“I have deep roots in the field, and I’ve grown up with it academically,” says Heflin, professor of public administration and international affairs. “One of the things I noticed early on is that military veterans have a differential risk of food insecurity.”

Maxwell School graduate students, from left, Hyeryung Jo, Jack Baldwin and Ashraf Haque are assisting in the research project—Baldwin and Haque through their work with the X Lab.

With $700,000 in funding from organizations including The Rockefeller Foundation and the New York Health Foundation and support from Instacart, Heflin is spearheading a collaborative effort to address the issue head on. In collaboration with the Maxwell X Lab and the ���ϲ����� VA Medical Center, she is leading a year-long study focused on improving food access and nutrition for veterans in the ���ϲ����� area.

Pilot Program

The funding will support a pilot program that provides roughly 250 eligible veterans with monthly Instacart vouchers, called Fresh Funds, to purchase healthy grocery items such as fruits, vegetables, poultry and seafood, for delivery. In addition to the food subsidy, participants will receive nutritional support through cooking classes as well as individual counseling from a registered dietician to learn ways to incorporate healthier eating habits into their daily lives.

Colleen Heflin

The pilot is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ broader Food is Medicine effort which emphasizes the importance of equipping veterans with knowledge and resources to make healthy choices and improve long-term health outcomes.

Veterans who are invited to participate in the study reside in rural areas of Central New York and have diagnosed conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or obesity that are sensitive to diet and nutrition. Randomly selected participants will receive a $100 monthly Fresh Funds voucher through Instacart for 12 months, along with significantly reduced fees for home delivery of medically tailored groceries.

The goal is to determine whether increased access to healthy food and nutrition education can lead to measurable health improvements over time.

The study will use rigorous, randomized controlled trial design created in partnership with the Maxwell X Lab and will be conducted remotely, allowing veterans to participate from their homes. Participants will be asked to complete surveys on their well-being and food habits.

The findings aim to inform future VA policy and potentially expand access to similar services for veterans nationwide.

“Food is Medicine begins with the essential premise that what we eat is important to our health,” says Heflin. “Everyone working on this project is highly motivated to support veterans and do good science to better understand the effectiveness of these programs.”

A senior research associate with the Center for Policy Research and a research affiliate with the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health, Heflin has spent decades studying food policy and federal programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Leaders at the VA Medical Center contacted Heflin after she testified before Congress on military food insecurity. Their conversations helped spark the collaboration.

“The veteran health community has been overwhelmingly supportive,” says Heflin. “They’re very interested in seeing how we can address food insecurity among veterans.”

External Support

Leonard Lopoo

Heflin and fellow Maxwell researchers are also thankful for the external support provided by The Rockefeller Foundation, the New York Health Foundation and Instacart. The lead funder, The Rockefeller Foundation, has pledged $100 million to support the expansion of Food Is Medicine initiatives. Additional collaborations have involved the University of Utah, 4P Foods, Duke University, AboutFresh and Reinvestment Partners.

“We have a great working relationship with all the partners and are grateful for the collaboration and support we have received from them,” says Hannah Patnaik, managing director of the X Lab and Food is Medicine project lead for the lab. “We are so excited to have officially launched the project and are eager to better understand the impact of medically tailored groceries on a rural veteran population.”

In addition to Heflin and Patnaik, the Maxwell research team includes X Lab Director Leonard Lopoo and public administration and international affairs graduate students Jack Baldwin, Ashraf Haque and Hyeryung Jo.

Hannah Patnaik

Late this summer, the ���ϲ����� VA and Maxwell research team was working to enroll roughly 600 participants in the study. They hope to continue tracking participants long term to assess whether dietary and health improvements continue.

For Heflin, the project represents an opportunity to bring together academic research and real-world impact.

“I’m motivated by the chance to improve somebody’s day-to-day life,” says Heflin. “I do a lot of research on data that’s already been collected, and I rarely get the chance to impact somebody’s life in the moment. That’s really exciting.”

The potential for the project extends well beyond ���ϲ�����. The findings could also influence other public health programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid or state-level food and nutrition services.

“We’re hoping that by using the most rigorous scientific methods, that we will be able to move health policy,” says Heflin. “Both within the VA and within the larger community.”

Story by Mikayla Melo

Robin Caudell, the 2023 Veterans Writing Award winner, will read an excerpt from her upcoming book, “Black Heel Strings: A Choptank Memoir,” published by ���ϲ����� Press. In addition, the panel discussion will include award-winning veteran writers Dewaine Farria, Brian O’Hare, Jenny Pacanowski and Maurice Decaul. Those interested in attending should . A reception and book signing will take place following the panel discussion.

As an extension of the Veteran’s Writing Award, the University will also host a on Nov. 8 and 9 at the NVRC. Participants will have the opportunity to receive instruction and develop their writing under the direction of Farria, O’Hare and Pacanowski.

The workshop provides veterans a space to reflect on their experiences, gain insight and solace, process complex emotions, and build public voices and community with other service members while sharing stories with varied audiences. Those interested in applying to participate in the workshop should complete the by Oct. 1. The cost of participating in the workshop is $100, which covers the cost of instructional material and food. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. If you would like to be considered, please contact vwasubmissions@syr.edu.

The weekend workshop includes two public readings by workshop leaders and participants. A full schedule of events is available on the .

About the veteran writer panelists on Friday, Nov. 7:

• Robin Michel Caudell is an award-winning Press-Republican staff writer. A Native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Caudell served in the U.S. Air Force and was a John L. Levitow Honor Graduate. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Goddard College. Her poetry has been anthologized in national and international publications. She is the director/screenwriter for “Witness Tree at Union Road,” a documentary in collaboration with Skidmore College. Veteran, activist and author Anuradha Bhagwati selected Caudell’s memoir “Black Heel Strings: A Choptank Memoir” as the 2023 winner of the Veterans Writing Award.
• Dewaine Farria served in Jordan and Ukraine as a U.S. Marine. In addition to his military service, Farria served in the United Nations’ Department of Safety and Security. He supervises field security for the Asian Development. He holds an MA in international relations from the University of Oklahoma and an MFA in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Farria’s writing has appeared in Literary Hub, The New York Times, Southern Humanities Review, The Daily Beast and War on the Rocks. Tobias Wolff selected his novel “” as the winner of the inaugural Veterans Writing Award.
• Brian O’Hare is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, former Marine officer and Gulf War veteran. He is an award-winning writer and filmmaker living in Los Angeles. National Book Award winner Phil Klay selected his short story collection “” as the winner of the 2021 Veterans Writing Award. His film “Rizoo,” about a young girl deciding whether to wear the hijab for a class picture, was released in 2025 by The New Yorker. His feature documentary “Cannon Shot” about the world’s largest croquet match between the U.S. Naval Academy and St. John’s College, will premiere later this year.
• Jenny Pacanowski is a poet, playwright, military combat veteran and public speaker. She is the founder and artistic director of Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving (WVE&T), which has expanded its programming to include men, civilian support members and LGBTIA+ community members. Her writing has appeared in The War Horse, Spring St, Aquila Theater, The Journal of Military Behavioral Health and multiple poetry anthologies. She wrote the original drama “Dionysus in America,” which premiered in October 2019 at Canopy Theater and The Vortex. In June 2025, Jenny earned an MFA degree in performance creation.
• Maurice Decaul is a former Marine, poet, essayist and playwright. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Daily Beast, Sierra Magazine, Epiphany, Callaloo, Narrative and other outlets. His poems have been translated into French and Arabic and his theatrical works, “Holding it Down” and “Sleep Song,” collaborations with composer Vijay Iyer and poet Mike Ladd, have been produced and performed at New York City’s Harlem Stage, the Atlas Intersections Festival in Washington, D.C., and in Paris and Antwerp. He holds degrees in creative writing from Columbia University and New York University.

���ϲ����� Press, in cooperation with the D’Aniello Institute, established the Veterans Writing Award in 2019. The mission of the Veterans Writing Award is to recognize the contributions of veterans to the literary arts, shine a light on the multivalent veteran experience and provide a platform for unrecognized military writers. For more information, visit the . To ensure accessibility, CART and ASL services will be provided for this event.

Story by Lisa Kuerbis

I am writing to update you on the search process for ���ϲ�����’s next chancellor.

I am pleased to announce that trustees Shelly Fisher ’80 and Lisa Fontenelli ’86 will co-chair the search committee. Both currently serve on the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees. Trustee Fisher recently served as chair of the Student Experience Committee and Trustee Fontenelli previously served as chair of the Finance Committee. I am deeply grateful to them for taking on this important responsibility.

We are currently working through the shared governance structures to determine the full makeup of the search committee. We expect to name the committee’s membership by Sept. 19; shortly thereafter the search will begin.

As Chancellor Kent Syverud shared in his , community input is essential to this process. We will host a series of engagement sessions—both in person and virtually—to gather your suggestions, perspectives and guidance. We are finalizing the schedule and will share more information about these sessions next week.

Additionally, we are in the process of building the Chancellor Search website, which we expect to be live on Sept. 19. There, we will provide updates on all search-related matters, including:

• Biographical information about search committee members
• Details about upcoming engagement sessions
• A survey to share your views with us
• Guidance on contacting our search consultants, Spencer Stuart, with feedback, questions and nominations
• The position profile, which the committee will aim to complete in October after soliciting input from members of the community

Selecting our next chancellor is a critical and exciting moment for ���ϲ�����. Thank you in advance for your engagement and support throughout this process. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to University Secretary Mary Opperman at opperman@syr.edu.

Sincerely,

Jeff Scruggs
Chairman, Board of Trustees

Former men’s basketball standout Carmelo Anthony (center) delivers remarks during his induction Saturday night into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo courtesy of )

We want to know how you experience ���ϲ�����. Take a photo and share it with us. We select photos from a variety of sources. Submit photos of your University experience by sending them directly to ���ϲ����� at newsphoto@syr.edu. You might see it featured here.

Staff members gather to pass out giveaways at Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day, celebrated at the Sept. 6 football game. (Photo by Amy Manley)

NASA Astronaut Col. Eileen Collins, U.S. Air Force, Retired, ’78, H’01 (front row in a purple jacket), discussed her career, what goes into commanding a space shuttle and the possibilities for the future of space travel during a recent talk with current Engineering and Computer Science students. (Photo courtesy of the )

The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs hosted the 11th annual Stars and Stripes Tailgate before the football team defeated Connecticut in its home opener. The event brings together military-connected community members from across the region in celebration of school spirit and camaraderie. (Photo courtesy of the )

Students participating in the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello ���ϲ����� Program in Florence get to know each other on arrival day. (Photo by Sasha Perugini)

A staff member from the Special Collections Research Center engages with an attendee at the Libraries’ Welcome Fest. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Staff members at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello ���ϲ����� Program in Florence were eager to greet the newest ���ϲ����� Abroad program participants on arrival day. (Photo by Sasha Perugini)

Members of the ���ϲ����� Posse Miami 12 cohort pose for a celebratory group photo during the Moving Up Ceremony. (Photo by Kal Srinivas)

Fans of ���ϲ�����’s football team came together to cheer on the Orange before the team’s season-opener against Tennessee in the Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo courtesy of the )

What a gorgeous view of the Quad on a late summer day! (Photo by Mona Eikel-Pohen)

Professor Carlota Toledo (right) was finally able to meet Otto during the College of Law’s New Student Orientation in August. (Photo submitted by Carlota Toledo)

Ooh those Sweet Maia apples look delicious and ready to be picked from Owens Orchards in Weedsport. (Photo by Keith Kobland)

Chief Spencer Ohsgoñ:da’ Lyons of the Onondaga Hawk clan was the featured speaker at this year’s Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering, honoring the Six Nations whose ancestral lands ���ϲ����� stands on. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering on the Quad (Photo by Amy Manley)

Community members joined together at the Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering on the first day of classes. (Photo by Amy Manley)

The classic “first-day-of-school” photo opportunity, but make it the college version. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Celebrating the first day of 13th grade at the Day One Celebration (Photo by Amy Manley)

Members of the women’s volleyball team hit the books on the first day of classes. (Photo courtesy of the )

First Day of School photo opportunity, but make it the college version. (Photo by Amy Manley)

One of our favorite traditions on campus is when the members of the incoming class spell out a giant block “S” during the Dome Sweet Dome event! Welcome to the Orange��family, Class of 2029! (Photo courtesy of )

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences chair Gregory Hoke (center) and Professor Linda Ivany (right) greet a new College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) student during the Experience A&S | Maxwell Welcome Week event on the Quad. (Photo courtesy of the )

Head men’s basketball coach Adrian Autry ’95 delivers a passionate speech to fire up the Class of 2029 during the Dome Sweet Dome event. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Students in the ���ϲ����� Bands perform during the annual Citrus in the City event in downtown ���ϲ�����. (Photo courtesy of the )

Otto poses with incoming students who are part of an Orange legacy family during the annual Orange Alumni Family Reception. (Photo courtesy of the )

We love seeing a room full of Orange legacy families! (Photo courtesy of the )

New and returning student veterans and military-connected students got together during the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs’ Military-Connected Student Orientation and Resource Fair. (Photo courtesy of the )

More than 550 student-athletes and their coaches pose for a department photo before the start of the academic year. (Photo courtesy of )

New students met with representatives from over 50 student organizations during the Orange Blast Involvement Fair on the Quad. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Students and family members mingle during the David B. Falk College of Sport open house. (Photo courtesy of the )

New students get to know each other on the Quad during the annual New Student Ice Cream Social. (Photo courtesy of the )

Enjoying a moment of quiet solitude before the hustle and bustle of the fall semester begins. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Students in the hybrid art therapy M.S. program created body maps, using a visual representation of the body to express personal experiences, during a recent on-campus residency. (Photo courtesy of the )

At the heart of The ���ϲ����� Promise is a transformative matching program that empowers donors to enhance their impact and deepen their commitment to student success. Fueled by two generous unrestricted estate gifts, the University is offering a 1:2 match for contributions supporting scholarship endowments, in particular. Eligible gifts include contributions of $100,000 or more that establish new endowed scholarships, and $50,000 or more to enhance and sustain existing ones.

Meeting the Need

Today, 78% of ���ϲ����� students receive some form of financial aid, and in recent years, the University has reduced the average student debt burden by more than 10%. The University also takes pride in meeting the demonstrated financial need of every incoming student, but the type of aid provided—scholarships and grants compared to loans—is a major factor in its ability to attract the best students. This underscores the importance of growing and sustaining permanent funding sources in perpetuity.

“Endowed gifts provide ‘forever funding’ that grows over time and insulates both students and the University from external factors like world events and economic uncertainty,” says Tracy Barlok, senior vice president and chief advancement officer. “Institutions with more endowment funding per student are positioned for greater success and long-term security, and The ���ϲ����� Promise gives our donors an excellent opportunity to partner with us in building lasting support for future generations of students.”

Donors Embrace The ���ϲ����� Promise

The simplicity of the match program boosts its appeal. Donors can establish new endowed funds or strengthen existing ones.

Pictured with their family, ���ϲ����� Trustee Jeannine Lostritto ’90 and her husband, Glenn, were the first donors to The ���ϲ����� Promise initiative.

From the moment they learned of The ���ϲ����� Promise initiative, University Trustee Jeannine Lostritto ’90 and her husband, Glenn, wanted to lead by example. The first donors to support The ���ϲ����� Promise, they made an additional gift to their Lostritto Family Endowed Scholarship, which supports undergraduate students in the School of Architecture and was established a few years ago.

The Lostrittos, who also established a current-use fund that supports architecture students studying abroad, were particularly drawn to The ���ϲ����� Promise initiative for its ability to grow their endowed fund and provide a greater, lasting level of financial support to students.

“We started this scholarship because we believe in the power of education to change lives,” says Jeannine Lostritto. “The School of Architecture is so important to us because students arrive with a clear purpose, and over the course of the challenging five-year program, they grow not only as professionals but as a close community that feels more like family.”

Lostritto isn’t alone in recognizing the familial nature of the architecture community and how it motivates others. Bernard Armstrong III ’85 was a peer advisor to Christopher Baylow ’88, P’24 during their student years, and helped him through a challenging time. When Armstrong made a ���ϲ����� Promise gift expanding the School of Architecture 150 Global Study Endowed Scholarship, which he established a few years ago in honor of the school’s 150th anniversary, Baylow felt inspired to make his own gift in appreciation for their lasting friendship. Their combined gifts, with the match contribution, will provide $225,000 in additional funding for the already-endowed scholarship, which supports undergraduate students with preference to those studying abroad in Florence, Italy.

“It’s a critical skill for aspiring architects to understand the influence of purposeful design across various communities, cultures and historical periods. I’ve been fortunate to live in and travel to many parts of the world, and I’m thrilled to give ���ϲ����� students the opportunity to develop these global perspectives,” Armstrong says. “I’m also deeply grateful to my friend, Chris, for his support and shared belief in helping this next generation of talented architects.”

The ���ϲ����� Promise initiative is especially powerful for those who wish to make an enduring endowment-level gift but who might not have previously thought it possible. ��For Joe ’84 and Linda Bockskopf, The ���ϲ����� Promise match put their desire to create an endowed scholarship in reach, and they’re delighted to provide enduring support for SU students.

The daughter of Italian immigrants, whose own college experience was made possible by a full scholarship, Linda knows the life-changing impact of scholarship support. The Joseph T. Bockskopf ’84 and Linda D. Bockskopf Endowed Scholarship supports SUSTAIN Scholars in the College of Arts and Sciences. The SUSTAIN program enhances undergraduate STEM student learning, academic performance, retention to graduation, and STEM career or higher education placement.

“Linda and I wanted to give back and help SUSTAIN Scholars who might not have the financial resources to attend SU,” says Joe Bockskopf. “We wanted to endow a scholarship, but we were unsure about the timing of when to begin. We preferred to do something during our lifetime so we could see the benefit the scholarship would have for students. The ���ϲ����� Promise initiative presented an opportunity that was too good to let pass, and the matching funds will enhance what we’ve donated to provide even greater support.”

Like the Bockskopfs, Robert ’85 and Teresa Heitsenrether recognize the power of education and the need to create opportunity for bright students regardless of their financial circumstances. They established the Robert and Teresa Heitsenrether Endowed Scholarship Fund to support first-generation college students pursuing undergraduate degrees at any of ���ϲ�����’s schools and colleges.

“As a first-generation college student myself, I understand the transformative power of a ���ϲ����� education. While I have been making annual gifts to existing SU scholarship funds, I wanted to make a greater impact and help make an SU education more affordable for first-generation students,” says Robert Heitsenrether. “My wife and I were considering funding a scholarship over time, but when we became aware of The ���ϲ����� Promise initiative we decided to fully fund a scholarship up front to take advantage of the matching funds. We hope to continue growing the impact of our scholarship over time with additional contributions to the scholarship.”

Scholarships can support students pursuing advanced degrees too. Stephanie D. Jones L’03 established the Spirit of Sankofa – Stephanie D. Jones L’03 Endowed Law Scholarship for students in the College of Law, with preference for residential students who are in leadership positions of student associations in which she participated. Wanting to make an impact as soon as possible, Jones has fully funded the scholarship, and the College of Law expects to begin awarding the scholarship to a student in Spring 2026.

“Being in student leadership at the College of Law was an invaluable kickstart to my legal career and professional development,” Jones says. “While ‘sankofa’ has several meanings, to me it means moving forward while never forgetting the learnings of the past. It is my honor, knowing how much student leadership did for me, to support generations of SU law students in their leadership journeys through the Spirit of Sankofa scholarship.”

Reflecting on the outpouring of generosity from donors since the launch of the initiative, Barlok says it demonstrates the true connection of the Orange community. “Many of our donors were once students who received scholarship support themselves, or family members of SU students, and their own ���ϲ����� experiences inspired them to carry the tradition of giving forward. This is the exact kind of engagement and support that The ���ϲ����� Promise symbolizes, and we hope it compels others to join in this partnership.”

To learn more about The ���ϲ����� Promise scholarship fundraising initiative, contact Lynn Vanderhoek at 315.443.9236 or Lavander@syr.edu.

Dhuha Thabet, an SCSD Say Yes to Education student, interned with the Whitman School of Management’s Couri Hatchery Student Business Incubator. (Photo courtesy of Indaria Jones)

This summer, a group of high school students from the ���ϲ����� City School District (SCSD) had the opportunity to get a head start on their futures with a paid internship at ���ϲ�����, where they gained hands-on experience in various fields by working across campus as part of the summer internship program.

Summer interns are selected from a pool of candidates and placed in campus positions aligned with their desired career pathway. Each of the five SCSD high schools—Nottingham, Henninger, Corcoran, ITC and PSLA—were involved this year, with representation from the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, as well as students eligible for the Say Yes to Education scholarship program.

Interns spent their summer working closely with professionals at the University and learned more about the careers they hope to pursue. Aside from experiential learning, they also had the opportunity to start building their professional networks and connecting with the campus community.

