The Northern District of New York (NDNY) Federal Court Bar Association (FCBA) Hon. Norman A. Mordue ’66, L’71 Law Scholarship provides a student with the means to pursue a legal education and follow in the footsteps of Judge Mordue, a decorated war hero who served as chief judge for the NDNY and taught trial practice at the College of Law as an adjunct professor. The NDNY FCBA established the scholarship after the passing of Judge Mordue in December 2022.

Tyriese Robinson

Robinson, a native of South Carolina, served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a GeoBase engineering technician and lead honor guard trainer at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. After the Air Force, Robinson completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Clemson University where he served as a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs federal work-study student, president of the Clemson Student Veterans Association and in a number of volunteer roles across campus.

After graduating from Clemson, he selected Syracuse Law for his legal studies due to the University and college’s dedication to serving veterans.

“I decided to come to law school because I felt that there was tension between how my community viewed the law, and how the rest of the country viewed the law. I was already familiar with one aspect of the tension, so I decided to learn the other. I wanted to learn the law,” says Robinson.

At the College of Law, Robinson is a student attorney in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, a member of the Military and Veterans Law Society and a volunteer with the Cold Case Justice Initiative.

Judge Mordue served as the senior U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of New York, where he was a judge from 1998 until his passing in December 2022. A 2022 recipient of the college’s , Judge Mordue was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for actions during the Vietnam War as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

When informed that he was receiving the Mordue Scholarship, Robinson said, “The astonishing things that Judge Mordue has done, both in uniform and on the bench, inspire humility. To me, being selected as the inaugural recipient of this scholarship means that I must continue to strive for excellence in honor of Judge Mordue’s legacy. Judge Mordue’s scholarship will serve as a valuable resource so that I can not only graduate, but graduate in a manner that upholds the dignity and reputation of Syracuse Law.” Upon graduation, Robinson plans to become a prosecutor.

The scholarship will be awarded during a tailgate celebration held at the College of Law Saturday morning before the Syracuse Orange take on the Army West Point Black Knights in football at the JMA Wireless Dome on Sept. 23.

Those interested in supporting the Mordue Scholarship, please visit the .

Maggie Sardino ’23

Recent graduate Maggie Sardino ’23 authored an article,��, featured recently in��, an online initiative of the National Humanities Alliance (NHA) Foundation highlighting higher ed-based humanities projects. She graduated in May 2023 with two bachelor’s degrees: one in writing and rhetoric from the College of Arts and Sciences, and a second in citizenship and civic engagement from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

The article shares the impacts of her experience as a student research assistant with the����(EHN), founded and directed by��, associate professor of writing and rhetoric and Dean’s Professor of Community Engagement in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S). An initiative for publicly engaged research, teaching and creative work, EHN supports and connects teams of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff working on community-based arts, humanities and STEM projects with historically marginalized communities in Syracuse and Central New York.

In her article, Sardino describes what engagement in community-based humanities can look like. To tell the story of residents living in Syracuse’s public housing, she shared some lessons learned through the process of writing and directing��. The documentary used local storytelling to present the history of Syracuse’s 15th ward, a neighborhood that was razed in the 1930’s to make room for new public housing, Pioneer Homes, originally intended for white families. By the 60’s the area was a thriving community with Black and Jewish families and businesses that was largely demolished for the construction of I-81, a highway cutting through downtown Syracuse. The documentary exposes current resident frustrations about the proposal to redevelop the area again. Sardino used the process of making the documentary to engage the community directly through panel discussions, gaining coverage by local news outlets. The project provided a voice to under-represented individuals in the renewal process. This led to increased accountability and input on the redevelopment project from a wider range of stakeholders.

Sardino was recently named a 2023 recipient of the prestigious Marshall Scholarship. Funded by the British government beginning in 1953, the Marshall Scholarship finances outstanding American students to study in the United Kingdom. Sardino is Syracuse University’s fifth Marshall Scholar. With this scholarship, she will pursue a master’s degree in digital humanities at King’s College London, followed by a master’s degree in applied anthropology and community arts at Goldsmiths, University of London.

In addition to her work with EHN, Sardino, raised in Syracuse, is both the Coronat and Remembrance Scholar, was named a����Research Assistant in 2020 and studied in Victoria, British Colombia as a����Intern in 2022. She is also a member of the��.

While at Syracuse University, Sardino maximized the opportunities these awards and scholarships presented to further her research, scholarship and civic engagement. In her article, she describes how her student experiences solidified her commitment to pursuing community-based storytelling as a career path. In particular, she cites how the collaborative relationships with EHN faculty, students, staff and community partners helped her realize the power of public humanities to expand important cultural discussions to effect change.

The OVMA has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships since 2017 and will continue making scholarships available each semester with more than $1.2 million available for scholarship opportunities. The growing availability of scholarship programs wouldn’t be possible without the support of the university’s military-connected alumni and supporters. Their contributions allow the OVMA to offer more opportunities and support to military-connected students ranging from professional networking events specifically hosted for military-connected students, on and off-campus activities, and cost-free career immersion trips where military-connected students are able to meet face to-face with leaders from some of the largest companies in the country.

Military-connected students using their G.I. Bill benefits may have their tuition covered and receive a housing stipend, but the G.I. Bill benefits have certain limitations that can leave student veterans scrambling to fill the gaps in finances. This is particularly true during the summer and winter months when most military-connected students are not enrolled in classes, which means they do not receive monthly payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover their living expenses.

The recipients of the OVMA Spring Scholarships are:

OVMA Family Member & Dependent Undergraduate Scholarship,��awarded to Allison Crossman ’23

Allison Crossman ’23

Crossman, a military spouse, is a senior in the College of Visual and Performing Arts pursuing an undergraduate degree in communications and rhetorical studies.

“As a non-traditional student, my decision to return to school with three young children was not made lightly. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I look forward to attending Syracuse University College of Law this fall,” Crossman says.

Gerald B. Faigle Jr. and Robert M. Faigle Student Veteran Endowed Scholarship, awarded to Karl Cutler

Karl Cutler

Cutler is an active-duty U.S. Army captain currently enrolled in the Whitman School of Management’s online MBA program. Originally from Mattituck, New York, he is currently stationed in Hawaii where he serves as a Field Artillery Captain with the 25^th Infantry Division.

“I would like to serve another ten years in the Army, completing my twenty-year commitment to serving our nation. After that, I hope to move back to New York and become a financial advisor, putting all that I have learned at Syracuse to work for the betterment of my community,” Cutler says.

Louis A. and Patricia H. Mautino Veteran Endowed Scholarship, awarded to Joshua Kompf ’23 and Justin Sauve ’25

Joshua Kompf ’23

Kompf is a U.S. Army veteran currently studying creative leadership with the College of Professional Studies. Originally from Jordan, New York, Kompf became a Green Beret and served for eight years with four deployments to Afghanistan.

“Growing up just outside Syracuse in the town of Jordan, choosing Syracuse was easy. I always wanted to attend Syracuse University, and once my time serving in the United States Army was complete, I finally made it a reality,” Kompf says. “My experience thus far at Syracuse has been phenomenal. Every class I take is an opportunity to share and experience views and opinions different than my own, opening my mind to endless possibilities.”

Justin Sauve ’25

Sauve is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who is a sophomore at the College of Engineering and Computer Science where he studies mechanical engineering. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in the aerospace industry

“Due to being a student veteran, I have the added financial responsibilities of supporting a family, the financial stresses of pursuing an education instead of employment have, at times, been significantly greater than the academic stresses and curriculum. The support awarded through this scholarship will significantly help me pursue my educational goal of obtaining my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering,” Sauve says.

Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students, awarded to Samirah Crawford ’26 and Kamileh Rivera ’23

Samirah Crawford ’26

Crawford is a military dependent and first-year biomedical engineering student at the College of Engineering and Computer Science. After graduating she plans on joining the U.S. Air Force Reserve and continuing to pursue a graduate degree.

“This scholarship will significantly impact me, allowing my education to be more affordable, reducing the stress involved with the cost of an excellent education, and helping me to complete my engineering degree successfully. I plan to graduate with my biomedical engineering degree and promote STEM for young girls, especially in underprivileged or underserved communities, to provide a spotlight on all of the career fields and opportunities in this field,” Crawford says.

Kamileh Rivera ’23

Rivera is a senior studying neuroscience and biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is the daughter of a U.S. Army veteran and is originally from Bayamon, Puerto Rico. After graduating, she plans to pursue a career in medicine with the intent of returning to Puerto Rico to help those in need.

“This donor-funded scholarship has impacted me in many ways. Not only does this award relieve financial hardships for my family and me, but it’s rewarding to know that someone believes in my education. I feel honored to be chosen and will not take this opportunity for granted,” Rivera says.

Lucy and Joseph Napoli Veterans Scholarship, awarded to John Nipper ’23

John Nipper ’23

Nipper is a U.S. Navy veteran who is currently studying international relations in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He plans to continue his education and earn a master’s in public administration after graduation. Nipper, originally from Fort Myers, Florida, was also recently elected as the President of the Student Veterans Organization at Syracuse University.

“After my tour of duty, I felt a pressing call to public service, which led me to pursue a bachelor’s in international relations and public policy. I aspire to advance cyber policies that improve the safety of the American people, understand policy barriers to cybersecurity and digital diplomacy, identify successful solutions, and help implement them,” Nipper says.

Richardson Family Scholarship for Military Family Members and Dependents, awarded to Karyne Brown ’26

Karyne Brown ’26

Brown is a military dependent with a parent who served in the U.S. Army. Originally from New Jersey, Brown is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences who was selected for the Renee Crown University Honors Program.

“This scholarship will allow me to devote more time to academic endeavors and extracurriculars by relieving much of my financial stress. In my first semester, I struggled to find that balance, and, now, not only has the stress been relieved but helps to mitigate the problem itself. After Syracuse, I hope to live in New York City and work at a financial firm,” Brown says.

Flanik Family Scholarships for Student Veterans, awarded to Ryan Simmons ’24

Ryan Simmons ’24

Simmons, is a U.S. Air Force veteran who is currently enrolled in the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, studying cybersecurity administration as a remote student. Originally from Chenango Forks, New York, Simmons aims to earn a commission with the U.S. Space Force where he hopes to work in cyber security.

“Over the past year I’ve been here, the professors, the student body, and even the administration staff have only reaffirmed that coming to Syracuse was the right decision for me.�� I’ve made many professional connections and even friends along the way.�� Some of the professors I’ve had have really been a blessing when it comes to not just imparting class knowledge but also firsthand experience of their professions,” says Simmons.

Interested in supporting Syracuse University’s growing commitment to educating servicemembers, veterans, and their families? Want to learn how to contribute to their future academic success? Consider donating to the .

Paul Dottle, who served as an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army Reserves during the mid-80’s, established the scholarship while serving as the chair for the OVMA’s advisory board. While Dottle was growing up, his father served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. The experience of growing up in the military culture, and having served himself, left Dottle with a desire to give back to a community he held so much respect for.

The scholarship allows the to recognize deserving cadets within their programs, and many of the university’s graduates have gone on to become part of the university’s list of notable veteran alumni for their accomplishments after graduating from Syracuse University. The scholarship is meant for those who have not already received a full ROTC scholarship and is designed to offset the cost of finishing their degree.

For 2023, the recipients of the Dottle Family ROTC Cadet Scholarship are:

Hunter Burns ’25 – Air Force ROTC

Hunter Burns ’25

Burns is pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering from the . He says one of his more memorable experiences at Syracuse University was being a member of the Color Guard for the Syracuse University vs Duke University men’s basketball game in 2022.

“I decided to join Air Force ROTC because I wanted to serve in the military, that’s something I am passionate about. I also wanted to go to college and get a degree, so this was the decision that made the most sense for me. After graduation, I plan on entering active duty as an officer in the Air Force.”

James Hrdy ’26 – Air Force ROTC

James Hrdy ’26

Hrdy is studying bioengineering at the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He plans on commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and would like to pursue available options to attend medical school after graduation.

“I will never forget when Syracuse hosted the 2022 Battle of New York. Detachments from across New York stayed for two nights in the JMA Wireless Dome while participating in a wide range of activities. I got to meet other people with different aspirations from different schools, and I was able to explore the Dome at night.”

Benjamin Johnson ’24 – Air Force ROTC

Benjamin Johnson ’24

Johnson, who grew up with a father in the U.S. Coast Guard, is studying computer engineering at the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He says the wanted to come to Syracuse University because of the school’s reputation for academic excellence, and its unwavering support for military-connected students.

“My overall experience at Syracuse University has been nothing short of amazing. The University has provided me with numerous opportunities to learn and grow, both academically and personally. After Syracuse, I plan to pursue a career in the United States Space Force as a developmental engineer.”

Aizhan Moore ’26 – Air Force ROTC

Aizhan Moore ’26

Moore is enrolled at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, where she studies bioengineering. Her father, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, inspired Aizhan to serve in the military, which is why she’s in ROTC today.

“My most memorable experience as a cadet so far has been the Battle of New York. It was a really cool experience, and I had a great time meeting new people. I hope that joining the Air Force might also be a way for me to travel and learn more about the United States, as well as other countries around the world.”��

Suleiman Salim ’25 – Army ROTC

Suleiman Salim ’25

Salim is an economics student at the . His intent is to attend law school at Syracuse University, and one of his most memorable experiences as an ROTC cade was completing his first 12-mile conditioning hike with a ruck sack.

“I joined ROTC for the opportunity to better myself and push myself past both my mental and physical limits.”

Charles Tang ’24 – Air Force ROTC

Charles Tang ’24

Tang, a political science student at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, says he wants to attend law school after graduation, with the intention of ultimately becoming a judge advocate officer in the U.S. Air Force.

“Participating in the AFROTC program has shaped me into a developing leader by continually introducing new challenges. The program has drastically impacted the trajectory of my life goals, where I never imagined the possibility of serving in the military prior to college.”

Joshua Tapia ’24 – Army ROTC

Joshua Tapia ’24

Tapia, a junior with the , studies biology and grew up in nearby Baldwinsville, New York. Tapia also works as a martial arts instructor, teaching Kenpo, and has an internship focused on marketing, resource management, accountability, personnel scheduling and task delegation.

“After graduating I plan to commission as an officer and pursue my career moving forward, I hope to get a job in Air Defense Artillery. I’m incredibly grateful for this scholarship, as it has allowed me to continue to support myself and my family whilst focusing on my education and classwork.”

Emily Weaver ’24 – Air Force ROTC

Emily Weaver ’24

Weaver is a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and the Deputy Group Commander for Syracuse University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 535, making her the second cadet in command. She is dual majoring in earth science and forensic science with the College of Arts and Sciences.

“I’m extremely grateful that I was selected for the Dottle scholarship. It’s a testament to the fact that the University and its alumni, especially Mr. Dottle, truly care about the military connected students. Coming to Syracuse, it’s not the cheapest, it’s a nice university to go to and that obviously comes with the cost. The fact that he’s willing to provide monetary support for all my endeavors, whether it’s academic, military, or even something like pursuing my private pilot’s license. It means a lot to know they really value, and are investing, in my future as an officer in the military.”

For more information on scholarships and academic opportunities provided through the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, please visit their website at .

2023 VPA Scholars. Pictured top row, from left: Caroline Bergan, Thomas Cheng, Ronny Ditchek, Anne Fernandez, Marisa Goldberg, Ania Johnston; bottom row, from left: Shayaan Khan, Ruchatneet Printup, Alyeska Reimer, Tara Sandlin, Alexandra Santangelo, Julia Wakin

Twelve seniors in Syracuse University’s (VPA) have been named VPA Scholars, the college’s highest undergraduate academic honor.

The VPA Scholars program was established to recognize the achievements of the college’s top seniors. Students are selected based on academic performance, creative/scholarly work and service to the college and the community.

Traditionally, the VPA Scholars are recognized at the college’s convocation ceremony during . The 2023 VPA convocation is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the JMA Wireless Dome.

The 2023 VPA Scholars are:

• Caroline Bergan, a music education major in the Setnor School of Music and School of Education
• Thomas Cheng, a communication and rhetorical studies major in the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies
• Ronny Ditchek, a music education major in the Setnor School of Music and School of Education
• Anne Fernandez, a film major in the Department of Film and Media Arts
• Marisa Goldberg, a studio arts major in the School of Art
• Ania Johnston, a film major in the Department of Film and Media Arts
• Shayaan Khan, a film major in the Department of Film and Media Arts
• Ruchatneet Printup, a film major in the Department of Film and Media Arts
• Alyeska Reimer, a drama (theater management) major in the Department of Drama
• Tara Sandlin, a voice performance major in the Setnor School of Music
• Alexandra Santangelo, an industrial and interaction design major in the School of Design
• Julia Wakin, a communication and rhetorical studies major in the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies

Six spring 2023 students were selected from the March 2022 application cycle and are joined by four additional students who were selected from the October cycle, for a total of 10 winners from Syracuse University. (One student was awarded the scholarship but is no longer studying abroad in spring 2023.) Five alternates were also selected.

The recipients, along with the country where they will be studying, are the following:

• Violet Cabot ’24, Italy
• Laurel Howell ’24, Italy
• Grant Maxheimer ’24, Spain
• Lizmarie Montemayor ’24, Italy
• Jane Morales-Pinto ’24, Italy
• Akuoma Ogbu ’23, Australia
• Lauren Perry ’23, France
• Fidel Rivera ’24, Spain
• Melanie Torres ’24, Italy

Syracuse Abroad partners with the (CFSA) to advise students during the application process. Throughout the recent cycles, CFSA and Syracuse Abroad held information sessions and writing workshops to help students prepare their applications and essay submissions.

“These results indicate that Gilman has returned to its pre-Covid award rates and highlight the renewed student participation in study abroad, both at Syracuse University and other institutions,” says Adam Crowley, CFSA academic and scholarship advisor.

Gilman Scholarships are open to undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study or internship programs abroad.

All students planning to study abroad who meet the qualifications are encouraged to apply. Gilman encourages applications from students from diverse ethnic backgrounds; students planning to study in non-traditional destinations; students in fields underrepresented in study abroad; and students with high financial need. Students studying a critical need language (such as Arabic, Korean, Japanese or Portuguese) can apply for an additional $3,000 supplement for a total possible award of $8,000.

Funding for fall, spring and summer study abroad opportunities is available. The application deadline is the first Tuesday of March for summer/fall/full-year programs; the first Tuesday of October for spring semester and summer (early application).

For more information on Syracuse Abroad programs, students can to meet with an advisor for more information.

“Student veterans often face unique financial circumstances while enrolled in college, especially those who are in demanding academic programs that do not allow enough time for a part-time job, or for those who are going home to a spouse and possibly children,” says Dwayne Murray ’97, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and deputy director of the OVMA. “We’re grateful for the generosity of the donors who make these scholarships possible, and appreciate the support it allows us to give our military-connected students on their journey to joining our Orange Alumni family.”

The scholarships and their recipients for the Fall 2022 academic year are:

OVMA Undergraduate Scholarship

Jack Pullano

U.S. Air Force Veteran
Sophomore, Health and Exercise Science, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamic

• Pullano serves as the public affairs coordinator for the Student Veterans Organization and is a member of the Orange Barbell Club.
• Originally from Hopkinton, New York, he aims to stay in Central New York after graduation on his path to becoming a physical therapist.

“My goal after Syracuse University is to attend SUNY Upstate as a member of its Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. I hope to one day work for the Veterans Affairs Hospital as a physical therapist so I can continue to give back to the veteran community,” says Pullano.

OVMA Family Member Scholarship

Andrew Holland

Military-Connected Student (Dual-Military Dependent)
Graduate Student, Museum Studies, College of Visual and Performing Arts

• Both of his parents served in the military: his mother retired as a colonel in the U.S. Army in 2014, and
  his father retired from the U.S. Air Force as a major in 1995.

“After Syracuse University, my goal is to work at a museum like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., or the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio,” says Holland. “This scholarship will help me cover the cost of my university health care plan, and it will cover the cost of rent for a few months.”

Mautino Family Scholarship

Savion Pollard

U.S. Navy Veteran
Sophomore, Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

• Pollard volunteers his time extensively outside of the classroom as the treasurer of the Student Veterans Organization and as a youth mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
• During U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Syracuse for the Micron announcement, it was also announced that Pollard would be the very first local hire for Micron.

“Long term, I wish to work as a math tutor for underrepresented communities. Being a black male in STEM, I have the desire to stress the importance of math and science to little kids from communities like the one I came from,” says Pollard. “This scholarship will help lighten a financial burden, which will allow me to be more engaged in school and be a more successful student.”

Flanik Family Scholarship for Student Veterans

Curtis Cline

U.S. Army Veteran
Sophomore, Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

• Cline served more than a decade in the U.S. Army working with Apache helicopters, including three combat tours.
• He envisions a future career in aeronautics with a focus on engineering and development.

While on active duty and assigned to nearby Fort Drum, Cline was introduced to Syracuse University while one of his children had an appointment at nearby Golisano Children’s Hospital. “When I went exploring for food I discovered the campus and I immediately decided that was where I wanted to attend,” says Cline. “The area, the people, the architecture and school pride won me over immediately. This scholarship will alleviate the stress and financial burdens placed upon my family while I am a full-time student.”

