasing, says that the success of Interior Innovations validates using local suppliers, and shows they can compete with larger firms and provide the University with best-in-class service.

“The proposal from Interior Innovations demonstrated a very clear value proposition to the University,” said Patriarco. “The pricing was great and the value-added services made our decision an easy one.”

In Cueva’s eyes, what the University did with the Building Local fair should be standard practice.

“Local sourcing shows Syracuse University’s commitment to the local economy and that being a good neighbor is also good business,” said Cueva. “The University is setting a standard all businesses should follow.”

Plans are already underway for the 2020 Building Local fair.

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Thursday Morning Roundtable October Guest List Features Syracuse Athletics, Hire Ground and More /blog/2019/10/01/thursday-morning-roundtable-october-guest-list-features-syracuse-athletics-hire-ground-and-more/ Tue, 01 Oct 2019 20:27:36 +0000 /?p=147560 Thursday Morning Roundtable (TMR) continues its weekly civic education this October with a fresh lineup of speakers to discuss current topics and issues of Central New York. TMR is every Thursday morning from 8-9 a.m. in the Office of Community Engagement’s new location at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, room 016.

Other October TMRs will host the following speakers and topics:

Oct. 3, Hire Ground

John Tumino, founder of In My Father’s Kitchen, will speak about the progress of the Hire Ground partnership to provide work experience through day labor and connections to needed support services for panhandlers and the unemployed homeless.

Oct. 10, Say Yes to Education

Ahmeed Turner, executive director for Say Yes Syracuse, will speak about the progress and changes to the program.

Oct. 24, The Good Life Foundation

Hasan Stephens, executive director and founder of The Good Life Foundation, will speak about his programs with local youth.

Oct. 31, Lead Poisoning

Katie Bronson, director of community housing initiatives at Home Headquarters, Syeisha Byrd, mother of children affected by lead poisoning, Deb Lewis, lead program coordinator for the Onondaga County Health Department, and Robyn Smith, from the CNY Community Foundation, will speak about the effects of lead poisoning.

Before and after the program, there is time for coffee and networking. TMR is free and open to the public. Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) is available every week. A recording of the TMR conversation airs on WCNY-FM radio on Sundays at 8 p.m.

The guests and topics are chosen by the TMR Advisory Committee, which is made up of 10 community members and managed by Emily Winiecki, community engagement coordinator in the Office of Community Engagement. Questions or comments regarding TMR can beemailed to Winiecki.

 

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University Volunteers Participate in Westcott Street Cultural Fair /blog/2019/09/23/university-volunteers-participate-in-westcott-street-cultural-fair/ Mon, 23 Sep 2019 16:31:18 +0000 /?p=147333 poster promoting Westcott Street Cultural FairOn Sunday, Sept. 22, Syracuse University once again participated in the 28th annual Westcott Street Cultural Fair, a yearly celebration of the Westcott neighborhood’s culture, arts, food, organizations and activities. The fair attracts thousands of people to the Westcott Business District for a day filled with eclectic music and dancing, handmade goods and foods from around the world.

Despite the late-September heat, this year’s event was one of the most well-attended in the fair’s history. Over 100 volunteers from the Syracuse University community helped staff the Kids Corner, which featured kid-friendly performances, mini golf, face painting, crafts and games, and performed other volunteer duties to help the day run smoothly. The fair, which is orchestrated entirely by a crew of dedicated volunteers, featured a parade, used book sale, and kids races, in addition to more than 40 live music and dance performances.

“The Westcott neighborhood has a unique cultural heartbeat, one that’s celebrated each year through this event,” says Syracuse University community engagement coordinator Emily Winiecki of the Office of Community Engagement. “We are proud to support the community while simultaneously providing a great volunteer experience for our students, faculty and staff.”

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Thursday Morning Roundtable Announces September Guest List in New Space /blog/2019/09/09/thursday-morning-roundtable-announces-september-guest-list-in-new-space/ Mon, 09 Sep 2019 14:53:12 +0000 /?p=146841 The Office of Community Engagement announces its September lineup of guests for its weekly Thursday Morning Roundtable (TMR). The weekly civic education program brings in speakers to discuss current topics and issues in the Central New York (CNY) community. Meetings are held every Thursday morning from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, 350 W. Fayette St., Syracuse. Now, TMR will be held on ground floor of the Warehouse in the Office of Community Engagement’s new community room.