Quindell Williams, workforce development coach in the SCSD’s CTE program, praised the summer internship program, saying, “The partnership between SCSD Career and Technical Education and ���ϲ����� is one that not only makes perfect sense, but one that we hope to continue to nurture as our CTE programs grow and expand. The program allows our students to engage with professionals, gain hands-on work experience and earn money in the process. Opportunities like this are what CTE is all about—preparing our students for success in the workforce!”

Ryan Sojewicz, a media communications CTE student from ITC High School (third from left), poses with staff from WAER-FM. (Photo courtesy of Holliday Moore)

Now in its fifth year, the summer internship program has led to successful outcomes for participants. Students who participated in the program have a near-100% graduation rate. Many of these students graduated with their high school diploma and successfully transitioned into their career field well-equipped with skills and experience from the summer program.

Others developed the desire to attend ���ϲ����� after graduation and have accomplished that goal. There are currently summer internship program alumni studying in the , , and , with even more interns who completed the program in 2025 and are excited to return to campus as students—all starting with their summer internship opportunity.

The program’s positive impact is not limited only to the young people who participate. Hosting departments across campus are happy to get to share their experience and expertise with passionate students who are eager to learn.

Holliday Moore, news and public affairs director at , says, “Over the years in the news profession, academic and coaching arenas, I’ve noticed that many high schoolers begin developing their dreams and ambitions well before they enter high school, and some don’t. I strongly believe that it’s important we show them the opportunities and choices ahead of them before they enter college. Ryan [Sojewicz, a media communications CTE student from ITC High School] is one of those developing students whose curiosity is ignited. We enjoyed having him on staff and showing him how the news industry at an NPR affiliate gets it done. I am looking forward to him hitting the ground running wherever his ambition takes him. We hope it’s here at WAER!”

SCSD Say Yes to Education student Mia Leo (center in back row) poses with the School of Education Office of Academic and Student Services team. (Photo courtesy of Shannon Botsford)

Troy Provost, a business technology CTE student from Nottingham High School (third from left), poses with staff from the Office of Human Resources. (Photo courtesy of Kajsa Parker Kenney)

Story by Paige Altman

As a new academic year begins, I’ve been thinking a lot about what lies ahead—not just for our University, but for me personally and professionally. After much reflection, I’ve decided that I will step down as chancellor and president of ���ϲ����� in June 2026.

Serving this University has been the greatest privilege of my career. For a native New Yorker who grew up just west of here in Irondequoit, the opportunity to lead ���ϲ����� has been both humbling and profoundly meaningful, and in many ways like coming home.

For more than 12 years I have witnessed the people who make up this great university perform miracles every day. You have launched innovative academic programs, hired hundreds of new faculty, and advanced research addressing the world’s biggest challenges. ���ϲ����� is now known as a national leader in supporting veterans and military-connected families. From the National Veterans Resource Center and the Barnes Center at The Arch, to the reimagined JMA Wireless Dome and a revitalized Schine Student Center, you have transformed our campus into a more dynamic and vibrant living and learning environment. Applications and enrollment have reached record levels. And together, we have confronted one of the most disruptive decades in the history of higher education, including navigating a once-in-a-century global pandemic that required more of our people than ever before. I marvel at the extraordinary talent of our Orange community. And you’ve done all this while putting the University in strong financial shape, with truly balanced budgets and record fundraising.

These accomplishments belong to all of us. I am especially grateful to my leadership team, our faculty and staff, our students, and our deeply committed alumni. Your passion and dedication power ���ϲ����� every day. I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Board of Trustees for the faith they placed in me back in 2013 and for their trust and partnership over the years. And to my wife, Dr. Ruth Chen, thank you for your steadfast commitment to this community, and for your many contributions—not only as my partner, but as a teacher, mentor, and advocate.

As we look to the future, I have one important request. Over the next year, the Board of Trustees will be selecting my successor. I encourage each of you to engage fully and thoughtfully with the Board of Trustees as they lead this important search. Your voices, perspectives, and aspirations for the future are vital to selecting a leader who will build upon our shared accomplishments and guide ���ϲ����� forward.

There is still more to do, and I’m energized for this final year. We will continue advancing, building, and achieving, together as One University. Although our time in leadership will end next June, Ruth and I will always be part of this extraordinary Orange community. We will remain Forever Orange.

With gratitude,

Chancellor Kent Syverud

Jani Onninen

, a professor in the��, is drawing on two fields of mathematics—geometric function theory and non-linear elasticity—to understand how and why materials fail under certain conditions.

“Imagine a blacksmith shaping hot metal,” Onninen says. “Each hammer strike creates a small deformation. Early on, each deformation is reversible. You can undo it and return to the original shape. But as the blacksmith continues hammering, the sequence of deformations approaches a limit where this reversibility breaks down. This signal tells us something critical. The blacksmith should stop—before the material reaches conditions conducive to forming a crack.”

Materials in the Real World

Traditional mathematical models use “Sobolev homeomorphisms” to describe a material when it deforms and collapses. These models assume two things. One, the material can return to its original shape (it’s “invertible”). Two, the deformation follows the path that uses the least energy. When these models show that a deformation can’t do these two things, it’s a warning signal that the material could fail.

In real life, however, materials don’t always behave according to these ideal mathematical models.

Materials tend to use the least amount of energy possible when they change shape. But sometimes the most efficient or “energy-saving” ways a material might deform don’t fit current math equations. So, researchers are trying to learn the most energy-efficient ways for a material to go from one shape to another.

Warning Signs Before Failure

At the heart of this research is the challenge of understanding and modeling more complex elastic deformations, as well as identifying warning signals in mathematics before materials reach their breaking point.

Onninen, in collaboration with former University postdoctoral researcher Ilmari Kangasniemi, has developed a new framework—the theory of quasiregular values—and achieved breakthroughs, including solving the Astala–Iwaniec–Martin uniqueness problem and providing fresh insights into Picard’s theorem, a foundational result in mathematics from the 1870s.

Onninen’s work is theoretical, studying what happens beyond the boundaries of current mathematical models. But basic research can lead to practical advances years or decades later. Eventually it could have applications in engineering, manufacturing and other fields to learn how much stress a material can handle. This could have implications for understanding wear and tear in infrastructure, like roads and bridges, clothing materials, such as cloth and plastics, and vehicle materials, like metals and plastics.

Building the Next Generation

The NSF grant will also support the training and mentorship of graduate students and early-career researchers, ensuring the continuation of this cutting-edge research.

“Some of the most exciting progress I’ve made has come from working closely with colleagues—sharing ideas, challenging each other and building something new together,” Onninen says, emphasizing the collaborative nature of mathematical discovery.

This latest grant marks Onninen’s seventh standard NSF award since joining the University.

“The mathematics department is thrilled that Professor Jani Onninen has received this prestigious NSF award, recognizing his groundbreaking work,” says��, professor and department chair. “His research continues to elevate the department’s profile and provides outstanding opportunities for our graduate students to participate in cutting-edge research, fostering their development as the next generation of scholars.”

Story by John H. Tibbetts

It is my pleasure to welcome you to campus for the 2025-26 academic year. I enjoyed meeting many of you and your families during our Welcome Week activities. As dean of students, I want you to know we are here to support you in achieving your goals and celebrating your successes. My colleagues in Student Experience and I all have different specialties and areas of expertise, but we all share one common goal—to provide support to you as you move through your time at ���ϲ�����. We help you understand expectations, provide guidance and support when there is a concern, and empower you to develop critical life skills, like independence, accountability, self-advocacy and resiliency.

I want to share with you an overview of resources, services and support available to you. They are designed to promote a respectful, safe, supportive and welcoming environment for all.

Barnes Center at The Arch

Did you know well-being is one of the strongest predictors of academic success? That’s why it’s so important to familiarize yourself with the . As the hub for student wellness, the Barnes Center features programs, services and offerings that promote holistic health and well-being in one accessible, centralized space on campus. The health and wellness team is committed to providing high-quality, student-centered care. This holistic wellness approach encompasses mind, body, spirit and community and includes things such as physical and mental health care, recreation and fitness, pet therapy, mindfulness offerings, crisis response and so much more. Please visit the to explore the full slate of activities, resources and services. The Barnes Center at The Arch is located at 150 Sims Drive, between the JMA Wireless Dome and Carnegie Library. Contact the health and wellness team by calling 315.443.8000 or emailing BarnesCenter@syr.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The outlines the standards we expect all students to uphold. Please familiarize yourself with the code. Details outlining the investigation, formal conduct, resolution by agreement, and appeal processes and sanctions may be found in the . If you have a concern about an alleged violation of the code, you can reach at 315.443.3728, via email at studentconduct@syr.edu or using the . Their team is located at 804 University Ave., Suite 106.

Student Title IX Case Management

Students who have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, sexual assault or intimate partner violence have . One of the options includes the team, which supports students through the reporting and investigation process when the alleged perpetrator of misconduct is a student. Students can reach Student Title IX Case Management at titleix@syr.edu or 315.443.0211. Their team is located at 242 Marley Education Building. If you believe a staff or faculty member has violated the University’s policy on sexual harassment, sexual assault or intimate partner violence, you may contact at equalopp@syr.edu or 315.443.4018.

Student Outreach and Support

Case managers in are available to assist students involved in University processes, including the conduct process and Title IX process, by providing supportive measures, explanations and follow-up services. They also support students navigating a personal difficulty or challenge through a variety of interventions, referrals and advocacy. Students can reach Student Outreach and Support at 315.443.4357 (HELP) or studentsupport@syr.edu. Their team is located at 111 Waverly Ave., Suite 220.

STOP Bias Initiative

The University has a robust reporting system designed to empower individuals to alert appropriate officials to incidents that may be motivated by bias. The outlines resources to report and receive support for such incidents. Review the webpage for the definition of bias, reporting processes, how the University responds to reports, aggregate data by semester, educational opportunities and support resources. You may also elect to report a bias-motivated incident directly to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) via the options on the .

Department of Public Safety

In addition to the resources outlined above, we also encourage you to review the message from Chief Michael Bunker outlining important safety and reporting resources offered through DPS. DPS team members are focused on maintaining a safe and secure place to live, learn and work. Visit to learn more.

At ���ϲ�����, the safety and well-being of our campus community is paramount. Recent events, including swatting calls within universities, have grown, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance and clear communication around public safety protocols.

Swatting deliberately false reports of emergencies intended to provoke a heavy law enforcement response is not only disruptive, but dangerous. These hoaxes can cause panic, divert critical resources, and traumatize students, faculty and staff. Thankfully, these recent threats were quickly identified as a hoax, and no one was harmed.

We urge all members of the ���ϲ����� community to:

• Stay alert and subscribe to campus safety notifications, such as .
• Understand emergency procedures, including lockdown and evacuation protocols.
• Report any suspicious behavior to the Department of Public Safety immediately.

Crosswalks

We kindly remind everyone to exercise caution and attentiveness when using crosswalks on and around campus.

Please observe the following guidelines:

• Adhere to pedestrian signals: Only cross when the walk signal is clearly displayed.
• Remain alert: Always look both ways and be aware of your surroundings before stepping into the crosswalk.
• Avoid distractions: Refrain from using mobile phones, headphones or other electronic devices while crossing the street.

Crosswalks are designated for your protection, but they require your active participation to ensure safety. By staying focused and following these simple practices, you help create a safer environment for yourself and others.

Stay Connected Digitally

There is a wealth of online resources that can help you make the most of your time at ���ϲ�����. Download the for convenient access to campus systems and information, frequently visit SU News to stay up-to-date on what’s happening across the University and on your favorite social media platforms.

The first weeks of a new academic year can be challenging. Please know that your fellow students, our staff and our faculty want you to be successful and are available to provide any assistance you may need. If you have any questions, concerns or need support, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the resources listed above. If you’re unsure where to start with a question or concern, you are always encouraged to connect with me by visiting the , calling 315.443.3514 or emailing dos@syr.edu.

Wishing you a great semester,

Dean Dixon

Now ���ϲ����� scientists are diving deep to understand how these tiny, temporary droplets—known as condensates—work, which could lead to new ways of treating or preventing several brain disorders.

Carlos Castañeda

Aging is tough on protein management in our cells. “The mechanisms that we call protein quality control do not work as well anymore,” says , associate professor of biology and chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S). Castañeda has been awarded a five-year, $2 million National Institutes of Health R35 MIRA award to study the link between protein quality control and “biomolecular condensates.”

“Losing protein quality control is related to some neurodegenerative disorders,” says Castañeda. “We are trying to understand those mechanisms so we can see why cells are not able to take care of proteins as they did earlier in life.”

Storage Closets and Trash Dumps

Scientists are discovering that cells contain tiny droplets that function like liquid storage closets, gathering, fixing, recycling or removing dysfunctional proteins. But as we age or respond to stress, our cells can lose effectiveness in cleaning up and managing these proteins.

When repair and recycling systems are lacking, damaged proteins can accumulate, forming clumps that may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and ALS. The droplets themselves can harden into sticky protein clumps, leaving long-term trash dumps in the brain.

In recent years, scientists have learned that droplet compartments are not rigid, permanent parts of the cell. Instead, they are membrane-less gatherings of specialized proteins that cluster together under certain conditions. These droplets appear and disappear when needed, helping cells adapt. Droplets gather and disperse based on stress, temperature and cellular signals.

Image depicting how cells form temporary condensates under stress conditions. In magenta is a target protein of interest, UBQLN2, and in green is a stress granule (condensate) marker. The bottom row is a merge containing blue for the nucleus. (Photo courtesy of Anitha Rajendran)

The Castañeda team aims to learn more about what causes droplets to form, what droplets are made of and how droplets decide which proteins are problematic and need fixing, recycling or removing.

Forces at Work

The research team will use a dual approach. They will perform molecular experiments to learn about changes to protein structure and dynamics, and cell biology-based approaches to observe living processes.

In molecular work, they will construct artificial droplets outside of cells to watch how changes in protein combinations or stress signals change their behavior, such as their ability to recruit different proteins or mediate different downstream outcomes (protein degradation or not).

The team will also perform studies of living cells. The researchers want to know more about how droplets manage damaged proteins when cells are stressed. They will study cellular signals that form these droplets and how different protein combinations can affect droplet behavior.

“We make a droplet in a test tube to see how the organization of these components change with different conditions and take components apart so we can understand how they come together,” says Castañeda. “Think of it as understanding a car engine by both building and dismantling it.”

These basic scientific investigations could have transformative long-term impacts, such as identifying critical points where intervention might prevent or treat protein clumps. It could potentially illuminate similar mechanisms across different neurodegenerative disorders and other diseases such as cancer.

The University’s collaborative and supportive research ecosystem (e.g., the BioInspired Institute, the Bioimaging Center, high-field NMR at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry) has been crucial to the development of this study, allowing scientists in different fields to share techniques and insights, access specialized equipment and develop more comprehensive research strategies, Castañeda notes.

“This field requires scientists from multiple fields—biology, chemistry, physics and engineering—working together,” says Castañeda. “This work would not have been possible without the many talented postdocs, graduate students, undergraduates and high school students that have gone through our lab. A special thanks to our lab manager and senior scientist Dr. Thuy Dao. I am deeply appreciative of our key collaborators at SU (e.g., Heidi Hehnly, Shahar Sukenik, Heather Meyer, Li-En Jao) and beyond (Dan Kraut at Villanova, Jeroen Roelofs at KUMC). Finally, I am very grateful to A&S and the VPR office for their support over the years.”

Story by John Tibbetts

From launching a clothing line for neurodivergent individuals to creating artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools for industries as diverse as health care, computing and drone operation, Orange Innovation Fund grants are fueling a diverse set of entrepreneurial ventures led by University innovators. The competitive micro-grant program, coordinated through the University Libraries, supports student businesses to develop and test prototypes of products, services and technologies they are seeking to bring to the market.

Each of the 2025 award winners have legally incorporated as business entities and are actively working with the University innovation ecosystem, including Libraries and the Blackstone LaunchPad, Couri Hatchery at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, Invent@SU at the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Innovation Law Center at the College of Law.

Spring 2025 Awards

• Aidan Turner ’25 (School of Architecture) and Carolyn Fernandes ’25 (College of Visual and Performing Arts) – SOLACE Collective: First-run production of a high-quality garment line designed for neurodivergent individuals. Funding completes garment and technical construction, the development of an e-commerce storefront and a direct-to-consumer launch in summer 2025.
• Angelo Niforatos G’25 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management) – Niffy Drones: Development of a minimally viable product for Titan Ops, an AI-powered analysis product for unmanned aerial systems. The software will ingest uncrewed system user manuals offline, enabling operators to access FAA Part 107 resources and conduct prototype testing with users. Niforatos also recently completed the NSF I-Corps program offered by ���ϲ�����.
• Emeka Ossai G’25 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management) – CampusLabs Nigeria: Establishment of a permanent co-working space at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s leading university. The entrepreneurship hub will serve graduates of the CampusLabs accelerator, a program developed with support from ���ϲ�����.
• Tony Goncalves ’27 (College of Engineering and Computer Science) – Gymin: Production of final prototypes based on initial testing and conducting a beta project at the Barnes Center for an integrated hardware and software system that delivers real-time analytics to fitness equipment users. User feedback will inform the product development that will soon be ready for commercial deployment. Goncalves also recently completed the NSF I-Corps program offered by ���ϲ�����.

Summer 2025 Awards

• Ava Lubkemann’27 (College of Engineering and Computer Science) – Revamped:
  

  Ava Lubkemann, SU Libraries’ Orange Innovation Scholar, poses next to Revamped bus

  Retrofit work on a bus that will become a mobile thrift store and donation hub to intercept and upcycle clothing and redistribute it directly into communities. Revamp’s scale-up plan is to bring these mobile stores to college campuses to help reduce waste, reimagine reuse and revamp systems to make sustainability even easier. The full commercial launch is planned this fall in ���ϲ�����.

• Nathan Brekke ’26 (College of Engineering and Computer Science), G’27 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management) and Joshua Varkey ’26 (College of Engineering and Computer Science) – Phloat: Professional refinement of an inflatable smartphone attachment that keeps devices afloat if dropped in water. The initial idea originated at Invent@SU the summer of 2024. The company is now working with industrial designers and fabricators to create an advanced commercial-grade prototype for manufacturing, component sourcing, professional fabrication, assembly, functional and compliance testing.

Fall 2025 Awards

• Nicolas Courbage ’26 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management) – PapeX: Completion of final commercial-ready prototype development for a platform that eliminates paper receipts and streamlines checkout. Funding supports back-end development, acquisition of near-field communication hardware to simulate point of sale terminals and software licensing. Initial testing occurred in the spring 2025 with full deployment and a major roll-out planned for this fall.

Since its inception, the Orange Innovation Fund has helped many ���ϲ����� entrepreneurs bring ideas to life across industries, geographies and stages of venture development. The most recent projects demonstrate how Orange innovation extends well beyond campus, creating social, cultural and economic impact from ���ϲ����� to communities around the globe.

The Orange Innovation Fund supports student research initiatives emerging from campus innovation programs. It helps move graduate and undergraduate student research or scholarly projects from ideation to proof of concept and commercialization, supporting the University’s goals of excellence in research, scholarship, student experiential learning and innovation.

Funding for the Orange Innovation program comes from a gift from Raj-Ann Rekhi Gill ’98, a member of the ���ϲ����� Board of Trustees who is an operating partner of Silicon Valley Quad, an angel investing syndicate.

“The Orange Innovation Fund showcases the remarkable creativity and determination of ���ϲ����� students, and the tangible impact their ideas can have in the world,” says David Seaman, dean of Libraries and University librarian. “Through this program, and in collaboration with partners across campus, we help student entrepreneurs take bold concepts from idea or lab bench to the marketplace, strengthening both their ventures and the University’s culture of innovation.”

This article was written by Linda��Dickerson Hartsock, strategic initiatives advisor, ���ϲ����� Libraries.

Mobile Apps

• ��is the official ���ϲ����� daily companion app. Whether you’re navigating your class schedule, catching up on campus news, finding dining options or checking real-time bus arrivals, OrangeNow has you covered.
• , from the Department of Public Safety (DPS), allows users to stay connected and receive important campus notifications, communicate with campus safety and gain access to tools that can help keep you safe on campus.
• �ճ���� is your digital ���ϲ����� I.D. card! Use it to update your I.D. card photo, add ’CUSE Cash and pay at Campus Dining locations.
• The facilitates connection between students and recognized student organizations.

Social Media

Campus News, Events and Fun

���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� Official

Student Experience

���ϲ����� Athletics

Otto the Orange

���ϲ����� Alumni

University Leadership

Universitywide Information and Services

Campus Dining

DPS

Hendricks Chapel

Information Technology Services (ITS)

Military-Connected and Veteran Services

Parking and Transportation Services

���ϲ����� Abroad

���ϲ����� Libraries

Websites

• ��(Student Employment)
• (activities, events, Greek Life)
• ���ϲ�����

There are many additional social media accounts you can connect with, including ones for every school/college and many of our academic programs and initiatives across campus. Visit the University’s����for a comprehensive list.