Richardson Family Scholarship for Military Family Members and Dependents

Morgan Ellis

Military-Connected Student (Military Dependent)
Senior, Health and Exercise Science (major), Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics

• Ellis grew up in nearby Seneca Falls, New York. Her father is still serving in the U.S. Army after more than 28 years and is currently deployed overseas.
• Ellis was introduced to Syracuse University as a child and it has been her dream school ever since.
• Her future academic goals include medical school and eventually work for the Veterans Affairs hospital as a doctor.

“I currently work as a nursing assistant on a medical surgery unit at a local hospital and I absolutely love it,” says Ellis. “I have about 10 to 12 years of school ahead of me and medical school comes with a hefty price tag. Receiving this scholarship now will put me in a better situation financially going forward and will have a continuous positive impact for me, which I am truly grateful.”

Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students

Kamileh Rivera

Military-Connected Student (Military Dependent)
Senior, Neuroscience and Biology, College of Arts and Sciences

• Rivera’s father served in the U.S. Army for more than 30 years. After growing up in Puerto Rico, Syracuse University was something entirely different from Rivera’s childhood and she wanted something different and unique.
• Rivera volunteers her time and is involved with campus organizations like the Syracuse Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Upskill Education.

“Syracuse has allowed me to pursue my dream degrees and find new passions I didn’t know I had. I plan on getting a master’s in public health and, later on, attend medical school to become a doctor,” says Rivera. “Back home in Puerto Rico, we have a great deficit in medical professionals, my goal is to go home and give back to the community that saw me grow up. This donor-funded scholarship will relieve financial hardships on my family and I, and it’s rewarding to know someone believes in my education.”

Mason Weber

U.S. Navy Veteran
Junior, Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

• Originally from Kingsburg, California, Weber served for six years as a hospital corpsman.
• Weber hopes to graduate from Syracuse University, gain a career with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and one day work on the development of a lunar base for NASA.
• Weber is involved in several engineering and aerospace honor societies, including serving as the vice president of Sigma Gamma Tau.

“The scholarship will allow me to be able to spend less time working and more time focusing on my studies, as well as with my daughter and fiancé. I appreciate the support of Syracuse University veterans and the help alleviating some of the stresses that come along with being a full-time student,” says Weber.

“We know that for many in our community the path to economic prosperity and financial independence includes a comfortable home and continued opportunities to grow professionally,” says J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. “These two initiatives represent the University’s latest effort to support and build a stronger, more inclusive local economy.”

Syracuse University first launched Go Local in 2019 with a commitment to leverage the power of the University to broaden the participation of local residents, underrepresented communities, women and veterans in building projects and contracting and in employment opportunities; increase economic growth through the University’s purchasing activities; and help sustain the growth of businesses in the community. Earlier this year, as part of Go Local, the University hosted a Career and Vendor Fair at the Oncenter Convention Center that helped create and strengthen relationships between local business owners and purchasing managers at the University and enhance awareness of job opportunities open to residents.

Making Home Ownership Possible

The newly expanded Live Local initiative extends the boundaries of the University’s home ownership assistance program and creates the University-area Home Ownership Program. Live Local expands eligibility for home ownership into neighborhoods to the west of the University Hill area, acknowledging the impact of the removal of the Interstate 81 viaduct.

“This is an important investment in our city, our people, our community and our economy,” says Cydney Johnson, vice president of community engagement and government relations. “By shifting and expanding boundaries, we are opening up new opportunities for more individuals to afford to buy homes.”

In partnership with Solvay Bank, the University will offer employees mortgage loans up to 100% of the purchase price. Those employees will also receive Solvay Bank’s best interest rate and will not have to purchase additional mortgage insurance. Further, program participants will be eligible to receive a forgivable home improvement loan valued at 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $15,000.

Christopher Dunham, president of the University Neighborhood Preservation Association, says, “Syracuse University’s plan to provide enhanced homebuyer incentives to its employees demonstrates a commitment to its surrounding neighborhoods and complements the work that UNPA does to promote homeownership in our area. We expect the University’s investment will mean that more people will choose to make our neighborhood theirs, to live, to work and to share in a vibrant and welcoming community.”

Eligibility for the new program remains the same as eligibility for the long-established provided through Empower Federal Credit Union, Summit Federal Credit Union and Tompkins Trust Company:

• All regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff may participate.
• One- and two-family homes, townhouses and condominiums are eligible.
• The property must be owner-occupied.

More information about the new mortgage guarantee program is available on the . Interested employees are encouraged to email realestate@syr.edu to begin the process of purchasing a home through the Live Local Program.

New Support for Health Care Workers

Also part of the Go Local initiative, Learn Local is now offering a tuition grant that expands opportunities for part-time, online undergraduate degrees and certificates to health care workers throughout the region.

“The tuition grant is designed to meet the education and career-readiness needs of the local health care community by ensuring that residents have access to market-sensitive and industry-informed degrees and professional certificates,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “During these last few years, we were reminded how critical our health care workers are to the well-being of the entire community. We want to support them and strengthen their ranks.”

The Health Care Worker Grant is a tuition discount open to all full-time, part-time and per diem employees of Crouse Health System (including Crouse Hospital and Crouse Medical Practice), SUNY Upstate Medical University, St. Joseph’s Health Hospital, Veteran Administration Syracuse Health Care System, KPH Healthcare Services Inc. (Kinney Drugs), and Loretto. The tuition rate will be $350 per credit hour, and an 89% discount on the full-time tuition rate.

“The continued growth and development of career pathways for our employees at Loretto is a top priority and programs like this make it affordable for our staff to pursue advanced degrees,” says Dr. Kimberly Townsend, president and CEO of Loretto. “We’re excited to make this opportunity available to our employees to take advantage of the great programs right in our own community. Career advancement is key to keeping and growing the healthcare workforce needed today and into the future.”

The tuition discount applies to Syracuse University online undergraduate degrees and undergraduate certificates in the College of Professional Studies. Current undergraduate bachelor’s degrees include health care administration, applied data and predictive analytics (data science), business management, computer programming, creative leadership, cybersecurity administration, knowledge management, policy studies, and liberal studies. An associate of arts in liberal arts is also available.

Health care workers interested in the grant and learning more about Syracuse University’s online undergraduate degrees and certificates should contact the College of Professional Studies at 315.443.9378 (Toll Free: 1.866.498.9378) or parttime@syr.edu.

Fifty years after they last stepped foot on campus, Bernie and Louise are making a return with a gift to support Ph.D. candidates through the D’Aniello Institute for Veteran and Military Families (IVMF). Through this generous gift, they hope students who are in positions like the ones they were in during their time on campus will benefit from the additional support.

Sometimes Second Is Better Than First

When it came time to write his master’s thesis, Bernie couldn’t get his first topic choice as it was already taken by another student.

“The topic I wanted was public infrastructure, but somebody else got it. So, I ended up with [my second choice] the topic of manpower planning,” Bernie says. “I wrote a master’s thesis on cost-benefit analysis of manpower training. And that’s how I got into the manpower business.”

Meanwhile, Louise was experiencing the full force of winter in Syracuse as she looked to enroll in the master of social work program. “I interviewed during the snowstorm of ’66 and remember walking through snow to the interviewee’s house,” Louise says. While initially unsure of her ability to afford to attend Syracuse University, the National Institute of Mental Health stepped up and awarded Louise a grant that would go on to shape her experience in the field of social work. Louise would ultimately graduate in 1968 while Bernie finished his Ph.D. while posted to the Pentagon.

As if it were destiny, Bernie was drawn into the manpower business through his Ph.D. He says he happened upon a flyer that offered a dissertation fellowship sponsored by the Manpower Administration of the Department of Labor. “They [the Department of Labor] were buying a whole generation of labor economists at the point where just a few dollars made a difference,” says Bernie. The fellowship paid tuition as well as support for attending conferences and travel to do necessary research.

After fulfilling his military commitment, Bernie joined the RAND Corporation as a research economist. He ended up supporting the efforts of the U.S. Air Force while at RAND and then, propelled yet again by his earlier Ph.D. work on manpower planning, was selected by the Carter administration to serve in the Navy secretariat. Eventually, this led to his appointment as the director of the Selective Service System. Later, after a return tour at RAND, Bernie was asked by the Clinton administration to serve as the assistant secretary of the Navy, then undersecretary of the Army, and finally as the undersecretary of defense for personnel. During their careers in and out of government Bernie and Louise worked to improve schooling for military children, provide affordable childcare for Navy and Marine Corps families, expand employment opportunities for military spouses, secure needed medical care for veterans of the Persian Gulf War and champion equal opportunities for all to serve their country in the armed forces.

Establishing the New Fund

After an illustrious career, Bernie began to explore options with Louise on how and where to give back. The pair ultimately reminisced on their time at Syracuse and Bernie recalled his experience in the Ph.D. program. After reaching out to the University they decided to set up a fund through the IVMF with the hope of supporting a Ph.D. candidate, similar to how Bernie received external funding during his Ph.D. program.

“If you look at what I have proposed here, in terms of dissertation support, it’s kind of like the support I got from the Department of Labor,” says Bernie. “So, setting up this fund was with the intent and hope to do something helpful along the lines of what the Department of Labor did for me.”

As part of the , the Bernard D. and Louise C. Rostker IVMF Dissertation Research Fund supports interdisciplinary dissertation research on veteran- and military family-related topics to be conducted by Syracuse University Ph.D. candidates through the IVMF. The fund can be used to accommodate travel costs, software and equipment purchases, research or academic conferences, and fieldwork and data gathering.

“While I’m trained as an economist, the RAND Corporation is famous for having an interdisciplinary approach, more so than any other institution. I didn’t want this [research fund] to be just for economists, I wanted it to be interdisciplinary,” Bernie says. “I would like to see people who produce doctoral quality work receive their degree in whatever discipline supports veterans and military families.”

The fund application is open to doctoral candidates from all Syracuse University schools and colleges and it will support one or more Ph.D. candidate(s) doing dissertation research on veteran- and/or military family-related topics.��Interested and qualified candidates can .

Judge McKee and Chancellor Kent Syverud (right) at the College of Law’s Commencement on May 6.

The announcement of the scholarship in the name of Judge McKee, a Syracuse University Life Trustee and an honorary member of the College of Law Board of Advisors, came at the college’s Commencement ceremony on May 6, before the Class of 2022 and Judge McKee’s family, including several of his judicial clerks.

The Hon. Theodore A. McKee L’75 Endowed Law Scholarship will provide Syracuse Law students with the education and cultural context to enable them to carry forward the legacy of Judge McKee, who has served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit for more than 27 years.

“This scholarship honors a College of Law legend and one of its foremost pioneers, who as a jurist has earned praise for his fairness, compassion and incisive questioning from the bench, and whose public service is grounded in a deep concern for social justice,” says Dean Craig M. Boise. “The Alexanders’ generous gift ensures that Judge McKee’s legacy is enshrined at the college and that, in his name, we can assist and inspire students whose backgrounds and experiences will bring diverse perspectives to the college and the practice of law.”

Judge McKee graduated from the College of Law in 1975 magna cum laude and as a member of the Order of the Coif and the Justinian Honorary Law Society. He began his legal career in private practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before entering public service as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He then served as deputy city solicitor for Philadelphia, as a lecturer at Rutgers Law School and as general counsel for the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

Judge McKee first took the bench in 1984 on the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County. After a decade of service, he was nominated to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit by President William J. Clinton in 1994, receiving his confirmation and commission later that same year. Judge McKee served as the court’s chief judge from 2010-16.

As to the scholarship, Richard and Emily Alexander said, “We are delighted to be able to honor Judge McKee’s distinguished service to our country, his commitment to social justice and his passion for Syracuse University by supporting scholarships to deserving students in the College of Law.”

Upon hearing the news of the Alexanders’ gift, Judge McKee said, “I am humbled beyond words by the generosity and thoughtfulness of the Alexander family in endowing a scholarship in my honor. The legal education I received from Syracuse University has allowed me to compete with graduates of any law school in the country, and I am very thankful that this scholarship will help me to give back to the university that has done so much for me.”

For more information, or to contribute to the Hon. Theodore A. McKee L’75 Endowed Law Scholarship, please contact Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Affairs Sophie Dagenais at 315.443.1964 or sulaw@syr.edu.

199 J.D. and 33 LL.M. students comprise the College of Law’s Class of 2022.

Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud provided remarks and introduced the Hon. Theodore A. McKee L’75 Endowed Law Scholarship, thanks to the generosity of Board of Advisors member Richard M. Alexander L’82, chairman of Arnold & Porter, and his wife Emily. The scholarship will provide Syracuse Law students with the education and cultural context to enable them to carry forward the legacy of Judge McKee, who has served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit for 27 years.

Professor Todd Berger was voted by the J.D. Class of 2022 as the recipient of the Res Ipsa Loquitur Award, given to a faculty member for “service, scholarship and stewardship” to the students. Professor Richard Risman was voted by the LL.M. Class of 2022 as the recipient of the Lucet Lex Mundum Award, given to a professor who has made a significant impact on the successes and experiences of LL.M. students during their studies.

In his remarks to graduates, Cooper emphasized the importance of always embracing the most authentic pieces of ourselves and broadcasting how these strengths can play to our advantage in overcoming challenges. Reflecting on his personal journey, he also encouraged students to find their purpose and to find the “mud” that’s beneath and around all of us, and to ask themselves how they will help clear the mud and bring about a more inclusive world. “A great orator once asked, what’s most important…the flower…or the ground that grows it? In order for the flower to fully blossom and mature it must traverse a muddy path slowly, and with intention, bending it toward the light. That muddy path contains the secrets to its beauty…the secrets to its magic.”

Class of 2022 President Gabriella Kielbasinski remarked, “Class of 2022, we have struggled and studied and sacrificed for that idea of a career that we now get to pursue. We have lived through some historic, and sometimes exhausting moments, and while today is a great triumph, I also know that some of us feel like we just need a second to catch our breaths, but I have high hopes for our futures. Because, yes, these have been unprecedented times, but I believe that unprecedented times can only create unprecedented lawyers.”

LL.M. Student Bar Association Representative Sindy Perez Ospino said, “To my fellow LL.M. classmates, I want to acknowledge the unique challenges that we as international students sometimes face. But, in a year rocked by invasions, coups, human rights violations and a pandemic, we must remember that we have to be resilient and continue fighting for our dreams, to speak up and not give up. Thank you, LL.M. students, for showing me the meaning of kindness, resilience and brotherhood.”

Katie Piston

Piston’s job meant that she had to observe a lot of surgeries as a sales consultant. It led her to work with Veterans Affairs hospitals, and of course Syracuse has strong veteran ties. However, she didn’t know many post-9-11 veterans and didn’t have a tangible connection to the military community until she met her husband, Dan. A Syracuse native, Dan was a rescue swimmer in the Navy for six years and enrolled at Syracuse as an undergraduate after completing his military service.

“I saw that transitioning out of the military was really hard, because you’re starting over,” she says. “The systems that exist at Syracuse University are so strong, and I don’t know if he would have received as much knowledge about how to navigate his military transition somewhere else.”

Piston always felt a pull to get a Ph.D. and earn her terminal degree in biomedical and chemical engineering. After learning the pace of how the industry and corporate world work, she returned to academia for a deeper dive into problem solving and creative innovation.

“When you’re in a technical industry or an academic position, until you’ve gotten the terminal degree, there’s more that’s left undone,” she says. “I’m someone who doesn’t want to leave something undone.”

Piston first worked as a teaching assistant, then was selected from among thousands of applicants to win a Tillman Scholarship. Executive Director of Veteran and Military Affairs Ron Novack personally called her to offer his congratulations, and Piston still considers him one of her favorite people. She continues to stay engaged and involved in the community of Tillman Scholars through annual leadership summits where she’s honed her public speaking abilities presenting some of her research to broader audiences and participating on the selection committee to evaluate new candidates.

“It was a pivotal change, because the stipend was helpful, really broadened my network of connections, and when I looked for a job, I had so much support from veterans and spouses from around the country,” she says. “It’s helped me mentally to have a sense of community and connection with other people trying to take risks, which is important because the sciences can be really siloed.”

Dan and Katie Piston

Along with transformational support from OVMA, Katie Piston also appreciates continued support from the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising for helping her identify and pursue academic awards. In 2019, she won a prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, which funded the remaining three years of earning a Ph.D. The grant allowed her greater flexibility to branch her studies into a new area of epigenetics, computational studies on how genes are expressed in different environmental factors.

“People often don’t realize how many resources are available to them, and it’s easy to think you don’t fit in or somebody else has done more or deserves it more,” she says. “It’s OK to ask for help from all these channels.”

Last year, she took an internship with Baxter, a health care innovation company, which bridges her transferrable skills in medical devices and research. Working on a cross-functional innovation team, Piston had an opportunity to work with different people from other parts of the company that she might not otherwise have met without internship experience.

The internship led to a full-time job offer in their medical affairs division. She’ll get to combine the research, science and data analysis elements from her advanced studies with her original work with medical devices in a way that makes perfect sense now, even though there were points along the way when she wasn’t so sure.

“There were moments before my defense where I genuinely thought I wouldn’t make it to the end,” she says. “It’s not an easy route to the end. It’s tedious and it’s long, but I am very proud that I made it all the way.”

1976 portrait of mathematics Professor Philip Throop Church. (Courtesy: Syracuse University Archives, Special Collections Research Center)

It’s common for a certain noise, taste or smell to bring about memories of the past. For Susan Church Andersson, she remembers the distinctive squeak her father’s chair would make as he worked late into the night in the kitchen below her bedroom.

“Hearing that noise under my room—knowing he was there—always gave me a sense of comfort,” says Andersson ’84.

Her father, Philip Throop Church, a professor of mathematics for 43 years at Syracuse University, had a flair for the unconventional when it came to his workday.

“My dad was a complete night owl, and he always scheduled his classes after noon and would stay up late working,” she recalls. “He used to walk in our neighborhood late at night, practicing his lectures. I’m sure our neighbors thought he was crazy.”

But his midnight strolls, where he would recite and perfect the content that he would deliver in class the following day, were a testament to his deep commitment to his students, the math department and Syracuse University.

“I think of my dad as one of the most honest, dedicated and hard-working men ever,” says Andersson. “He was extremely proud of his research and equally devoted to teaching and supporting his students.”

To honor his career at Syracuse and dedication to students, Susan Andersson and her brothers, Peter T. Church and Daniel R. Church, have established the Philip Throop Church Undergraduate Math Endowed Scholarship fund through the Forever Orange campaign. The scholarship provides financial assistance to one undergraduate student majoring in mathematics each year.

A Distinguished Career

A scholarship in honor of Philip Throop Church (pictured) provides financial assistance to undergraduate students majoring in mathematics. (Courtesy: Susan Andersson)

Church came from humble beginnings, working on his family’s poultry farm in Connecticut from the age of nine. When it came time to go to college, he attended Wesleyan University on a tuition scholarship, and nearly had to drop out because he couldn’t afford room and board, says Andersson. But he persevered, working in the kitchen of his fraternity and living in a room in a local minister’s house in exchange for house- and yardwork. He eventually graduated from Wesleyan University in 1953 with a B.A. in mathematics. He received an M.A. in mathematics from Harvard University in 1954, and a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1959.

Committed to Family

Philip Throop Church (right) and his wife, Pat, on their 60th wedding anniversary in 2014. (Courtesy: Susan Andersson)

While research and teaching consumed much of Church’s energy and efforts, his family always remained his top priority.

“He loved and respected his family and was there when they needed him,” Timourian says. “His family was the most important thing in his life and talk about family was the most popular break from our mathematical discussions.”

Church’s dedication to finding optimal solutions to problems through hard work—both in his research and at home—was a trait his children say passed down to them in various ways.

“From selecting a vacuum cleaner and buying a car to trying to navigate departmental issues, he would focus and consider and think until he was satisfied that whatever he had decided was the best option,” says Andersson. “Generally, this was an exhaustive exercise, and it did sometimes drive some people (my mom, for one) crazy. But the way he approached everything—with honesty and dedication—was something my brothers and I have all tried to emulate in our own lives and ways.”

When it came time to distribute their parents’ donor-advised fund, Church’s children wanted to honor their father’s 43-year legacy at Syracuse while also providing opportunity for students in the department their father shaped in so many ways.

“Our father was able to attend college in large part due to financial aid, and it is our wish to provide such an opportunity for future math students at Syracuse University,” says Andersson.

From his research to his teaching, College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) Dean Karin Ruhlandt says Church exemplified the best of A&S.

“Phil’s kindness to his students, dedication to the math department and insistence on living ethically all embody the liberal arts at A&S,” says Ruhlandt. “Thanks to his children’s generous gift, future students will carry on his great legacy. All of us thank Peter, Susan and Daniel for honoring their father’s vision.”

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

Xiluva Mbungela

Xiluva Mbungela ’24 (B.Arch.), a third-year student in the School of Architecture, has been named a recipient of the 2021 Robert L. Wesley Award from the . Named in honor of the first Black partner at SOM, the award supports BIPOC undergraduate students enrolled in architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, urban design or engineering programs in the United States.

Established in 2020, the Robert L. Wesley Award recognizes the academic achievements and potential of emerging BIPOC designers and is intended to alleviate the cost of post-secondary design education. One of only three full fellows to receive the award, Mbungela will receive a $10,000 scholarship to support her academic development, in addition to a yearlong mentorship program connecting her with leading BIPOC practitioners and educators.