“We are excited to have a more accessible and visible space in the community, demonstrating the University’s commitment to community groups,” says Emily Winiecki, community engagement coordinator. “And there’s no better way to kick-off the new space than our longstanding, popular Thursday Morning Roundtable series.”

September TMRs will have the following topics and guests:

Sept. 12, Renewable Energy

Chris Carrick, program manager for energy management at the CNY Regional Planning and Development Board, andLindsey Speer, campaign manager for the Alliance for a Green Economy, will speak about renewable energy. This TMR topic is presented in partnership with FOCUS Greater Syracuse.

Sept. 19, The Good Life

Annette Peters, vice president of marketing at Syracuse Media Group, andBen Sio, chief of staff at CenterState CEO, will speak about the new branding initiative for CNY as a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Sept. 26, New York State Senate 53rdDistrict

New York State Sen. Rachel May, representing the 53rdSenate District, will present on her first year in office and her vision for the future.

Before and after the program, there is time for coffee and networking. TMR is free and open to the public. Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) is available every week. A recording of the TMR conversation airs on WCNY-FM radio on Sundays at 8 p.m.

The guests and topics are chosen by the TMR Advisory Committee, which is made up of 10 CNY community members and managed by Emily Winiecki, community engagement coordinator in the Office of Community Engagement. Questions or comments regarding TMR can be emailed to Winiecki.

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Syracuse University Hosts First-Ever Procurement Fair, Launches Building Local Initiative /blog/2019/05/23/syracuse-university-hosts-first-ever-procurement-fair-launches-building-local-initiative/ Thu, 23 May 2019 19:48:49 +0000 /?p=144912 On Tuesday, May 21, Syracuse University hosted its first-ever Procurement Fair as part of its new Building Local initiative, a three-pronged effort focused on opportunity, partnerships and business. The fair introduced local business enterprises—including those owned by women, minorities, veterans and others (referred to collectively as XBEs)—to opportunities with the University; helped local businesses and XBEs understand the goods and services used and needed by the University; and provided information on how to gain diverse business certifications.

Representatives from more than 100 Central New York businesses attended the fair, including Melanie Randolph, owner of Your Window to the World, LLC. “Events like [the Procurement Fair]are going to open doors for local businesses and create opportunities with Syracuse University,” says Randolph. “This gives us a more one-to-one relationship, where we can really work as a community and align our values together. The small businesses can come together and be greater together.”

People talking around table, including Melanie Randolph.

Melanie Randolph (right) was among the 100+ local business owners to attend the Procurement Fair on May 21.

“Syracuse University is committed to developing intentional, sustainable partnerships with local, small and diverse businesses. As these businesses succeed, so do the communities that surround them and so does Syracuse University,” says Vince Patriarco, executive director for purchasing.

The Building Local initiative launches as the Office of Community Engagement works to strengthen partnerships with local municipalities, nonprofit organizations and other community entities. The Building Local program seeks to expand participation of local business enterprises and XBEs in three ways: construction opportunities; the hiring of local residents, primarily those from communities in need of job opportunities; and the aforementioned economic growth through purchasing decisions.

“Building Local seeks to institutionalize the formal commitment Syracuse University has made in leveraging its own economic power to invest in the local economy in a sustainable, mutually beneficial and catalytic way,” says Bea González, vice president for community engagement and special assistant to Chancellor Kent Syverud.

Mark Jackson, executive director in the Office of Community Engagement, has spent two years turning the Building Local concept into a reality. “I questioned if there was a better way we as an institution can do what we’re already doing—spending money—and make a bigger impact here just by changing how we’re doing it,” he says. “That involves intentionality and looking for solutions.”

After extensive research on economic and workforce development best practices at other major universities, Building Local was created. In addition to the business portion that launched at the Procurement Fair, the opportunity and partnerships focus areas have gone through pilot processes.