SU News posed this question to first-year and transfer students as they moved into residence halls during Welcome Week. From the fun to the essentials, find out what some of our new students couldn’t leave behind as they begin their new paths at ���ϲ�����.

As a new academic year begins, I’ve been thinking a lot about what lies ahead—not just for our University, but for me personally and professionally. After much reflection, I’ve decided that I will step down as chancellor and president of ���ϲ����� in June 2026.

Serving this University has been the greatest privilege of my career. For a native New Yorker who grew up just west of here in Irondequoit, the opportunity to lead ���ϲ����� has been both humbling and profoundly meaningful, and in many ways like coming home.

For more than 12 years I have witnessed the people who make up this great university perform miracles every day. You have launched innovative academic programs, hired hundreds of new faculty, and advanced research addressing the world’s biggest challenges. ���ϲ����� is now known as a national leader in supporting veterans and military-connected families. From the National Veterans Resource Center and the Barnes Center at The Arch, to the reimagined JMA Wireless Dome and a revitalized Schine Student Center, you have transformed our campus into a more dynamic and vibrant living and learning environment. Applications and enrollment have reached record levels. And together, we have confronted one of the most disruptive decades in the history of higher education, including navigating a once-in-a-century global pandemic that required more of our people than ever before. I marvel at the extraordinary talent of our Orange community. And you’ve done all this while putting the University in strong financial shape, with truly balanced budgets and record fundraising.

These accomplishments belong to all of us. I am especially grateful to my leadership team, our faculty and staff, our students, and our deeply committed alumni. Your passion and dedication power ���ϲ����� every day. I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Board of Trustees for the faith they placed in me back in 2013 and for their trust and partnership over the years. And to my wife, Dr. Ruth Chen, thank you for your steadfast commitment to this community, and for your many contributions—not only as my partner, but as a teacher, mentor, and advocate.

As we look to the future, I have one important request. Over the next year, the Board of Trustees will be selecting my successor. I encourage each of you to engage fully and thoughtfully with the Board of Trustees as they lead this important search. Your voices, perspectives, and aspirations for the future are vital to selecting a leader who will build upon our shared accomplishments and guide ���ϲ����� forward.

There is still more to do, and I’m energized for this final year. We will continue advancing, building, and achieving, together as One University. Although our time in leadership will end next June, Ruth and I will always be part of this extraordinary Orange community. We will remain Forever Orange.

With gratitude,

Chancellor Kent Syverud

• The now resides in the School of Education.
• Marriage and family therapy joined human development and family science and the united department is now in the .
• The University’s have joined the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Concurrently, the was reimagined as the nation’s first standalone college of sport on a Research 1 campus.

These changes align with the University’s goal of creating academic synergies among, and supporting the continued growth and impact of, human dynamics programs. They also reflect the University’s ongoing commitment to human thriving, one of the areas of strategic excellence outlined in “Leading With Distinction,” the University’s .

The moves were announced in fall 2024 following strategic evaluation by the Human Dynamics Task Force, which was informed by input from students, faculty, staff and community partners. The task force’s goal was to ensure that each human dynamics program is positioned for long-term success, deeper collaboration and greater impact as they transition out of the Falk College and into new schools/colleges for the 2025-26 academic year.

Human Development and Family Science (HDFS)/Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

New home: College of Arts and Sciences (both disciplines housed in the Department of Human Development and Family Science)

Degrees offered: B.S., HDFS; M.A., MFT (in-person/online); Ph.D., HDFS; Ph.D., MFT; minors in human development and family science, child and family policy, mindfulness and contemplative studies and gerontology

Why it fits: These disciplines align with the College of Arts and Sciences’ (A&S) commitment to solving global challenges around health and well-being and will provide new avenues for collaboration and creativity. Cross-program partnerships will expand student learning opportunities in health-adjacent fields, drive research innovation and significantly enhance A&S’s collective impact on individual and community well-being. HDFS and MFT are natural additions to such existing A&S departments as psychology, communication sciences and disorders, health humanities, LBGTQ studies, neuroscience and women’s and gender studies.

Bringing these programs into A&S strengthens our commitment to interdisciplinary research and teaching that supports individuals and families across the lifespan. We are excited to welcome faculty and students whose work aligns so closely with our mission.

— College of Arts and Sciences Dean Behzad Mortazavi

Public Health

New home: Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

Degrees offered: B.S., public health; B.S., public health and management (in partnership with the Whitman School of Management); MPH.; MPH/MBA dual program (in partnership with the Whitman School)

Why it fits: Public health’s move to the Maxwell School fits with the school’s academic strategic plan, which includes a focus on addressing health and health disparities. Public health and public policy are highly interrelated, and Maxwell is uniquely positioned to provide evidence-based solutions to the challenges facing public health leaders and practitioners. Opportunities for growth and collaboration will be enhanced across existing external partnerships (such as the public health department’s work with the New York State Department of Health) and within key Maxwell research centers and institutes, such as the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health, Aging Studies Institute and the Policy, Place, and Population Health Lab.

This is a natural fit for the public health department and for the Maxwell School. Adding these experts in global and environmental health, infectious disease and other top public health issues to our community of world-class scholars on population health, aging and health policy, as well as our health scholars across the social sciences, will further enhance our vital voice in the study of health and in the development of health policy.

— Maxwell School Dean David M. Van Slyke

Social Work

New home: School of Education

Degrees offered: B.S.W.; M.S.W. (in-person/online); J.D./M.S.W. (in partnership with the College of Law); social justice minor

Why it fits: The core values of social work—service, social justice, dignity and the worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence—align closely with the School of Education’s mission of mentoring and nurturing the next generations of educators, scholars and leaders who will have meaningful and sustained impact in their communities. The addition of social work to the school brings new possibilities for interdisciplinary research and curriculum development, with social work faculty bringing to the table deep community partnerships, a strong research profile and an enthusiasm for working collaboratively.

I look forward to the new opportunities presented by closer collaboration with programs that share our historical commitments to inclusive pedagogy and practice, as well as to reciprocally valuable partnerships in Central New York. We will benefit from our new colleagues’ expertise in online teaching and their dedication to veterans and military-connected families.

— School of Education Dean Kelly Chandler-Olcott

From moving in to their residence halls to swaying to the alma mater for the first time during New Student Convocation to having an Orange Blast on the Quad and heading downtown for Citrus in the City, we’ve rounded up some of the best photos from events held across the campus. Take a peek—there might be someone you know!

You know you’ve arrived in ’Cuse when you’re finally snapping a selfie on the Einhorn Family Walk. (Photo by Amy Manley)

A welcoming reception was held for parents, families and supporters of incoming Slices. (Photo by Amy Manley)

New Student Convocation (Photo by Amy Manley)

Orange Blast (Photo by Amy Manley)

The rain couldn’t put a damper on the Orange spirit during move-in week. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Faculty members, University leadership and presenters process at New Student Convocation (Photo by Amy Manley)

Students pose for a selfie on the field inside the JMA Wireless Dome during Dome Sweet Dome. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Chancellor Kent Syverud dispenses words of wisdom at New Student Convocation. (Photo by Amy Manley)

The Dean’s Welcome event held at the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) would not have been complete without an appearance by the ���ϲ����� Marching Band! (Photo courtesy of VPA on Facebook)

The Libraries educated new students and families about their spaces and resources during Welcome Week. (Photo courtesy of ���ϲ����� Libraries on Facebook)

This family is locked in for the semester ahead with their ���ϲ����� gear. (Photo courtesy of ���ϲ����� on Instagram)

Women’s basketball head coach Felisha Legette-Jack ’89 (left) and men’s basketball head coach Adrian Autry ’94 help to hype up the crowd at Dome Sweet Dome. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Orange packages of tissues were on offer to relieve any tears at the Family Welcome Reception. (Photo by Amy Manley)

The Slice Is Right (Photo by Amy Manley)

Andrea-Rose Oates ’26 shares some helpful advice for incoming students at New Student Convocation. (Photo by Amy Manley)

New students are welcomed to downtown ���ϲ����� for Citrus in the City. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Some of our favorite friends to be welcomed to campus by Chancellor Syverud are those of the four-legged variety. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Orange Blast (Photo by Amy Manley)

Getting ready to compete at the Slice Is Right (Photo by Amy Manley)

All smiles at the School of Information Studies (iSchool) open house for incoming students (Photo courtesy of the iSchool on Facebook)

New Student Convocation (Photo by Amy Manley)

Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers helped to ensure a safe move-in experience. (Photo courtesy of DPS on Facebook)

Dean J. Cole Smith chats with students at a College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) Welcome Week event. (Photo courtesy of ECS on Facebook)

A heartfelt good-bye at ���ϲ����� Hillel Fresh Fest (Photo by Amy Manley)

Getting acquainted with ���ϲ�����’s beautiful campus goes hand-in-hand with Welcome Week. (Photo courtesy of ���ϲ����� on X)

Citrus in the City (Photo by Amy Manley)

The learning has already begun for the year at the Falk College of Sport open house. (Photo courtesy of the Falk College on LinkedIn)

New Student Convocation (Photo by Amy Manley)

Chancellor Syverud chats with students at Citrus in the City. (Photo by Amy Manley)

���ϲ����� Hillel FreshFest (Photo by Amy Manley)

Getting together at the College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School event on the Quad (Photo courtesy of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs on Facebook)

Dean Michael Frasciello (right) hosted a Welcome Back BBQ for students in the College of Professional Studies. (Photo courtesy of the College of Professional Studies on Facebook)

Otto poses with friends at the ���ϲ����� Art Museum’s open house during Welcome Week! (Photo courtesy of the Art Museum on Facebook)

Hendricks Chapel staff and members of the Goon Squad help at move in. (Photo courtesy of Hendricks Chapel on Facebook)

Chaz Barracks’ installation at the Phillips Free Library in Homer

His concept was simple but intentional: ride a bike through town, record conversations and everyday reflections, and capture what Barracks calls the “speculative spectacular” of everyday life, building on his and his scholarly lens.

Barracks is no stranger to turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. His award winning 2020 short film “,” a visual meditation on Black life and joy in Richmond, Virginia, blended oral histories, dance and self-representation to create a moving portrait of community. His work was born during the isolation of the pandemic and exemplified his commitment to unique storytelling.

With a Ph.D. in media, art and text from Virginia Commonwealth University, Barracks has developed a scholarly body of work at the intersection of Black queer studies, performance and digital storytelling. His projects blend podcast interviews, photography, film and public installations to explore identity, memory and community.

Barracks’ mic on a bike

As a postdoctoral fellow at ���ϲ�����, he continued to merge his art and his research. “I see media-making as inquiry and intervention,” he says. “It’s artistic and intellectual practice rooted in lived experience.”

Barracks says he is drawn to places that allow him to slow down and connect. Homer, at the gateway to the Finger Lakes, offered the perfect pace with its vibrant downtown business district, quaint Village Green and large, well-preserved federal historic district, surrounded by farmland, lakes and rolling hills. And the Center for the Arts was the perfect collaborator. Housed in a restored 1892 Romanesque church, the nonprofit visual and performing arts hub presents more than 150 events annually, attracting 25,000 people. “It’s focused on community building, and I appreciate that kind of grassroots arts activism,” Barracks says.

Linda Dickerson-Hartsock, strategic initiatives advisor at ���ϲ����� Libraries and a founder of the center, helped shape his residency after discussing his scholarship at Bird Library’s Mower Faculty Commons. Barracks’ vision resonated with her as both former founding executive director of the Blackstone LaunchPad and the Connective Corridor. “He brings artistry and scholarly depth that shifts how we think about place, storytelling and the role of art in connecting community,” she says.

Barracks at the Center for the Arts in Homer, New York

The residency followed principles of creative placemaking, using arts and culture to connect residents, foster belonging and spark dialogue around identity, history and shared values. Barracks’ work drew on the “slow movement” coupled with bike culture, both of which engage people with their surroundings at a human scale.

“Biking is joy for me,” Barracks says. “It is how I decompress, think and connect with nature. In Homer, it became a way to share knowledge, culture and history with the community.” Once a stop on the Underground Railroad, the town offers deep resonance for conversations about Black freedom, movement and mobility.

Barracks’ residency also included DJ sets at the Homer Farmers’ Market and other community art spaces and studios, where he mixed poetry and narrative exploring Black joy through sound. It culminated in a multimedia exhibition at the Phillips Free Library, featuring “Everyday Black Matter” alongside reflections of “Mic on a Bike” audio and visual material from his Homer residency. He incorporated curated books on Black and queer history and staged the library’s first-ever “after dark” event, transforming it into an experimental art gallery with music and ethereal stage lighting for a one-night pop-up.

Barracks’ approach is informed by Imagining America, a national consortium promoting democratic civic engagement through the arts and humanities that was housed at the University from 2007 to 2017. A longtime participant and recipient of its Stories of Change public scholarship award, he will share his work at its 2025 annual gathering this fall in New Mexico.

Barracks is now editing “Mic on a Bike” with a team of SU student filmmakers, building a growing digital archive that began with “Everyday Black Matter.” He sees media as both artifact and act, capturing presence, asserting worth and reflecting cultural memory. He envisions taking “Mic on a Bike” to other towns across the country and around the world.

“Biking itself is a mobile meditation,” he says. “It reinforces my belief in the image as profound proof of life. This is not just about recording others. It is about showing up fully as myself: Black, queer, neurodivergent, joyful, imperfect.”

Whether you are a seasoned fairgoer or plan to go for the first time, we have put together a guide that covers everything you need to know.

General Information

The New York State Fair opens Wednesday, Aug. 20, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. It is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day except for Labor Day, when it closes at 9 p.m.

Student Experience will sponsor a trip to the fair on Saturday, Aug. 30. Tickets, which are $3, will be available in the on Monday, Aug. 25.

Building Hours

The Brown Swiss competition at the 2024 New York State Fair (Photo by Michael J. Okoniewski/NYS Fair)

Buildings will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with following exceptions: the Daniel Parrish Witter Agriculture Museum will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; the Wegmans Art and Home Center will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; the Eatery Building will be open until 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; and the Dairy Products Building will be open until 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (the Milk Bar closes at 9 p.m.).

Tickets and Parking

Admission to the fair is $8.32 (including fees), and free for those who are 65 years old and older or children 12 years old and younger.

There are three ways to purchase tickets:

• Online:
• Over the phone: By calling Etix toll-free at 1.800.514.3849 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday
• At the gate: Kiosks positioned at all gates will be used for electronic ticket purchases. Large signs featuring QR codes will direct fairgoers to Etix to purchase tickets.

Note: Ticketing is completely cashless. Machines that can convert cash into a usable card will be positioned at the fair’s main gate. Self-service kiosks will be available at all gates to purchase admission tickets.

Special fair days include the following:

• Wacky Wednesdays (Wednesdays, Aug. 20 and 27): One day, ride-all day wristbands
  

  Fairgoers take in the thrill rides along the Midway section at the 2024 fair. (Photo by Michael J. Okoniewski/NYS Fair)

  for $30.

• Student Youth Day (Thursday, Aug. 21): Youth and students aged 18 years old and younger will receive free admission. In some cases, they may be asked for photo identification to verify their birthday.
• Pride Day (Friday, Aug. 22): A flag-raising ceremony and parade will be held.
• Family Fishing Day (Fridays, Aug. 22 and 29): Noon to 5 p.m. at the pond in the Experience Area, near Suburban Park. No fishing license is required, and loaner rods are available. All ages and abilities are welcome.
• New Americans Day (Friday, Aug. 22): A citizenship ceremony for 100 new Americans will be held at 11 a.m. at the Art and Home Center.
• Law Enforcement Day (Monday, Aug. 25): Active and retired members of police and/or corrections departments will receive free admission with a badge or picture ID from the department from which they are or were employed. The day includes a ceremony for fallen officers and a parade.
• Fire, Rescue and EMS Day (Tuesday, Aug. 26): Active and retired members of fire, emergency services and EMS agencies will receive free admission with photo identification from that department or organization. A ceremony and parade will be held.
• Women’s Day (Wednesday, Aug. 27): The day will include a health and wellness mini-fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chevy Court Pavilion.
• Sensory Friendly Day (Wednesday, Aug. 27): guests can enjoy a sensory-friendly experience with limited lights and sounds from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Armed Forces Day (Thursday, Aug. 28): All members of the military—active duty and veteran—will receive free admission with proper military identification (Military ID card, form DD-214 or New York State driver license, learner permit or non-driver ID card with a veteran designation).
  

  Cece Young and Darice Sampson of the Seneca Nation perform the Hoop Dance in the Indian Village (Photo by Michael J. Okoniewski/NYS Fair)

• Native Americans Day (Friday, Aug. 29): All people who identify as Native American will receive free admission. The Indian Village will feature cultural performances and crafts.
• Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 1): A parade led by members of organized labor will be held.

Parking tickets may be purchased for $12.41* (including fees) in several ways, including the following:

• Online:
• Over the phone: By calling Etix toll-free at 1.800.514.3849 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday
• At the lot: Drivers can pay for parking by credit card in each lot.
• Note: EZPass Plus is no longer an option for parking.

For directions and a parking map, visit this .

Transportation

The butter sculpture at the 2024 New York State Fair (Photo by Michael J. Okoniewski/NYS Fair)

There are , with the downtown Centro hub and Destiny USA being the closest to campus. Those buses will run directly to the fair from 8:45 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Return service will run from 9 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. (9:15 p.m. on Labor Day). The fee to ride the shuttle one way is $1 for adults and $.50 for senior citizens, children 6 to 9 years old and those living with disabilities. Children under 6 are free.

Visit the University’s for information on Centro buses that stop at the Centro hub and Destiny USA.

Midway Hours

The Midway will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, except on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1, when it closes at 9 p.m. For details about ride tickets, visit the .

Food

Fairgoers enjoy treats from the baked potato booth at the 2024 fair (Photo by Michael J. Okoniewski/NYS Fair)

One of the biggest attractions at the fair is the food! From sausage sandwiches to barbecue, apples to deep fried treats, there is something to please every appetite. Two perennial fair favorites—the 25-cent cup of milk, located in the Dairy Products Building, and the $1 baked potato, located in the Horticulture Building—will ��be back.

Select vendors will offer discounted samples as part of “Tasty Tuesday” on Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Samples will be available for $3 to $5 each. To plan out your meals, and search the Fair Finder section.

Live Entertainment and Attractions

Included with your admission is access to many different forms of live entertainment and attractions. The Latino Village, Pan-African Village, Indian Village and Asian Village are brimming with cultural offerings. You can plan your trip in advance with the .

The Dropkick Murphys performs at the Suburban Park Stage at the 2024 fair (Photo by Warren Linhart/NYS Fair)

From cheering at baseball games and visiting with friends old and new to lounging poolside and working on their golf swing, Otto brought the Orange spirit to every corner of Central New York this summer.

Take a look at how our favorite mascot spent their sunny season! And when you see Otto on campus, make sure you tell them how you spent YOUR summer.

Video edited and produced by Amy Manley, senior multimedia producer

Keeping with an 81-year tradition, members of this year’s Goon Squad are all smiles as they help new students move in to their residence halls. (Photo by Amy Manley)

We want to know how you experience ���ϲ�����. Take a photo and share it with us. We select photos from a variety of sources. Submit photos of your University experience by sending them directly to ���ϲ����� at newsphoto@syr.edu. You might see it featured here.

An incoming student takes a moment to give a kiss to her dog while moving in during Welcome Week. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Nothing says “you’ve arrived!” like stopping by the ���ϲ����� sign for a photo op during Welcome Week. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Fire and Life Safety Services hosted the Fire Safety Academy, providing our resident advisors and resident directors with hands-on, real-world fire safety training. (Photo courtesy of the )

A student presents their research during the annual SOURCE Summer Research Symposium, which celebrates the research and discoveries made by our undergraduate students. (Photo by Amy Manley)

A student researcher holds her gecko, oatmeal, while presenting her research during the annual SOURCE Summer Research Symposium. (Photo by Amy Manley)

���ϲ����� Libraries recently hosted the SummerStart resource fair, which is designed to help first-year students transition to life on campus by meeting with different departments to learn about the resources and services available to them. (Photo courtesy of the )

Veteran entrepreneurs hear from Willie Reddic (far right), associate professor of accounting and associate dean for business education in the Whitman School, during the annual Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans. (Photo courtesy of the ).