This year’s jury was led by and included Danei Cesario, Chris Cornelius, Joyce Hwang, and María Villalobos Hernandez.

“Last year we were honored to meet the inaugural fellows of the Robert L. Wesley Award and provide them with economic support and a mentorship program,” says Iker Gil, executive director of the SOM Foundation. “We discussed and learned about their interests, challenges and goals. We can’t wait to learn from and support a new group of students whose contributions are felt in their universities and communities.”

“The Regional Outpost Center in Madagascar” works toward providing technological infrastructure for small-holder farmers to be more sustainable and efficient in their farming and agricultural practices. The project includes community and learning gardens that become a hyperdensification of small farms, rather than being dispersed and creating situations that further contribute to the climate crisis. Credits: Xiluva Mbungela (drawing), Wenxuan Qiao ’24 (B.Arch.) and Tianhao Huang ’24 (B.Arch.) (project co-collaborators).

Born in Benoni, South Africa, Mbungela comes from an ethnic group that represents four percent of the country—the Tsonga. Thousands of miles away from home, she has been pursuing her dream of becoming an architect while chasing her passions for gender equality and minority representation through a minor in women and gender studies.

Mbungela believes that projects in the built environment not only have to be functional, but they must engage matters of social justice, ethics and environmental sustainability.

“As an architect, there is an unexplainable power that lies in the ability to create spaces that elicit emotion—a power can be implemented to do good in the world by creating safe spaces for people to form bonds and make connections,” says Mbungela.

“It is rare to witness a student with the intellectual prowess and drive that Mbungela possesses,” says Joseph Godlewski, School of Architecture assistant professor. “Her purpose-driven interest in equity and the built environment is at once clear, focused and scholarly. She has a real talent for explanation and conveying complex information in simple terms.”

During her time at Syracuse University, Mbungela has been involved in a number of diversity and inclusion initiatives aimed at educating the campus community and empowering marginalized students. She lends her voice to the school’s National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) chapter—actively collaborating with students and faculty on diversity issues pertaining to her class—and has been a leader in the University’s African Student Union. Mbungela also serves as an orientation leader for Syracuse Welcome, the University’s student orientation program.

“A Day in Johannesburg” is a drawing that contains qualities of graphic fields, complex objects, color and entourage to depict a scene inspired by the Johannesburg CBD area in my home country of South Africa. In the drawing, abstract objects are “architecturalized,” while layers of linework are used to create the fabric of the scene and to communicate the urban landscape of this city. Credits: Xiluva Mbungela

“Mbungela’s powerful ability to share her experiences and emotions as a BIPOC student shaped the school’s collective consciousness during the fall 2019 semester when a series of racist attacks shook our campus,” says Godlewski.

“My ultimate dream is to become the founder of an architectural firm saturated by young African architects who create buildings that reflect the strength of African design,” says Mbungela. “Returning to South Africa with a world-class education from Syracuse University coupled with the prestigious Robert L. Wesley award will distinguish me as a young leader in the field and set me on the path to be part of the drive to reinvent Africa as a place of architectural innovation.”

Visit the SOM Foundation website to learn more about the .

Sherman F. Levey

The College of Law and Deborah Ronnen, of Rochester, New York, announce the creation of the Deborah and Sherman F. Levey ’57, L’59 Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship, as part of the , builds on and memorializes the enduring contributions that Levey, who passed away in April 2018, made to his alma mater, his community and the legal profession.

“This scholarship will enable our students to achieve their dream of a career in law and advance diversity and inclusion in our profession,” says Dean Craig M. Boise. “The Levey Scholars will bring wide-ranging perspectives to our classrooms, continuing Syracuse Law’s firm commitment to diversifying legal education and the legal profession, just as Sherm imagined it should be.”

Boise continues, “Deborah Ronnen’s vision and generosity—in Sherm’s memory—will not only help ensure that law school is accessible to brilliant minds among the broadest possible group of students, it will actively encourage them to select Syracuse Law as their law school of choice.”

The inaugural Levey Scholar is 2L Kerstein Camilien. “As a Syracuse Law student, there is no greater feeling than knowing that our alumni and their families keep us in mind. It’s a reminder that the rigors of law school need not be dealt with alone and some of them can be soothed,” he says. “Law school is stressful, and this scholarship has eased that stress by giving me one less thing to worry about. It’s made my career goals more achievable. I am deeply grateful for Deborah Ronnen’s generosity and Sherman Levey’s inspiring legacy and am very proud to be a Levey Scholar.”

Born in Rochester on July 4, 1935, Levey earned a full scholarship to Syracuse University. After graduating in 1957, he enrolled in the College of Law, where he graduated with honors in 1959 and was an editor of Syracuse Law Review.

After graduating from law school, he formed the tax law firm of Rubin and Levey in Rochester, with Sydney R. Rubin. The firm eventually merged with Harris, Beach and Wilcox to form Harris, Beach, Wilcox, Rubin and Levey. Later in his distinguished career in tax law and estate planning, Levey joined the Rochester firm Boylan Code as Counsel.

Levey served as an adjunct professor at Cornell University Law School, the Simon Business School of the University of Rochester, and the Syracuse University College of Law.

He noted in a Syracuse Law magazine feature that, as a teacher, his proudest accomplishment was establishing and co-directing the College of Law’s Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic. He helped to secure the clinic’s original funding, in 1998, through a Congressional program.

In 1999, Levey established the Levey Lecture Series at the College of Law, which brings distinguished practitioners to Syracuse, including former American Bar Association President Robert MacCrate. Levey’s daughter—Lynn Levey—followed her father to the College of Law, graduating in 1994 and joining its faculty as a Legal Writing Professor until her departure in 2017 to become Clark University’s Title IX coordinator and assistant dean for wellness.

“Sherm was passionate about his alma mater, and throughout his career, as a lawyer, a teacher and a philanthropic leader and volunteer, he was a strong believer in lifting up his communities,” says Ronnen. “Sherm’s spirit is embedded in this endowed scholarship. It exemplifies all that is great about him: his keen intellect, his kindness and grace, his enduring commitment to his profession, and his open heart and generosity in support of countless generations of students.”

“What I like about practicing law is dealing with real people and real problems,” Levey once told Syracuse Law. “I never quite believed in the grandeur of the law. But I do believe in the rule of law trying to solve problems in a civilized way by an orderly process. The law is basically a framework by which society attempts to solve, or hopefully avoid, problems among people.”

Together, Levey and Ronnen have underwritten multiple artistic projects in their hometown. Among the organizations that have benefitted from their generosity are the George Eastman Museum, the Memorial Art Gallery, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Eastman School of Music and Garth Fagan Dance. Levey also served as chair of the Jewish Home Board of Trustees and Vice Chair of the George Eastman Museum. He worked with the Rochester Area Community Foundation, and he was on the board of Rochester public media company WXXI.

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University

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

Tom Walsh G’84

Passion and creativity are at the heart of great storytelling. Those who knew Tom Walsh G’84 would say he wove each of those qualities into his work both in theater, and fundraising and alumni engagement at Syracuse University. Walsh, who passed away in May 2019 following a long battle with cancer, was a lifetime supporter of the arts and literature. To honor his legacy, a scholarship has been established in his name through a donation by Newhouse School alumnus Jonathan Resnick ’89 as part of the University’s Forever Orange campaign. The scholarship will support the next generation of storytellers in the new creative writing undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of English.

Blending Drama and Fundraising

While Tom Walsh would spend most of his professional career raising funds for Syracuse University, it was an interest in theater that first drew him to the Hill. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in English from Le Moyne College in 1971 and teaching at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse for three years, he enrolled in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, receiving an M.F.A. in stage directing. In 1979, he joined ��as the founding dramaturg, main stage director and producer.

Walsh would turn to the student-facing side of the University in 1987, accepting a position as an events administrator for the Division of Student Affairs, working with students in staging dance, music, theater and other cultural events on campus.

Four years later, Walsh joined the development team at the University, becoming director of major gifts for Washington, D.C., and in 1995 expanded his responsibilities with a dual appointment as senior director of development and director of federal relations in the Office of Government and Community Relations. He was appointed assistant vice president for development and public affairs for New York City in 1999, where he led efforts to expand and strengthen the University’s fundraising, public and alumni relations, and marketing activities in the greater New York area. In 2002, Walsh was named vice president of leadership gifts and in 2005, was appointed senior vice president of institutional advancement.

In his nearly 40-year career at Syracuse University, Walsh secured over $7 million in federal research appropriations for faculty, played a key role in bolstering the role and presence of the Lubin House in New York City and helped lead the highly successful $1 billion “Scholarship in Action—The Campaign for Syracuse University.”

In 2014, Walsh became special counsel to the Chancellor, and was later named special counsel to the chief advancement officer and senior vice president of advancement and external affairs before retiring in 2017.

Matthew Ter Molen, current chief advancement officer and senior vice president of advancement and external affairs, says Walsh’s determination and strong leadership led to successful fundraising efforts that were foundational to the University’s continued upward trajectory.

“Tom was passionate about Syracuse and saw the University from the perspective of not just an employee, but also a student,” says Ter Molen. “He was a smart, driven and creative person whose legacy and commitment to Syracuse will forever be remembered.”

A Master at Motivation

Charles Merrihew, vice president of administration and engagement, worked with Walsh for 10 years during a time when Walsh oversaw the division charged with institutional fundraising and alumni engagement. He calls Walsh a mentor, and says his big-picture vision and confidence that he instilled in his team helped their group achieve the goals of the division and the University.

Tom Walsh at his retirement celebration in 2017. (Photo courtesy: Syracuse University Archives, Special Collections Research Center)

“Tom was never one for the details on what was actually required to deliver on some of his ideas—he assumed that he had hired smart people who would ‘figure that all out’ and he empowered them to ensure they always did,” Merrihew says. Walsh’s keen sense of assessing the talents of individuals that could work together as a team—a skill he developed when assembling the cast and crew for plays as a stage director—produced desired outcomes at the University.

In an interview in the Fall/Winter 2017 edition of Syracuse University magazine, Walsh acknowledged that he often drew upon his previous experiences as a dramaturg when motivating those around him. Like with any great performance where each cast member plays an important role, he believed teamwork in any professional setting was vital to success.

“New buildings, academic programs and scholarships happen because everybody involved is playing their part brilliantly,” Walsh said in that interview.

According to Merrihew, Walsh laid a robust groundwork for fundraising which ensured the University was well-positioned for future growth.

Krystol Austin and Coumba Kanté (right) were named winners of the inaugural Rising Black Designers Scholarship and Design Challenge.

Two School of Architecture students have received a prestigious national scholarship for young Black designers by Gensler, one of the world’s largest design and architecture firms.

Krystol Austin G’22 (M.Arch.) and Coumba Kanté ’22 (B.Arch.) were named two of the 15 winners of the inaugural . Shiori Green ’22 (B.Arch.) was also selected as one of the finalists in the competition.

This new scholarship works to break down the barriers of entering the architectural profession by creating educational opportunities and materials resources to help talented design students overcome the costs associated with higher education. The program awards tuition scholarships, micro-scholarships for books and materials, and opportunities for summer internships to underrepresented Black students enrolled in U.S. not-for-profit architecture programs.

In addition to submitting an online application that included a resume, letter of recommendation and an example of an advanced-level architecture project, Gensler challenged tuition scholarship applicants to respond to design prompts that addressed current challenges in society. Finalists were also invited to submit a video that introduced themselves to the jury and presented their work.

Rethinking Social Cohesion in an Epidemiological Crisis

Krystol Austin’s project submission, “,” seeks to convolute two of the most unlikely things: quarantining and quarry restoration. The proposal creates a framework that addresses a new pandemic order by exploring the ritual of solitude, strict governance and programmatic typology engendered by the coronavirus outbreak.

To reinvent the human experience post-pandemic, the conceptual design for Austin’s master plan tapped into her interests in nature and biophilia, as well as her past research on the Tomkins Cove Quarry, an abandoned 199-acre limestone quarry along the Hudson River in Stony Point, New York. Taking a subversive approach to the Modulor—a universal proportioning scheme developed by Le Corbusier that places human needs at the center of design and architecture—Austin created graphic standards for social distancing that address the health concerns now associated with the use of space.

“By combining the typical dimensions of a man with guidelines outlined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization, I developed a new rule of thumb for creating post-pandemic architecture,” says Austin.

“Quarantine in an Abandoned Quarry” by Krystol Austin

Through a series of quarantines with reference states, Austin’s new modular way of designing reimagines rural spaces exploited by mining, challenges ideas of core restoration and explores how to reclaim the geology of abandoned, post-mining sites in a practical way.

“It’s really just finding creative ways for us to be ‘alone together’ in these trying times, using a site that is large enough to accommodate us doing so without consistently being isolated on the inside and incorporating the overlooked tools we need most to survive—biophilia, water and nature,” says Austin.

Austin, who received first prize honors in the competition, was also awarded a position in the for the summer of 2021 where she was paired with a mentor that served as a resource during the internship and ensuing academic year.

“I strongly believe that I am an amalgamation of my experiences; the opportunity to represent my country, my school, my alma mater, my race, my gender, my culture and socioeconomic background is an amazing feeling,” says Austin. “Winning this award shows that one can achieve their goals despite the inherent barriers in this industry.”

A Surrealist Critique of Syracuse Through an Urban Mask

Coumba Kanté’s project submission, “,” serves as a juxtaposition between the world of the above ground and the below ground. Rather than focus on the aesthetics of a structure, the design concentrates on the development of a spatial narrative that reimagines a bleak, gray concrete city center.

Sited in downtown Syracuse, New York, the project sits within a pool of water, an underwater world that merges with the preexisting programs of the city block and so greatly contrasts the city itself.

“Comprised of three primary components, it becomes an antithesis in experiencing the monumentalism from the inside, instead of seeing it from the outside—an out-of-this-world experience only able to be seen when inside the space,” says Kanté.

Interior programmatic rendering of “You are the Fish” by Coumba Kanté

By hiding the building from view and submerging it into water, the first component, the urban mask design isolates itself from the city of Syracuse, becoming its own entity. The new space emanates light and color, swimming fish and algae, a whole world thriving on its own.

The curved, concrete walls that encase the above-ground institutions become the second component, further isolating the institutions that lay within its walls and supporting and machining the organism that is created.

The third and most important component—the form—remains hidden, weaving through the water and the concrete, connecting and providing a new angle at which to view the above world.

“I’m fascinated by how every person perceives space differently and I think it’s extremely important to acknowledge this while designing,” says Kanté. “Adapting and re-evaluating what kind of spatial effect the lattice structure could have on human perception and the human experience was one of my primary considerations.”

“As a young designer, winning this scholarship symbolizes my potential as a future designer and architect, and inspires me to push myself and my designs to their limits,” says Kanté. “It also serves as a reminder to myself, and hopefully others, of how successful and impactful the work of Black designers is, and the importance it holds within changing climates.”

To learn more about Gensler’s scholarships, including the Rising Black Designers Scholarship and Design Challenge, visit .

The Forever Orange campaign is focused on advancing academic excellence at all levels

“Words can’t fully express the depth of our gratitude to our generous donors,” says Matt Ter Molen, chief advancement officer and senior vice president, Advancement and External Affairs. “We are making incredible things possible through the Forever Orange campaign, things our campus community couldn’t have imagined 10 years ago. We are literally reshaping futures in providing the resources to support the dreams and aspirations of our amazing students and faculty.”

The Forever Orange campaign is focused on advancing academic excellence at all levels, including providing opportunities for talented students to excel; supporting new ways to deliver the learning experience; attracting and retaining faculty who are engaged in interdisciplinary and meaningful research; and ensuring that the Orange promise to create a better world is accessible to all.

The Forever Orange campaign accomplishments thus far include:

• Allocation of $115.5 million to student financial aid and another $135 million to research funding;
• Creation of nearly 500 new scholarships, dramatically increasing the amount of financial support available to our students; and
• Establishment of approximately 65 new funds to support faculty research, including 18 new endowed chairs and professorships.

The campaign has also allowed the University to be responsive to the unique needs brought about by the global pandemic, raising $1.8 million for the Syracuse Responds COVID-19 relief effort to provide students with immediate financial support to continue their studies with minimal disruption. In addition, about $4.6 million has been raised to advance the University’s diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives.

Some of the campaign’s impact is visible across campus in new or transformed facilities, including the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center, renovations to the Syracuse University stadium, the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building and the Barnes Center at The Arch.

Recent gifts to the campaign demonstrate the variety of donor interests, the diverse opportunities for giving, and the potential impact for philanthropy to change lives and fuel career success. These include:

• A legacy gift that advances academic excellence by establishing a new institute to foster life science research and entrepreneurship that will bring discoveries to market safely and efficiently.
• New funding for undergraduates to have global experiences and opportunities to pursue communications careers.
• New support for students from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in science and mathematics (STEM).
• Financial assistance for graduate students dedicated to careers in citizenship and public affairs.
• A intended to expand the numbers of minorities majoring in engineering and computer science.
• Funding that advances futures for student-athletes and the athletics program.

Ter Molen also notes that more than 5,100 donors made a gift during Boost the ’Cuse giving day on Oct. 7, 2021, raising nearly $1.3 million. He credited the collaboration, creativity, enthusiasm and support of both donors and staffers who fuel the Forever Orange Campaign and sustain its momentum. More campaign initiatives are on the way as the University sets it sights on achieving the $1.5 billion campaign goal.

Cluster hires are hires of multiple scholars into at least two schools/colleges in related areas, based on shared, multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary research interests. Cluster hires and academic cluster creation serve to align the University’s research to extramural funding trends, strengthen research, scholarship and creative activity, enhance faculty diversity and develop opportunities for student research and learning that responds to societal challenges. Seven interdiscipliary clusters were originally created in 2018 through a faculty-led process. Three additional clusters were designated in early 2020.

The purpose of the working group’s review is to ensure the program is structured to meet its original objectives. These include aligning research to extramural funding trends, increasing research, scholarship and creative productivity, fostering valuable and sustainable interdisciplinary programs, and bringing new scholars into the University’s areas of existing or emerging distinctive excellence.

The working group is co-chaired by Jamie Winders, professor of geography and the environment and director of the Autonomous Systems Policy Institute, and Cole Smith, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Other members include:

• Duncan Brown (ex officio), Charles Brightman Endowed Professor of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences; chair of the Senate Committee on Research
• Carol Faulkner, professor of history, associate dean for academic affairs, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Lisa Manning, William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences; director of the BioInspired Institute
• Katherine McDonald, professor of public health and associate dean of research, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
• Ramesh Raina (ex officio), professor of biology, College of Arts and Sciences; interim vice president for research
• P. Raj, Distinguished Professor of Marketing and Chair, Department of Marketing, Martin J. Whitman School of Management
• Dacheng Ren, Stevenson Endowed Professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and associate dean for research and graduate programs, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Danielle Smith, professor of African American studies, College of Arts and Sciences; director of the Renée Crown University Honors Program

Lyons, a biochemistry major and active participant in the Syracuse University Ambulance Corps and Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, is remembered for going above and beyond to serve others.

Bob Lyons unveils the tribute to his son, James, inducted into the University’s National Veterans Resource Center’s Hall of Honor on Oct. 15.

Bob Lyons, James’ father, says he’s honored his son is being inducted into the Hall of Honor. “I was really blown away when I heard the news,” says Bob Lyons, who attended the event with his wife, Marcia. “When I’m gone, he’ll still be honored there. And I think that’s just wonderful. I don’t know how to say how much it means to me.”

“We miss him every day, especially as we get older since he was our only child,” says Bob Lyons, who has been a volunteer firefighter at the Brighton (New York) Volunteer Fire Department for “most of his life.” James Lyons, who grew up following his dad to many fire calls, loved the outdoors and was a Boy Scout.

James Lyons was well liked by his classmates, his father recalls. In school, he stood up to bullies and was elected king at his junior prom. “He had girls bugging him since the sixth grade,” says Bob Lyons.

Bob Lyons says his son was a talented athlete that gravitated toward defense. He played middle linebacker in varsity football and was a lacrosse defenseman at Brighton High School near Rochester. James Lyons finished high school at Vermont Academy as an All-New England lacrosse player in 1998. “He went to Syracuse University because he was going to play lacrosse, and then got hurt and never played,” Bob Lyons says.

James Lyons was inspired to pursue service when he attended a pair of immersion trips. The first was before graduating high school, when he visited Houston and was introduced to the medical profession. Later at Syracuse University, he decided he was going to take an EMT class offered in his biochemistry degree program. He loved the work and became an active member of the Ambulance Corps, helping people the way his father did as a volunteer firefighter.

The second trip was to Washington, D.C., during his sophomore year at the University. James Lyons was active in ROTC and attended a “staff ride.” “He got to sit in a tank and just loved it,” says his father.

After the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, James Lyons felt like it was his calling to pursue the military as a career.

The day after he graduated in 2003, James Lyons went to the Military Entrance Processing Station and, after completing a summer course, shipped out to Fort Sill in Oklahoma for basic combat training. He would go on to commission as a tank platoon leader.

As a tank commander, James Lyons led a crew from a small, cramped space inside a tank. The unfriendly confines weren’t enough to dissuade people from wanting to work with him. “He said ‘Dad, what should I do? Everybody wants to be in my platoon,’” says Bob Lyons.