Building Local: Opportunity seeks to ensure that XBEs and local businesses are afforded equal access to construction and design opportunities at the University. Through a pilot project at the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC), Building Local: Opportunity launched under the advisement of the University’s Office of Campus Planning, Design and Construction. Many local businesses and XBEs were brought into the construction process of the NVRC, including Mattessich Iron, LLC, which is owned by service-disabled veteran Mike Mattessich.

Side by side image of Mike in Iraq and Mike with his first service truck

Mike Mattessich is photographed here during a patrol in western Iraq and with his first service truck.

Mattessich Iron is the steel contractor on the NVRC project, handling the ornamental and miscellaneous steel projects, including the stairs and handrails. This opportunity enabled Mattessich’s business to secure more contracts with companies for work at Syracuse University. Prior to this contract, Mattessich’s team primarily worked outside of Central New York; now, the workers are able to serve their local community and see their finished work regularly.

“I’m thankful to Syracuse University for stepping up,” says Mattessich. “The biggest benefit comes to young companies, providing them an opportunity to get their foot in the door and prove their worth to reputable contractors. If they can perform, they will succeed.”

This success brings many benefits to business owners, as more contracts come in and their companies grow. NaDonte Jones, founder of NJ Jones Plumbing LLC, is Onondaga County’s first and only Minority Business Enterprise master plumber. A subcontractor on Syracuse University projects for several years, Jones took on a new challenge with the NVRC plumbing project.

“Through Building Local, the money is brought into the local community and it goes back out,” says Jones. “The more economic flow a company like mine has, the better it is for the local community. It does its part to help the economy, schools and development, and combat unemployment.”

Through his contracts at Syracuse University and the quality of his work, Jones has grown his business 300 percent

NaDonte Jones with service truck

NaDonte Jones lives by three virtues that are printed on his truck and tattooed on his skin: humble, patient, integrity.

over the last few years. He is continually expanding staff and prioritizes hiring employees from the city’s South Side. He is currently looking for a larger space to house his business.

“Building Local’s impact is economical, but is also influential to community morale,” says Jones. “The other day, someone came up to my employees talking about how they don’t see many people of color in our profession, and to have my men as role models is really valuable.”

Building Local: Partnerships focuses on leveraging relationships with local workforce development programs to hire new Syracuse University employees from those programs. These initiatives have been ongoing for over a decade at Syracuse University under the leadership of Sharon Cole, talent acquisition manager in the Office of Human Resources.

Karima Akins

Karima Akins-Rattigan came to work at Syracuse University as a ninth grader through CNY Works. Now a graduate, Akins-Rattigan works in the College of Law Career Center.

Karima Akins-Rattiganwas about to enter ninth grade when she heard about the CNY Works program to place local students ages 16 to 20 in summer jobs. After a few placements off campus, Akins-Rattiganbegan a placement at Syracuse University, thanks to the Office of Human Resources’ partnership with CNY Works. She ended up working in the Office of Admissions in the College of Law, the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Career Services Office, the Office of Multicultural Advancement and the Office of Human Resources.

“Never did I imagine this program taking me this far; these are dreams most teens never experience without the right contacts,” says Akins-Rattigan. “Being able to work on campus and knowing my interest in Syracuse gave me a drive I never knew I had.”

After her experience working on campus, Akins-Rattiganwas motivated to apply to Syracuse University. She completed her undergraduate degree and now works in the College of Law Career Center.

González and Cole also work with the Syracuse City School District and Peaceful Schools, which collaborate on an after-school program that helps parents complete a series of assessment and light capacity building programs. Once parents successfully complete the program, González and Cole help them apply for jobs, including positions at Syracuse University.

This spring, 11 community members graduated from a culinary workforce training program offered through Catholic Charities of Onondaga County. Cole and Sue Bracy, director of Food Services attended the certification event at the conclusion of the program. All 11 were hired by Syracuse University.

“Some people can cook all day but can’t attach a résuméto a job portal. We are bridging that gap,” says Cole. Moving forward, the University is leveraging existing workforce development programs, convening five programs and hiring local community members from the programs.

The Building Local initiative follows the University’s 2017 economic impact report—Syracuse University Impact: Central to Central New York—which detailed the roughly $1.1 billion annual economic contribution the University makes to the region and the substantial investment it makes in the community.