Members of the College of Professional Studies were joined by Otto at the 174th Attack Wing Runway 5k at ���ϲ����� Hancock International Airport. (Photo courtesy of the )

Beekeepers are in the process of harvesting honey from the beehives on South Campus. Jars of honey will be available for purchase in the fall. (Photo courtesy of )

Kasey Laurent, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, gives a lesson to students using a wind tunnel during the annual STEM Trekkers summer program. (Photo by Alex Dunbar)

Football coach Fran Brown (left) came to the Falk College of Sport to speak to high school students interested in sports management and sports analytics. (Photo courtesy of the )

Looking up at Holden Observatory, the second-oldest building on campus, on a picture-perfect summer afternoon. (Photo courtesy of )

Students and staff sit outside of the Parthenon together while on a walking tour of Rome landmarks during the School of Education’s fully inclusive study abroad experience in Italy. (Photo courtesy of the )

Students in the ���ϲ����� Los Angeles program joined students from other colleges on a group hike to the iconic Hollywood sign. (Photo courtesy of Brian Glennon ’28)

Volunteers from the University’s Center for International Services helped weed and pull garlic for the South Campus food pantry. (Photo courtesy of )

Bright sunlight creates lens flares against a brilliant blue sky with scattered white clouds during a campus photo of the JMA Wireless Dome. (Photo courtesy of )

Exercise science students traveled to Peru this summer for an immersive trip as part of the course Peru and the Human Adaptive Response to Altitude. (Photo courtesy of the )

A gorgeous snap of the Hall of Languages on a summer day. (Photo by Kaustuv Mukherji, a Ph.D. student in computer and information science and engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science)

Participants in this game of Jenga shared plenty of laughs during��SummerFest. (Photo by Amy Manley)

University community members compete in a game of cornhole during SummerFest, an event where students, staff and faculty connected and built community in a social setting. (Photo by Amy Manley)

There’s not a cloud in the sky over Crouse College, and the flowers are in bloom on an idyllic summer day on campus. (Photo courtesy of the )

Physics instructor Sam Sampere and Daphne (@daphnethebasset_su) take a break from physics with some belly rubs on a beautiful campus day. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Even on an overcast day, campus shines. (Photo by Alana Brooks, student conduct investigator, Community Standards)

Sponsored by Admissions, high school guidance counselors recently visited with University staff as part of the Upstate New York International Counselor Tour, showcasing ���ϲ�����’s offerings. (Photo by Amy Manley)

A representative from ���ϲ����� Abroad spoke with high school counselors about study abroad programs during the recent Upstate New York International Counselor Tour held in the Schine Student Center. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Earlier this summer, English Language Institute students got an up-close look at the majestic views and natural beauty of Niagara Falls. (Photo courtesy of the )

English Language Institute students pose in front of Niagara Falls during a recent summer excursion. (Photo courtesy of the )

The inaugural class of the Bandier Master’s in Music Business program met with program director Bill Werde (far right) during the Newhouse School’s graduate program boot camp. (Photo courtesy of the )

The Spelman College Glee Club performs at Hendricks Chapel’s “Return to Community: A Sunday Gospel Jazz Service,” the grand finale of ���ϲ����� International Jazz Fest. (Photo by ana gil)

A behind-the-scenes shot of the Orange Juice jazz combo performing in Clinton Square during the 2025 ���ϲ����� International Jazz Fest. (Photo by John Coggiola)

Spirits were high in Hendricks Chapel as gospel and jazz music fused together at “Return to Community: A Sunday Gospel Jazz Service,” part of ���ϲ����� International Jazz Fest. (Photo by ana gil)

Two children enjoy lawn games at the “Return to Community: A Sunday Gospel Jazz Service” luncheon on the Quad, part of ���ϲ����� International Jazz Fest. (Photo by ana gil)

Students in the Newhouse School’s summer program in New York City joined ABC’s “Good Morning America” team as the program moved to a new studio in Hudson Square. (Photo courtesy of )

Members of the University community walked in the Central New York Pride Parade in celebration of Pride month. (Photo courtesy of )

Otto marched alongside a contingent of the University community in the Central New York Pride Parade on June 21. (Photo courtesy of )

Rainbows and joy were abundant at the Central New York Pride Parade. (Photo by CoCo Boardman)

Men’s lacrosse coach Gary Gait ’90 throws out the first pitch during the annual SU Day at Yankee Stadium. (Photo courtesy of the )

It was a beautiful day at the ballpark when Orange students, faculty, alumni and friends met up to watch the New York Yankees take on the Baltimore Orioles during SU Day at Yankee Stadium. (Photo courtesy of )

Eleven Falk College students traveled to Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru, with Exercise Science Professor Tom Brutsaert as part of the course, “Peru and the Human Adaptive Response to Altitude.” (Photo by Isabella “Ellie” Petros)

Falk College students take in the sights in Peru as part of Exercise Science Professor Tom Brutsaert’s course, “Peru and the Human Adaptive Response to Altitude.” (Photo by Isabella “Ellie” Petros)

Orange flowers are in bloom in front of the Hall of Languages on a summer day. (Photo courtesy of the )

Officially in a summer state of mind. (Photo courtesy of )

Faculty and staff winners from this year’s “On My Own Time” art exhibition. Pictured clockwise from top left: Ronald Thiele, Scott Samson, Richard Breyer, Joseph Stoll, Kathleen Pascarella, Erin Beiter, Meghan Graham and Marie Luther. Their works were selected by an independent panel of artist judges to be displayed in the finale exhibition at the Everson Museum of Art from Oct. 4-Nov. 9.

A reception was held for the 27 employees who participated in this year’s art exhibition. Clockwise from top left: faculty and staff artists who attended the reception; “Sunrise or Sunset Shawl” (fiber art) by Megan Graham; “Orchid Wail” (mixed media) by Jaime Banks; and “The Middle Way” (porcelain and glass) by Marie Luther.

Employees participate in a “Get Outdoors” event on the Quad, sponsored by the Wellness Initiative for faculty and staff in partnership with Outdoor Recreation. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Friends and iced coffee on the Quad make for a pretty good summer day. (Photo by Amy Manley)

The women’s rowing team placed 12th during the 2025 NCAA Women’s Rowing Championship, the program’s fifth consecutive NCAA Championship appearance. (Photo courtesy of the )

Otto the Orange cheers on faculty and staff at the finish line of the ���ϲ����� WorkForce Run on June 10. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Employees are all smiles at the ���ϲ����� WorkForce Run June 10. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Student inventors with Invent@SU work on their prototypes during a recent open house. (Photo courtesy of the )

Libraries staff delivered donated food and hygiene items gathered during the “Food for Fines” collection program to the Coach Mac Food Pantry at Hendricks Chapel. (Photo courtesy of the )

Staff members in the College of Arts and Sciences enjoy a friendly game of Connect 4 during a staff barbeque on the Quad. (Photo courtesy of the College of Arts and Sciences’ Facebook page)

Students in the School of Information Studies presented their research to the SEC Crypto Task Force in Washington, D.C.—demonstrating how emerging technology intersects with real-world policy. (Photo courtesy of the School of Information Studies)

Garden Managers Erica Howard G’26 (left) and Alyssa Quinn G’26 work on the irrigation system for the newly planted vegetables at Pete’s Giving Garden. (Photo by Amy Manley)

The College of Arts and Sciences Dean Behzad Mortazavi (far right) mingles with staff members during a staff barbeque on the Quad. (Photo courtesy of the College of Arts and Sciences’ Facebook page)

The 52nd annual “On My Own Time” celebration highlights the often-unsung faculty and staff artists who create art on their own time. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Students kick around a soccer ball on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quad. (Photo by Amy Manley)

A campus tour stops in front of Carnegie Library on a spring day. (Photo by Amy Manley)

���ϲ����� Libraries marked Memorial Day with an “In Remembrance on Memorial Day 2025” exhibition in Bird Library. (Photo by Amy Manley)

In commemoration of Memorial Day, a wreath-laying ceremony was held outside Hendricks Chapel. (Photo by Amy Manley)

The men’s lacrosse team poses after clinching a spot in Championship Weekend with a thrilling 19-18 win over Princeton in the NCAA quarterfinals. The Orange secured the program’s 27th appearance in the Final Four, third most in Division I history. (Photo courtesy of ���ϲ����� Athletics)

Members of the men’s lacrosse team celebrate after holding off the Princeton Tigers to secure a spot in the Final Four of the NCAA Division I Championship. (Photo courtesy of ���ϲ����� Athletics)

The cast of “Little Women” perform at ���ϲ����� Stage in the Department of Drama’s final performance of the 2024-25 season. (Photo courtesy of the )

During its Awards and Appreciation celebration in New York City, the Martin J. Whitman School of Management honored its alumni, faculty, staff, recruiters and students who go above and beyond. Pictured are (from left to right) Interim Whitman Dean Alex McKelvie; Matty Simon (Whitman Impact Award); Blake Brossman ’98 (Dean’s Citation for Exceptional Service); Warren Johnson ’20 (Orange Ovation Award); Gisele Marcus-Thomas ’89 (Dean’s Citation for Exceptional Service); Douglas Present ’86 (Jonathan J. Holtz Award); and Tyler Newman ’20 (Orange Ovation Award).

During Maymester, students in the Falk College’s Department of Sport Management are participating in an Olympic Odyssey study abroad trip, traveling through four European countries to explore the history, culture and global influence of the Olympic Movement. Pictured here, students pose outside of Buckingham Palace. Follow their journey at . (Photo courtesy of the )

Crouse College is always picture-perfect. (Photo by Amy Manley)

A moment of peace and togetherness outside Lyman Hall. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Even the birds are happy it’s summer. (Photo by Amy Manley)

We love the color orange, but pink isn’t bad either. (Photo by Lonnie Timmons)

It’s time to cheer on the Orange and celebrate the incredible faculty and staff who make ���ϲ����� thrive! Join us for Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day at the JMA Wireless Dome as the Orange football team takes on the University of Connecticut at noon on Saturday, Sept. 6, for the home opener.

Here’s what’s happening and how faculty and staff can participate:

Discounted Tickets

Faculty, staff and their guests (up to 13 total) can purchase tickets at special rates:

• Level G: $21.51
• Level F: $26.82
• Level D: $42.72

Tickets are through Friday, Sept. 5, at 11:59 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 6, is also Military Appreciation Day, celebrating the service, contributions, sacrifice and impact of our military veterans and active-duty service members. Faculty and staff who are also an active military member or veteran may purchase a discounted instead; but please note that discounts may not be combined.

Pre-Game Fun on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle

Beginning at 9 a.m., stop by before kickoff to enjoy live music from the Pride of the Orange Marching Band, visit with Otto the Orange and grab a bite from food and beverage concessions.

Game Day Gifts and Concession Coupons

The first 400 faculty and staff (full-time, part-time or temporary) who visit the Faculty and Staff Appreciation tent on the Quad with their ���ϲ����� I.D. will receive a game day gift and a $5 concession coupon for use inside the Dome.

Win an Upgraded Game Day Experience

Purchase your tickets by Monday, Sept. 1, to be entered in a drawing for seat upgrades, participation in the on-field fan tunnel or enhanced concession vouchers. Winners will be notified before game day.

Season Ticket Discount

Faculty and staff can also receive 20% off up to four football season tickets. To learn more or request a call from a sales representative, fill out the .

Parking Details

University parking permits will be honored for free game day parking at the Skytop lot. If you don’t have a permit, you can pick up a complimentary one-time-use Skytop pass between Aug. 25 and Sept. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Office of Human Resources (621 Skytop Road, Suite 1001). Bring your ���ϲ����� I.D. and proof of game ticket.

Questions?

• HR Shared Services: 315.443.4042 or hrservice@syr.edu
• JMA Wireless Dome Box Office: 315.443.2121 or athsales@syr.edu

Let’s make this a game day to remember—see you at the Dome!

“The Whitman School is delighted to receive this recognition for our outstanding programming in support of all of our students and their overall well-being,” says Interim Dean Alex McKelvie. “Not only do we teach business here, but we also prepare students with other skills not found in a textbook that ensure they are ready to face the challenges they are likely to encounter in the workforce. Our programming helps to ensure they have the tools, knowledge and support to understand how important attention to mental health and well-being are to their professional and personal success.”

Bauer Wimer, the Whitman School’s pet therapy dog, sits with a group of students

While ���ϲ����� provides an amazing network of support and resources for all students, Whitman’s three-prong initiatives—financial, curricular and co-curricular programming—demonstrate how mental wellness has been successfully embedded into the Whitman School as a whole.

This recognition, which will be featured along with other recipients in the September 2025 issue of Insight into Academia, is the result of a comprehensive and proactive approach that is multi-faceted. It includes, for example, financial relief from the Whitman Opportunity Fund for unexpected expenses key to student education or to supplement those students unable to participate in experiential activities not covered by tuition, like the annual Whitman on Wall Street visit to major global partners in New York City.

According to Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs Lindsay Quilty, the award also recognizes Whitman Wellness Week, held twice each academic year to applaud healthy habits, open dialogue and mindful activities during peak periods of stress, such as mid-term exams.

In addition, the Whitman School welcomes guest speakers and holds seminars that utilize real-life examples of managing, overcoming and destigmatizing mental health challenges, both in the academic and professional world. And, Whitman also offers its Entrepreneurial Well-Being course to specifically equip future leaders with vital stress management aids.

“This award is a credit to everyone at the Whitman School—faculty, staff, students, alumni—who have worked to ensure that Whitman students not simply survive but, in fact, thrive by preparing them for the rigors of today’s demanding work environment,” adds McKelvie. “We are proud to receive this recognition and are especially grateful to those who have helped to make prioritizing mental health possible through financial support, such as the Nass Family Mental Health gift that continues to help fund our growing emphasis on healthy well-being at the Whitman School.

“We know that institutions are not always recognized for their dedication to their mental health and well-being services and support for their students and employees,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight into Academia magazine. “We are proud to honor these colleges and universities as role models for other institutions of higher education.”

For more information about the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award, visit .

Story by Caroline Reff

Thanks to the generosity of the Whitman community, more than $10.9 million was raised in cash donations during the 2024-25 academic year—surpassing the previous high of $7.9 million and marking the most successful cash fundraising year ever. Whitman also attracted the greatest level of participation since 2020, with 1,649 donors rallying to support the school.

“The Whitman School is immensely grateful to the community of alumni, parents, friends and donors who make Whitman a priority for their philanthropy,” says Interim Dean Alex McKelvie. “In today’s world of accelerating change, the Whitman School is more committed than ever to ensuring students receive a business education that will propel them to future success in industry and in life. As part of providing best-in-class, innovative and experiential opportunities for our students, donor support is integral to fulfilling our mission.”

Whitman students offer a thank you to the school’s generous donors

Notably, of the 1,649 donors supporting Whitman this year, 1,266 of them made gifts less than $2,500. This is a testament to the power of Whitman and the Orange community—proving that every gift, regardless of size, has a direct impact on our success.

Support for the Whitman School in 2024-25 was amassed through multiple avenues, including annual giving to the Whitman School Dean’s Fund, scholarship and endowment support, and multi-year commitments through the newly established Whitman Leadership Circle giving society.

The Whitman School Dean’s Fund, which provides vital unrestricted annual support, received nearly $3.2 million in cash giving and pledges–tripling the amount of funding from previous years and marking the best year ever. The Dean’s Fund supports the greatest priorities and needs at the school, including student professional development opportunities, student financial support, experiential learning and case competitions, program and curricular innovation, career readiness programming and more.

The record-setting support for Whitman is a direct result of the successful launch of the Whitman Leadership Circle recognition program (WLC). Founded in the fall of 2024, the WLC is a philanthropic leadership society created for alumni, families and friends to support and engage with the Whitman School. In its inaugural year, 49 WLC donors made commitments generating more than $6.3 million in new support for the school.

The WLC empowers donors to directly support Whitman through multi-year leadership gift commitments. For their generosity, WLC donors receive a personalized stewardship experience that includes special recognition, exclusive communication from the dean, invitations to special events, receptions, seminars and virtual meetings, unique gifts and apparel, and opportunities to interact with students and faculty. These interactions enable the Whitman School to thank donors, demonstrate the impact of their support and enhance their deeper commitment to advancing the school’s mission and vision.

Commitments to the WLC begin at $25,000 ($5,000 per year over five years) and can be designated to any area at Whitman that a donor chooses. The program’s six levels of commitments extend to $1 million or more.

“When we launched the Whitman Leadership Circle, we set out to harness the power of our collective community to transform the Whitman School through philanthropy. In just one year, we have seen alumni, parents and friends step up to answer this call in extraordinary ways,” says Michael Paulus, assistant dean of advancement and external engagement. “This momentum is reflective of the energy surrounding the Whitman School, and our team is excited to continue connecting the Whitman community to meaningful opportunities that ultimately support our students.”

As the Whitman School continues its five-year transformation plan to become a top 25-ranked business school, the collective support from alumni, parents and friends augments the opportunities Whitman provides students to develop, network and position themselves for their careers.

“Our goals for the future of Whitman are bold, just like our students,” says McKelvie. “Their success and the success of our community is our utmost priority. Philanthropic support from our alumni and donors is more than just an investment in this success—it demonstrates the unity and commitment to a shared vision for where Whitman is headed nationally in offering a top business education.”

Visit the����website to learn more about opportunities to make an impact, or complete the����to learn how to become an essential part of the legacy of the Whitman School.

This story was written by Tatiana Motevalli-Oliner

A trio of honors for Yalian Pei (left), Beth Prieve (center) and Megan Leece.

Three researchers in the Department of have recently gained new funding or professional recognition.

, assistant professor, has received support from the University’s . This initiative advances science, policy or practice in public health communications or population health that could lead to external grant proposals. Pei is co-investigating the relationship among health communication discrimination, cognitive communication disorders and healthcare use among individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Findings could advance understanding of healthcare access barriers faced by individuals with TBI. This research could also provide evidence that modifying health communication affects health quality, and resulting interventions could help reduce access disparities and improve recovery outcomes for individuals with TBI.

�ʰ��Ǵڱ�����ǰ�����has received the��, which recognizes an individual who has made extraordinary contributions through service to the��. Prieve studies basic physiological and behavioral processes of the auditory system to improve the diagnosis of hearing loss. Prieve founded the����at ���ϲ����� in 1990 and remains the director and lead researcher of the team. The lab focuses on identifying hearing loss in infants and children (birth to five years) with a particular emphasis on linking underlying auditory physiological processes to hearing impairment.

, research speech language pathologist, received the Distinguished Achievement Award through the����in recognition of her clinical, research and academic achievements. The award acknowledged her contributions in student training, clinical presentations, publications, clinical research design and execution of high-quality therapy in clinical trials. The award is open to members of the association who have distinguished themselves in the discipline of communication sciences and disorders and/or the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.

Story by John H. Tibbetts

Bramsh Khan

Bramsh Khan, a Ph.D. candidate in in the , has been awarded a prestigious . The Wenner-Gren Foundation, established in 1941, is dedicated to advancing anthropological knowledge throughout the world; its highly competitive Dissertation Fieldwork Grant supports research that is innovative, field-based and globally relevant. With this award, Khan joins a distinguished lineage of anthropologists whose work is rooted in advocacy and community engagement.

Khan’s research examines how state-led infrastructural development in Balochistan, Pakistan, impacts the lives and livelihoods of Baloch people, who are both historically marginalized and actively persecuted. Khan, herself Baloch and from the region she studies, grounds her project in ethnographic fieldwork focusing specifically on the stories of Baloch women. It is a perspective that centers voices from, as she describes it, “the periphery of the periphery.”

Through these narratives, Khan reveals the layered consequences of the development of megaprojects—particularly a $62 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor and its M-8 motorway project, funded by China and Pakistan, that now cuts through land both sacred to the Baloch people and essential to their seasonal migration patterns. Shepherds, farmers and fishermen—whose livelihoods are closely tied to the land and sea—have been displaced and their way of life profoundly disrupted. Khan’s work exposes how the rhetoric of development and modernity can obscure violence and destruction. “These communities that are negatively impacted are not ‘undeveloped,’” Khan says. “They have been living sustainably with their environment for many generations.”

Khan’s research interrogates the rhetoric of development and modernity, asking: Who defines “development”? Who is served by it, and who pays the price? Her work highlights how infrastructure designed to “connect” can in fact isolate and disrupt. Roads, checkpoints and security zones have introduced both environmental degradation and increased militarization—bringing with them direct forms of violence, including disappearances and gender-based harm, as well as the more indirect forms inherent in cultural and economic precarity.

Bramsh Khan

Yet even as she documents this violence, Khan also emphasizes the community’s resilience—particularly apparent in how women are adapting and resisting. One example she shares is a grassroots initiative in which women from farming communities teach embroidery and craftwork to displaced shepherd women, helping them reclaim autonomy and sustain their families. “Nation-state building seeks to prioritize a national identity over ethnic, or ethno-national, identities, which means cultural erasure,” Khan says. “So, teaching one another, sharing cultural knowledge—this is resistance.”

Khan, already the recipient of a 2021 Fulbright Scholarship, intends to use the Wenner-Gren grant to deepen and expand her dissertation through multimodal storytelling. In collaboration with emerging Baloch filmmakers, she is developing a film project to document both the direct and indirect violence faced by Baloch women, as well as their strategies of endurance and resistance. “Writing is powerful, but involving the other senses—visual, auditory—will allow us to convey these women’s experiences and what they are living through in a much more visceral way,” Khan says.