James Lyons was a successful leader because he put people first. While serving in Iraq, he was tasked with going door to door and confiscating weapons. One blunderbuss, that wasn’t a viable weapon, was also a family heirloom. The Iraqi family was upset, so he got permission to return it. “That shows the caring that James had for people,” says Bob Lyons.

During his final rotation in September 2006, James Lyons was on a quick reaction force that responded to a group of insurgents gathered at a farmhouse. He led the attack from his tank and was shot and killed by a sniper. He was 28 years old. He was highly decorated at the time of his death, having earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal, among other honors.

Bob Lyons accepts an award on behalf of his son, James, recognized as the “Hometown Hero” during halftime at the Syracuse football game against Clemson University on Oct. 15.

Honoring his Memory

The communities that knew James Lyons created several scholarships and awards that continue his legacy of service to others.

One of the Lyons’s neighbors gave a large donation to the Brighton Fire Department in James’ memory. It inspired others to also donate and the fire department set up a scholarship dedicated in his memory. Annually, applicants that are going back to school and exemplify the values James Lyons lived by are awarded $1,000 scholarships.

Every year since 2015, the Syracuse University Ambulance Corps gives the James Lyons Citizenship Award to a graduating member who demonstrates exceptional service to others and is dedicated to the betterment of people in their daily lives. His uniform patches are still on display at the Syracuse Ambulance headquarters to this day.

On campus, his legacy is carried on through the James Lyons ’03 Sons and Daughters Memorial Scholarship Endowment. The scholarship helps support military children, with preference given to first-year students and is renewed through senior year.

Adia Gist ’21 was awarded the scholarship in 2020. Her father served in the U.S. Army for the past 29 years. The scholarship, combined with her father’s Post-9/11 GI Bill, financed her degree. “Honestly if it wasn’t for my scholarship, I would not have been able to go to a school like Syracuse University,” she says. “I’m very blessed that I’ve been able to do that.”

With the help of the scholarship, Gist was an active member of the campus community. She was involved in the WellsLink Leadership Program, which allowed her to work with a mentor. She danced for three years on campus with Creations Dance Company. She completed two internships, including one her senior year at Hearst Magazines. Gist also volunteered her time with the engineering ambassadors program visiting middle schools to introduce students to beginner engineering projects.

Gist has graduated and currently works for Hearst magazines. “And so, it is full circle for me to still be at Hearst in the magazine section. And I feel like I’m one step closer to being in the entertainment and media field,” says Gist. “It wouldn’t have been possible without having the scholarship.”

“Postdoctoral scholars make significant contributions to the University’s research, creative, scholarship and teaching missions. They mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers, collaborate with faculty and develop their own independent scholarship,” says Provost Gretchen Ritter. “I am impressed with the depth and breadth of the projects that will be supported by these postdoctoral awards.”

For the 2021 awards, a committee of 10 peer reviewers evaluated 43 applications from 27 different units. were funded across the College of Arts and Sciences, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Newhouse School of Public Communications, School of Education and ��School of Architecture. Two of the awards will fund positions co-sponsored by two schools and colleges.

“It is particularly exciting that so many of these awards are in areas where Syracuse University has exceptional strength or the opportunity for multidisciplinary collaboration,” says Ramesh Raina, interim vice president for research.

The goal of the Postdoctoral Scholars Program is to provide financial incentive for programs, departments, schools and colleges to increase the number of postdoctoral scholars across the University. It provides incentives for productive faculty to grow their research program, thereby increasing mentoring capacity for undergraduate and graduate research. Postdoctoral Scholars awards are funded through Invest Syracuse for a period of two years. The previous round of awards was made in 2019. Applications are open to research programs, departments, schools or colleges, but not to individual faculty. Each award must increase the total number of postdoctoral scholars in the unit.

Rachelly Buzzi, a senior international relations major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences, participated in the at Carnegie Mellon University. The program prepares participants for graduate school and ultimately for roles serving the public good.

Rachelly Buzzi

“I was definitely apprehensive about a virtual experience—mainly because the program is so rigorous and time-consuming, but I am really glad I did it,” she says.

“I gained so many quantitative skills that are important to public service and that complement my current studies in international affairs.”

Buzzi, who is also pursuing a minor in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises at the Whitman School, took courses in math, economics and data science, and says it was great to get in-depth and hands-on experience in those areas.

“It was frustrating at times, but the professors were so helpful and understanding, and the program actually made me so much more confident in my skills,” she says. “PPIA really helped me solidify that I do want to pursue graduate school. It showed me how to prepare for grad studies, what to look for and what to expect which helped me a ton, especially as a first-generation college student.”

She says the best part of the program was the people she met. “Everyone in my cohort is doing such great things, so it felt really validating and comforting to also be part of the cohort. It was great to connect and bond with them, even if it was just online. I still talk to several of them today,” Buzzi says. “The PPIA experience is definitely something that will stay with me as I continue with my studies and work towards a career in public service.”

Claire Howard

Claire Howard, a junior international relations and economics major in the Maxwell School and the College of Arts and Sciences, received a for immersive study of Arabic.��She says she was a bit apprehensive about learning language online.

“After more than a year of online classes, I wasn’t sure a virtual language immersion program would prove beneficial to learning or growth,” she says. “However, I was delighted to find that I was completely wrong.

Howard says the CLS program, even in a virtual environment, dramatically increased her understanding and competency of Arabic in a short time frame. “My classmates, teachers and language partners were so supportive and encouraging through the whole experience that I always felt excited and confident in my ability to effectively learn and communicate in a foreign language.”

The experience has also opened doors for her future, she says. “Members of the CLS alumni community have gone on to build incredible careers, from foreign service to academia to corporate success, and those alumni have been an invaluable resource as I am trying to build my own career. I couldn’t recommend the program enough.”

Jason Tan, a junior chemical engineering major in the College of Engineering and computer science, engaged in a program in chemical engineering in the (CBBG) at Arizona State University (ASU).

Jason Tan

Tan was also apprehensive as he approached the virtual experience. “Initially, I was confused about how a virtual REU would work,” he says. “After all, don’t you have to be in a lab to contribute to the research?

Tan says he was proven wrong by Cesar Torres, associate professor in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy in ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and graduate mentor Zachary Hubbard. “They brainstormed ways of having me contribute and decided to have me work on COMSOL Multiphysics. This program allows me to model the reaction they’re studying and predict results, which saves time/effort on potential experiments. I got to see (virtually) the lab and the experiments, which was nice.”

In addition to research, Tan had weekly meetings with other REU participants in the same program, attended seminars hosted by professors and participated in professional development opportunities.

“The people running the CBBG program did their best to make sure that the virtual REU experience was as good as it could be,” Tan says. “Although the REU was virtual and I’d prefer in-person, I’m still grateful for having the opportunity.”

Madison Tyler, a junior English and textual studies and African American studies major in the College of Arts and Sciences, received a (MURAP) award to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. MURAP is a preparatory program for students interested in pursuing graduate work in the humanities, social sciences and fine arts.

Madison Tyler

“Despite it being 100% virtual, with our workshops, mentor meetings and annual conference over Zoom, I had a great experience over the summer and was able to feel part of a vibrant, intellectual and dynamic community. I wasn’t at all apprehensive about doing the program virtually because I’d already done a year of classes on Zoom. Not only was I used to it by then, but I also consider myself an independent, self-driven learner who takes initiative with my own projects and academic goals,” she says.

Tyler says aspects of the program made it work virtually—a cohort that was really engaged and intentional about building community; engaging communication skills workshops; and welcoming and encouraging instructors and mentors.

Tyler gained a number of practical research skills and an understanding of the various phases and stages of humanities research. It was her first time writing a literature review, and a prospectus and paper of that magnitude. She also got to practice her presentation skills and learned to embrace sharing an unfinished product that’s still in-progress.

“That was a game changer for me because sharing your research with others at all stages is a vital part of the process and a great way to continuously get feedback and ask a variety��of questions that will only improve the work. You can’t be too precious or too perfect,” she says. “Research is ever evolving and my project on representations of upper middle class Black families in sitcoms may have led to more questions than answers.”

Avalon Gupta VerWiebe

Avalon Gupta VerWiebe, a food studies graduate student in the Falk College, is the first to receive the Evan Weissman Scholarship, a newly created scholarship fund honoring the late Professor Weissman that supports food studies graduate students. Gupta VerWiebe’s personal dedication and ongoing work in the fields of food and social justice and community food projects follow the legacy of Professor Weissman’s lifelong commitment to food justice and using food as a tool for social change.

Gupta VerWiebe is from Syracuse, but moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where she attended high school and completed her undergraduate degree in public health. “From the systemic inequalities I witnessed, I developed a passion for environmental justice and later food justice,” says Gupta VerWiebe. Before starting graduate school, she was involved with many organizations working in food justice, such as Louisville Community Grocery, Field Day Family Farm, Garden Commons Community Garden, New Roots Fresh Stop Markets and the Cardinal Cupboard Food Pantry, all in Louisville.

“I applied to Syracuse University’s food studies program because it offers courses that examine the social, political and cultural elements of the food system,” she says. “These courses are giving me the tools to advocate for transformational change.” The Falk College food studies program focuses on the social, political, economic and environmental contexts of food production, manufacturing, distribution and consumption—locally, nationally and globally. Students of the program gain a deep understanding of food policy and governance, gastronomy, health outcomes of food systems, human nutrition and food access.

“I hope to one day be able to work toward a more just food system that allows everyone the access to culturally appropriate, delicious, safe and healthy food grown and distributed by just means,” adds Gupta VerWiebe.

At Syracuse University, Gupta VerWiebe is completing a practicum with the University’s Lender Center for Social Justice. As a Lender Center Fellow, she works with the Syracuse Onondaga Food Systems Alliance (SOFSA) and is engaged in efforts to create an equity statement for SOFSA. In addition, she is working with the Onondaga Nation and with youth to document food stories of elders.

“Avalon stands out in her deep commitment to social and racial justice in the food system,” says Professor Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern, Gupta VerWiebe’s advisor and the director of the graduate food studies program. “Since returning to Syracuse last year, she has taken every opportunity to get involved in community-based food system projects here in the city. She embodies Professor Weissman’s personal and professional commitments to community-engaged research and creating lasting ties that improve food access and sustainability for all.”

Professor Evan Weissman was a tireless advocate for equity in the food system. A highly approachable, committed teacher who engaged students in community-based work to advance social change, his efforts provided the foundation for many communities regionally, nationally and beyond for grassroots food justice initiatives. He passed away unexpectedly in April 2020. To honor his legacy and to continue the work he believed in so deeply, his family created the Evan Weissman Scholarship Fund to defray tuition costs for food studies graduate students.

“This scholarship is an invaluable gift that will allow me to continue these studies,” says Gupta VerWiebe. “I am beyond honored to receive this scholarship in Evan Weissman’s name. Although I did not get a chance to meet Dr. Weissman, stories of how he advocated for social justice in the local food system and within the University inspire me to do the same.”

For more information about the food studies program at Syracuse University’s Falk College, please visit the .

Henrietta “Etta” Fielek

Opportunity is defined as a situation that makes it possible to do something you want to do. For Henrietta “Etta” Fielek ’70, G’77, the opportunity to attend her dream school—Syracuse University—was made possible by scholarship support and financial aid. Now, she’s ensuring that others have similar opportunities, especially those who are driven by the same kind of passionate curiosity that inspired her.

“I’m from a small town, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, a dying industrial city,” says Fielek. “I was a curious girl with a mother who encouraged me to be independent and to explore whatever I was interested in.” The young Etta showed an early interest in journalism, even reading newspaper headlines at age 4. As a teenager, she started a weekly newspaper for the town’s recreation department, reporting on playground news.

“I was always ‘nosey’ and curious and information-oriented. If you give people information that helps them make connections with people and things they need, they can have better lives,” Fielek says. She was editor of her high school newspaper and dreamed of a career in journalism. She saw the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications as the best way to achieve that dream.

It was the late 1960s when she headed to Syracuse University. The Vietnam War, the Kent State shootings and campus unrest dominated the national news. This small town girl began to see a much bigger world with even greater opportunities to explore. So she took advantage of scholarship support once more and headed to Florence, Italy, to study abroad during the spring semester of 1969. “I took an additional six weeks to travel around Europe on a train with another woman from Syracuse University,” Fielek says. “It was such an eye-opener!”

Those experiences as a Syracuse University student inspired Fielek.�� In 2020, through her estate plans, she established the Henrietta Fielek Endowed Scholarship to provide financial support to first-year students at Newhouse, supporting students both now and in the future. This year, she also established the Fielek Syracuse Abroad-Newhouse Fund, to cover program fees and other non-tuition expenses for undergraduate students in Newhouse interested in global experiences.

Dean Mark J. Lodato expresses deep gratitude for Fielek’s continuing support of the Newhouse School. “Her generous contribution will help more women and other curious and adventurous students succeed at Syracuse University and achieve their personal and professional goals,” Lodato says. “Etta is a shining example of the strength of the Newhouse School alumni network.”

In the late ’60s Fielek recalls women did not have the same opportunities to excel in reporting careers. After graduation, she worked at starter papers in New Jersey. “It wasn’t until that time that I understood the limitations professionally because I was a woman,” says Fielek. Female reporters were not allowed to cover what editors saw as more dangerous stories like an industrial plant explosion; they were forced to work the phones in the office instead. When offered a “promotion” to work the overnight desk, she decided to leave journalism and pursue new adventures.

“I knew there was a big world out there and unless I took the initiative to dip my toe in it, it wasn’t going to happen,” says Fielek. She headed to Washington, D.C., hand-delivered resumés to dozens of Congressional offices, pursued a job opening she heard about in an elevator, worked various public affairs and media relations jobs in government and eventually joined the American Hospital Association (AHA) where she spent nearly two decades and helped to launch the Coalition to Protect America’s Health Care. Two years ago, she retired from her position as vice president of political outreach for the AHA.

Fielek says her own professional success comes from both pursuing opportunities and seizing them when they come along. She credits her mother with essentially giving her permission to explore, take risks and be bold. “She never questioned my ideas. She never tried to get in my way. She let me try new things, screw up, make mistakes. She was never judgmental, even when I did crazy things. I think I have made every mistake there is to make,” she says. “The point is not to make the same mistake twice!”

Through her philanthropy, Fielek hopes to nurture in others, especially young women and others who have an entrepreneurial spirit, that sense of adventure that her mother offered her. “I just want to make it possible for them to fulfill their own dreams,” she says. “You don’t have to be a mega-millionaire to support a cause, to advance education and to support young people. You just have to decide what your priorities are—and then take action.”

About Syracuse University

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

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University

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

As a designated U.S.��Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence, Syracuse University is part of the congressionally mandated program funded by the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which partners with universities to increase the diversity of the U.S. intelligence workforce. The ICCAE offers undergraduate and graduate students unique coursework as well as programmatic and training opportunities to prepare for careers in any of the .

The Downey Scholarship is named for John “Jack” Downey, who was one of the first CIA paramilitary officers who distinguished himself under duress. In 1952, while on a clandestine mission during the Korean War, Downey’s aircraft was shot down in Manchuria, and he was imprisoned in China for 21 years. Downey, who later became a Superior Court judge, earned the Distinguished Intelligence Cross, the CIA’s highest award for valor.

Recipients��of the Downey Scholarship must be enrolled in, or be in the process of enrolling in, the Syracuse ICCAE program. Students can use the award stipend toward any need they have; many use the funding for travel related to their academic interests, conferences and expanding their skills.

“Downey Scholars are high-achieving students, interested in learning more about the diversity and importance of the work being done among the various Intelligence Community agencies—and how they might contribute one day,” says Carol Faulkner, chair of the Downey Scholars selection committee and professor of history and associate dean for academic affairs in the Maxwell School. “These students have a wide range of backgrounds and skills and a deep commitment to better understanding our world and the forces that shape it. The committee is pleased to honor their dedication and recognize their scholarship with the Downey Scholars Award.”

The students who received the award are the following:

• Courtney Blankenship, graduate student, international relations, security studies, Middle Eastern studies, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Justin Gluska, sophomore, computer science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Jonathan Hogg, graduate student, forensic science, College of Arts and Science
• Fiona Leary, graduate student, international relations, Maxwell School
• Miriam Mokhemar, College of Law
• Abigail Neuviller ’19, graduate student, public administration, Maxwell School, and College of Law
• Penny Quinteros, College of Law
• Grace Sainsbury, sophomore, international relations, College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School
• Ashtha Singh, sophomore, citizenship and civic engagement and international relations, College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program
• Meghan Steenburgh G’97, College of Law
• Madeline Tadeux, sophomore, biochemistry and forensic science, College of Arts and Sciences
• Amber Vandepoele, junior, biochemistry and forensic science, College of Arts and Sciences
• Emily Vecchi, graduate student, forensic science, College of Arts and Sciences

Other benefits for students who receive the Downey Scholarship include taking part in mentoring incoming SU ICCAE students to guide them through the program; opportunities for leadership development, internships and co-op programs within the IC; and induction into the SU ICCAE program, with recognition certificates from the IC.

Along with Faulkner, members on the interdisciplinary SU ICCAE Downey Scholars Selection Committee are Kristen Aust, director of career advising, College of Arts and Sciences; Michael Marciano, research assistant professor, forensic science, College of Arts and Sciences; Gladys McCormick, associate professor, history, Jay and Debe Moskowitz Endowed Chair in Mexico-U.S. Relations and director of diversity, equity and inclusion, Maxwell School; and Robert Murrett, professor of practice, public administration and international affairs, Maxwell School.

Evan Weissman

Weissman passed away unexpectedly while at home with his family on April 9, 2020. To honor his legacy and to continue the work he believed in so deeply, his family has created the Evan Weissman Scholarship Fund. The scholarship will defray tuition costs for food studies graduate students.

As an educator, mentor, scholar and friend, was committed to the human condition. He taught and inspired students and colleagues alike by rolling up his sleeves, working side-by-side with them in grassroots efforts, most of which he envisioned and ultimately led, to address food disparities in the Syracuse community. His work continues to serve as a national best practices model for bringing food justice to communities across urban America.

“We know how much Evan loved his students: he was so delighted to see them not only learning in the classroom but also learning in and from the community. He firmly believed that food justice was both a human rights and civil rights issue,” says Marsha Weissman, Professor Weissman’s mother. “In creating this scholarship, we are keeping Evan’s spirit alive.”

Those who would like to make a gift to the Evan Weissman Scholarship Fund can . To make a gift by check, please make it out to Syracuse University and mail to Falk College Advancement, 427 White Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244. If you have any questions, please contact David Salanger, assistant dean for Advancement and External Relations at 315.443.4588 or dasalang@syr.edu, or Megan Myers, assistant director of development at 315.443.1817 or mmyers01@syr.edu.

Evan Weissman and his family.

“Professor Weissman was a dedicated educator and mentor who engaged students by connecting them to real-world experiences, including involvement in his own scholarship, advocacy, and community work to build a more equitable food system. By bringing students out of the classroom and into the world, Professor Weissman’s students became active change-makers for social justice, learning values and skills that will serve them well as leaders of tomorrow,” says Diane Lyden Murphy, Dean of Falk College. “We are deeply grateful to the Weissman family for their meaningful gift. The Evan Weissman Scholarship Fund honors Evan’s legacy and his deep commitment to his students.”

Weissman joined Falk College in 2012 and played an instrumental role on the collaborative team that successfully launched a bachelor of science in food studies in 2014 and additional academic programs since that time. In addition to his service as undergraduate director of the Falk food studies program, Weissman was an affiliated faculty member in the Aging Studies Institute and the Maxwell School’s department of geography. He was an active research collaborator at the University, SUNY ESF and beyond.

Weissman was a founding member and served on the board of Syracuse Grows and served on the Onondaga County Agricultural Council. He was also involved with the Syracuse Hunger Project. His unwavering dedication to these causes also helped launch the newly-formed Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance (SOFSA), a multi-sector coalition of stakeholders from across the food system in Onondaga County.

As a professor and researcher, Evan Weissman (pictured far right) connected his students to the causes of inequality to food access and the many ways to address it. His unwavering dedication to these causes led to him to be a co-founder of Syracuse Grows, an organization that supports urban food production through community gardening.

His scholarship was directly and consistently focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion through community-engaged, participatory teaching. Shortly before he passed, Weissman was awarded the Lender Faculty Fellowship. This project continues with the leadership of his colleague and friend, Maxwell School Professor Jonnell Robinson, and student fellows focused on creating a local food system that prioritizes access, sustainability and resiliency.

The newly created scholarship honoring Weissman will support current and future students in advancing his life-long commitment to food justice and using food as a tool for social change.

Photo provided by Cafui Awasu [Please note, this image was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and does not reflect current public health guidelines.]

These funds help to further enhance global perspectives within the Syracuse community. “We are delighted that we are able to provide students with greater access to study abroad at this time when learning, engaging, and collaborating across borders is more important than ever,” says Assistant Provost and Executive Director of Syracuse Abroad Erika Wilkens.

With generous support from the , the $1.4 million in new funds will be awarded to undergraduate students participating in semester programs during the 2021-22 academic year.

Awards and grants will apply to both Syracuse Center and World Partner programs and are particularly designed to assist students with financial need, as well as to recognize academic achievement. Students will also remain eligible for all other existing scholarships and grants.

With the financial challenges many are facing at this time, eligible students will automatically be awarded with the amounts outlined below and the application fee for Fall 2021 semester programs will be lowered. The application deadline for Fall 2021 programs is April 1. .