For questions regarding the Building Local initiative, contact oceed@syr.edu.

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J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge: González Speaks, Scott Wins, Syracuse Stage Benefits /blog/2019/05/23/j-p-morgan-corporate-challenge-gonzalez-speaks-scott-wins-syracuse-stage-benefits/ Thu, 23 May 2019 18:25:05 +0000 /?p=144901 The 2019 J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge was painted Orange this year through Syracuse University’s multifaceted involvement. In its 42nd year, the road race continues to be a community event for Syracuse. More than 6,000 runners, walkers and rollers—including more than 110 University employees—traversed the 3.5-mile route along Onondaga Lake Parkway.

group of Syracuse University employees in orange shirts

There were over 110 participants from Syracuse University at the 2019 Corporate Challenge.

Bea González, vice president for community engagement and special assistant to Chancellor Kent Syverud, spoke as an honored guest at this year’s event because of the University’s involvement as both a participating organization and a VIP sponsor. González is also president of Syracuse Stage’s board of trustees.

“There is a lot of momentum right now regarding Syracuse University’s partnership with the community as an economic driver, research institution, volunteer hub and more,” says González. “Year after year, the Corporate Challenge is a visible example of the collaboration, partnership and togetherness that exists all throughout the CNY region that we are excited to be a part of.”

The University’s involvement was coordinated by a team of people led by team captain John Beecher, budget manager in the School of Education. Beecher coordinated the team along with Emily Winiecki in the Office of Community Engagement, Kim DeStefano from the Wellness Initiative and Lori Levengood from the Office of Government Relations.

“Being a part of something that brings so many Syracuse University employees together has been apowerful experience. The Corporate Challenge presents a unique opportunity to engage folks in a fun way,” says Winiecki. “Not to mention, I beat my time from last year.”

There were many impressive performances by Syracuse University faculty and staff, including the top spots, personal bests and first-timers.

Sascha Scott finishing

Sascha Scott earned her fourth consecutive and fifth overall first-place finish inthe women’s division with a time of 20:10.

Sascha Scott, associate professor and director of graduate studies in art and music histories in the College of Arts and Sciences, earned her fourth consecutive and fifth overall first-place finish inthe women’s division with a time of 20:10. Jon French, assistant teaching professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, was the top male finisher from Syracuse University and seventh overall with a time of 19:12.

Disha Manocha, marketing strategist in the Division of Marketing and Communications, participated in the event for the first time as a new employee at the University. She says she took a chancesigning up, after not exercising for over a year. “I keep reminding myself to not limit my challenges but to challenge my limits,” says Manocha. “I didn’t win, but finishing the race has gotten me motivated to work out and get back into my dancing shoes.”

Proceeds from the event benefit Syracuse Stage’s educational programming. The Stage, a professional theater in residence at Syracuse University, operates as an independent nonprofit organization.

This summer, Syracuse Stage is hosting three programs for local middle school students. Two programs will be held at SALTspace on the Near Westside: July 15-19 and July 22-26. An additional two-week summer program will be held at Syracuse Stage July 29-Aug. 9, teaching students acting, voice and character development. Students will stage a truncated version of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the conclusion of the program.

Regular educational programming for the Stage continues in the fall, as Syracuse Stage brings performances to elementary school audiences. This year’s performance will be “Suzette Who Set to Sea.” In addition, during the season, matinee main stage productions at Syracuse Stage are performed only for schools.

“It is a vital part of our mission to serve the community. For as long as we have been in operation, which is 46 seasons, we have been partnering with schools to provide access to and instruction about theater to area students,” says Joseph Whelan, director of marketing and communications at Syracuse Stage.

Anyone interested in bringing programming to children, registering children for programs or learning more about can contact Kate Laissle, associate director of education, at 315.442.7755 or kmlaissl@syr.edu.

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University Employees Learn the Role of the Board in Local Nonprofits /blog/2019/04/29/university-employees-learn-the-role-of-the-board-in-local-nonprofits/ Mon, 29 Apr 2019 18:40:39 +0000 /?p=144168 Sixty Syracuse University employees filled the fourth floor of the Nancy Cantor Warehouse on April 16 to attend a free seminar on developing leadership skills to benefit Syracuse-area nonprofit organizations. Hosted by Syracuse University and Business Volunteers Unlimited, the Role of the Board Seminar was an important step in creating an eventual Syracuse University employee-to-board matching system, housed in the Office of Community Engagement.