Khan first became aware of the Wenner-Gren grant after she sought out Dan Olson-Bang, director of professional and career development in the Graduate School, for help in finding and applying for a fellowship to support her dissertation fieldwork. “The Wenner-Gren is a great fit for Bramsh, and she has done a great job of refining her work and creating a project that is powerful and relevant,” Olson-Bang says. “I tremendously enjoyed working with her to craft her proposal. These types of opportunities for external funding are integral to the success of graduate students like her.”

Story by Sarah H. Griffin

The ���ϲ����� and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) Faculty and Staff Bowling League is seeking new members, either regular or substitute bowlers. This is a fun, non-sanctioned handicap league accepting male and female bowlers who are currently employed by SUNY ESF or the University. Skill level does not matter; the beginner to high-average bowler will be accepted. Beginner bowlers will have the opportunity to be encouraged and coached by the more experienced and skilled bowlers.

This year, the league bowls on Tuesdays from September through April at Village Lanes at 201 E. Manlius St., East ���ϲ�����, from 5:10 to 8 p.m. Practice bowling is 10 minutes before the league starts. Weekly fees are about $20 each week.

This league has a long history of bowling in the area, from Drumlins in the 1960s to the present day at the Village Lanes. Each team consists of four bowlers with one or two substitutes. There are also opportunities for league substitutes, whose bowling fees would be paid for by the team.

Interested faculty or staff can contact League Secretary��Paul Szemkow or League President Fil LaRosa for more information. League play begins Sept. 9, with a practice session on Sept. 2. This year’s league captains include Ray Leach, Aaron Knight, Fil LaRosa, Eric Greenfield, Randy Money, Sue Taylor-Netzband, Mike Satchwell and Josh Santola.

Larry Swiader

Instructional design program alumnus Lawrence “Larry” Swiader ’89, G’93 has built a career at the intersection of storytelling, education and technology—a path that’s taken him from the early days of analog editing as a student in the to leading cutting-edge educational projects using artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) at the .

Today, as chief digital officer of the Trust, Swiader leverages a blend of media expertise and instructional design to bring history to life for everyone from elementary school students to tourists to amateur historians.

Ask the Right Questions

A ���ϲ����� native, Swiader first attended the University for television production. “I started my undergrad using a typewriter,” he says. “By my master’s degree, I was using a Macintosh, during the period that served as the beginning of what would become the World Wide Web.”

After earning an undergraduate degree, he worked in television production, before following his future wife—fellow Newhouse School graduate Zoe Leoudaki G’89—to Greece. There, Swiader began teaching alongside his media work: “I really loved the classroom experience, and I started to look for a way to marry those two worlds: media and education.”

That search led him back to ���ϲ�����—this time to the School of Education’s (IDDE) program. “It was a great opportunity to go back home,” Swiader says. “���ϲ�����’s instructional design program not only taught me how to use technology and media to help people learn but also instilled in me the importance of evaluation—how to ask the right questions and measure success. That mindset has stayed with me ever since.”

He next moved into the corporate world, joining UPS, where he developed instructor-led and computer-based training modules. One memorable module trained employees to spot over-labeling—a fraud technique—using a “Mission Impossible” theme to keep learners engaged. “You want to hold people’s attention,” he says about designing online trainings. “Gamifying learning is one way to do that.”

But history and cultural education were always his passion. An earlier stint at the Foundation of the Hellenic World in Athens—a virtual museum project—gave Swiader his first taste of what would become a lifelong commitment to museum-based education. “It’s really a labor of love,” he says.

Start With the Learner

In 1998, Swiader moved to Washington, D.C., to join the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. There, over the course of a decade, he helped develop digital educational resources that deepened public understanding of one of the darkest chapters in history.

That role was followed by another impactful chapter at The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy (now called “Power to Decide”), where he led development of the award-winning hub , a digital birth control support network.

“In instructional design, we talk about the domains of learning: cognitive, psychomotor and affective,” he says. “Behavior change happens in the affective domain—changing attitudes. That was the focus of Bedsider, understanding what prevented people from using birth control effectively and designing media that responded to those insights.”

The American Battlefield Trust team is preparing for America’s Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Now at the American Battlefield Trust, Swiader continues to blend storytelling with strategy, overseeing digital tools and educational programs that preserve and promote American history. The Trust’s websites, mobile apps and virtual teacher institutes all reflect his core instructional philosophy: Start with the learner.

Whether it’s museum visitors or UPS drivers, you have to understand the user, he says: “Empathy belongs at the center of instructional design, design thinking and even social marketing. Too often, we get excited about a tool—like AR or AI—and go looking for a problem to solve. I believe, first understand the problem. Then find the right tool.”

Ever More Accessible

Swiader’s work increasingly incorporates emerging technology—particularly AI. “AI helps us be more productive,” he says, pointing to its role in content generation and voiceover production. For example, staff use it to generate a daily quiz featured on social media. Creation of these can be very time consuming, Swiader says, but AI can create quick first drafts that his team can then edit and customize.

Additionally, many of the apps rely on presenting audio versions of stories: “Rather than be burdened by the cost and expense of using voiceover talent in every circumstance, we can now use AI and only hire talent when it makes sense. This new ability allows us to create more content—apps, web presentations—than we would have before.”

A concern, he stresses, is the ethical responsibilities around using AI. “We need to be transparent with our audiences about its use,” he says. “Still, I’m excited about the potential in AI to help us make history ever more accessible.”

A current project Swiader is excited about is , a mobile battlefield tour app and website that will soon include tour sites in New York state. “Nearly one-third of the battles of the American Revolution were fought in New York,” he says. This project will start with battlefield tours for the Oriskany, Newtown and Bennington state historic sites before expanding to others, such as Saratoga and Johnstown. Each battlefield will feature a walking tour within the corresponding park and will encourage visitors to drive to partner sites, historic markers and local museums.

Bring History to Life

Reflecting on his journey, Swiader credits his mentors—the Newhouse School’s Richard Breyer and Peter Moller and the School of Education’s Nick Smith, Rob Branch and Phil Doughty—for shaping his approach.

Although Swiader incorporates the latest digital tools into the American Battlefield Trust’s educational offerings, he says, “Don’t chase shiny tools … Let the problem guide the solution.”

In fact, an anecdote from Branch about solving the “real problem” behind an issue has stuck with him. The challenge: A slow elevator. One solution is to replace it. “That would be a very expensive solution,” he says. “But another is to put in a mirror. This addresses the problem, which was not necessarily the elevator being slow, but people complaining about the elevator being slow … a mirror gives people something to do.”

He found this to be a smart example of how we’re designing for the wrong things: “We too often come up with solutions without trying to really understand what the problem is.”

As the U.S. prepares for its semiquincentennial, Swiader sees digital education playing a critical role. “From Lexington and Concord in 2025 to Yorktown in 2031, we have an opportunity to help people reconnect with our history,” he says, referring to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. “We’ll use audio and video storytelling, along with AR, to bring history to life. It’ll be like walking with the best possible guide in your pocket.”

His advice for current IDDE students? “Write well. It’s still the foundation for everything—from audio scripts to web content.” And don’t chase shiny tools, he adds: “Let the problem guide the solution.”

Story by Ashley Kang ’04, G’11

Robert Rubinstein, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and professor of international relations in the , is the recipient of the 2025 Wasserstrom Prize for Graduate Teaching.

The prize is awarded annually to a faculty member from Maxwell and the who exemplifies the qualities of the late William Wasserstrom, a noted professor of English at ���ϲ����� who died in 1985. Wasserstrom was a scholar known for his broad interests and profound impact on learning, with a particular teaching interest in the graduate seminar.

Conferred each May at the graduate school doctoral hooding ceremony, the award honors a faculty member for outstanding success as a graduate seminar leader, research and dissertation director, advisor and role model for graduate students.

“For the past eight years, Robert has served as the graduate director in the anthropology department, mentoring students through a tumultuous period that included COVID, and strengthening the department’s assessment, time to degree and effective use of department funds to allow students to balance coursework, exams, writing and field research,” Maxwell Dean David M. Van Slyke said when he presented the award at the ceremony. “His spreadsheet of students and their status in the program is truly impressive and a great model for other departments.”

Robert A. Rubinstein

Rubinstein joined Maxwell in 1994 as an associate professor of anthropology. He directed the Program on the Analysis and Resolution of Conflicts (now the Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration) from 1994 to 2005, was named a professor of law by courtesy appointment in the College of Law in 2013, and was named Distinguished Professor of Anthropology in 2016.

Van Slyke pointed out that Rubinstein has served as the principal advisor to 13 Ph.D. students, five of whom have won the outstanding dissertation award. In addition, he has served on 17 dissertation committees and teaches graduate classes including Negotiation: Theory and Practice, Multilateral Peacekeeping, Anthropological Theory, Anthropology and Public Policy, and Culture in World Affairs.

Story by Mikayla Melo

Armed with spoons and an unshakable sense of duty, members of the ���ϲ����� team hit up at Drumlins Country Club and sampled every specialty sundae so you don’t have to—though you’ll probably want to. From the rich, chocolatey depths of the ’Cuse Brownie to the citrusy cheer of Otto the Orange or the whimsical spirit of the Unicorn Sundae, the lineup at ’Cuse Scoops proves there’s a creation for every flavor fan on campus.

Banana Pudding

“Banana pie lovers rejoice! This creation was an absolute delight, starting with the unconventional base of banana pudding ice cream and loaded with nostalgic ‘Nilla Wafers and oozing with caramel sauce. I loved every single bite!”�� — Kelly Rodoski

Banana Pudding

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry

“The chocolate-covered strawberry sundae was a super sweet treat, and it came with a surprise. I kept looking for (and spooning through to find) the expected traditional whole strawberry dipped in a hard chocolate shell—the kind sold as a specialty for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day gifting.

“That’s what my mind’s eye expected. Instead, the surprise was that the sundae itself was the chocolate coating—lovely chocolate hard ice cream topping tasty strawberry sauce that’s spread through the middle and bottom of the cup. It was a great combination, especially being topped with lots of fluffy whipped cream, luscious dark chocolate sundae dirt sprinkles and a cherry.” — Diane Stirling

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry

’Cuse Brownie

“This was a flavor sensation from top to bottom, a decadent treat for the taste buds featuring large amounts of brownie pieces, chocolate fudge sauce, chocolate ice cream, whipped cream and orange and blue sprinkles. With each spoonful, the sweet, chocolate layers continued to play off each other, culminating with a surprise extra layer of fudge and brownie pieces at the bottom. Outstanding!” — John Boccacino

’Cuse Brownie

Otto the Orange

“I’m a huge fan of any sundae served in a plastic baseball cap, and this one did not disappoint! You can never go wrong with orange sherbet—especially on ���ϲ�����’s campus—and the ample blue and orange sprinkles took things to another level. The fact that this creation invokes the name of my favorite mascot, Otto the Orange, was a huge bonus. I’ll order anything with Otto’s name in it.” — Jen Plummer

Otto the Orange

Peanut Butter Explosion

“The Peanut Butter Explosion sundae proves again the enduring nature of a timeless pairing. The sundae has the perfect ratio of nutty goodness and chocolate decadence: the peanut butter is front and center with the hot fudge blending perfectly around the edges of each bite. The creamy ice cream with its caramel-like gooeyness and peanut butter sauce join forces for a delightfully cool and warm spoonful. The candy pieces add just the right touch of texture to top off this sundae of pure summertime bliss.”��— Kathleen Haley

Peanut Butter Explosion

S’mores Sundae

“There’s a lot of graham cracker and marshmallow flavor, complemented nicely by the crunchy chocolate pieces and swirls of hot fudge. The freshly roasted marshmallow topper is a great addition. It’s a cool way to enjoy a campfire favorite on a hot summer day!” — CJ Munoz

S’mores Sundae

Unicorn Sundae

“The ’Cuse Scoops unicorn sundae is a pretty princess birthday party—in a cup. With its pink pastel swirls and sugar cone ‘horn,’ this sundae is at the top of their Instagrammable offerings. The crunchy blue and pink candy swirled throughout added a fun element while working my way down the animated unicorn path. Surprisingly, the strawberry ice cream never came across as too sweet, belying its outward appearance. Overall, the unicorn sundae was an enchantingly fun treat for a ���ϲ����� summer day!” —Amy Manley

Unicorn Sundae

Go Taste for Yourself

’Cuse Scoops is open to the public at Drumlins Country Club, 800 Nottingham Rd., ���ϲ�����. Hours are Tuesday-Friday from 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 2 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m.

All photos by Amy Manley, senior multimedia producer, Division of Communications

Selected in recognition of their exceptional teaching, scholarly achievements and service to the institution, each scholar will hold the title for a three-year term that began July 1, 2025, and receive financial support to advance their teaching and research efforts.

The O’Hanley Endowed Fund for Faculty Excellence was established through a generous gift from Ron O’Hanley ’80, chairman and CEO of State Street Global Advisors and a Maxwell School alumnus with a B.A. in political science. Past chair of the Maxwell Advisory Board and a University trustee, O’Hanley created the fund to honor and support outstanding academic and research excellence at Maxwell.

“We are grateful to Mr. O’Hanley for establishing this fund to support faculty excellence,” says Carol Faulkner, senior associate dean for academic affairs and professor of history. “These four deserving faculty members represent a range of disciplines and share in their dedication to scholarship, teaching and mentorship. We’re pleased to be able to support their work.”

Brian Brege

, associate professor of history, is a senior research associate for the . He specializes in early modern Europe’s relationships with the wider world with a focus on the role of small powers and enterprising individuals in the First Global Age. His first book, “Tuscany in the Age of Empire” (Harvard University Press, 2021), won the American Association for Italian Studies book prize in the category of History, Society and Politics.

A Harvard I Tatti Fellow from 2019-20, he will spend the coming academic year at the Newberry Library and then in Venice as a Delmas Foundation research fellow working on his monograph “Staying Rich: Florentine Patricians, Intergenerational Wealth, and Global Trade.” He is co-editor of a forthcoming volume in the I Tatti Research Series, “Trading at the Edge of Empires: Francesco Carletti’s World, c. 1600,” and is a co-organizer of the exhibition “Global Florence,” set to open at the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana in Florence in 2026. He received a Ph.D. from Stanford University in 2014.

Sarah Hamersma

, associate professor of public administration and international affairs, researches anti-poverty programs and public health, paying particular attention to young adults and new mothers and their children. Hamersma has recently studied food assistance and college students with funding from the William T. Grant Foundation and is currently completing a study on how pre-conception access to food assistance affects maternal and infant birth outcomes with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

She is a senior research associate in the , a faculty affiliate of the and a research affiliate of the and the . Hamersma received a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004.

Yüksel Sezgin

, associate professor of political science and director of ���ϲ�����’s pre-law program in Europe, specializes in comparative religious family laws and human and women’s rights across the Middle East, South Asia and West Africa. He is a senior research associate in the and a research affiliate with the . His honors include the American Political Science Association’s Aaron Wildavsky Award for Best Dissertation in Religion and Politics (2008) and the Middle East Studies Association’s Malcolm H. Kerr Best Dissertation Award in Social Sciences (2008).

His book, “Human Rights under State‑Enforced Religious Family Laws in Israel, Egypt, and India” (Cambridge University Press, 2013), won the American Sociological Association’s Gordon Hirabayashi Human Rights Book Prize in 2014. He has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Council of Learned Societies to support his forthcoming book, “The Power of Narrative in Judicial Decision‑Making,” which examines the normative frames that non‑Muslim courts in Israel, India, Greece and Ghana employ to interpret Muslim family laws. Sezgin earned a Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 2007.

Ying Shi

, associate professor of public administration and international affairs, examines racial inequality and education policy. Her research has been published in numerous journals including the Journal of Public Economics, the Journal of Human Resources��and Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, and her work has been supported by the William T. Grant Foundation as well as other organizations. She was principal investigator on a Grant Foundation-funded project from 2021-23 titled Long-Term Consequences of the Voting Rights Act for Black-White Disparities in Children’s Later-Life Outcomes.

Last year, Shi was named a William T. Grant Scholar and received a $350,000 award to explore Asian American students’ exposure to victimization and hate crimes in school. Shi is a senior research associate in the Center for Policy Research and a research affiliate in the . Shi received a Ph.D. from Duke University in 2017.

Story by Mikayla Melo

It is with profound sadness that I write to remember two members of our ���ϲ����� community, whose lives were cut short last Thursday when they were struck by a vehicle at the intersection of University Avenue and East Adams Street.

Both individuals were international graduate students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science who came to ���ϲ����� to advance their academic careers. They were accomplished scholars with wide-ranging interests—spanning electrical engineering and bioinstrumentation to computer science, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Each brought deep curiosity, purpose and talent to their studies and their research. They will leave a lasting impact on our academic community.

The University has been in contact with their families. In keeping with the families’ wishes, we are not sharing the students’ names at this time. Still, we grieve their loss deeply and extend our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones, friends and all who knew them.

On behalf of Chancellor Kent Syverud, Interim Provost Lois Agnew, College of Engineering and Computer Science Dean J. Cole Smith, Graduate School Dean Peter Vanable and the entire Orange community, we offer our full support and deepest sympathies during this time of sorrow.

I recognize that this is a difficult moment for many in our community, including those who may have witnessed the accident. Please know that a range of resources is available, and I encourage everyone to check in with one another and seek support as needed:

• Students can receive confidential counseling 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the by calling 315.443.8000.
• For general ongoing assistance, students can contact Monday through Friday at 315.443.4357.
• Faculty and staff can reach trained clinicians 24 hours a day through , the University’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, by calling 800.437.0911.
• All campus community members can access additional services and support through and each chaplaincy by calling 315.443.2901.

Please join me in offering heartfelt condolences to the families and friends grieving this immense loss.

With sadness,

Allen W. Groves
Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer

, assistant professor of sociology in the , has been named the Yang Ni and Xiaoqing Li Scholar in U.S.-China/Asia Relations for the 2025-26 academic year.

Haowei Wang

Wang’s one-year appointment began on July 1. She is the fifth Maxwell faculty member to be named a recipient of the Yang Ni and Xiaoqing Li Endowment Fund for U.S.-China/Asia Relations. Ni L’95 and Li G’96 established the fund in 2021 to encourage greater connections between Maxwell faculty and scholars in China and Asia. The funding may be utilized for travel, research and teaching in China.

Wang’s research focuses on understanding the social determinants of healthy aging in a global context. In particular, she investigates the transformation of family networks, how multiple dimensions of family relationships impact well-being and caregiving in later life, and how demographic shifts and social policies shape physical and mental health across the life course.

While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in geography in the , Rose Tardiff ’15 became involved with the Salt City Harvest Farm, a community farm near ���ϲ����� where newcomers from all over the world grow food and make social connections.

The summer before her senior year, Tardiff coordinated on-farm activities and volunteers, making the program the focus of her capstone thesis.

Rose Tardiff

“Looking back on the research, it was an attempt to make some data-driven recommendations, based on the participants, their experiences and aspirations,” says Tardiff.

She got involved with the organization through another local nonprofit, ���ϲ����� Grows, and its affiliation with the ���ϲ����� Community Geography Program, an initiative co-directed by Jonnell Robinson, associate professor of geography and the environment.

“It was through ���ϲ����� Grows and Salt City Harvest Farm, and connecting with people here, that I came to feel like this was a place I could put down roots and be part of the community,” Tardiff says.

Tardiff now serves as the City of ���ϲ�����’s first director of neighborhood and business data and evaluation. Tardiff leads a small team responsible for data collection, analysis, mapping and evaluation for various departmental divisions to bring innovation to operations, measure impact and inform programs. She works under the deputy commissioner of neighborhood development to support code enforcement, permitting, zoning, housing and urban development entitlement grants, business development and housing, and neighborhood planning.

Tardiff says the position is designed to offer additional capacity to consolidate and interpret data from multiple sources and departments. “It can be a big lift to understand what you’re working with, pull from different source systems, and then stitch it all together,” she says. “Data and mapping have always been a part of neighborhood development. But the decision was to create some dedicated roles and capacity where it could be the sole focus.”

Recently, her team has been using data to report on compliance with code enforcement’s rental registry, which tracks non-owner occupied housing units. Her team has been tracking occupancy changes and new rental properties that have come online with the goal of establishing a “fuller universe of all rental properties.” The rental registry involves proactive inspections at least every three years to identify and remediate any hazardous housing conditions to ensure the health and safety of occupants.

“We want to identify new rentals to inform owners of requirements, and for owners that haven’t applied or obtained a rental certificate, identify which next enforcement steps are needed,” says Tardiff.

Story by Michael Kelly

Cayuga County

Auburn

The ���ϲ����� Orchestra will perform at Emerson Park (6877 E. Lake Road) at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, with fireworks to follow.

Cortland County

Preble

Cortland County’s will be held on Saturday, July 5, at Dwyer Memorial Park (6799 Little York Lake Road). The fun starts at 2 p.m. with fireworks at dusk.

Madison County

Cazenovia

Fireworks will be held on Friday, July 4, at 9 p.m. at Lakeland Park (Forman Street and Albany Street) after a . Music by the Maria DeSantis Orchestra will precede the fireworks from 7 to 9 p.m.