New Awards for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022

Academic Excellence Award: Full-time semester program students with a GPA of 3.7–4.0 attending a fall or spring semester will receive an academic excellence award in the following amounts: $1,400 for fall 2021 programs and $650 for spring 2022 programs. The award is based on cumulative GPA as reported at the time of application to the program.

Need-Based Merit Award: Eligible full-time semester program students with a GPA of 3.0–3.69 will receive a need-based merit award in the following amounts: $1,000 for Fall 2021 programs and $400 for Spring 2022 programs. The award is based on the combination of qualifying GPA and financial need levels.

Travel Assistance Grants: Eligible full-time semester program students will receive an award of $850 for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 programs. This grant will be awarded to students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the Syracuse University Office of Financial Aid. This grant will be a part of a student’s total financial aid package and students will need to cover upfront costs of purchasing the flight as these funds will not be disbursed until closer to the start of the semester.

Application Fee Reduction: The application fee has been reduced to $50 for fall 2021 semester programs for all students.

Grants and aid for Syracuse University undergraduate students are determined by financial need based on your FAFSA and CSS Profile, and various eligibility criteria apply. Students with additional questions about eligibility should contact their .

Students studying with Syracuse Abroad from partner institutions must first add Syracuse University to FAFSA in order to be considered for need-based awards and can use code: 002882.

Fall 2021 Programs and COVID-19 Plans

Syracuse Abroad staff on campus and overseas are excited and optimistic about the future of study abroad. At this time, the goal of Syracuse Abroad is to reassure students and the Syracuse University community that plans are in place to move forward with Fall 2021 programming.

A dynamic set of programs has been designed for the Fall 2021 semester, which include enriching coursework and stimulating cultural activities, engaging professors, strong student support, exciting educational field trips and a myriad of experiential learning opportunities. While the goal is to move forward with fall study abroad opportunities, the highest priority is the health and safety of students, and public health and travel advisories will continue to be reviewed leading up to the Fall 2021 semester.

More details about the fall semester programming and highlights can be found on the program pages below:

Students, parents and faculty can learn more about Syracuse Abroad’s . These comprehensive plans have been developed in collaboration with campus experts and public health officials, in line with local regulations and resources. These health and safety precautions provide center staff and faculty with the knowledge and guidance to keep each fall program running smoothly and efficiently–with academic, health and safety, and on-the-ground support plans in place.

Students can start planning for their semester abroad and. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For more information about fall programs, contact Syracuse Abroad’s international program advisors or .

A student works in the laboratory of Professor Robert Doyle.

The funding effort, managed by the University’s Office of Research, seeks to grow the research enterprise, foster interdisciplinary collaborations and enhance University-based scholarship to increase extramural funding and high-quality scholarly output. The program was launched in 2017 as part of the $100 million Invest Syracuse initiative to enhance academic excellence.

The 2021 CUSE Grant Program incorporates significant changes in response to requests from the Syracuse University research community. These include:

• A reduction in the number of proposal documents needed for all grant applications, especially for the smaller funding opportunities, to reduce the burden of application completion.
• An increase in the amount of funding that can be requested for equipment on the Innovative and Interdisciplinary Research and Good to Great grants, from $5,000 to $10,000.
• For 2021, the program will offer a limited number of COVID-Relief Grants of up to $15,000 to fund the continuation or completion of ongoing research projects that have slowed or stalled due to the impact of the pandemic.

The CUSE grant program supports faculty research in all disciplines, including basic, translational and applied sciences; social sciences; physical and life sciences; engineering; liberal arts and humanities; and professional studies, as well as creative and other scholarly activities. Priority is given to strategic interdisciplinary initiatives at the University and disciplinary research areas with great potential for extramural funding and institutional recognition.

Five types of grants are available for 2021:

• Seed Grant: Funding is capped at $5,000 per grant. Applications can be individuals or teams.
• Innovative and Interdisciplinary Research Grant: Funding is capped at $30,000 per grant. Applications can be individuals (innovative) or teams (interdisciplinary research).
• Good to Great Grant: Funding is capped at $30,000 per grant. Applications can be individuals or teams.
• Interdisciplinary Seminar Grant: Funding is capped at $10,000. Applications can be individuals or teams.
• COVID-Relief Grant: Funding is capped at $15,000.�� Applications can be individuals or teams.

The full RFP is available on the . Applications are now being accepted through Syracuse University’s Applicant Portal: .

Subject-specific information sessions are also being scheduled; check research.syr.edu for more scheduled events.

In the 2020 round, the CUSE Grant Program funded 59 projects in the humanities, social sciences, creative arts and STEM areas.

For more information, visit the��.

Felix E. Cochren Jr.

The Felix E. Cochren Jr. Memorial Scholarship intends to promote a more diverse student body in the drama department by providing scholarship and financial assistance to current students who are underrepresented in the program. Cochren was a beloved associate professor of theater design and technology in the department from 2002 to 2019, when he at age 68.

“Felix was an award-winning and ground-breaking designer, a distinguished member of the Department of Drama faculty for 17 years and a gracious colleague,” says Ralph Zito, professor and chair of the department. “Most importantly, he was a dedicated and caring mentor, not only to his design students, but to students in all programs of study—particularly to students of color. I can think of no better way to honor his memory—especially at this moment in the life of our nation and our institution—than through the establishment and expansion of this fund.”

The fund, which will begin awarding scholarships to students in Fall 2021, was established with a generous gift from the Gerald & Daphna Cramer Foundation Inc., facilitated by Lauren B. Cramer L’94, chair of the VPA Council and a member of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees. The gift is the latest in support of Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University’s $1.5 billion goal.

Cramer learned that Ricky Pak, an assistant professor of acting, was working with a creative team of drama students and alumni on a new theatrical project in conjunction with Syracuse University’s 150th anniversary that aimed to inspire 150 donors to give $150 to support underrepresented drama students. The piece, “Impact: Past, Present, Future,” explores the University’s history and examines its values as an institution with a specific focus on diversity and inclusion.

“Diversity and inclusion in the student population is a cornerstone value not only within the drama department but throughout the greater Syracuse University community as a whole,” says Pak. “However, a unique challenge for drama is that if we do not have a diverse population of students, it directly impacts our day-to-day curriculum. We lose the ability to tell stories that are not traditionally told to the rest of the greater Syracuse community because we don’t have the appropriate student population from which to cast. The University has a richly diverse history that traces all the way back to its founding—a history that our project seeks to highlight while also creating opportunities for underrepresented students to be able to tell those stories on our stages one day.”

To encourage 150 donations to the Felix E. Cochren, Jr. Memorial Scholarship fund, the department will present “Impact: Past, Present, Future” as a series of four live staged readings directed by Pak on Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 8 and March 22. The performances are free and open to the public. Registration is required. To register and make a donation to the fund, visit .

For more information or to make a gift to the fund, contact��Mike Grannis, assistant director of development and alumni relations in VPA’s Office of Advancement, at 315-708-2377 or mjgranni@syr.edu.

About Forever Orange

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

This comes in the form of a cash donation to the Our Time Has Come (OTHC) Scholarship Program by Juvare, which makes software that helps corporations, hospitals, government agencies and municipalities with emergency management and response.�� The gift is the latest in support of Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University’s $1.5 billion goal, and will support the Our Time Has Come Scholarship Program. Launched in 1987, the Our Time Has Come Scholarship Program is the largest scholarship fund benefitting Black and Latino students at Syracuse University.

For Juvare, it’s another example of how the company is giving back, especially during challenging times, with recognition that a college education and workplace experience is vital for success. Case in point: Juvare continues to offer internships to students, realizing the importance of the workplace experience.��

To date, over 1,500 OTHC scholarships have been awarded, creating opportunities for many young men and women. Among them are Juvare senior vice president of software engineering Reggie Acloque, an OTHC scholar from the Class of ’99.

“At Juvare, we understand the power of a scholarship, especially one that helps drive inclusion, diversity, equity and access,” says Acloque. “Personally, for me, the Our Time Has Come scholarship afforded me the opportunity to both finance and finish my education at SU. We view this scholarship as a way that we can pay it forward by contributing to a student’s academic and leadership development, helping them excel in their field of study, and providing a richer and fulfilling student experience, without the additional stress of financial burdens.”

“We value diversity at Juvare and are constantly striving to be better,” says Juvare President and CEO Bob Watson ’79. “We realize the importance of a Syracuse University education and take pride in being able to make this dream a reality for underserved students through the Our Time Has Come scholarship.”

“Juvare’s generous gift to the Our Time Has Come scholarship fund will benefit many talented and deserving students for many years to come,” says Rachel Vassel, assistant vice president in the Office of Multicultural Advancement. “It’s rewarding and enriching that great alumni like Bob and Reggie are literally giving back, and I’m especially pleased that this comes from a former OTHC scholarship recipient.”

For the academic year 2020-2021, almost 90 students were awarded OTHC scholarships. “When companies like Juvare work together with us to equip students of color to be successful, there is no stopping them,” says Angela Morales-Patterson, director of operations and partnerships in the Office of Multicultural Advancement, who leads corporate relations for the program. “Corporate partnerships like this one will change the world for the better.”

About Juvare

Juvare is a worldwide leader in emergency preparedness and incident management and response technology. Juvare solutions empower��government agencies, corporations, healthcare facilities, academic institutions, and volunteer organizations to leverage real-time data to manage incidents faster and more efficiently, protecting people, property, and brands. For more information, visit��.

About Syracuse University

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

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

The gift, the latest in support of Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University’s $1.5 billion goal, will support the creation of The Martin Bandier Scholarship. The scholarship will provide critical financial support for students from underrepresented populations who are enrolled in the in the . Bandier founded the program in 2006.

“Martin Bandier’s generosity will ensure students have access to the preeminent music industry program in the nation,” says Newhouse dean Mark J. Lodato. “His commitment to removing barriers to higher education is exactly what we need in this challenging time.”

The Martin Bandier Scholarship will make it possible for diverse students with financial need to pursue careers in music business through a Newhouse education. The Bandier Program combines the study of the business of music, media, marketing and entrepreneurship with hands-on experiences that prepare students for successful careers in the music industry. It is consistently ranked by Billboard magazine as one of the top programs of its kind in the country.

Bandier’s gift will provide a half-tuition scholarship to an outstanding first-year student; the program will support five scholars over the first five years. At the same time, Bandier has established an endowed fund that will support the Bandier Scholarship program in perpetuity. The scholarship will be awarded to one student annually and follow that student over the course of his or her four years in the program. The Bandier Scholarship will be among the largest single scholarship grant offered by Syracuse University.

“The Bandier Program has long been committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment,” says , director of the program. “This generous gift will be an enormous boost to our recruiting and retention efforts and will continue to ensure that the absolute best and brightest minds have an opportunity to study in the program and ultimately enter the music business.”

Over the years, graduates of the Bandier Program have successfully pursued business and entrepreneurial careers and built a strong alumni network to support the aspirations of current and future students.

Bandier has remained involved with the program since its founding and takes a personal interest in the success of the students. Every year, he meets one-on-one with each member of the graduating class to discuss career goals and find ways to help them as they seek their first positions in the business.

Bandier is chairman and CEO of Bandier Ventures. Prior to this, he was the chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Widely considered one of the most influential music publishers in history, Bandier built every publishing company he ran—including The Entertainment Company, SBK, EMI and Sony/ATV—into a powerhouse. Throughout his career, Bandier fought tirelessly on behalf of songwriters to ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work both by streaming companies and other music services. With his thought leadership the industry made great progress, including when the President signed the Music Modernization Act into law in 2018. Bandier has received numerous awards including the BMI Icon Award in 2019, the Lifetime Service Award from the National Publishers’ Association in 2017 and two honors from the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1990 and 2019).

About the Newhouse School

Widely regarded as the nation’s leading school of communications, the Newhouse School is engaged in industry partnerships and ongoing academic development that prepare students and faculty to address the issues of today’s rapidly changing media landscape. Newhouse embraces virtually every known form of information dissemination—from print and broadcast journalism, to social media and online communication, to advertising and public relations, to photography, television, film and the business of music. Faculty members come primarily from the profession and are skilled at teaching and research. Students are among the best in the country, having secured a place in the class through a highly competitive admissions process. Upon graduation they become part of a large, loyal and highly accomplished group of alumni—individuals who are shaping the future of public communications across the globe.

About Syracuse University

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

About Forever Orange

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

Hanna McNabb
Louis A. and Patricia H. Mautino Veteran Endowed Scholarship

Hanna McNabb is a senior studying political science. Prior to coming to Syracuse University, McNabb served three years active duty in the U.S. Army as a paralegal specialist for the 10th Mountain Division, where she won the Paralegal of the Year competition, with the highest score of both non-commissioned officers and junior enlisted soldiers.

McNabb is involved with several student organizations, including the Army ROTC Challenge Team and the Salute National Veterans Honor Society. She is also an avid CrossFit athlete and volunteers as a designated driver for the Fort Drum Drunk Driving Prevention Program.

Following her graduation, McNabb will commission as an officer in the U.S. Army.�� To help reach her ultimate goal of serving as a judge advocate in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps, McNabb intends to apply for the U.S. Army Funded Legal Education Program, which selects 25 soldiers each year to attend law school while remaining on active duty.

McNabb is especially appreciative of the Mautino family: “By awarding me with the Louis A. and Patricia H. Mautino Veteran Scholarship, you have lightened my family’s financial burden and allowed me to focus more on my education and campus involvement at Syracuse University,” she said.

Scott Deutsch
Gerald B. Faigle Jr. and Roberta M. Faigle Student Veteran Endowed Scholarship��

For most of his life, Scott Deutsch has dreamt of becoming an attorney. A U.S. Army veteran, he retired as a captain after serving both as enlisted and an officer. With specialties in accounting and finance, Deutsch’s career in the Army took him, along with his wife and two daughters, all over the world. After retiring, Deutsch decided it was time to chase his dream. “I learned SU was offering the first live online legal program, and the idea of being a part of the program knowing they had a relationship with veterans, as well as having the resourceful Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, made the decision easy,” he said.

The Gerald B. Faigle Jr. and Roberta M. Faigle Student Veteran Endowed Scholarship will help to lighten the burden of seeking a legal education. “I want the Faigle family to know this award enables me to focus my energy and thoughts on my academics. Their generosity inspires me to help others and I can only hope to be in a similar position to provide scholarships to students in the future,” Deutsch says.

Deutsch, who is in the second year of his studies in the (JDi) program, the University’s fully online law degree program, is an active member of the Student Bar Association and the Veterans Legal Clinic. After completing his degree, Deutsch hopes to continue pro bono work for veterans. “The VLC has enabled me to help my fellow brothers and sisters in arms and truly is a heartwarming experience to help someone who otherwise wouldn’t have the means to seek assistance,” he says.

Deutsch is joined at Syracuse University by his daughter, Lauren, who is in her first year of studies at the College of Law. He is proud to have her by his side and says his two daughters are his proudest accomplishment. “Raising them to be independent, respectful young women and watching them mature and embark on their own academic journey and career endeavors makes it tough to top anything I have done individually,” he says.

Kyle Huff
Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students

Kyle Huff is a senior civil engineering major hailing from Kersey, Pennsylvania. Huff currently serves in the New York Army National Guard as a maintenance control officer.

Huff is involved in the Student Veterans Organization and the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, which includes only the top eighth of students. He is also a member of the Syracuse University rugby team.

Following his expected graduation this December, Huff plans to attend the Basic Officer Leadership Course in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he will train to become a qualified engineering officer in the U.S. Army National Guard. As Huff approaches graduation, he is appreciative of the scholarship to propel him towards his plans for the future. “This award motivates me to keep working hard and to be the best citizen-soldier I can possibly be,” he said. “I am confident and excited to begin the next chapter of my life and serve my community through military service and engineering expertise.”

Divyne Hutchinson
Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students

An aerospace engineering major from Bronx, New York, Divyne Hutchinson dreamed of attending Syracuse University since she was in the eighth grade. “When I first visited, I was welcomed with open arms and it made it feel like I could be my best self here,” says Hutchinson. “I spent hours making sure that my grades were more than ‘good enough’ and that my supplements were perfect, so it was an extremely proud moment for me when I received that acceptance letter in the mail.”

Hutchinson has participated in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and is a first-year U.S. Air Force ROTC cadet. Since arriving on campus this fall, Hutchinson has been volunteering at the University’s COVID-19 testing site. “I am happy that I was able to be a part of this community effort to ensure the safety of everyone on campus,” she says.

After graduation, Hutchinson plans to commission into the U.S. Air Force as a second lieutenant. “It has always been my dream to serve my nation, so it would be an honor to fulfill this dream and make my nation proud,” she says. Hutchinson is grateful to Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar for recognizing her with the scholarship, saying, “This award will significantly contribute to my success and will be a driving force on my journey to a degree in aerospace engineering and commissioning into the world’s greatest Air Force. Thank you for helping my dreams become a reality.”

Shaei Rodriguez
Lucy and Joseph Napoli Veterans Scholarship Endowed Fund

Shaei Rodriguez is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in knowledge management. He is studying online while stationed at Camp Springs, Maryland, in his fourth year of active duty in the U.S. Air Force.

Earlier this year, Rodriguez was selected to attend the 2020 Student Veterans of America National Conference in Los Angeles, the largest annual convening of Post-9/11 veterans in the United States, with other Syracuse University student veterans. “Not only was I humbled to have represented SU, but it was also the first time I traveled specifically as a result of my hard work,” Rodriguez says.

Rodriguez is especially grateful to the Napoli family for the scholarship, which will lessen the financial hardship of his studies. “I am extremely humbled by the Napoli family’s generosity towards the Syracuse University community,” Rodriguez says. “I am immensely grateful for their kindness.”

After graduation, Rodriguez hopes to earn an MBA degree from Notre Dame. “My parents never had the opportunity to study beyond high school, and by continuing my education, I hope to inspire my younger relatives,” he says.

Students during the New York City Career Immersion Trip in fall 2019 at the CBS Broadcast Center. Pictured in photo are Jeff Glor ’97 (center) and Richard M. Jones ’92, G’95, L’95 (kneeling).

Novack, the OVMA’s executive director, and Pluta, the assistant director of Veteran Career Services, first looked at the University’s student veterans and found that only 6 to 8 percent of the undergraduate population were participating in summer internships. This was a concern since OVMA’s charge is to help student veterans find the right jobs following graduation and internships are a crucial component of their job search.

“The national barriers in the Student Veterans of America study hit home here,” Novack says. “We started thinking about how to reallocate funding to change our student’s thinking from self-elimination—I can’t do this—to now allowing our student veterans to consider internships as a serious option.”

As a result of their efforts, Novack and Pluta have introduced the first OVMA Student Veteran Undergraduate Internship Award that is open to all full- and part-time undergraduate student veterans. The annual award will provide financial assistance to undergraduate student veterans during the summer semester, when internships are most prevalent.

The first application period is now open and extends through Feb. 15. Novack, who served 33 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a colonel in 2015, says the award is funded through the generous donors who contribute to the OVMA Veteran Legacy Fund and will be a “game-changer” for undergraduate student veterans at Syracuse.

“This award speaks to the collaborative effort on the whole of the University to make Syracuse the best place for veterans,” Novack says. “I tip my hat to Jennifer for pulling this together and our generous Veteran Legacy Fund donors who allow us to identify gaps, be creative and apply the resources to give our student veterans even more opportunities.”

Pluta’s position was created in 2015 to assist Chancellor Kent Syverud’s initiative to support veterans. Unlike other college career services departments where veterans are included with other students, Pluta is dedicated solely to student veterans.

When looking at the issue of internships, Pluta says she remembers one recent student veteran who was offered an internship offer in New York City. But that student veteran faced several barriers: How do I carry my lease in Syracuse and sublet in the city? Where do I put my car? What about my dog?

“Most traditional students can go back home over the summer,” Pluta says. “But for many student veterans, there is no back home. They may already have a family and need to pay for rent, utilities and food, and since non-paid internships are common you can see why a veteran is less likely to do an internship.”

Novack points out that the three top areas on the East Coast for internships are New York City, Washington, D.C., and Boston—three of the most expensive cities to live in. And while student veterans receive stipends through the GI Bill, they would need to take classes over the summer to maintain that stipend during the summer months.

Students visit Paramount Pictures as part of the Los Angeles Career Immersion Trip in January 2020.

“If they have to make a decision between doing this internship or taking a financial hit, particularly if the student veteran has a family, on balance the family side wins out every time,” Novack said. “This fund provides an option and an opportunity that might not otherwise exist.”

The internship award is the latest initiative by the OVMA, which serves as the University’s single point of entry for all veteran and military-connected students. The OVMA’s mission is to support student veterans by assisting with their veteran educational benefits and work-study programs and providing an opportunity for student veterans to build community in conjunction with the Student Veterans Organization.

Under Pluta’s direction, OVMA’s career services department has reached 100 percent job placement for student veterans for four consecutive years. And now the internship award will enable a student veteran to land an otherwise unattainable internship that could lead to the veteran’s dream job.

“The No. 1 reason that student veterans go to college, as opposed to going directly into the workforce, is to obtain a degree to get a new career,” Pluta said. “By providing financial assistance for internships, we are supporting student veterans’ career pathways to employment.”

How To Apply and Support the Veteran Legacy Fund

Student veterans can learn more about the .

For questions, please email Pluta at jrpluta@syr.edu.