“The Role of the Board Seminar was an opportunity for Syracuse University to provide our faculty and staff with the skill set they need to be effective board members for our nonprofit community,” says Bea González, vice president for community engagement and special assistant to the Chancellor. “Our nonprofit community is looking for a diverse, talented pool of board members, and we are providing the skills to University employees to fill that need.”

Attendees of the seminar learned about trends in the nonprofit sector, nonprofit governance and legal and fiduciary responsibilities of nonprofit board members. Gabe Nuget, partner at Barclay Damon LLP; Mike Milar, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities; and González closed out the day with a panel discussion on the work of a nonprofit board.

“The information provided at the workshop gave me greater insight into the myriad of benefits that serving my community through board work will provide,” says Paula MacDonald, associate director in the Office of Human Resources. “In addition, valuable material was presented to better prepare me to understand the expectations for being an effective board member and strategies to ensure I am able to meet those expectations.I am looking forward to applying this learning as I explore local board representation in the community.”

Faculty and staff interested in learning more about the Role of the Board and future opportunities may the Syracuse University Office of Community Engagement at oceed@syr.edu.

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Shadow Day Comes Full Circle for Syracuse University Student /blog/2019/04/19/shadow-day-comes-full-circle-for-syracuse-university-student/ Fri, 19 Apr 2019 18:10:09 +0000 /?p=143808 Young woman in baseball cap and sweatshirt

Ashliqua Menifee

Nearly 100 fifth-graders from the Syracuse City School District’s Seymour Dual Language Academy will be welcomed to Syracuse University on Thursday, April 25. For many of the children, Syracuse University’s Shadow Day, run by the Office of Community Engagement, is a rare opportunity to spend time on campus with college students. The day gives the fifth-graders an opportunity to see what is possible for them…at least that’s what it did for current first-year Syracuse University student Ashliqua Menifee eight years ago.

Menifee says that, as a fifth-grader, coming to campus “gave [her] the opportunity to dream.” As she grew up, though, her dream seemed financially unattainable. Still,Menifee’s high school counselor encouraged her to look at Syracuse University as a possibility.

After submitting applications to multiple schools, the furthest—as allowed by her mother—five hours away, Menifee was accepted to Syracuse University and into the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program. The program, funded by the New York State Department of Education, covers the cost of attendance, giving Menifee the opportunity to enroll at the University. And her mother was happy: Menifee was staying right in Syracuse.

Staying close for college was not just for her mother’s comfort; Menifee believes in keeping local talent in the area. After graduating, she intends to stay in Syracuse.

“Growing up in an impoverished community, you develop a negative stigma associated with the place where you grew up and strive to leave,” says Menifee. “Coming to Syracuse University and staying here after graduation is my way of showing that good things are possible here.”

As Menifee’s first year as a Syracuse student comes to a close, she is excited to have her experience come full circle; on April 25, she will have Seymour fifth-grade students shadow her for the University’s 21st Shadow Day. Syracuse University students will be paired in small groups with Seymour students. They will spend the day touring campus, hearing from campus officials and sharing meals together.

“I’m excited to have the person shadowing me possibly want to come here. I want them to know they have the chance to, regardless of possible financial barriers,” says Menifee. “It’s all possible for them. I want to let them know that as a person from Syracuse, it’s all possible for you.”

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Students Design Dresses for AHA’s Go Red for Women Fundraiser on Wednesday /blog/2019/02/25/students-design-dresses-for-ahas-go-red-for-women-fundraiser-on-wednesday/ Mon, 25 Feb 2019 19:18:38 +0000 /?p=141704 Petite and plus-size dress designs by Sheila Xu ’20 and Kalthom Aljiboury ’20.

Petite and plus-size dress designs by Sheila Xu ’20 and Kalthom Aljiboury ’20.