Onondaga County

Brewerton

will be held on Thursday, July 3, at dusk.

East ���ϲ�����

The is Saturday, July 12, at 9:30 p.m. on the East ���ϲ����� Elementary School (230 Kinne St.) field. Music by Faded Vinyl will precede the fireworks from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m.

Manlius

The Village of Manlius’s on Friday, July 4, includes food trucks and entertainment (1 Arkie Albanese Drive), with a parade at 5 p.m. and fireworks at dusk.

���ϲ�����

An Independence Day Celebration and fireworks display will follow the at NBT Bank Stadium, on Friday, July 4. Game time is 6:35 p.m. Fireworks will also be held after the games on the following dates: July 5, 11-12 and 25-26, Aug. 8-9 and 22-23, and Sept. 12-13.

Oswego County

Oswego

Fireworks will go off over the Oswego River on Sunday, July 6, at 9:45 p.m. activities, including a parade, block party and music, will take place during the day.

Jorge Morales ’26, a double major in history and anthropology in the with a minor in English and textual studies in the , has been awarded the highly competitive .

Morales is one of only 20 students nationwide to receive this prestigious award, which supports exceptional undergraduates in their pursuit of graduate studies in the arts, humanities and social sciences.

A and member of the , Morales has distinguished himself through his academic excellence, research achievements and commitment to public scholarship. He has already contributed original research to the field of Caribbean history, focusing on the legacies of colonialism, slavery and resistance in Jamaica and the corresponding implications for the broader Atlantic world.

“I am interested in studying the impacts of colonialism and colonial institutions on the development of Caribbean and Latin American nations, their cultures and their national identities,” says Morales, who is spending the summer conducting research in Puerto Rico to gain insights into the lives of enslaved individuals on Puerto Rican plantations for his senior thesis. “My family being Puerto Rican, I am especially interested in understanding the development of Puerto Rico and of Puerto Rican national identity, and it is this interest, and my experiences working with Dr. Tessa Murphy, which informs my current research.”

As a research assistant to , associate professor of history in the Maxwell School, Morales helped transcribe 19th-century slave registries from Trinidad, working with exceptional attention to detail, timeliness and conscientiousness to transcribe hundreds of pages of handwritten records. His work has been presented at numerous campus symposiums and published in CHRONOS, the University’s undergraduate history journal, where he also serves on the editorial board.

“Jorge is committed to drawing on his personal and professional interest to pursue a Ph.D. and academic career in history,” says Murphy. “His initiative, intellectual rigor and commitment to public history are extraordinary. He is already contributing new knowledge to the field.”

Morales’ application was supported by the (CFSA), where he worked closely with Director Jolynn Parker. “Jorge combines intellectual seriousness with warmth, humility and a deep sense of purpose,” Parker says. “He is exactly the kind of scholar the Beinecke Foundation seeks to support—one who is poised to thrive in graduate school and become a leader in his academic field.”

Morales plans to pursue a Ph.D. in history, with a focus on the Caribbean and Atlantic worlds, and has a long-term goal of becoming a professor or museum professional who brings marginalized histories to broader audiences.

“I am very happy to have been awarded the Beinecke Scholarship because it will provide me with resources that I can use to support my future research,” says Morales. “It will allow me to form connections with other students who are just as passionate about their work as I am.”

The Beinecke Scholarship provides $35,000 in funding toward graduate education as well as significant mentorship. Is is awarded to students who demonstrate superior academic achievement and a commitment to a career in research or the arts.

CFSA offers candidates advising and assistance with applications and interview preparation for nationally competitive scholarships. The nomination process for the 2026 Beinecke application will begin in October. Interested students should contact CFSA at 315.443.2759 or by email to��cfsa@syr.edu��for more information.

2025 AWESOME Excellence in Education Scholarship winners Deedra Samuel ’26 (left) and Odette Sherk ’26 (center) pose with Supply Chain Professor Julie Niederhoff.

For the first time in the 12-year history of the program, both nominees from the have been selected as recipients of the 2025 AWESOME Excellence in Education Scholarship, a prestigious honor awarded to top-performing undergraduate women in supply chain management.

Each year, the AWESOME (Achieving Women’s Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management and Education) organization selects 20 students nationwide for the award. Nominees are chosen from 35 leading supply chain programs across the country, with each school submitting two candidates.

This year’s honorees from Whitman are supply chain management majors Odette Sherk ’26 and Deedra Samuel ’26, who have both demonstrated leadership inside and outside of the classroom.

The scholarship provides winners with an all-expenses paid trip to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)��EDGE Conference and the AWESOME Symposium, plus long-term career support through mentorship, retreats, webinars and professional networking.

The event also celebrated student achievement with the presentation of the , recognizing exceptional contributions to research.

Tessa DiCicco ’25 was this year’s recipient of the Norma Slepecky Undergraduate Research Prize.

Tessa DeCicco ’25, a biomedical engineering student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, is this year’s recipient. Her paper, titled “Defining Anatomical Relationships of the Tibial Tubercle to Inform Execution of Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy in Revision of Total Knees,” received unanimous approval from the review committee.

DeCicco was co-nominated by Era Jain, assistant professor of biomedical and chemical engineering, and Dr. Timothy Damron, an orthopedic physician and the David G. Murray Endowed Professor with Upstate Medical Center.

DiCicco has worked for the past three years with Damron. Her winning paper, accepted to the 2025 annual meeting of the Orthopedic Research Society, aims to define pertinent anatomical relationships in the proximal tibia to inform fixation device design and provide data that may be considered when performing and securing a tibial tubercle osteotomy. The project involved collecting precise anatomical measurements to inform the development of a novel orthopedic fixation device. She played a central role in pinpointing critical anatomical and radiographic reference points. These foundational metrics directly shaped the planning and implementation of the project from start to finish. DeCicco submitted this paper as her primary research project.

Jain has also worked closely with DeCicco in her lab. “What sets Tessa apart is her enthusiasm for research, her ability to grasp complex scientific concepts quickly and her persistence in pursuing new challenges,” she says.

The Norma Slepecky Undergraduate Research Prize and Memorial Lecture honors the memory of ���ϲ����� Professor Norma Slepecky, a distinguished auditory neuroanatomist and member of the Institute for Sensory Research. A founding member of WiSE, this award was endowed in hopes that her legacy for undergraduate research mentorship would continue. The annual prize is awarded to undergraduate researchers in their junior or senior year who demonstrate excellence in research based in the full range of applied biological and engineering sciences.

Since 1999, ���ϲ�����’s Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) has championed the success and advancement of women in STEM and their allies of any gender, sex or other identity through inclusive, research-based programming and mentorship. Serving 18 departments across six schools and colleges, WiSE fosters a supportive community that empowers undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs and faculty alike to persist and excel in their academic and professional journeys. Led by experienced faculty and staff, WiSE promotes equity, builds networks and equips participants with tools for leadership, resilience and success in STEM fields.

To learn more about WiSE and Norma Slepecky, . Stay up to date with our social media @TheSUwise on and .

Launched by an interdisciplinary ���ϲ����� team in 2023, affecting college students’ adjustment to campus life, with an emphasis on both risk and protective factors that influence psychological well-being.

The lab combines quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods to analyze student mental health trends and to develop strategies to improve campus support systems. In just over a year, researchers have already published academic papers in competitive journals and launched several studies examining resilience, belonging, help-seeking behaviors and mental health outcomes among ���ϲ����� students.

The Lab THRIVE team. From left to right, Michiko Ueda-Ballmer, Qingyi Yu, Yanhong Liu, and counseling and counselor education doctoral students Xihe Tian and Eunji Park. Lab members absent from the picture: doctoral students Sarah Litt. Kahyen Shin, Emily Beauparlant and Si Gao

Born to THRIVE

The lab’s interdisciplinary approach brings together researchers from counseling, public affairs and policy.

It is co-led by , associate professor of counseling and counselor education in the School of Education; , associate director of health and wellness research at the ; and , associate professor of public administration and international affairs in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

“It started when Dr. Yu invited me to join the Barnes Center’s research committee,” Liu says. The committee, formed in 2022, focused on Universitywide data related to student wellness and program effectiveness.

As Liu, Yu and Ueda-Ballmer examined the data, their overlapping research interests became clear. For instance, Liu’s expertise in positive psychology and the mental health of marginalized youth complemented Ueda-Ballmer’s work on social determinants of health and suicide prevention.

Liu saw an opportunity to create a structured research hub that would not only deepen their understanding of student mental health but also train doctoral students. “Our doctoral students were eager to engage in meaningful research,” Liu says. “We wanted to create a space where they could contribute to projects with real-world impact.”

Data-Driven Support

By 2023, Lab THRIVE was established as an interdisciplinary hub.

“Many research projects conducted within the lab aim to offer a holistic view of the integrated health and wellness of ���ϲ����� students,” Yu says. “The primary goal is to better understand the predictors and protective factors that influence students’ overall well-being, providing valuable insights into the areas that need the most attention for improving student health and wellness.”

The lab’s pilot study used two years’ worth of data to examine the association between students’ engagement in wellness activities—such as physical exercise, the ��and the —and their mental health outcomes. This research identified wellness activities as predictors of reducing depressive symptoms among students.

Another study explores international students’ help-seeking behaviors, identifying the importance of resilience in improving students’ mental health.

“All our studies provide data-driven support for strategic planning within the University’s health and wellness initiatives,” Yu says, “ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and addressing the most critical factors influencing students’ well-being.”

Clear Intentions

Sarah Litt, a second-year doctoral student in counseling and counselor education, says that her work with Lab THRIVE is a benefit of attending �����ϲ�����: “Opportunities for research like this are rare in counseling programs.”

Litt contributed to the project addressing international students’ help-seeking behaviors, which became one of Lab THRIVE’s .

The paper—narrowing on gender identity, sexual minority status and academic level—revealed that male-identifying international students were less likely to seek help, while students identifying as gender or sexual minorities were more likely to seek formal support, highlighting a need for targeted advocacy and outreach.

“I learned so much from Dr. Yu about refining research questions and statistical analysis,” Litt says. “I started with a clinical focus, but the project pushed me to think more critically about data and methodology.”

Lab THRIVE’s research pipeline also complements student support programming at ���ϲ�����. “Our findings are helping the Barnes Center understand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to supporting student well-being,” Liu says. “We may not see a whole lot of products now, but what is most important is the development of a solid pipeline and clear intentions about every project we initiate.”

Sense of Belonging

A key element of Lab THRIVE’s success is its wider cross-campus collaborations. The lab works closely with the Barnes Center at The Arch, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, TRIO Student Support Services (part of the School of Education’s ) and the to recruit participants for ongoing focus groups. Starting in fall 2025, these focus groups will explore how students experience campus life and seek mental health support.

“We want to understand not just the barriers to help-seeking but also what promotes a sense of belonging,” Ueda-Ballmer says. “We’ve learned that students who feel connected to their peers and the campus community report lower levels of loneliness and distress.”

Doctoral students such as Litt are actively involved as facilitators in these focus groups, gaining hands-on research experience while contributing to meaningful data collection. “It’s a unique learning opportunity,” Litt says. “I’m getting exposure to public health and data analysis alongside my counseling training.”

Yu adds, “These conversations provide rich qualitative data that helps us better understand how students find community and feel a sense of belonging at ���ϲ�����.”

Building a Legacy

Lab THRIVE’s work is offering insights to professionals beyond ���ϲ�����. Last year, Liu, Yu and Ueda-Ballmer presented their findings at national conferences, including at the 2024 Association for Psychological Science Annual Convention.

“We were part of a panel on loneliness,” Ueda-Ballmer says. “The audience was surprised to learn that college students experience such high levels of loneliness despite being surrounded by peers. That reinforced how critical it is to promote belonging and support.”

Fittingly, given her research interests, Litt finds the lab experience supportive on a personal level: “It can be a really lonely journey at times with doctoral studies, but when collaborating, especially with people going through a similar process, it really creates a sense of community.”

When asked where she thinks the lab’s future lies, Liu points to expanding its research capacity and increasing student involvement: “We hope to publish more studies and attract more doctoral students to the lab. It takes time to build momentum, but we’re already seeing meaningful results.”

Yu says another exciting direction is expanding the lab’s interdisciplinary collaborations: “We are actively seeking partnerships with researchers from other fields to examine how emerging areas—such as artificial intelligence—can contribute to a deeper understanding of students’ mental health.”

Litt agrees with this outlook, concluding, “There’s so much crossover between psychology, counseling, sociology and public health. I hope Lab THRIVE continues to grow as a model for interdisciplinary research and training.”

Story by Ashley Kang ’04, G’11

This year’s event, which raised funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York, included 158 University employees. Everyone’s favorite mascot, Otto the Orange, was there to cheer on the runners and walkers and give plenty of high-fives. Jay Hubisz, professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Sascha Scott, associate professor of art and music histories in the College of Arts and Sciences, were the highest placing runners from the University, both finishing in the top 30.

Each June, the in the Office of Human Resources sponsors the University’s participation in the WorkForce Run, as part of their mission of empowering and encouraging employees to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle. A special thanks to the Wellness Champions who assisted the wellness team in coordinating this year’s event, including Melissa Chirico Brown, Gianna Mangicaro, Jacqui Smith and Alecia Zema.

All photos below were captured by Amy Manley, senior multimedia producer, Division of Communications.

���ϲ����� faculty and staff participate in the 2025 ���ϲ����� WorkForce Run.

, professor of television, radio and film in the Newhouse School, was named faculty representative to the board by Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost Lois Agnew, in consultation with the University Senate Academic Affairs Committee. Lodato, Persin and Goenka will all serve two-year terms.

In addition, four new student representatives to the board have also been named: German Nolivos ’26 and Anna Mirer ’26, undergraduate student representatives; Alexia Chatzitheodorou, graduate student representative; and Ryleigh Peterson L’26, law student representative.

The diverse backgrounds and experiences of these newly named representatives will bring fresh insights to the board and its various committees, and contribute greatly to the implementation of strategic objectives in support of the University’s mission and vision. All representatives will report to the Board at Executive Committee and full board meetings.

Dean, Faculty and Staff Appointments

Mark Lodato, Academic Dean Representative, 2025-27

Mark Lodato

Appointed dean of the Newhouse School in 2020, Lodato came to ���ϲ����� from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He serves on the Carnegie-Knight Initiative on the Future of Journalism Education and represents the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication on the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Ensuring Newhouse students are job-ready, Lodato expanded professional partnerships that boost experiential learning opportunities with industry leaders, including BuzzFeed, Edelman, ESPN, the New York Post and PBS. He added the school’s first-ever executive director of instructional technology position to lead plans to design and implement technology strategies that prepare students for a rapidly evolving field and is committed to Newhouse taking a leading role in the responsible use of artificial intelligence in communications.

Under Lodato’s leadership, Newhouse partnered with the to launch the ���ϲ����� in Washington, D.C. He spearheaded plans to launch a new esports communications and management bachelor’s program in partnership with the . He also led Newhouse as the school formulated a five-year strategic plan that focuses on how engaged digital citizenship will drive the future of journalism and mass communications.

Before his academic career, Lodato spent 16 years as an award-winning television reporter and anchor for network affiliate television stations in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Phoenix and Fort Myers, Florida.

As academic dean representative, he participates, ex officio, on the board’s Academic Affairs Committee.

Tula Goenka, Faculty Representative, 2025-27

Tula Goenka

Goenka is a professor of television, radio and film and the graduate program director for her department in the Newhouse School. Goenka is an author, human rights activist and filmmaker who produces and edits documentaries. The common thread in all her pursuits is an interest in women’s rights, equity, resilience and the use of art and music to build awareness and preserve heritage.

Born and raised in India, Goenka first came to ���ϲ����� as an international graduate student in 1984, and received a master of science in television-radio from Newhouse in 1986. Ten years later, she joined the Newhouse faculty. She created the SU Bollywood program offered through ���ϲ����� Abroad, and has taken more than 50 Newhouse students to Mumbai for the monthlong immersion.

She served on the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence and founded and co-directed the annual ���ϲ����� Human Rights Film Festival and Digital Witness Symposium.

In 2009, Goenka received the Chancellor’s Award of Excellence for Engaging the World, and the Chancellor’s Awards for Public Engagement and Scholarship, 2014 Inspiration Award, partly because of her social justice work. She was the Newhouse Endowed Chair of Public Communications from 2016-19, and the Newhouse Dean’s inaugural Leadership Fellow from 2022-25.

Goenka was a member of the Senate Agenda Committee from 2022-25 and has been a member of the Academic Affairs Committee of the Senate since 2017. As faculty representative, she participates, ex officio, on the board’s Academic Affairs Committee.

Andrea Rose Persin, Staff Representative, 2025-27

Andrea Persin

Persin provides strategic financial oversight to support the goals of the College of Arts and Sciences in her role as the assistant dean of budget, finance and administration. She manages all aspects of the college’s budget and directs expenditures to align with actual revenues received. She also has the primary oversight for the college’s human resources-related processes, including annual compensation review and implementation, performance partnerships, staffing and organizational planning.

Persin began her career at the University in May 2015 as an assistant director of budget and finance. Prior to joining the university, Persin worked at AXA Equitable as a senior manager of enterprise governance where she oversaw the monthly financial and variance reporting for multiple information technology business units.

Persin holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College in business administration with a minor in accounting. She will earn an MBA from the Whitman School of Management this month.

As the staff representative during the 2025-26 academic year, she participates, ex officio, on the Advancement and External Affairs Committee.

Student Appointments

Anna Mirer ’26, Undergraduate Student Representative, 2025-26

Anna Mirer

Mirer is a rising senior in the Maxwell School and College of Arts and Sciences and is a student, triple majoring in neuroscience, psychology and policy studies. She is passionate about integrating science and public policy, using mental health research to drive meaningful, long-term change. Mirer served as vice president of university affairs for the , where she worked to elevate student voices and led campuswide programming.

At the , Mirer managed the peer leader team within Health Promotion, developing outreach strategies and campuswide wellness initiatives. She interned with the YMCA of Central New York and served as a research assistant with the Golisano Center for Special Needs.

Mirer co-founded Connect 315, a student-led initiative aimed at strengthening relationships between the University and the surrounding community through collaborative programming and civic dialogue. In partnership with the City of ���ϲ�����, she co-authored a literature review on community engagement strategies related to the I-81 redevelopment project.

As undergraduate representative she participates, ex officio, on the Student Experience Committee.

German Nolivos ’26, Undergraduate Student Representative, 2025-26

German Nolivos

Coming to ���ϲ����� from Miami, Nolivos is a first-generation college student and a rising senior at the University. He is pursuing a dual major in political science and public relations through the College of Arts and Sciences, the Maxwell School and the Newhouse School.

A recipient of the prestigious Posse Foundation Full-Tuition Leadership Scholarship and a , Nolivos currently serves his second term as president of the Student Government Association. He also represents the student body as a senator in the and as the undergraduate student representative on the Board of Directors. In 2023, Nolivos pioneered and spearheaded the first Latino Music Festival at the University.

Nolivos is a member of the provisional chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha. His professional experiences include internships with Telemundo, NBCUniversal, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. He received the 44 Stars of Excellence Award from the Office of Student Engagement in spring 2024, and was named an outstanding student in 2021 by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.

As undergraduate representative, he participates, ex officio, on the Student Experience Committee.

Alexia Chatzitheodorou, Graduate Student Representative, 2025-26

Alexia Chatzitheodorou

Chatzitheodorou is a Ph.D. candidate in theoretical soft matter physics in the Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research has focused on the geometry and elasticity of soft materials, specifically liquid crystal elastomers, and she is most interested in biomechanics. She is an active member of the Future Professionals Program and the at ���ϲ�����.

Originally from Greece, Chatzitheodorou earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in physics from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, where she served as the student representative of physics undergraduates and a physics student ambassador, and was actively involved in outreach activities. At ���ϲ�����, she has continued her commitment to science advocacy through teaching, mentorship and outreach. In addition, she has served in the Physics Graduate Organization and the Physics Colloquium Committee (2023-24), and as a co-organizer of the 2025 Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics. Driven by a mission to bridge science and societal impact, Chatzitheodorou has developed a growing interest in science policy.

As the graduate student representative for the 2025-26 academic year, she participates, ex officio, on the Academic Affairs and the Student Experience committees.

Ryleigh Peterson L’26, Law Student Representative, 2025-26

Ryleigh Peterson

Peterson is a third-year law student in the . She currently serves as managing editor of the ���ϲ����� Journal of International Law and Commerce, Vol. 53, after previously holding the position of associate editor for Vol. 52. Peterson also works in the College of Law’s Admissions and Financial Aid Office as a law student ambassador and a work-study student. During the fall of 2024, she was a student attorney in the Bankruptcy Clinic. Peterson spent the summer of 2024 in ���ϲ����� at Bond, Schoeneck & King as a 1L Summer Associate, where she is returning as a 2L summer associate for the summer of 2025.