For those who are interested in learning more about how to make an impact on the life of a student veteran by providing the financial means for an internship, please visit the webpage.

, dean of the Newhouse School, announced the establishment of the Lorraine Branham Scholarship Program.

Lorraine Branham

Used primarily to recruit and support Newhouse students from socioeconomically disadvantaged populations and other underrepresented groups, the program will provide under-resourced, talented students the opportunity to attend Syracuse University and the Newhouse School debt-free. The program is supported by both school resources and donor funds.

The program is named in honor of late Newhouse dean Lorraine Branham, who died in April 2019. “Lorraine was a champion of access to higher education, and I’m confident this new multimillion-dollar investment would make her proud,” says Lodato.

This new program will supplement the Lorraine E. Branham Endowed Scholarship for Newhouse students from underrepresented populations, which was created in Branham’s memory by alumni and friends following her death.

Through the new program, as many as 10 scholarships will be awarded each fall; recipients will be known as Branham Scholars. The program will also support “Finish Line” scholarships for rising juniors and seniors who need financial assistance to complete their education at Newhouse. In addition, a merit-based Branham Prize will be awarded to an incoming first-year student as recognition of his or her accomplishments in the classroom and the communications space while in high school.

Lasting Legacy

“Lorraine was passionate about making diversity a priority across the school,” says , senior associate dean for academic affairs, who worked with Branham for 11 years. “It has always been a plank in our strategic plan and [led to] many of the initiatives and accomplishments that came about—in curriculum, recruitment and retention of students and faculty, scholarships, internships, guest speakers and speaker series.”

Payton Campbell, now a senior in , says Branham helped facilitate her enrollment at Newhouse, and was an inspiration to her. “Having a Black woman as the dean of my prestigious communications school meant everything to me. She motivates me to thrive and excel in my career every day,” says Campbell, who is president of the SU chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. “Dean Branham dedicated her life to helping students of color like me gain access and superb training to reach our highest goals in the industry.”

Angela Y. Robinson ’78, director of operations for the National Association of Black Journalists, recommended Branham for the dean position in 2008. “With great conviction, Lorraine worked tirelessly to recruit, retain and support all students, especially students from underrepresented communities—students too often overlooked. She understood the urgency of not simply opening the door, but removing the door altogether,” Robinson says. “Because of this scholarship program, her legacy endures.”

Continued Progress

The establishment of the Branham Scholarship Program is one of several initiatives aimed at expanding and enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion at the Newhouse School.

Beginning during Branham’s tenure, the school strengthened curricular content in diversity, adding the Race, Gender and Media course, which is required for all students. Industry partnerships with companies such as LinkedIn, Time Inc. and Bustle have led to internship and fellowship programs for students of color. The Newhouse Foundation Fellowship for Minorities has provided more than 100 journalism graduate students with full-tuition scholarships and on-the-job training at Advance Media New York. Margins, a mentorship group for first-year and transfer students from underrepresented communities, including students of color and LGBTQIA+ students, was formed last year.

Lodato created the Newhouse Dean’s Student Leadership Council to improve connectivity and communication between school leadership and students. He also established new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committees on the Newhouse Advisory Board and the Newhouse 44, the school’s alumni networking and mentorship group.

In August, all Newhouse faculty and staff participated in the Prejudice Habit-Breaking Intervention with Patricia Devine, a professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

“We are elevating the importance of these issues throughout our community—students, faculty, staff and alumni,” Lodato says.

Additional initiatives are in the planning stages, as outlined in Lodato’s message to the Newhouse community last summer. Those include:

• The establishment of a new fund to support collaborative faculty and undergraduate student research in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• The creation of special topics workshops from each department that examine the intersection between the discipline and issues of race and injustice.
• The establishment of a communications career fair for minority-owned businesses.

“At the Newhouse School, we are dedicated to a culture grounded in inclusion and respect, and to preparing our students to enter and lead our industries in an increasingly diverse nation and world,” Lodato says.

Richardson, one of five teenagers wrongly convicted and sentenced as teenagers in the highly publicized Central Park jogger rape case, was just 14 years old at the time of his arrest. His dream at the time was to pursue an undergraduate degree and play the trumpet in the marching band at Syracuse University. While honorary degrees are usually awarded at the doctoral level, when the University contacted Richardson about the conferral, he specifically requested that he receive the bachelor of fine arts that he had hoped to earn before he was prosecuted and jailed for a crime he did not commit.

In announcing the honor during the University’s virtual Coming Back Together Black and Latino alumni reunion, Chancellor Kent Syverud noted that “Syracuse University has never awarded an undergraduate honorary degree. I am deeply grateful to all who joined in the process of recognizing Kevin Richardson for this well-deserved honor.”

Honorary degrees recognize individuals who have made exceptional and notable contributions to the institution or the broader society. Since his exoneration, Richardson has been an advocate for criminal justice reform, working with The Innocence Project. In recognizing Richardson’s contributions to criminal justice reform and bettering the lives of individuals released from prison Syverud said, “While a very young man, your character was tested. Your response has been to address the world with great wisdom, compassion and activism. These values are the same attributes you find in graduates of Syracuse University.”

Kevin Richardson

“Universities have the potential to influence the arc of a student’s life and the responsibility to promote a more equitable society. Mr. Richardson’s life story is one we all should should follow and seek to fully understand. Despite his personal experience of injustice, Kevin Richardson has persevered and sought to make a positive difference. He has��elevated��the cause of social justice each step of the way,” said Keith A. Alford, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

In September 2019, Richardson visited Syracuse University for the first time and was honored with the creation of the , which is awarded with a preference for supporting Black and Hispanic students with unmet financial need. Our Time Has Come scholars also receive leadership training and support while making valuable connections with the Syracuse Alumni network. The scholarship was launched with a lead gift from Tara Brown Favors ’95. Favors and her two sons were inspired by the Netflix miniseries “When They See Us,” a retelling of the flawed police investigation and prosecution that led to Richardson and four other youths’ wrongful conviction and jail sentences. She has since encouraged her classmates—who ��would have been enrolled with Richardson—to join her in growing the scholarship.

Kevin Richardson, second from left, met with students during a visit to the University in 2019.

Rachel Vassel ’91, assistant vice president of multicultural advancement said, “The publicity for ‘When They See Us’—and particularly Mr. Richardson’s stated ambition to attend Syracuse University—ignited a groundswell of support from our Black and Latino alumni and students and the idea of honoring him with a named scholarship was born. The opportunity to formally welcome him to the Orange family with the degree he was tragically prevented from earning is incredibly meaningful. We are so grateful to everyone who has chosen to honor Mr. Richardson by making a contribution to the Our Time Has Come Kevin Richardson Scholarship and look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus to celebrate with him when we are able to gather again.”

About Syracuse University

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

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual poinsettia and wreath sale will not be able to be held. Instead, the WUC is partnering with Flower Power Fundraising to sell beautiful Amaryllis (six colors) and fragrant, easy to grow Paperwhites kits. The WUC will receive 50 percent of all plant sales which will go directly to scholarship funds.

Individual bulbs are $22 each and the value kit (three bulbs) is $58. Plants will be shipped directly to the delivery address indicated at a flat shipping fee of $6.

by Nov. 30 and are guaranteed to be shipped by Dec. 1.

Assul Larancuent [Please note, this image was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and does not reflect current public health guidelines.]

The Rochelle Nicolette Perry Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a currently enrolled college student studying engineering/engineering technology in New York or Iowa. They need to be an active SWE member, involved in planning and participating in events in their community or other organizations.

“Receiving this scholarship is an honor, it means even more coming from the Society of Women Engineers. For 70 years SWE has been advocating for women in engineering fields and providing opportunities for mentorship and career advancement. I am excited to grow as an engineer and even more, to continue to pave the way that has already been started by SWE for more female representation in engineering,” says Larancuent.

In 1986, Ariel Chu’s parents immigrated from Taiwan to the United States. In Taiwan, her parents were both engaged in their passions—her father was a well-known programmer and her mother a beloved Chinese literature teacher. The political and economic uncertainty in Taiwan, and their desire to give their future children a better life, influenced them to make the move to California. Growing up, Chu was aware that her parents sacrificed their passions so that she and her younger brother would have the opportunity to pursue theirs.

This summer, Chu will travel to Taiwan, where she will live for a year as a 2020 Luce Scholar and pursue fiction writing and literary study. Chu is the second Luce Scholar in Syracuse University’s history. The Luce Scholars Program is a nationally competitive fellowship program launched by the Henry Luce Foundation in 1974 to enhance the understanding of Asia among future leaders in American society. The program provides stipends, language training and individualized professional placement in Asia for 15-18 Luce Scholars each year.

Chu is one of 18 Luce Scholars chosen from a pool of 162 candidates nominated by 73 colleges and universities across the United States. Syracuse University is allowed to nominate up to three candidates for each year’s Luce Scholars competition. Nomination is coordinated through the (CFSA). Chu worked with the CFSA in preparing her application.

“Ariel will be an extraordinary Luce Scholar. She has clear goals to position herself as a cultural liaison between Asian and U.S. artists and writers, and to build communities and networks within and between these literary cultures,” says CFSA Director Jolynn Parker. “The training and insights she’ll gain through her Luce placement will be critical to her development as a leader in literary community building.”

Chu has finished her coursework for a master’s degree in creative writing in the College of Arts and Sciences and is now completing her fiction thesis. She was an editor in chief of Salt Hill Journal and a 2019 recipient of the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. She is planning to complete a Ph.D. and is working on her first novel.

“I’ve spent much of my life working with English texts in a ‘western’ literary context, so I leapt at the opportunity to broaden my reading and engage with Taiwanese literary communities,” she says. “My goal for my Luce year is to achieve greater fluency in Chinese, which would allow me to begin reading, translating and writing in my parents’ mother tongue.”

Going forward, she aims to weave translation work into her current artistic practice, collaborate with Taiwanese and Chinese writers, and study queer Asian diasporic writing as part of her Ph.D. coursework. “I also hope that reading and writing in Chinese will have a significant impact on my writing process,” she says. “I’m looking forward to discovering the exact nature of that impact!”

The start to Chu’s Luce year has changed because of border restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Luce Scholars Program—in partnership with the Asia Foundation—has enrolled her in a virtual eight-week intensive language course in National Taiwan University’s International Chinese Language Program that she will begin in mid-June. Chu will then travel to Taipei in mid-August to begin her professional placement. Her goal is to work closely with feminist and queer literary communities. “In whatever way is possible, I’d like to be of service to presses, bookstores or other organizations amplifying marginalized voices,” she says.

Chu says her parents are thrilled that she is moving to Taiwan, though they acknowledge that the country has changed significantly since they lived there. “My mother, who used to teach Chinese literature, reminded me that an entire generation of Taiwanese art has flourished during the 30 years they’ve lived in the U.S. Even she doesn’t know what new literary trends, preoccupations and styles have emerged in the meantime,” Chu says. “Given this information, I’m excited to explore contemporary Taiwanese literature firsthand, then share what I’ve learned with my family.”

Chu says she has often associated “Taiwan” with her parents’ nostalgia, so she is eager to explore her heritage on her own terms.

“I want to feel a greater personal connection with Taiwan and integrate what I learn into my creative practice. I’m especially excited to delve into Taiwanese queer literary communities, which have been the nexus of vibrant artistic and political change over the decades,” she says. “Growing up, I sometimes felt that ‘queerness’ and ‘Taiwanese-ness’ were mutually exclusive, so it heartens me to know that I can participate in communities that embrace those parts of me simultaneously.”

The Luce Scholars program is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are graduating seniors, recent graduates or young professionals under the age of 30. The program is open to all disciplines; its intent is to provide an immersion experience in Asia for outstanding young Americans who would otherwise not have the opportunity to know Asia intimately. Current students or alumni interested in an application should contact the CFSA at cfsa@syr.edu.

Success Scholars connect with the Syracuse Abroad team during a recent reception.

“The Success Scholarship Program was created to support our continued commitment to opportunity, excellence and success. Through this scholarship, we recognize the strong academic achievement of students in their first semester at Syracuse University and support their continued success here,” says Amanda Nicholson, interim deputy senior vice president for enrollment and the student experience.

The Invest in Success Scholarship Program launched last year, awarding high-achieving new students with a renewable, merit scholarship. This year’s cohort of more than 850 first-year and transfer students joins last year’s Success Scholars cohort, which currently consists of more than 700 students.

Newly named Success Scholars shared their reflections on the scholarship award and receptions:

“Being selected as an Invest in Success Scholar means the University has recognized our merits as first-year students. I feel honored to have such amazing resources, faculty and opportunities available to make my Syracuse experience the best it can be. I can’t wait to make the most of it,” says David A. Barbier Jr., an international relations major in the College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Jacqueline Young, a first-year student majoring in biology shared, “For me, personally, it was really nice to be recognized as an Invest in Success Scholar because it was a recognition of all of the work I put into my first semester classes. Additionally, the reception opened my eyes to a bunch of new opportunities on campus that could enhance my education throughout the next couple of years.”

About the Invest in Success Scholarship Program

The Invest in Success Scholarship is awarded to first-year and transfer students who in their first semester at Syracuse University completed 15 or more credits, earned a 3.75 GPA and are in good standing. For more information on scholarship programs, visit the .

Xinyi Zhou

Computer and information science Ph.D. candidate Xinyi Zhou was selected as the first recipient of the Pramod K. and Anju Varshney Endowed Graduate Scholarship. Zhou’s research covers machine learning, data (text and graph) mining, social media mining and social computing with an emphasis on unreliable information. Currently, she is working on methods to achieve automatic, effective and interpretable fake news detection and intervention by incorporating techniques in the areas aforementioned with fundamental theories in psychology, social science and political science.

“It is my honor to be awarded the Varshney Scholarship. I would like to appreciate Prof. Pramod and Mrs. Anju Varshney for providing their support to doctoral students in the department and fuel to the technological evolution,” said Zhou. “I would also like to humbly thank the college community members for their recognition. I am also grateful for my advisor, my collaborators and my family for all their contributions.”

The scholarship was established by Pramod and Anju Varshney, who’ve been members of the Syracuse University community ever since Pramod joined the college as an assistant professor in the seventies. Pramod is now a Distinguished Professor of electrical engineering and computer science, director of Syracuse University’s and an adjunct professor of radiology at Upstate Medical University. He has spent his entire professional life as a faculty member at Syracuse University. In their 43 years in Central New York, the Varshneys’ devotion to students in the classroom, and in life, has produced a worldwide community of alumni with a strong affinity for their alma mater.

The scholarship is intended to promote research by supporting a student in the midst of completing a����or����doctoral program.

“These fields will continue to evolve very rapidly. Our scholarship provides fuel to this technological evolution. When I first came to Syracuse University in ’76, there were no personal computers. It was all mainframe. Then came laptops, smartphones, autonomous vehicles, sensors everywhere, the internet of things. That is all because of research in these fields,” said Pramod.

The Varshneys hope that they will be able to increase the scope of their scholarship through the additional support of alumni gifts. If you would like to contribute to the Pramod K. and Anju Varshney Endowed Graduate Scholarship Fund,��.

Bria Huff

Syracuse University senior Bria Huff, sophomore Ellenora Huth and junior Alexis Stackhouse made many discoveries during their summer study-abroad experiences last year through Syracuse Abroad.

Huff and Stackhouse studied in Madrid, Spain, and Huth in Strasbourg, France. They each immersed themselves in the history, culture and language, built their confidence, and learned more about themselves in the process.

These kinds of opportunities will now be available to more Syracuse students. For the first time, more than $1 million in aid has been allocated to Syracuse Abroad through the creation of that will be allocated as financial aid to undergraduate students in several need categories. Syracuse Abroad will also offer additional $1,000 merit-based scholarships for undergraduates who apply to any summer 2020 study abroad program.

The summer grants of up to $9,000 will be allocated to students in medium, high and high-plus need categories who are applying to summer programs at the Syracuse Abroad centers in Florence, Italy; London, England; Madrid; and Strasbourg.

Undergraduates can apply for a merit scholarship by completing an application by Thursday, Jan. 30. A limited number of the competitive scholarships will be awarded based on academic records and on the review of a personal essay or a personal statement video. Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.4 or higher and have already completed a summer program application. A selection committee will review all applicants. More information and the application are available .

Ellenora Huth

Erika Wilkens, associate provost and executive director of Syracuse Abroad, encourages students to take advantage of summer study abroad programs and make their Syracuse Abroad dream a reality without missing any aspects of campus life.

“This generous and unprecedented funding to support summer study abroad has been put in place in direct response to feedback from students, parents, faculty and staff,” Wilkens says. “Summer is now a much more viable option for all students and particularly those for whom semester-long study abroad is not feasible. We are very excited that more students will now have the opportunity to experience our fantastic faculty-led programs, as well as our center summer sessions.”

The deadline to submit summer program applications is Monday, Feb. 10.

��The varied summer abroad programs include “Paris Noir: Literature, Art and Contemporary Life in Diaspora in Paris, France,” which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. “Paris Noir” participants study the influence and dynamics of black culture, literature and experience in Paris, past and present. A generous donor has given $50,000 to be used for financial aid for students applying for “Paris Noir.” Other summer programs include “Australia: Sport, History & Culture”; “Middle East Policy & Security Studies”; “Three Cities Architecture Studio in Asia”; and “Medieval Sicily: Transformations at a Cultural Crossroads,” as well as summer sessions in Madrid, Florence, London and Strasbourg. Several internship programs are offered in various locations around the world, including Singapore and Tel Aviv, Israel.

Alexis Stackhouse

Summer study-abroad students learn both in and out of the classroom. Stackhouse, a television-radio-film major in the Newhouse School, took a class in media, film and pop culture in Madrid. She says one of the highlights of her experience was meeting native Spanish speakers. “I think the most meaningful way that I maximized my experience was by being friendly and outgoing in social settings, so that I could make Spanish-speaking and local friends to get more authenticity out of the activities I was doing and outings I was going on,” she says.

While in Strasbourg, Huth, a political science and sociology major in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School, took a class on law, religion and human rights, and lived with a host family. She says the experience gave her the opportunity to get to know herself better. “I definitely recommend summer programs because they are the perfect length of time, especially if you are unsure if you want to go abroad,” she says. “The program is long enough to experience the location you are visiting, but it is still short enough that it is not overwhelming.”

Huff, a psychology major in the College of Arts and Sciences, visited various Spanish cities during her experience. She went to the tourist attractions, but also did a lot of exploring of different pockets and neighborhoods around Madrid to immerse herself in the culture and get a deeper understanding of an unfamiliar place.��“I went with an open mind and no expectations because it was my first time abroad,” she says. “Studying abroad in Spain impacted me because I was able to create new situations for myself and explore who I am in new contexts. I was able to step out of my comfort zone. I encountered so many people from various walks of life and realized even though we come from different backgrounds we share more similarities than may be assumed. … Studying abroad is transforming and will shape your views, perspectives and your purpose in life.”

For more information on summer study-abroad opportunities, contact Marie Kulikowsky, Syracuse Abroad assistant director of summer and faculty-led programs, at mkulikow@syr.edu.

Kyle Rosenblum

Kyle Rosenblum, a senior policy studies major in the College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and a psychology major in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been named a Schwarzman Scholar. He is Syracuse University’s first Schwarzman Scholar.

Rosenblum, who is also student in the Renée Crown University Honors Program and a 2020 Class Marshal, was one of 145 scholars selected from more than 4,700 applicants from around the world. The Schwarzman Scholars Program was created in 2016 to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century. The program��provides scholars the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and professional networks through a one-year master’s degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Schwarzman Scholars are chosen on the basis of leadership potential, strength of character and academic ability.

Below, Rosenblum talks about receiving the scholarship.

Q: You are planning to embark on a career in developing and promoting international substance abuse policy. How do you believe your Schwarzman experience will help you prepare for that?

A: The Schwarzman Scholars Program aims to develop future leaders who understand the importance of strengthening China’s connection with the rest of the world in addressing global issues. In regards to substance abuse, collaboration between China and the United States is vital in cutting off trafficking routes and disrupting organized crime, particularly in Southeast Asia and South America.

Immersion into Chinese culture will provide me with a foundation of understanding that will allow me to facilitate these collaborations in my future professions—as China increasingly becomes a critical player in global affairs, this understanding is essential to address any global issue. But even aside from that, I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to be surrounded by passionate people from all over the world, to learn from and with them, and to gain new friends and new connections that I hope will last a very long time.

Q: How did you become involved in the study of substance abuse and its effects?

A: My studies at Syracuse University have primarily been driven by my interest in health policy, and as such, I have geared my coursework to engage my passion around health policy. In the fall of my junior year, I enrolled in a class called Dynamics of Addiction in part to fulfill requirements for my health, education and human services concentration for my policy studies major. This course was my first introduction to studying addiction formally, and it eventually inspired me to pursue changes to Syracuse University’s own policies for alcohol and other drugs on campus. Working with University leaders who oversee these policies, I had an opportunity to understand firsthand how to formulate policies that address addiction properly and encourage rehabilitation.

Q: Why is there a need for international policy in regards to substance abuse?

A: Addiction is destructive—to individuals, to families and to entire communities. In the past few years, the opioid epidemic that has devastated rural communities and left hundreds of thousands of families to mourn loved ones has made headlines throughout the world. These communities are reeling from the effects.