The entire fashion design program has gone all in for the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Go Red for Women campaign. In collaboration with AHA and the Office of Community Engagement, the program is hosting “A Red Dress Affair” on Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, 350 W. Fayette St., Syracuse.

The event benefits Go Red for Women–AHA and has a suggested donation price of $50. All donations include entrance to the event, spirits, light hors d’oeuvres and a tour of the fashion design program and the . In the entryway of the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, attendees will see red paper dresses made by first-year students. Second-year students will be scattered throughout the building to answer questions and act as tour guides.

As the feature piece of the event, juniors in the fashion design program created 24 red pieces for display. Jeffrey Mayer, professor and program coordinator of fashion design and the Maurice E. and Dorothea I. Shaffer Art Professor in the School of Design in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, illustrated 10 of those dresses; the illustrations will be auctioned off at the event.

“People in the community are excited to see how a designer gets from an illustration to an actual dress. Often, people who are not in an industry as ‘fashion design’ may not know the planning, time and extraordinary detail that goes into the initial creation. This event provides an insider’s look, as well as a great way to bring the community and Syracuse University together to spread heart health awareness,” says Barbara Huntress Tresness, Go Red for Women executive leadership team member and Open Your Heart chairperson for the campaign.

What community members will see on Wednesday is a small glimpse into the work from faculty, students and staff that has led to this event.

One day in early fall, Mayer was walking through the halls of the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, where the fashion design program resides, when he bumped into Trina Tardone, director of Go Red for Women. She was leaving a meeting with Bea González, vice president of community engagement, special assistant to the Chancellor and co-chair of the Syracuse Go Red for Women campaign this year. This encounter in the stairwell blossomed into an important collaboration between AHA and the fashion design program.

“As chair of the Syracuse Go Red for Women campaign, I found it my responsibility to bridge the community efforts to campus and develop mutually beneficial relationships that build awareness around heart health,says González. “A Red Dress Affair, variations of which have been done across the country for years, epitomizes the goal in enhancing the student experience, engaging faculty and having community impact.”

Leading the charge from the fashion design program is Kirsten Schoonmaker, assistant teaching professor for fashion design. For her fall semester course, Fashion Design Studio III, all designs turned red for A Red Dress Affair.

“This project opened the door to the idea that our work exists outside of these walls for the students. They learned that it can have impact on someone other than you,” says Schoonmaker.

Not only were these dresses created for an important cause, they challenged students in ways they hadn’t been challenged before. This was the first time their dresses would be on display, viewed by the public.

The students had 12 days to design and create their first dress. Sheila Xu ’20 and Kalthom Aljiboury ’20, both students in Schoonmaker’s course, welcomed the quick, albeit daunting, challenge and viewed it as preparation for the “real-world.”

The process of fabric to prototype has many steps. Xu drew inspiration from Audrey Hepburn and thought of elegant women when sketching the designs of her dress. Aljiboury thought of a strong woman in her late twenties.

The second dress presented the students with another “first:” create a plus-size piece. The project was part of the program, a design initiative that promotes the creation of size 12+ designs in the junior year. Creating these pieces is an important skill for students to have coming out of the fashion design program; 12+ represents the size range that the majority of American women wear, but the fashion industry doesn’t adequately reflect that.

Even though this was the first time students designed for the 12+ size, the plus-size pieces still had a demanding timeline. The day the first dress prototype was due, the concepts for the plus-size dress were due. Tracy Reese, prominent fashion designer, critiqued the student illustrations and offered suggestions to the designers. The students began making the look on Nov. 26 and presented their final work on Dec. 5.

For this piece, Aljiboury drew her inspiration from her mom, as well as supermodel Emme ’85, creator and supporter of Fashion Without Limits. Xu was inspired to make a day-to-night piece for a late-twenties big city lawyer.

For the final review, Tardone and Huntress Tresness joined the class to ask questions and provide suggestions about the dresses. It was an opportunity for the students to learn about heart health and also, for the first time, have their products reviewed by consumers.

“This process was really helpful because we were not designing in our own bubble. Connecting the design to the community and learning what they wanted to feel made the assignment more exciting because we were doing something for the community and saw our pieces on somebody. The difference we were making to increase heart health awareness was the inspiration,” says Xu.

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