Prior to attending the College of Law, Peterson had a three-year career as a corporate paralegal. Her undergraduate degree is in media and communications with a minor in legal studies from CUNY Hunter College in New York City.

As the law student representative to the board for the 2025-26 academic year, Peterson participates, ex officio, on the Academic Affairs and the Student Experience Committees.

Award recipients, from left, were Matty Simon, Blake Brossman ’98 (NEW), Warren Johnson ’20, Gisele Marcus-Thomas ’89, Doug Present ’86 and Tyler Newman ’20.

“We are honored to recognize six outstanding alumni, corporate supporters and friends who have demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment to the Whitman School, ���ϲ����� and its students. But this is also an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all of our alumni and other supporters, many of whom are here to share this celebration with us. So many have made, and are continuing to make, valued and impactful contributions to Whitman, ���ϲ����� and our students,” said McKelvie at the event. “The success of our students and the trajectory of the Whitman School is highly correlated to how well we can leverage the Orange family and help expose students to career prospects, share career success, answer questions, connect students with internships or full-time opportunities and support Whitman through philanthropy. We are deeply appreciative of the many ways that our dedicated alumni, corporate partners and friends contribute to helping our students and the mission of the Whitman School.”

Jonathan J. Holtz Alumnus of the Year Award

Established in 1986, the award is the highest honor given to a Whitman alumnus. The award recognizes a distinguished Whitman graduate who has achieved professional distinction while remaining actively engaged in efforts that support the progress of the Whitman School’s mission. This year, the award was presented to Douglas Present ’86, who earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing management at Whitman. He is the founder of Douglas Present Associates and has an extensive background in experience and leading acquisitions in the health-care space.

Present is a member of the ���ϲ����� Board of Trustees and chairs the Board’s Finance Committee. He sits on the Whitman philanthropy and engaged volunteer leadership committees. He also serves on the Whitman Advisory Council (WAC). Present has shared his vast expertise with students, including at a master’s program residencies held in New York City. He and his wife, Susan, are generous financial supporters of various initiatives at the Whitman School and Hendricks Chapel, including a significant seed gift to the Whitman Student Opportunity Fund, which enables students to fully participate in various Whitman experiences by contributing to expenses not covered by financial aid.

Whitman Dean’s Citation for Exceptional Service

Two alumni, Blake Brossman ’98 (NEW) and Gisele Marcus-Thomas ’89, were presented with the Whitman Dean’s Citation for Exceptional Service. This award recognizes University alumni, corporate partners or friends who exemplify a significant commitment to helping Whitman prepare and place future business leaders.

Brossman is an entrepreneur and founder of PetCareRx. Most recently, he founded Click Action Ventures, an investment and innovation platform managing over $100 million in family office capital. Brossman was presented with this award for his engagement with Whitman’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises as a judge of numerous student competitions, class speaker, and mentor and advisor to student-founded startups. He was also praised for taking on Whitman students enrolled in the NYC Semester when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.

Marcus-Thomas is the vice dean of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Washington University in St. Louis. She previously worked for Accenture, AT&T and Thermo Fisher Scientific, improving financial performances and enhancing operational efficiencies. Marcus-Thomas was selected for this award for her service as a ���ϲ����� Trustee and her significant involvement with the Lender Center for Social Justice as a contributor to the center’s annual consortium and academic conference presentations. She has also been philanthropically engaged with the Whitman School, including establishment of the Gisele A. Marcus Endowed Scholarship Fund and support of the Delta Sigma Theta Endowed Scholarship Fund. And she was recognized for her regular interaction with Whitman students through specialty programming and the Whitman Women in Business organization.

The Orange Ovation Award

Warren Johnson ’20 and Tyler Newman ’20 were each presented with the Orange Ovation Award for setting a positive example to Whitman students through their professional successes and service to the Whitman/���ϲ����� community. Recipients of this award must have graduated from the University within the past 15 years.

Johnson earned dual bachelor’s degrees in supply chain management from the Whitman School and information management and technology from the School of Information Studies. He is a procurement analyst with BAE Systems in New Jersey and has supported Whitman students and alumni networking events in the New York City area. Johnson is currently a member of the Young Whitman Advisory Council (YWAC) for which he chairs the Student Engagement and Mentorship Committee. He has also led efforts to establish the Goodman Leaders Academy/YWAC Mentorship Program.

Newman graduated from the Whitman School with a double major in finance and marketing management and was a member of the Forever Orange Student Alumni Council and Delta Sigma Pi. He is the assistant vice president of client development and strategic initiatives at Synchrony, where he has driven strategic growth and fostered key partnerships in the Synchrony Outdoors market. Newman has been a strong advocate for Whitman and instrumental in a successful partnership/hiring relationship, which has resulted in more than 50 ���ϲ����� students and graduates invited into Synchrony’s Business Leadership Program. In addition, he has helped engage Synchrony’s company leadership into a greater relationship with the Whitman School, as well as attended numerous student and alumni events.

The Whitman Impact Award

The Whitman Impact Award was given to Matty Simon, who for the past several years has been Bloomberg L.P.’s lead recruiter for analytics and sales roles in the Americas, primarily for the New York and San Francisco offices. Simon was selected for the award for being “one of the most impactful recruiters we’ve had the pleasure of working with,” according to McKelvie, noting that Simon has been a true champion for the Whitman/Bloomberg relationship, helping to fill Bloomberg’s offices with “a remarkable amount of Orange.”

Simon was recognized for his enthusiastic presence at student experiential events, the ability to foster connections between both institutions, and his ability to collaborate on alumni events on campus and globally to forge intentional connections to the Whitman School. Simon just recently joined Bloomberg’s London office to continue working in talent acquisition and develop a greater focus on international recruitment.

This story was written by Caroline Reff

Deposits should be made as early in the day as possible on Monday, June 30.

Deposits received after June 30 will be processed as July (fiscal year 2026) business.

The exception is for monies received on or before June 30 but not processed due to internal mail delays. Those deposits can be credited to fiscal year 2025 by indicating “JUNE BUSINESS” on the deposit slip in red ink.

Cash Operations can only accept deposits for June business (fiscal year 2025) until 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Questions or concerns may be directed to Tina Kelly at tkelly01@syr.edu.

Stop by , , , the or the to explore. are available online.

If you work remote you can still use the Libraries’ resources by . Visit us online at for more information.

So how can staff take advantage of this benefit? Below are a few ideas:

• Borrow materials or resources— any materials or resources from our collection. This includes , , , , , , and more! Looking to borrow something not available from our collections? You can
• Borrow technology—Need presentation equipment, audio/video equipment or an extra laptop? items from the Libraries for free!
• Sign-up to use wellness resources—The Libraries offer numerous resources for mind, spirit and physical .
• Sign-up for free digital subscriptions—As a staff member, you can receive to ���ϲ�����.com, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. You can also by searching Journals in the Libraries’ collections.
• Print posters—Need to
• Reserve a room—Need a private room for a call, a small team room for a project or a larger public space for an event? at the Libraries for free.
• Use Research Guides—Librarians and staff curate a variety of on a wide range of topics that support users through research projects.
• Use data analysis/statistical software—Get help finding data to analyze, using statistical software like SAS, Stata and SPSS, research methods and study design. The Libraries also provide��.
• Use primary and secondary sources—Are you instructing a class, offering training or have a team that you’re working with that can benefit from learning how to use the Libraries and primary or secondary sources? .
• Attend workshops and events—The Libraries hosts a number of
• Leisure reading—Looking for a fiction book for leisure reading or have books that you want to donate? Check out the in Bird Library.
• Fun Fact: U.S. Government Documents—Did you also know that the Libraries is open to the public as a ? Public access to the government documents collection is guaranteed by public law (Title 44 United States Code).

about the Libraries? You can get help by calling, texting, emailing, using the chat button on the website or contacting a librarian.

Trey Augliano ’27, a rising junior in the majoring in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises and marketing management, recently launched Utopia Beauty, a science-driven beauty retailer that promises to bring transparency and trust to the personal care industry.

As a student leader engaged in innovation initiatives, Augliano is no stranger to the startup world. As an Orange Innovation Scholar and Intelligence++ Scholar, he has worked behind the scenes at the Libraries mentoring student founders and helping commercialize emerging technologies through the .

Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight with��, a direct-to-consumer retailer offering high-performance products backed by independent, third-party clinical research. From skincare and makeup to candles and luxury body sprays, the brand debuted with a curated collection of 50-60 rigorously vetted products, all validated by clinical labs in the U.S. and Europe.

Trey Augliano

“I wanted to create something that cut through the noise,” Augliano says. “There are too many beauty products making bold claims without data to back them up. Utopia Beauty stands for a future where science meets self-care.”

Utopia’s business model reflects Augliano’s broader vision for e-commerce which includes drop shipping to keep overhead low, free U.S. shipping and a loyalty program that rewards customers for supporting evidence-based wellness. The target audience? Discerning consumers, especially women, who demand transparency, sustainable sourcing and premium quality.

Augliano’s path to launching Utopia Beauty has been anything but conventional. A Watertown, New York, native, he began experimenting with business ideas in middle school and filed his first provisional patent by age 12. During high school, he taught himself e-commerce, launched several online stores and began sourcing products directly from international manufacturers. Those early experiences gave him a global mindset and framework for operational detail.

His decision to attend ���ϲ����� was sealed the day he visited the Blackstone LaunchPad at Bird Library. Finding the center empty that day because staff and students were engaged in a big business plan competition, he left a sticky note on the founding director’s computer expressing his interest. That single gesture led to a lasting mentorship and his early integration into the University’s entrepreneurship ecosystem—even before officially enrolling.

“Trey embodies the spirit of ���ϲ����� Libraries and the community we built here with the help of students scholars and innovators like him. It is entrepreneurial, collaborative and deeply driven,” says Linda Dickerson-Hartsock, founder and retired director of Blackstone LaunchPad. “Now he’s launching a company that could set a new standard in the beauty industry.”

For Augliano, the intersection of wellness, entrepreneurship and science is more than just a brand. It’s personal. “I’ve always loved building things that have a purpose,” he says. “���ϲ����� gave me the platform, the mentors and the community to do that at a higher level.”

Story by Linda Dickerson Hartsock, strategic initiatives advisor, ���ϲ����� Libraries

Researchers from ���ϲ����� and the United Kingdom found chemical clues in ancient South African sediments linking past atmospheric shifts to droughts that mirror Cape Town’s Day Zero crisis. Recent droughts have brought water sources like the Theewaterskloof Dam (pictured above) in South Africa dangerously close to drying up. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Climate change is reshaping the global water cycle, disrupting rainfall patterns and putting growing pressure on cities and ecosystems. Some regions are grappling with heavier rainfall and flooding, while others face prolonged droughts that threaten public health, disrupt economies and increase the risk of political instability. In one recent example, a years-long drought between 2015 and 2020 brought Cape Town, South Africa, to the brink of running out of water—a moment officials dubbed “Day Zero.”

Scientists have long debated whether extreme events like the Cape Town water crisis are driven by human-caused climate change or are part of natural climate variability, with some models suggesting that global warming may indeed play a role.

“But a model is not the real world,” says��, Thonis Family Associate Professor in ���ϲ�����’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES). “So we looked back in time.”

The team extracted organic compounds from sediment samples using a cocktail of solvents. As those solvents evaporate, the organic material remains in the vial as an orange residue.

In a paper recently published in��, Bhattacharya and a team of researchers—led by EES graduate Claire Rubbelke ’25, Ph.D., (and supported by undergraduates Lucy Weisbeck from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry as well as, in earlier work, Ellen Jorgensen ’23)—analyzed ancient plant matter preserved in a column of sediment drilled off the coast of South Africa. These molecules contain hydrogen isotopes from the rainfall that nourished the plants, providing a chemical fingerprint of past climate conditions.

At the New York City Clio Sports Award Show in December 2024, the student team comprised of art director Jack Wojtowicz and copywriter Micaela Kraker won three Clio Sports Awards: two Bronze Awards and one Shortlist Award. They won for their campaign “One Eagles Nation” for Duolingo.

The student team comprised of art director Meiling Xiong and copywriter Maggie Mallon won a Silver Clio Entertainment Award for their campaign “Real Housewives of Duolingo” at the Los Angeles Entertainment Clio Award Show in November 2024.

The awarded campaigns were created in professor of practice ’s Portfolio III course, the culminating course for at the Newhouse School, where students learn to create conceptually strong, integrated campaigns using mediums including emerging technologies, digital, outdoor and experiential.

The Clio Sports Awards celebrate the best in global sports advertising. Only five winners worldwide were selected in the student category, and��“One Eagles Nation”��was one of them, earning a Bronze Award. It also won a second Bronze in the student category, where only eight winners were recognized globally. Additionally, it won a Shortlist Award in the category, among only three winners worldwide.

View the Bronze Award-winning campaign in a two-minute case study video: “.”

Print ad for “One Eagles Nation” ad campaign

Through their research, Wojtowicz and Kraker found that Philadelphia football fans are fiercely passionate, but with 34% living outside the U.S., their chants don’t always reach the Philly stadium. The students’ campaign uses Duolingo’s platform to connect international Eagles fans with those in Philadelphia.

To bring this concept to life, they started with the idea of Eagles Ambassadors. Eagles fans who are in America will download Duolingo, and the most active learners on the app will be chosen as Eagles Ambassadors. As part of the campaign, Eagles bars will be set up around the world, and the Eagles Ambassadors will livestream directly from the stadium tailgates to these Eagles bars.

For the first time ever, Eagles fans around the world will virtually tailgate in the parking lot of Lincoln Financial Field. Using their Duolingo skills, Eagles Ambassadors will initiate chants back and forth between people in the stadium and people in the Eagles bars in other countries, so that the fans can share their love for the favorite team.

As they chant, automatic captions will be generated so the fans can fully understand one another. This will allow people in major cities like Berlin, London and Paris to get the full Philly experience. The Eagles Ambassadors will also ensure that fans around the world get a chance to chant on the Jumbotron at the Lincoln Financial Stadium. To generate local buzz, the “One Eagles Nation” campaign includes putting posters around Philadelphia, spreading the word with cheeky messaging. Wojtowicz and Kraker also created a series of three print ads featuring similar messaging.

“The best ideas combine two things that don’t initially seem like they’d fit together…like Philadelphia Eagles fandom and learning a foreign language. But the creative team found the sweet spot where those two elements intersect and the result is an idea you never saw coming,” says Wojtowicz and Kraker’s creative mentor, Bruce Jacobson ’92, group creative director at VML and Newhouse creative advertising alumnus, when praising their idea.

How did the students manage to get such an accomplished mentor during their time in Portfolio III? For the class, White, using her industry connections, created a mentorship program to pair each student creative team with an award-winning creative director from a top ad agency.

In Portfolio III, White gives each student creative team weekly one-on-one feedback to help them push their ideas further. Concurrently, student teams meet with their industry mentor typically three to five times during the semester, which also helps them elevate their ideas.

The Clio Entertainment Awards celebrate excellence in entertainment advertising. Xiong and Mallon’s “Real Housewives of Duolingo” campaign made its mark at the Entertainment Clio Awards, winning a Silver Clio in the category. This team was announced as just one of 11 winners in this category.

View the Silver Award-winning campaign in a two-minute case study video: “.”

A fiery collaboration between��Duolingo��and��Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise, this campaign brings drama to language learning like never before. Xiong and Mallon realized that learning a new language can sometimes be tedious, even boring, work, especially for busy adults. So, they came up with the perfect remedy to boredom: a spicy collaboration with the Real Housewives reality show and Duolingo to help people learn their new language of choice.

After a one-month streak��on Duolingo, users connect their accounts to the Peacock streaming service, select the language they’re learning, and watch any��Real Housewives episode with subtitles in that language. The drama unfolds in two parts. First, Duolingo breaks down the reality show’s scenes, teaching grammar and pronunciation. Second, on TikTok, fans recreate legendary scenes in the language they are learning with English subtitles, using the hashtag #RHODL.

Next, the 10 videos that get the most likes on TikTok earn a spot on the��Housewives’ reunion episode—but with a twist. The people who created these viral videos will be invited to join the reunion episode in person. At the show, they must��recite an iconic Real Housewives line in their learned language. Make a mistake? A Housewives cast member delivers the ultimate penalty: a splash of Pinot right to the face.

This campaign taps into Generation Z and millennials’ love for binge-watching reality TV, all to turn language learning from a chore into a must-share experience.

Sam Mazur ‘96, a proud Newhouse creative advertising alumnus and freelance creative director with credits at Wieden+Kennedy, Ogilvy and Terri & Sandy, mentored the duo alongside White to help them bring the heat.

“What better way to get someone interested in learning a language, which can be a difficult and cumbersome process, than by adding something as flavorful as the��Real Housewives��to the mix? Tapping into a fandom means truly tapping into culture, and that can be a powerful way to connect an audience to a brand. And they nailed it,” White says.

The creative advertising students’ success in the competition highlights the Newhouse creative advertising program’s ability to develop talent that truly makes an impact, creating work that resonates with experts in the industry who are also judges in these competitions.

Story by Molly Egan

Michael J. Bunker

Bunker, a military veteran with 14 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard, brings more than two decades of experience in campus safety, emergency management and public safety leadership, most recently serving as chief of campus safety at the University of Denver. There, he oversaw all safety and security operations for a large, urban campus, including emergency management, environmental health and safety, and security technology.

Allen Groves, senior vice president for the student experience and chief student experience officer, led the search committee supported by students, faculty and staff that endorsed Bunker’s candidacy.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mike Bunker to the ���ϲ����� community,” says Groves. “His innovative leadership, commitment to contemporary safety practices and deep understanding of the evolving needs of campus communities make him uniquely qualified for this critically important role. I look forward to working closely with him to enhance the safety our campus community and emergency preparedness across the University.”

“I am honored to join ���ϲ����� and lead a dynamic team dedicated to creating a safe, supportive and welcoming campus environment,” says Bunker. “I look forward to quickly engaging with our community and partnering with students, faculty, staff and stakeholders to strengthen our emergency preparedness, foster transparency and ensure every member of our Orange community feels safe and is safe.”

During his tenure at the University of Denver, Bunker led transformative initiatives, including the creation of an integrated mental health campus response team strategy and the deployment of body-worn cameras and artificial intelligence-enhanced security systems. He also created and deployed trust-building programs with students, such as family-style dinners with student groups and close collaboration with student government and athletics.

Bunker is well-known for his expertise in proactive threat management; compliance with federal standards, including the Clery Act; and taking a student-centered approach to campus safety. At ���ϲ�����, Bunker will report to Groves and oversee a comprehensive portfolio that includes public safety operations, emergency management services, crisis planning and response, and collaborative outreach across the University’s diverse community.

Before his time at the University of Denver, Bunker held leadership roles with the Georgetown University Police Department and the Campus Public Safety Institute. He’s also held positions with the Falls Church Police Department in Falls Church, Virginia, and George Mason University Police Department.

A lifelong learner with a commitment to continuing education, Bunker has two master’s degrees, including an MBA from the University of Denver and a master’s degree in project management from Georgetown University. He also has a graduate certificate in executive leadership coaching.

Bunker will move to the region next month and is looking forward to becoming a part of the Central New York community.

For more information about Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services at ���ϲ�����, visit .

Curated by Associate Artistic Director Melissa Crespo, the festival features Playwright-in-Residence Esperanza Rosales Balcárcel and Central New York’s own Zizi Majid. Due to scheduling changes, Rosales Balcárcel replaces previously announced Playwright-in-Residence Christine Quintana.

“Ever since Kyle Bass founded the Cold Read Festival, ���ϲ����� Stage has proudly upheld our commitment to the development of new work,” says Crespo. “It’s an honor to continue that legacy with the Julie Lutz New Play Festival and provide an essential pipeline for play development.”

Majid, community engagement and education coordinator at ���ϲ����� Stage and instructor with the ���ϲ����� Department of Drama, will present a reading of her play “Milk” on Saturday, June 14, at 5:30 p.m., with a talkback immediately following. Directed by Crespo, the reading will feature Awni Abai-Bahri, Hend Ayoub, Salma Mahmoud and Neagheen Homaifar. Tickets for the reading of “Milk” are free of charge but must be reserved in advance at or by calling the Box Office at 315.443.3275.

Rosales Balcárcel will begin writing a brand-new piece during her residency at the theatre, with support from ���ϲ����� Stage artistic staff. The cast includes Armando Gutierrez, Karis Wiggins and Samora La Perdida. Because the play will be in such early stages of development, there will be no public presentation during the festival.

The Julie Lutz New Play Festival surrounds a fully staged world premiere production, Rogelio Martinez’s “The National Pastime” (June 11-29), which was commissioned and incubated as part of the Cold Read Festival in 2022. Martinez will be joined by Crespo and ���ϲ����� Stage Resident Playwright Kyle Bass for a talkback immediately following the 7:30 p.m. performance of “The National Pastime” on Thursday, June 12. The talkback is included in the purchase of a ticket to the June 12 performance of “The National Pastime.”