Addiction is not an easy issue to address—its causes are many and the forms it can take are constantly evolving. One of the many contributors to the issue is illicit drug trafficking–which is a transnational issue that requires heightened collaboration between law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies across the world. And because the causes are so diverse and expansive, an approach that pools the resources and knowledge of countries working toward addressing the issue will make our efforts to treat and prevent addiction more successful.

Q: You have been very involved in the life of campus at Syracuse University, as vice president of Student Association and a member of the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence, among other activities. What have you learned from these experiences, and how will you use them to be an agent for positive change in the world?

A: One of the most rewarding parts of my college experience has been my extra-curricular involvement. From freshman year, the organizations I have been a part of have given me my best friends, mentors and a space to learn and to grow.

Being vice president of Student Association, specifically, was one of the hardest but most rewarding things I have ever done. In that role and in my role on the task force, I have grown dramatically. I learned how to advocate and how to work with stakeholders to implement programs and policies that will help the student body. I learned how to plan events, how to lead a large organization, how to change ideas into action. I learned how to be wrong and how to fail, how to learn from my own mistakes. Maybe most importantly, I learned how to lean on the incredible support system I had and continue to have around me. These experiences and these bonds I have formed have emboldened me to believe that I can make positive changes to the world, and have given me the tools to do so.

Q: How did you find out about the Schwarzman Scholars Program? What do you encourage fellow students to do if they are interested in this kind of opportunity?

A: I initially scheduled a meeting with Jolynn Parker from the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) to talk about post-grad opportunities—and I actually went into the meeting not even having Schwarzman on my radar. I walked into the meeting with a list of opportunities I thought I would be interested in based on research but after listening to what I wanted to do with my future, Jolynn suggested looking into Schwarzman. She helped me set up a meeting with a regional admissions officer and invited me to an interest meeting that ultimately made me want to apply. The entire staff at CFSA is such an important resource for students interested in scholarships and fellowships. Meet with them, learn about what opportunities are out there, let them help guide you through the application process. It can be a stressful process, but there are people who are willing and eager to help you—just reach out.

Students interested in applying for national scholarships such as the Schwarzman Scholars Program should complete an “intent to apply” form with CFSA by the end of June 2020, and plan to work with .��

Mark Trumbo, assistant athletics director student-athlete engagements and project coordinator of Athletics; Foundations scholarship winner Hemanth Reddy Kodakandla G’21; Kelsey Woodford, assistant director of Syracuse Smart Money; and Veronica Tearney, director of strength and conditioning (nutrition and spirit program) of Athletics.

As an experiential workshop series, engages students on topics that are supplemental to development and life beyond campus. In its third year, the series hosted six consecutive Monday workshops starting Sept. 9. In celebration of this year’s theme, “Becoming: Your Personal Journey,” workshop topic highlights surrounded leadership, personal wellness, relationships, community and more.

“The Foundations Series this year was incredible. Not only did I learn a lot from the great speakers that we had through the series but it was also a great space for self-reflection,” says Hemanth Reddy Kodakandla G’21. “I hope each participating student had the same amazing experience I did.”

Undergraduate and master’s students who attend all six hour-long sessions and submit an essay, video/vlog or digital portfolio are entered to win a $1,000 scholarship.

The fall 2019 undergraduate Foundations Scholars are:

• Alina Zdebska ’21, biomedical engineering
• Emily Steinberger ’23, photography
• Fredrik Horton ’23, biology
• Medora Benson ’20, policy studies
• Yiwei Li ’22, information management and technology

The fall 2019 master’s Foundations Scholars are:

• Barbara Bultingaire G’20, mechanical engineering
• Hemanth Reddy Kodakandla G’21, applied data science/iSchool
• Meg Bojarski G’21, communications and rhetorical studies

The Foundations workshop series occurs annually and additional information is available on the��. For questions, please contact Tracy T. Bauer, graduate career development specialist in the Graduate School, by email at ttbauer@syr.edu or by calling 315.443.3701.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected as a Tillman Scholar, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to represent Syracuse University and the Pat Tillman Foundation in the coming year and beyond,” says Quartaro. “To be a Tillman Scholar means I get to be a part of an outstanding network of some of the best and brightest future leaders in the country. I am blown away by the caliber of the men and women I will be able to connect with, and look forward to learning from them as I work toward my goal of supporting and improving American national security. I hope I can make my Orange family proud and honor Pat’s legacy of selfless service and leadership to make an impact during my remaining time at Syracuse University and after graduation.”

Quartaro joined the Marine Corps after graduating from high school in 2008. She witnessed the effectiveness of counterterrorism measures while deployed in the Southern Philippines and took advantage of numerous opportunities to experience different facets of the military police field training as a military working dog handler and conducting installation security, counterterrorism and Presidential support missions. In 2013, Quartaro became a criminal investigator for the Marine Corps. Before her honorable discharge in 2016, she conducted and assisted in over 100 criminal investigations.

Working with federal agencies like the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation inspired her to be a part of something bigger. Quartaro enrolled at Syracuse University and completed bachelor’s degrees in forensic science and psychology in 2018. She is currently a graduate student at the University, pursuing an executive master of public administration degree with a focus on international and national security policy and a certificate of advanced study in security studies. After completing her master’s degree, she plans to work in an intelligence agency to inform national security policies.

The Tillman Scholarship honors Pat Tillman, a starting safety for the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals, who put his football career on hold in 2002 to serve his country. Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Tillman’s death in April 2004 while serving with the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. The foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through scholarship and programmatic support, and is dedicated to building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.

Syracuse University was selected as a Pat Tillman Foundation University Partner in 2017 for its innovative veteran services, strong culture of support for military veterans and spouses and its rigorous academic programs. The partnership closely aligns with the University’s commitment to be “the best place for veterans,” enabling recipients to apply the lessons learned in life, at Syracuse University and in the military to impact America for years to come. The next Tillman application cycle will open in February 2020.

Ohemaa Dixon, an art photography student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, was awarded funding from the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement.

Dixon, an art photography student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, was awarded the funding from the (SOURCE) for her project on the relationship and the effects of the broader cultural context of the French Republic on contemporary Black art archives in France.

“This funding has allowed me to explore the world of research independently but with the backing and guidance by my university,” says Dixon, who is under the faculty mentorship of Associate Professor Laura Heyman. “It has allowed me to expand what I can do as a student, and I am forever grateful.”

The SOURCE, located in 238 Bird Library, is offering all undergraduates students the same opportunity to apply for an academic-year grant of $5,000 and pursue their creative and research ideas, under the guidance of a faculty member. The office, which awarded its first cohort of students in April, fosters and supports diverse undergraduate participation in faculty-guided scholarly research and creative inquiry.

Fall deadline

The fall deadline to apply for a of $5,000 is Oct. 15, and the spring deadline is Feb. 27, 2020. Information on eligibility requirements and how to apply can be found on the website. The office provides student research mentors to help guide students at any phase of the process and , on such topics as “Getting Started on an Undergraduate Research or Creative Project”; “Crafting a Research Elevator Speech”; and “Writing an Effective Proposal.”

The office also helps coordinate applications for the Honors Program Awards ($5,000) and the Lender Center Student Fellowships. Information on those programs and how to apply can also be found on the website. There’s also a new special award opportunity, the Spinoza Award, which supports students doing work at the intersection of philosophy and science. The Spinoza Award is made possible through the generosity of Syracuse University alumnus Dr. William Hrushesky ’69, a graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences.

“These grants give students a chance to see an interesting problem or issue that they care about, engage with a professor try to find a solution and work with the expertise of a professor—and they have the resources to delve deeply into that question,” says Kate Hanson, director of The SOURCE. “It’s definitely for the curious student.”

The center supports students engaging in research activity in all phases who may be working in a lab and might be working in an area of a professor’s larger research agenda, working as part of a team or designing their own research project.

Brandon Fascia ’20 was awarded SOURCE funding for his project working on young adults with a history of concussion. His work for the study takes place in the Human Performance Lab, where he is able to gather data on human subjects.

Benefits of SOURCE awards

Students learn problem-solving skills, how to manage a large project that extends beyond a semester and how to work effectively with a faculty mentor, which all can assist in helping them move into the job market, graduate program or fellowship, Hanson says.

Brandon Fascia ’20, who is majoring in health and exercise science in the School of Education, was awarded a $2,800 summer grant for his project working on young adults with a history of concussion.

Concussions cause damage to the brain, which lowers cognitive performance on tests and objectives, which is due to altered neural connectivity, Fascia says. Recently, beetroot juice has been studied because it dilates blood vessels in the body and allows for better circulation of blood with nutrients in it.

Fascia is working on his hypothesis that beetroot juice may improve blood flow to the brain and enhance cognitive performance in young adults with at least two or more concussions in the past five years. “So far, there have not been any statistically significant changes in blood flow or cognitive performance. As more participants complete the study, the results may change,” he says.

Primary investigator

Fascia, who is under the guidance of Dean’s Associate Professor Kevin Heffernan, designed his own study—something he never saw himself as having the opportunity to do. He also took the lead as “primary investigator” in the Human Performance Lab for the study and was able to gather data on human subjects.

“My Syracuse University experience has been enhanced by this funding, because not only has it given me the opportunity to grow as a researcher, but it has also opened my eyes to more career paths I am now interested in,” Fascia says. “Along with this, I now have a research study to show for all of my work at Syracuse University.”

Fascia would tell other students interested in exploring their fields in more depth to consider pursuing funding from The SOURCE.

“It is not the easiest thing to balance school, life, work and also a research study. But, if you’re willing to put in the work, and you love learning about your field of study, then this is something you want to pursue,” Fascia says. “The SOURCE funding has been a game-changer for me, and I am truly honored to have received it.”

Dixon also encourages other students to go after their ideas and explore—as with the 103 students first awarded grants and pursuing their interests all over the world.

“That one idea you have that always floats in the back of your mind and you wonder if you can do it, make it happen!” says Dixon, who is a student research mentor.

For more information, visit , call 315.443.2091 or e-mail ugresearch@syr.edu.

Shelly and Rob Light

The generosity of Syracuse University Trustee Rob Light ’78 and his wife Shelly will support scholarships for historically underrepresented students pursuing studies in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, its Bandier Program in Recording and Entertainment Industries, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). During a University event held in Los Angeles Tuesday, June 11, Light, managing partner of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), announced a gift of $300,000 that will endow three scholarships to provide outstanding academic opportunities to underrepresented students.

“As a member of the Board of Trustees, Rob is especially sensitive to the impact that scholarships have on our students,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “The Lights’ generous gift will help the University reach its critical goal in the Academic Strategic Plan to expand opportunity to diverse groups of promising students. The University is committed to creating an inclusive student body through access to vital resources and support.”

The gift will support the Light Family Newhouse Scholarship, the Light Family Bandier Scholarship and the Carolyne Barry Scholarship, which was named in honor of Shelly’s sister, Carolyne Barry.

Two of the scholarships will support student scholars interested in pursuing any number of rigorous academic programs in the Newhouse School and in VPA. The third scholarship is for a student enrolled in the preeminent Bandier Program in Recording and Entertainment Industries, which combines the study of the business of music, media, marketing and entrepreneurship with hands-on experiences to prepare students for successful music industry careers. Bandier scholars also complete coursework in VPA, the Martin J. Whitman School of Management and the College of Arts and Sciences. The program was made possible through a gift from Syracuse University Trustee and Sony/ATV Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Martin Bandier ’62. Light, along with alumni John Sykes ’77, president, Entertainment Enterprises, iHeartMedia, Inc., and Phil Quartararo ’77, president, Tripod Entertainment, helped create the concept for Bandier’s music industry program.

Rob Light

“I have always believed that my time at Syracuse University opened doors and provided amazing opportunities that were invaluable to my career. My wife Shelly and I have always felt strongly about sharing our success with others,” Light says. “We are proud and excited to endow three scholarships for diverse students in need in the Bandier Program and the Newhouse School, and through the Carolyne Barry Scholarship in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Our love for the University is enormous, which is why we are thrilled to help students join the Syracuse family and have access to the same opportunities that I did.”

Under Light’s leadership, CAA’s music department represents many of the world’s most popular and talented musical artists and comedians. Light oversees all of CAA’s music agents, providing strategic counsel on concert tours and event bookings worldwide, as well as advising clients on their overall career development.

Light made the scholarship announcement during an event held at the CAA headquarters in celebration of Black Music Month, during which music and entertainment trailblazer��Suzanne de Passe ’68 was recognized by Syracuse University’s Office of Multicultural Advancement. A number of celebrities from entertainment and sport were in attendance, including award-winning singer and actress Vanessa Williams ’85; actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph; former chairperson and CEO of BET Networks Debra Lee; Executive Vice-President and Head of Original Programming at BET Networks Connie Orlando ’89; and Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little ’67, H’16.

“We are so grateful that Rob and Shelly have decided to support underrepresented students in such a significant way,” says Assistant Vice President Rachel Vassel ’91, of the Office of Multicultural Advancement. “Their generosity underscores the idea that promoting diversity is everyone’s responsibility.”

The funding awards will be administered through the University’s Our Time Has Come (OTHC) Scholarship Program. The program, based in the Office of Multicultural Advancement, supports historically underrepresented students through a variety of scholarships based on financial need. The scholarship program also offers leadership development and mentorship by Syracuse University alumni and friends in addition to the monetary scholarship. The first OTHC scholarship campaign was launched in 1987. Since then, the program has assisted more than 1,300 scholars, with a graduation rate of 100 percent. In the 2018-19 academic year, there were 58 OTHC scholars.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience, as well as innovative online learning environments. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths. At Syracuse University, we offer a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges and 18 online degree programs. We have more than 15,000 undergraduates and 7,500 graduate students, more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

This marks the 50th year for a scholarship established by friends and family of Gary Scott.

A young man and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry alumnus (Class of 1967) killed in Vietnam more than 50 years ago is being honored and remembered this week in a lasting and meaningful way. A high school senior will be awarded a scholarship in the name of Gary Scott. During his college career, Scott was a distinguished ROTC member. He became a platoon leader during the height of the Vietnam war and was stationed in southeast Asia. On March 29, 1968, he was killed in an ambush. He was 22 years old.

“Gary had a passion to excel as a student and an officer and was excellent at both,” says Jim Bruen ’67, a classmate and friend of Scott’s. “He was articulate and meticulous and friendly.”

He is also having an impact on the lives of young people more than half a century after his death. This week, a graduating senior from Scott’s alma mater, Le Roy High School in Le Roy, New York, will be awarded a scholarship in his name. It’s a lasting legacy organized by a group of friends who formed a bond on the Syracuse University campus five decades ago. This year will mark the 50th in which the scholarship has been awarded.

“We were a bunch of young SU grads starting careers who had become friends but were now going off in different directions,” says Richard Babinecz ’67, who along with Bruen and a group of other classmates has raised and donated the money themselves to award the scholarship. “After this horrible tragedy (of his death), Gary was the glue that kept us together.”

The criteria for the scholarship is straightforward and true to the man his friends describe. It’s awarded to a student who has overcome hardship or a challenge, is involved in the community, and shows demonstrated leadership skills and upstanding character. The scholarship is also a sign of Gary Scott’s legacy and his impact on people who never knew him personally, to friends from more than 50 years ago.

“50 years later, I think of him often and at least I take comfort that this scholarship marks his memory and has helped a lot of young kids who share Gary’s values,” Babinecz says.

The scholarship in Scott’s honor and fueled by his friends and family is one of two scholarships offered in his name. The Gary Scott Memorial Fund at SUNY-ESF also exists and was established to support deserving SUNY-ESF students.

Read more about Gary Scott from.

Molly Bolan ’19, will head to Russia, also through a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Award. Russia and the language is familiar to her—she took Russian in high school and spent last summer in Tbilisi, Georgia, as the recipient of a Critical Language Scholarship.

Gugerty and Bolan are two of eight Syracuse University graduating seniors and alumnae who will be traveling abroad through the Fulbright program, which allows university graduates to immerse themselves in culture and language in a foreign country teaching English or engaging in a research or study program.

The following alumna were also selected for Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship awards:

• • Caroline Bartholomew ’19, a magazine major in the Newhouse School, Germany;
  • Sarah Farmer ’18, an alumna of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Brazil;
  • Amber Hunter ’19, a political science major in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School, Spain;
  • Erica Miller G’18, an alumna of the College of Arts and Sciences, Uruguay; and
  • Delaney Wehn ’19, a marketing management major in the Whitman School of Management and public relations major in the Newhouse School, Spain.

Emily Malina ’16, an alumna of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School, was selected for a Fulbright arts grant to Bolivia and Peru. Anastasia Selby ’15, G’18, an alumna of the College of Arts and sciences, was selected an alternate for an English Teaching Assistantship to the Czech Republic.

Molly Bolan ’19

Bolan graduated with bachelor’s degrees in photography in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and in information management and technology in the Whitman School of Management and the School of Information Studies. “I started taking Russian classes because I loved my high school’s Russian teacher, and from there I just found the culture and history of Russia really interesting, especially looking at how the country has changed over the last several decades,” she says.

She is focusing on cultivating personal connections and meeting people over the next year.

“I hope that this next year in Russia will strengthen my language skills so I can eventually become a foreign correspondent specializing in Russia and Russian-speaking countries,” she says.

Gugerty received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School. During her Fulbright year, she wants to work to build mutual cross-cultural understanding. “I am so excited to learn about Thai culture through immersion in my host community,” she says. “I want to teach my students to recognize their strengths and encourage a love for exploration and adventure.”

Grace Gugerty ’19

Gugerty’s ultimate goal is to one day become a doctor through a rural medical program. “I want to work in underserved communities to provide quality, culturally competent medical care,” she says. “As a Fulbright ETA, I will hone my skills as an educator to one day in the future present health information to patients in a way that is accessible and empowering. I admire Thai culture and its emphasis on empathy and caring for others, and am honored to have the opportunity to work with and learn from educators and students who are committed to serving their schools and community.”

The Fulbright program funds graduating seniors or university graduates to teach English, study or engage in research in a foreign country. Fulbright grantees are expected to engage in cultural exchange and immerse themselves in their host countries.

“These students and alumni will embark on a life-changing experience—life-changing for themselves and for the people they work with abroad,” says Chris Johnson, associate provost for academic affairs, professor of civil and environmental engineering and campus Fulbright advisor. “The Fulbright program is one our nation’s most effective vehicles for promoting cultural understanding across the globe. Thanks to their extensive community engagement, their cultural competence, and their passion for outreach, this batch of scholars is especially well-suited to act as ambassadors in their host countries.”

The application process itself is a valuable experience for students, who can seek assistance through the University’s (CFSA).

“For students who are interested in international engagement, the process of applying for a Fulbright can be very clarifying, and, for recipients, the program offers an extraordinary opportunity for a year of support to live, study and learn abroad,” says Jolynn Parker, director of CFSA and a campus Fulbright program advisor. “Fulbright’s goal of promoting mutual understanding between the United States and other countries is important and vital.”

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which is the largest U.S. exchange program with 1,900 grants awarded annually, was developed as part of U.S. Sen. J. William Fulbright’s vision in 1945 for the “promotion of international good will through the exchange of students in the fields of education, culture and science.”

“Whether they are teaching English or conducting research abroad, students who receive a Fulbright award grow tremendously, both intellectually and personally, during the period of their grants,” Parker says.

Students interested in applying to the Fulbright program should contact the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising at 315.443.2759 or jmpark02@syr.edu. The campus deadline for the 2019-20 application cycle is Sept. 12, 2019.

Anna Feldman

When Hurricane Sandy hit New York City in October 2012, Anna Feldman’s community was battered by flooding and the breakdown of utilities, transit systems and wastewater treatment plants.

A few months later, as an eighth-grade student, she participated in a Future City competition. Her team built a model city that included porous pavement and green roofs to help address the challenge of stormwater runoff. The project sent Feldman and her team to Future City’s national competition and stoked Feldman’s interest in water research, conservation and management. “I knew that I wanted a future helping mitigate the effects of climate change and bolstering the health of our natural watersheds,” she says.

A sophomore environmental engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Feldman learned recently that she is a recipient of the , which will help support her studies.

Named for Sen. Ernest “Fritz” Hollings of South Carolina, the prestigious award provides up to $9,500 per year for two years of full-time study for students majoring in fields of study related to NOAA’s mission to understand and conserve climate, weather, oceans, ecosystems and coasts. Designed to increase understanding and stewardship for the oceans and atmosphere, the award includes paid summer internship placements at a NOAA or partner facility, and offers recipients the opportunity to attend and present at conferences, including the Science & Education Symposium.

Feldman plans to pursue a career researching the impacts of contaminant influx from large polluters, such as waste treatment plants, industrial waste, oil spills, and agricultural and stormwater runoff, and to develop solutions that promote water and marine ecosystem health.

Last summer, she worked at Syracuse’s Museum of Science and Technology as a science educator for a free summer science program for teens, focused entirely on Onondaga Lake and its watershed. As part of an eight-counselor team, Feldman helped build a science program from the ground up. She specialized in water chemistry and spent six weeks going on site visits throughout the watershed, testing equipment, collecting samples and data and writing lesson plans. The team helped educate more than 80 eighth-graders from the Syracuse City School District about everything from tracking agricultural runoff and eutrophication, to using advanced lab probes to measure dissolved oxygen levels. “I realized that spreading knowledge and concern about water health and remediation to people—especially children—is at the core of my purpose in becoming a scientist and researcher,” she says.