The Julie Lutz New Play Festival continues Cold Read’s commitment to supporting and developing new work at ���ϲ����� Stage, including six recent world premieres: Bass’ “Possessing Harriet,” “Salt City Blues” and “Tender Rain,” and the world premiere productions of “Thoughts of a Colored Man,” “Somewhere Over the Border” and “How to Dance in Ohio.” Next season, ���ϲ����� Stage will produce the world premiere of Rae Binstock’s boxing drama “Relentless.”

“In this time of aggressive cuts to longstanding government funding for the arts, audience support of new work for the theatre is more vital than ever,” says Bass.

The festival’s new name is in honor of Julie Lutz, a ground-breaking astronomer and professor who also loved traveling, the outdoors, music, food and theatre. She was a champion of the arts and deeply committed to issues around diversity and inclusion. In 2023, The Julie Lutz New Play Development Fund was established with a $1 million gift from the estate of Lutz’s husband George Wallerstein to specifically support new play activity, developing and producing exciting new work for the theatre.

Audiences are invited to spend the day enjoying new work at ���ϲ����� Stage by pairing the reading of “Milk” on June 14 with tickets to “The National Pastime” at 2 p.m. Boxed lunches may be purchased in advance and will be available immediately following “The National Pastime” performance. Tickets for “The National Pastime” and boxed lunch add-on are available at . (Must be reserved by June 3.)

FESTIVAL EVENTS SCHEDULE

“The National Pastime” Talkback
Thursday, June 12, immediately following the 7:30 p.m. performance
Presented in the Archbold Theatre

Playwright Rogelio Martinez will be joined by Associate Artistic Director Melissa Crespo and Resident Playwright Kyle Bass to discuss the play’s journey from the 2022 Cold Read Festival to this fully realized production.

“Milk”
By Zizi Majid
Directed by Melissa Crespo

Dramaturgy by Kristin Leahy
Saturday, June 14, 5:30 p.m., with a talkback immediately following
Presented in the Storch Theatre

Sofia, a Syrian woman who whilst on a makeshift iron vessel on the Mediterranean Sea, meets Sarah, a woman from South Sudan who’s similarly seeking a better life. Sofia confides her deepest wishes as she considers returning to her home in Syria and a future life with a partner of her own choosing. “Milk” is a play written as an empathetic response to the global migration crisis.

��

]]> /blog/2025/05/27/timur-hammonds-placing-islam-receives-journals-honorable-mention/ Tue, 27 May 2025 15:59:08 +0000 /?p=210569 A book authored by Timur Hammond, associate professor of geography and the environment in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, received an honorable mention in the 2025 International Journal of Islamic Architecture (IJIA) Book Award competition.

The awards committee described his book, “Placing Islam: Geographies of Connection in Twentieth-Century Istanbul” (University of California Press, 2023), as “evocative storytelling and innovative methods [that] reveal how spatial practices and religious identity are deeply intertwined in the shaping of urban experience.”

In his book, Hammond examines practices and architectural projects spanning from the final years of the Ottoman Empire to the early 2010s. He argues that rather than focusing on what Islam is, scholars ought to begin by examining where it is, a project that he pursues by focusing on shifting practices of place-making. Through this exploration, Hammond provides a detailed account of urban religion in Istanbul and invites readers to rethink how evolving Islamic cultures in Turkey and beyond are conceptualized. The book is also available on through the University of California Press’ Luminos platform.

The IJIA Book Award recognizes outstanding books that advance research in Islamic architecture, history and urbanism. It celebrates works that encourage interdisciplinary dialogue across fields such as design, art, preservation and urban planning. The award emphasizes diverse narratives from global Islamic contexts, including underrepresented regions, diasporas and Muslim-majority societies. Awardees received a prize and a two-year subscription to IJIA.

Timur Hammond

The IJIA publishes peer-reviewed articles with an emphasis on the detailed analysis of the historical, theoretical and practical aspects of architecture.

Hammond is a senior research associate in the Middle Eastern Studies Program and a research affiliate in the South Asia Center and the Center for European Studies. His research specialties include cultural and urban geography, geographies of memory, Turkey and the Middle East. In 2022, he received the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Teaching Recognition Award for Early Career Performance at ���ϲ�����.

This story was written by Michael Kelly

Beginning in the Fall 2026 semester, two students from Lockerbie Academy will be selected each year to receive the Lockerbie Scholarship. Recipients will be chosen by a joint committee of ���ϲ����� and Lockerbie Academy representatives, using elevated selection criteria based on rigorous academic standards. The selected students will demonstrate academic excellence and a deep understanding of the Pan Am Flight 103 tragedy, which continues to shape both communities.

“This new and revitalized partnership with Lockerbie Academy honors the memory of those lost in the terrorist attack, while also supporting the educational aspirations of Lockerbie students,” says Lois Agnew, interim vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer. “Our new approach preserves the program’s most cherished traditions while ensuring we bring students to campus who are prepared to fully engage with the academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities ���ϲ����� offers.”

Brian Asher, headteacher at Lockerbie Academy, says: “���ϲ����� has, since the terrible events of Dec. 21, 1988, held a special place in the heart of Lockerbie. We re-forge our bond in honor of all those who were lost that night. We act forward in their memory. I am excited to work with our ���ϲ����� colleagues on behalf of the Academy as we build on our shared past, towards a shared future.”

The University and Lockerbie Academy anticipate the renewed collaboration will continue through at least 2028, aligning with the 40th anniversary of the Lockerbie Scholarship Program and its enduring impact on both communities.

Although there will be no Lockerbie Scholars on campus during the 2025-26 academic year, ���ϲ����� will welcome a group of 10 students and two sponsors from Lockerbie Academy in October 2025 for Remembrance Week.

“Their visit will both commemorate Remembrance Week and celebrate the strong and ongoing bond between Lockerbie and ���ϲ�����,” Agnew says.

“Our continued investment in financial aid ensures that students from all backgrounds can thrive here—academically, personally and professionally,” says Ryan Williams, vice president for enrollment services. “With a record-breaking number of applications this year, we look forward to welcoming one of our most exceptional incoming classes yet.”

The Board of Trustees recently approved the following rates for tuition, room and board, and fees:

• tuition for full-time undergraduates will be $66,580;
• the average room rates for most full-time new and returning undergraduates will be $11,000;
• the Orange Unlimited meal plan that offers greater value and flexibility is now $8,120;
• the student activity fee will be $219;
• the residential internet and cable access and service fees will remain the same at $460;
• the co-curricular fee will be $280; and
• the health and wellness fee will be $890.

���ϲ����� remains committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. Financial aid packages typically include a combination of ���ϲ�����-funded scholarships and grants, federal and state aid, private scholarships, federal student loans and work-study opportunities.

“The Archive as Liberation”

The exhibition is on display in the Kathleen O. Ellis Gallery at Light Work, 316 Waverly Ave. in ���ϲ�����. An opening reception will take place at Light Work on July 25 from 5-7 p.m.

The exhibition is organized by Aaron Turner (Light Work artist-in-residence, 2018, and
Light Work exhibiting artist, 2021). Turner has gathered a unique group of artists and writers to engage in dialogue around archival photographic methods. The exhibition includes work by Andre Bradley, Chisato Hughes, Alec Kaus, calista lyon, Raymond Thompson Jr., Harrison D. Walker, Wendel A. White and Savannah Wood.

“The artists included in this publication and exhibition are engaged in resilience, ancestral
understanding, counter-memory, translation, activism, tension, narrative and critique. Through
their artistic gestures, they illustrate freedom in the Archive,” says Turner.

2025 Light Work Grants in Photography

The 2025 recipients are Sarah Knobel (St. Lawrence County), Joe Librandi-Cowan (Onondaga County),
and Lida Suchy (Onondaga County). The runners-up are Marna Bell (Onondaga County)
and Adrian Francis (Onondaga County).

This year’s judge was Marina Chao (a curator at CPW in Kingston, NY), who writes: “From an
unexpected approach to plastic waste to portraits of Ukrainian civic leaders to an exploration of
home, family and memory, this year’s grantees address subjects that are intimate and personal,
urgent and political, in innovative, collaborative and deeply felt ways.”

The Light Work Grants are part of our ongoing effort to support and encourage Central New
York artists working in photography and related mediums within a 50-mile radius of ���ϲ�����.
Established in 1975, the Light Work Grants are among the oldest photography fellowships in the
country. An opening reception will be held in the Jeffrey J. Hoone Gallery at Light Work on July 25
from 5-7 p.m.

Summer gallery hours are: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For general information, please
visit www.lightwork.org or call (315) 443-1300.

BiOrbic and the Dynamic Sustainability Lab are both committed to interdisciplinary approaches to discovery and innovation that tackle the opportunities to develop cost-effective biobased innovations including circular approaches.

One of the near-term actions arising from the memorandum of understanding will be the development of joint approaches to leverage the rapidly emerging utility of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data.

“This MOU formalizes and greatly expands our initial collaboration to leverage our shared dedication to advancing biobased markets in the United States and European Union through joint research, outreach and workforce development,” says Jay Golden, director of the Dynamic Sustainability Lab and the Pontarelli Professor in the .

Derek O’Brien, BiOrbic executive director, says, “We are delighted to deepen our collaboration with the Dynamic Sustainability Lab and ���ϲ�����. The challenges we face as a society today are not confined within borders and it is only through collaboration and partnership that we can build a better and sustainable future. The circular bioeconomy presents a significant opportunity for economic growth in Ireland and the United States. The bioeconomy is the part of the economy which uses renewable resources from agriculture, forestry and the marine industry to produce food, feed, materials and energy, while reducing waste, in support of achieving a sustainable and climate neutral society.”

Three linguistic studies students, Loretta Awuku (left), Sylvia Page (center) and Johnson Akano, pose with their presentation at ���ϲ�����’s One University poster session.

Loretta Awuku, Sylvia Page and Johnson Akano—three graduate students pursuing linguistic studies master’s degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences—spent the past year researching and contributing to assessment and curricular development processes.

The research team’s project, , was led by faculty mentor Amanda Brown, professor and linguistic studies program director in the College of Arts and Sciences. Brown received a , which aims to enhance student assessment knowledge and skills, develop a sense of agency to inform curricular decision-making and provide invaluable insight about the student learning experience.

The research project engaged 14 current students and six graduates in a mixed methods approach to answer the project’s three research questions:

• Do students know about current program learning outcomes?
• How do student feel about the master of arts (MA) focus areas?
• Should a psycholinguistics focus area be added?

“The participants felt more comfortable sharing their perspectives with their peers and the project has revealed a number of insights around which important faculty discussions and program innovations will follow,” Brown says of the benefits of engaging with students in the assessment.

The mini-grant opportunity gave the student researchers the assessment knowledge and skills to advance their future success. Akano pointed to the personal development this project offered as he pursues postgraduate opportunities.

“I’m really interested in assessment and one of the major reasons I got involved in this project was to learn more,” Akano says. “I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in the area of language assessment and I think the skills and the knowledge that I’ve acquired from this program will be very valuable for me when I start my doctoral studies.”

Page was pleasantly surprised by the amount of responses they received to the survey. “Their engagement showed they were invested in the program even though they had completed it and they actually wanted their voices to be heard,” Page says.

The students presented their research at the 9th Annual TESOL/Applied Linguistics/Foreign Languages (TALFL) Conference and ���ϲ�����’s this semester.

“It’s a great experience to present at a conference to different people from across the country and build the skills needed to communicate data collection and analysis,”��Awuku says, highlighting the presentation skills she developed through these opportunities.

For this research team, the Student Engagement in Assessment Mini-Grant experience and findings benefitted them directly and also benefits future students in the program. Applications for 2025-26 mini-grant are open through Aug. 8. Interested? .

Story by Naimah Rahman

Nadaya Brantley (second from left), assistant teaching professor of social work, assessment champion award honoree and recipient of the Student Engagement in Assessment mini-grant, poses with four of the project’s School of Social Work student partners. The entire student assessment team included Naomi Brogden, Paige Esposito, Amaya Saintal, Hailey Vanish, Casey Wills and Annabelle Wemmer.

In her opening remarks, , associate provost for academic programs, highlighted the importance of celebrating the various ways faculty, staff and students have engaged in assessment practices. Awards were given in five categories.

• Assessment Champion: This award recognizes University community members who advocate for meaningful assessment to enrich the student experience and who have made outstanding contributions to the University’s culture of improvement. The recipients were:
  • Academic: , undergraduate director and assistant teaching professor, School of Social Work, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
  • Academic/Functional: , associate dean for student affairs, teaching professor and Dean’s Faculty Fellow for Assessment, College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Shared Competencies:
• Outstanding Assessment: This award recognizes a distinguished academic, co-curricular and functional area for overall robust assessment. The recipients were:
  • Academic: , School of Art, College of Visual and Performing Arts
  • Co-Curricular:
  • Functional: College of Arts and Sciences/Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs academic and professional advising office
• Best Engagement Strategies: This award recognizes programs/units for engaging faculty, staff and students to participate and contribute to the assessment process. The recipients were:
  • Faculty Engagement: and B.S. programs, College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Staff Engagement:
  • Student Engagement:
• Best Use of Results: This award recognizes an academic, co-curricular and functional area for how assessment results are used in making decisions. The recipients were:
  • Academic: , Falk College
  • Co-Curricular:
  • Functional:
• Collaborative Inquiry and Action: This award recognizes a partnership that extends beyond a single school, college, division or unit and uses strong assessment methods and data as a catalyst for improvement. The recipient was:

After the awards, 2024 Assessment Leadership Institute faculty participants were recognized for their poster presentations detailing assessment activities over the past year:

• , Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute, College of Arts and Sciences
• , philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences
• , civil and environmental engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• , civil and environmental engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• , film and media arts, College of Visual and Performing Arts

Recipients of the Student Engagement in Assessment grant were also acknowledged for their poster presentations showcasing the collaborative experiences of students, faculty and staff:

• Linguistic studies M.A. program: Loretta Adadzewa Awuku, Sylvia Page, Johnson Akano, Amanda Brown
• Newhouse Office of Academic Affairs: Kit Fletcher
• Public health program: Collins Annor, Bernard Appiah
• Retention and Student Success: Prabin Raj Shrestha ’24, Hope Smalling
• School of Social Work: Naomi Brogden, Paige Esposito, Amaya Saintal, Hailey Vanish, Casey Wills, Annabelle Wemmer, Nadaya Brantley

In the closing remarks, Laura Harrington, director of institutional effectiveness, noted that the One University Assessment Celebration “is an important reminder that assessment is not a checkbox or something that goes into a black hole. It is a dynamic and collaborative process that strengthens teaching, learning and operations across our campus.” The showcased efforts demonstrate “a deep commitment to and investment in student success. Thoughtful assessment gives us agency to better understand, support and elevate every part of the University.”

Visit the to see event photos, presentation materials highlighting recipients’ achievements and posters.

Story by A’yla James

Mosab Abu Toha (Photo credit: Mohamed Mahdy)

Mosab Abu Toha G’23, a graduate of the M.F.A. program in creative writing in the College of Arts and Sciences and a current visiting scholar at ���ϲ�����, has been awarded the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for a series of essays in The New Yorker chronicling life in Gaza.

“It hurts to win a big prize while the suffering which I wrote about in the winning work continues,” says Abu Toha. “It is my biggest hope that this achievement and recognition will be a step toward greater understanding of the decades-long plight of the Palestinian people and that it will inspire people, especially those in power, to act and put an end to this tragedy.”

A Palestinian poet, essayist and fiction writer, Abu Toha returned to ���ϲ����� last year through the University’s participation in the international Scholars at Risk program. The Pulitzer Prize Committee awarded Abu Toha for his “essays on the physical and emotional carnage in Gaza that combine deep reporting with the intimacy of memoir to convey the Palestinian experience of more than a year and a half of war with Israel.”

“Mosab’s writing tells the important and often untold stories that deserve to be shared and amplified,” says Lois Agnew, interim vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer. “This Pulitzer Prize honors not just his talent, but his courage and dedication to sharing his lived experience.”

“Mosab takes great pride and responsibility in his role as a writer and storyteller,” says Behzad Mortazavi, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Having our M.F.A. program graduates recognized at the Pulitzer Prize level confirms the University’s status as among the very best places for exceptionally gifted writers.”

Abu Toha also expressed gratitude to the University: “I would like to thank ���ϲ�����’s administration, the Chancellor, the provost, the dean of arts and sciences and the creative writing program’s director, faculty and staff for their support.”

The New Yorker series also received an Overseas Press Club Award. Among Abu Toha’s other literary achievements are his latest poetry collection, “Forest of Noise” (Knopf, 2024), which was named a New York Times Notable Book, and his acclaimed debut collection, “Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear” (City Lights, 2022). The latter was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and won the 2022 Palestine Book Award in the Creative Writing category. He is also the recipient of the 2023 Derek Walcott Prize for Poetry and the 2022 American Book Award. His work has appeared in Poetry, The Nation, Arrowsmith and other leading literary publications.

Before returning to ���ϲ����� in 2024, Abu Toha was a visiting poet and scholar at Harvard University and served as librarian-in-residence at Harvard’s Houghton Library. He is the founder of the Edward Said Library in Gaza and previously taught English to middle school students through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

“You did not do this alone. Each of you got here because of so many who have faith in you. Some of the people who have faith in you, your faculty, the staff, are sitting in front of you and working all around this dome and all around this campus,” the Chancellor said. “Some of the people who support you and have faith in you, your family, your friends, your classmates are right behind you and next to you now, where once again, as always, they will have your back.”

The Chancellor conferred 6,930 degrees during the ceremony.

Three graduates gather together for a final (for now) sway at Commencement 2025. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Congratulations graduates! The accomplishments of the Class of 2025 were celebrated by students, faculty, staff and families as the University held its annual Commencement ceremony in the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday, May 11. The photos below capture some of the pomp and circumstance of this special day.

For more Commencement coverage, check out the keynote address by 10-Time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, Chancellor Kent Syverud’s remarks and student speaker and University Scholar Jonathan Collard de Beaufort ’25 addressing his fellow classmates.

Keynote speaker Carmelo Anthony addresses the Class of 2025 from the podium. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Chancellor Kent Syverud offers remarks to the crowd of graduates and their loved ones. (Photo by Coco Boardman)

University Scholar Jonathan Collard de Beaufort ’25 was selected as the student speaker on behalf of the Class of 2025. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Amy Manley)

College of Arts and Sciences alumnus Robert “Bob” Mankoff ’66 (right) was awarded an honorary doctor of letters degree by Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Ali Meders-Knight (right), executive director of California Open Lands and Mechoopda tribal member, was awarded an honorary doctor of human letters degree by Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Amy Manley)

School of Education alumna Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56 (right) received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Amy Manley)

You did it, Class of 2025! (Photo by Amy Manley)

Graduate School Marshal Qingyang Liu waves to the crowd as she processes. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Carmelo Anthony (Photo by Amy Manley)

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Bea González G’04, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, served as mace bearer. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

A student celebrates with loved ones on the Shaw Quad after the ceremony. (Photo by Amy Manley)

From left: Lois Agnew, interim vice chancellor and provost; Jonathan Collard de Beaufort ’25, student speaker; Jeffrey M. Scruggs, chair of the Board of Trustees; Commencement speaker Carmelo Anthony; and Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Coco Boardman)

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Amy Manley)

The obligatory cap toss (Photo by Amy Manley)

When Commencement falls on Mother’s Day, mom deserves a shout-out too! (Photo by Amy Manley)

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Would it even be Commencement without Otto the Orange? (Photo by Amy Manley)

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Amy Manley)

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Commencement 2025 (Photo by Amy Manley)

Jeremy Jordan, dean of the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, takes a selfie with Otto and graduating students during the college’s Convocation event. (Photo courtesy of the )

Maxwell grads pose with Dean David M. Van Slyke (far left) during the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Convocation. (Photo courtesy of the )

Celebrating on the Quad after the College of Professional Studies Convocation on May 8. (Photo courtesy of the )

Sawyer Duserick ’25 is pumped to graduate magna cum laude from the Falk College. (Photo courtesy of Lea and Shannon Duserick)

Spotted at the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) Convocation: “It’s Just Rocket Science.” (Photo courtesy of )

An Orange diploma is a beautiful sight. (Photo courtesy of )

All smiles at the College of Law Commencement on May 9. (Photos courtesy of the )

From left: Newhouse Class Marshal Charlotte Ebel ’25, national anthem singer Lauren Juzang ’25, Newhouse Convocation keynote speaker Jim Weiss ’87, undergraduate speaker Naimah Rahman ’25 and Newhouse Class Marshal Ryan Myers ’25. (Photo by Genaro C. Armas)

Singers onstage at the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Convocation (Photo courtesy of )

Graduates from the School of Information Studies pose outside of Hinds Hall. (Photo courtesy of the )

Bauer, the Whitman School of Management’s pet therapy dog, donned a special cap and bowtie to help celebrate the occasion. (Photo courtesy of the )