At Syracuse, Feldman is a member of Alpha Omega Epsilon, a professional sorority of female engineering and science students, and is an engineering ambassador, promoting scientific and engineering literacy in Syracuse public schools.

In the fall, Feldman will participate in a project under the guidance of Teng Zeng, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering. She will research harmful algal blooms, which have become a growing public health concern in New York. “For my project, I will characterize the composition of organic materials released by cyanobacterial cultures using high-resolution mass spectrometry,” she says. “By conducting sunlight photolysis tests, I will evaluate the transformation of algal toxins and quantify the formation of harmful byproducts from algae-derived organic materials under typical drinking water treatment conditions.” The project is funded by an Undergraduate Research and Creative Works grant from the University.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, Feldman plans to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in environmental engineering. “Being a Hollings Scholar will introduce me to public-sector engineering, and of course to NOAA, where I hope to work one day. The orientation, mentorship and internship opportunities are particularly appealing to me, since I am eager to gain multidisciplinary training and hands-on experience in the field,” she says. “My goal is to serve as an environmental steward to increase public understanding through research presentations and implementations, community outreach and as a mentor to future students and young people. The NOAA Hollings Scholarship will prepare me to meet my goals as an aqueous pollutant researcher and as a leader in environmental work.”

Feldman worked with the�� to secure the NOAA scholarship. CFSA offers candidates advising and assistance with applications and interview preparation for nationally competitive scholarships.

“Anna’s carefully thought-through goals to make a difference in water conservation and water quality management made her a clear fit for the NOAA-Hollings scholarship,” says Jolynn Parker, director of CFSA. “I know she will benefit tremendously from their support, and from the extraordinary internship opportunities they provide. I couldn’t be more delighted that she’s being recognized in this way.”

The 2020 NOAA-Hollings Scholarship application will open on Sept. 1. Interested students should contact CFSA for more information: 315.443.2759; jmpark02@syr.edu.

The Class of 2019 Our Time Has Come Scholars during the annual reception April 11.

As an Our Time Has Come scholar, Abigail Covington ’19 had the opportunity to connect with a longtime supporter of Syracuse University students at the 2017 Coming Back Together (CBT) reunion. The triennial event draws black and Latino alumni back to campus to reengage with the University.

During one of several events in which alumni and current students meet, Covington had lunch with Dave Bing ’66, H’06, Detroit’s former mayor, NBA Hall of Famer and entrepreneur—and inaugural chair of the Our Time Has Come (OTHC) Scholarship campaign over 30 years ago.

“He told me what it was like to be at Syracuse back then and how his transition and role in shaping the lives of young people contributes to his philanthropy today,” says Covington, a writing studies, rhetoric and composition major in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Special opportunities to engage with alumni have been among the highlights of the OTHC Scholarship Program for Covington, who is one of 58 scholars this year. The program, through the Office of Multicultural Advancement, supports African American and Latino students through a variety of scholarships based on financial need.

“The Our Time Has Come Scholarship Program is funded by alumni and friends of the University who have an interest in helping diverse students,” says Assistant Vice President Rachel Vassel ’91, of the Office of Multicultural Advancement. “The scholarship can provide a much-needed boost to students with an unmet financial need, who may also be first-generation college students who would benefit from additional support.”

Students can find information on the program and apply using the . The deadline to apply for the 2019-20 academic year is Friday, June 28. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Abigail Covington

The scholarship program is designed to provide extra financial support so that students can focus on reaching their highest potential.

“Being an OTHC scholar has given me a deep appreciation and insight for the legacy of black and brown alumni at Syracuse University,” says Covington, a senior class marshal. “You begin to realize that you’re part of this tapestry that has deeply affected the overall student experience.”

Highlights of the program also include monthly leadership sessions and volunteer opportunities, says Angela Morales-Patterson, assistant director of alumni and donor engagement in the Office of Multicultural Advancement, who operates the program.

Also new for the program is the pairing of alumni mentors with students, based on their interests, and industry immersion experiences. Last year, the group of scholars visited Turner Broadcasting in New York City—with a tour organized by Multicultural Advancement Advisory Council Member Kristin Bragg ’93—and learned about internship opportunities.

“Our goal is to develop programs so that all OTHC scholars have an internship during the summer and a permanent job upon graduation,” Morales-Patterson says.

Along with the various opportunities, students build relationships with fellow scholars. “These students are very close, and that’s what we want to do—create a family—so they can build on their relationships here and beyond,” Morales-Patterson says.

Covington encourages students to apply to the program and be prepared to be involved.

“This program is not just a scholarship but an opportunity to network and develop leadership skills,” says Covington, who hopes to become a creative brand storyteller and strategist. “I would tell students to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

For more information about the Our Time Has Come Scholarship Program, contact Morales-Patterson.

Pramod K. and Anju Varshney

For the first time this fall, the Pramod K. and Anju Varshney Endowed Graduate Scholarship will be awarded in the . The scholarship will provide financial assistance to graduate students pursuing a doctoral degree in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

��is a Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, director of Syracuse University’s��, and an adjunct professor of radiology at Upstate Medical University.

He and his wife, Anju, have been members of the Syracuse University community ever since Pramod joined the college as an assistant professor in the seventies. He has spent his entire professional life as a faculty member at Syracuse University, and in their 43 years in Central New York, their devotion to students in the classroom, and in life, has produced a worldwide community of alumni with a strong affinity for their alma mater.

As an educator and researcher, Pramod is renowned for his seminal contributions in the area of information fusion. His body of research also focuses on distributed sensor networks and data fusion, detection and estimation theory, wireless communications, physical layer security, image processing, and radar. Over the years, he has supervised the dissertations of over 60 Ph.D. students. His instruction and mentoring have launched and boosted the careers of many.

Throughout the years, the Varshneys’ support of students has extended far and beyond academic success. They commonly welcome students into their home and help ensure that they feel a sense of belonging, something the Varshneys think is especially important for international students. Pramod credits Anju with fostering these connections. He says, “She creates a family environment. Because of that special connection, we can go to any part of the world, and my former students are there to welcome us, including in industry here in Syracuse.”

Anju adds, “Pramod’s students are like adopted sons and daughters. When our sons were young, they called them aunts and uncles. All these years later, the students are like nieces and nephews to them. We call them our academic family.”

She says that she and Pramod were inspired to establish this scholarship as a way to “give back to the establishment that has supported them all these years.” Its goal is to promote research by supporting a student in the midst of completing a ��or ��doctorate program.

“These fields have defined the societal changes that have taken place, and all of us are beneficiaries,” says Pramod. “These fields will continue to evolve very rapidly. Our scholarship provides fuel to this technological evolution. When I first came to Syracuse University in ’76, there were no personal computers. It was all mainframe. Then came laptops, smartphones, autonomous vehicles, sensors everywhere, the internet of things. That is all because of research in these fields.”

The scholarship will further establish the Varshneys’ legacy on the Syracuse University campus, but don’t mistake this as a signal of the end of their contributions to the community. They both have much more to give and no immediate plans to retire. Their current “academic family” includes seven current Ph.D. students, two master’s students and many other research contributors, with more joining this fall.

“It’s important to us that we can give back while we are here, not after we move on to the next stage in our lives,” says Pramod. “We want to see the impact firsthand. We are here to stay.”

The Varshneys hope that they will be able to increase the scope of their scholarship through the additional support of alumni gifts. If you would like to contribute to the Pramod K. and Anju Varshney Endowed Graduate Scholarship Fund, .

The Invest Syracuse fundraising effort is part of , an initiative launched in 2017 that seeks to redefine the student experience; advance discovery and innovation; and expand opportunity, access and affordability. The initiative supports the strategic direction detailed in the University’s Academic Strategic Plan, developed through a campuswide effort with input from faculty, staff and students.

“Every day, I meet students who excel through the assistance of scholarships. They are ambitious and passionate and ready to make the next big discovery. We need to make more of these opportunities available. This initiative supports more students to explore their research interests and creativity,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Next year, we will recognize Syracuse University’s sesquicentennial. It will be a tribute to the University’s academic excellence. We must continue that tradition by investing in a range of promising students.”

The $40 million campaign for scholarships and financial aid continues the University’s efforts since its founding to enroll high-achieving scholars, regardless of socioeconomic background. This fundraising effort will help reinforce the University as a thriving international research institution, while ensuring access through significant financial assistance to draw in exceptional students who might not otherwise be able to attend.

“Syracuse University donors are excited about this bold initiative to invest more in talented students from across the socioeconomic spectrum,” says Matt Ter Molen, senior vice president and chief advancement officer. “Alumni, parents and friends have shown their overwhelming commitment to the vision of this university and the potential of our students. This funding will allow even greater opportunities for students to follow their ambitious goals and achieve academic success.”

The fundraising initiative specifically aims to do the following:

• increase need-based grant awards and reduce loans in financial aid packages to decrease student debt after graduation;
• ensure that Syracuse University’s financial assistance packages are competitive with other premier universities to attract and support the enrollment of the best, brightest and most high-achieving students; and
• significantly reduce the number of students who choose another institution over Syracuse because of cost.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York state, with a global footprint and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience, as well as innovative online learning environments. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths. At Syracuse University, we offer a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges and 18 online degree programs. We have more than 15,000 undergraduates and 7,500 graduate students, more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

“An academically rigorous and rich experiential study abroad opportunity through Syracuse University helps students to build their knowledge and experiences, to become globally competent professionals, engaged citizens and leaders,” says Erika Wilkens, associate provost and executive director of Syracuse Abroad. “Study abroad is a signature Syracuse experience, and we want to offer more students that possibility through this new funding.”

Undergraduates must apply for the summer program scholarships by completing an application for a Syracuse Abroad Summer Program through the web portal by Sunday, Feb. 10. A limited number of the competitive scholarships will be awarded based on academic records and on the review of a personal essay or a personal statement video.

With funding from the University’s $100 million , the new Syracuse Abroad Summer Program Merit Scholarship was created to help expand opportunities for students to participate in any of the academic summer abroad programs in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Wilkens notes that summer programs offer a chance to study abroad for all students, especially those who may not be able to study abroad for a whole semester. “This is particularly true for students with heavy course loads, specific sequence course requirements, athletes and others who may have never thought about a program abroad before,” she says.

The varied summer abroad programs include “Revolutions, War, and the Prospect for Democracy in the Middle East in Dubai, United Arab Emirates”; “Arts of Spain: Paintings, Architectures, Cities in Madrid, Spain”; “Paris Noir: Literature, Art and Contemporary Life in Diaspora in Paris, France”; “Three Cities Architecture Studio in Asia”; “Experiencing Education in Rural and Urban Settings in Kenya”; and summer sessions in Madrid, Florence,�� London and Strasbourg, along with several internship programs in the various regions. These and the many other programs can be accessed at this .

The application criteria for those applying for the merit scholarships are the following:

• undergraduate matriculated Syracuse University student
• GPA of 3.4 or higher
• must have a completed summer application at the time of submission
• essay (up to 500 words) or video essay (up to three minutes or less)

For the essay/video essay, students are asked to consider the following: “Reflect on how you identify yourself, how others identify you and how this impacts your understanding of the world. How do you anticipate that your social identities will influence your experience and your sense of belonging abroad? What challenges and opportunities might you encounter in navigating identity in a foreign country?”

The instructions and the place to upload the essay or video essay are within the application on the Orange Abroad portal at .

A selection committee will review all applicants after the deadline of Sunday, Feb. 10.

For additional information, contact Marie Kulikowsky, Syracuse Abroad assistant director of summer sessions and faculty-led programs, at 315.443.9419 or mkulikow@syr.edu.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York state, with a global footprint and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience, as well as innovative online learning environments. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths. At Syracuse University, we offer a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges and 18 online degree programs. We have more than 15,000 undergraduates and 7,500 graduate students, more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, visit .

Narayan and Kawa met when they were assigned to a shared office space while working together in a geotechnical research lab. They became fast friends as they tackled the challenges of master’s courses and research.

“Mambu was easygoing and had a great sense of humor,” recalls Smita. “No matter how grim things felt, he could always make me laugh. He was very bright, a great collaborator, and particularly sharp with tech despite having minimal experience with it before coming to the U.S. That inspired me to take on an additional degree in computer engineering.”

Kawa’s friendship also encouraged Narayan to break out of her shell and become more active on campus. While at SU she was a teaching and research assistant. She also helped revive the Syracuse Chapter of Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth and became a member of Phi Beta Delta, the honor society for international scholars.

Following graduation, Kawa and Narayan kept in touch from time to time by phone. However, as the years went by, they lost touch as their attention turned toward developing their promising young careers. He went on to become a civil engineer and obtained the Professional Engineer designation, eventually working for Dewberry. She went on to work for Autodesk where she helped shape key features of a civil engineering design software from inception through product launch and beyond. She is currently a lead software engineer at Cimpress after establishing her career at Autodesk and Vistaprint.

After a few years apart, Narayan attempted to find Kawa again. An internet search turned up shocking news. Sadly, Kawa had passed away in the time since they last spoke. He had died at the age of 34 in 2006.

“I couldn’t believe he was gone. Part of me still can’t,” says Narayan.

In the weeks following the tragic revelation, Narayan began to think of ways she could honor Kawa and their friendship. She recalled that she and Kawa had both received scholarships that enabled their studies at SU.

“We both experienced first-hand how it can remove barriers,” she says.

Narayan reached out to faculty in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and officially established a $15,000 scholarship in Mambu’s name. It is set to be distributed in the amount of $1,000 per year to a student studying civil or environmental engineering and will be awarded for the first time this spring to Christopher Harvey of Delmar, New York—an environmental engineering freshman and member of the .

Narayan hopes that her gift will alleviate the cost of education for many in the coming years. She also hopes that its recipients will look to Kawa and his legacy of kindness and humor for inspiration when things become difficult just as she did many years ago.

She says, “Mambu taught me that life can be beautifully simple and it should not be carried forth with pain and strain. It is a lesson that has been very valuable to me, and I believe it can help others.”

From left, Trufat Emanuel, Nicholas Manning, Stephanie Pagan, Kaylie Klotz and Carolina Espinal

The fall 2018 Foundations Scholars are:

Trufat Emanuel ’19,��

Carolina R. Espinal ’21, and

Kaylie Klotz ’22, College of Arts and Sciences

Nicholas Manning ’22, and

Stephanie S. Pagan ’22,

Foundations is a collaborative effort between many Syracuse University departments and schools, including the Office of Financial Literacy, Athletics, Office of Health Promotion, Office of Engagement Programs in Hendricks Chapel, and the Office of Professional and Career Development in the Graduate School.

For more information about Foundations, contact Tracy Tillapaugh.

Graduate degrees from the School of Education lead to careers in teaching, technology, counseling, research and leadership in diverse fields in the United States and globally. Many School of Education master’s programs can be completed in one year.

Prospective students are invited to learn about programs, the Orange Family Scholarship, and other funding sources at the School of Education Graduate Programs Open House on Friday, Nov. 9, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. in the Sharon Jacquet Education Commons, Huntington Hall. Faculty and students from across departments, admissions staff and financial aid staff will be present to talk with interested students about opportunities for graduate study at the School of Education.

For questions and more information on School of Education graduate programs, scholarship opportunities, or applying, contact��Speranza��Migliore at��gradrcrt@syr.edu��or 315-443-2505.

When more scientists with varied backgrounds and experiences fill laboratories and collaborate on teams, outcomes in innovation and discovery surpass those of less diverse scientific groups, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Sandra Hewett

Sandra Hewett, the Beverly Petterson Bishop Professor of Neuroscience and professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences, believes in the power that diversity brings to research and recently built more capacity in her lab with an NIH grant for $39,078 to promote diversity.

The NIH’s Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research grant will support the work of Regina Catague ’18 for one year in Hewett’s lab. Catague, who graduated last May with degrees in biology and neuroscience, had worked in Hewett’s lab during her undergraduate years and completed her honors capstone, as a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program, through her lab work.

The NIH awards the supplements to support research grants with additional funding to improve the diversity of the research workforce by recruiting and supporting students, postdoctorates and eligible investigators from groups underrepresented in health-related research.

Regina Catague

Hewett is the principal investigator of a five-year, $1.7 million grant award from the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Her research looks at the origins of brain disorders, including epilepsy and stroke.

The diversity supplement grants are part of the NIH’s strategy to continue to develop the high quality of scientific human capital—built from a pool of scientists with diverse backgrounds, who bring different perspectives, creativity and individual enterprise to address complex problems.

Hewett calls the need for diversity in science “a national imperative.”

“It’s important that the sciences reflect our society,” Hewett says. “I fell in love with science and I want people who are drawn to the sciences to fully immerse themselves in the lab and their education without having to worry about money.”

Hewett is impressed with Catague’s work. “Regina is interested in how stress affects specific cells—astrocytes—the most populous cells in the brain,” Hewett says. Catague is looking at how a certain protein that is expressed by astrocytes is modified under certain internal or external stress conditions.

“Continuing in Dr. Hewett’s lab gives me the opportunity to expand on the project I began during my undergraduate years—currently, I am testing whether the adaptation of astrocytes to an external stressor can provide protection against subsequent exposure to lethal stress,” Catgue says. “I also am mentoring several undergraduates, paying it forward by teaching students various lab techniques and passing down other crucial knowledge that they will need to start their own projects. Finally, I am using my gap year to bolster skills that will prepare me for matriculation into a physician-scientist program.”

Catague is the fifth student in Hewett’s lab who has been supported with an NIH diversity supplement.

“This supplement helps promote a more intensive mentored scientific experience for persons who are from communities underrepresented in science,” Hewett says. “It is my hope that by providing an in-depth laboratory experience, these top-notch students will see science as a viable career option. Also, increasing gender and racial diversity in science can only strengthen the greater scientific workforce.”

Incentives include no application fee, GRE waiver where applicable and a 25 percent tuition discount incentive, which is applied after any other scholarships, scholarship credits, assistantships and remitted tuition credits are applied.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be a current Syracuse University student in good standing with an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher applying for part-time or full-time study in one of the following degree programs:

Interested students must contact Falk admissions and submit their application by Feb. 15. Successful applicants will be officially admitted by the academic department and must formally matriculate for a 2019 term.

“Falk College graduate degree programs allow undergraduates of all majors to tailor and enhance their career opportunities,” says Falk College director of admissions�� Felicia Otero. “For example, bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology pair especially well with a master’s degree in social work (M.S.W.), marriage and family therapy (MFT) or the SWK-MFT dual program, as well as human development and family science, public health and global health.

“Undergraduates studying business, management, advertising and public relations can apply their skills directly to our sport venue and event management master’s program. Students with skills in these disciplines might also apply to public health, global health and food studies master’s programs, alongside students with bachelor’s degrees in communication and rhetorical studies, English, advertising, and education,” Otero continues. “Undergraduates in biology and chemistry programs often pursue graduate study in nutrition science, as well as public health and global health programs at Falk.”

“Falk graduate degrees lead to a variety of careers and end-credentials,” says Deborah Golia, assistant director of admissions at Falk College. “You’ll find Falk alumni working as counselors, therapists, social workers, community advocates, community educators, public health specialists, nonprofit program directors, managers, nutritionists, dietitians, sustainability program educators and in limitless other roles.”

“Falk College graduate degrees also lead to research professions and continued study in doctoral programs,” she adds.

Falk Admissions will host a Graduate Information Session on Friday, Nov. 2, in Falk Complex, White Hall, Room 335 at 4 p.m. In addition to review of Falk graduate programs, interested students can learn more about Falk Graduate Scholarships. For more information, please contact the Falk College Office of Admissions at 315.443.5555 or email falk@syr.edu.

“The Soros Fellowship allowed me to bring my first story collection to near completion over the summer. Because of the Soros’ generous funding, I did not need to work over the summer to support myself, which in turn gave me time to focus on my writing,” So says. “Furthermore, I’ve been in a lovely email��correspondence��with my Soros mentor, a former Soros Fellow himself who works as a playwright and screenwriter, and he has given me illuminating insights into what it means to pursue a career in the arts and writing.”

An information session on the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans will be held on Monday, Sept. 24, from 5-6 p.m. in Room 320 of the Hall of Languages. Yulian Ramos, deputy director of the Soros Foundation graduate fellowship program, will lead the session.

The merit-based Soros Fellowships, of up to $90,000, are exclusively offered to immigrants and children of immigrants who are pursuing graduate school in the United States and who are poised to make significant contributions to U.S. society, culture or their academic field. The application deadline is Thursday, Nov. 1.

Those eligible for the 2019 class must be new Americans aged 30 or younger who are planning to start or continue an eligible graduate degree program full-time in the U.S. during the 2019-20 academic year.

“The Soros is a remarkable opportunity for outstanding students planning graduate study or currently enrolled in a graduate program,” says Jolynn Parker, director of the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising. “It was such a pleasure to work with Anthony last year, and to see how meaningful the fellowship support has been for him. We’re eager to support future applicants.”

So encourages those interested to attend the information session, and to start their essays for the application as soon as possible. “Use the essays as a time to reflect on what you want from��your graduate experience,” So says. “Thinking through and drafting both��my��essays pushed me to figure out exactly what I want to do with my writing and graduate work.”

More information on the Soros Fellowship can be found at . For more information about the information session, or for assistance in the application process, contact the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising at 315.443.2759.