George Saunders on campus

“George Saunders is the author of more than a dozen books—from short story and essay collections to novels and a children’s book—that offer an incisive, comedic and urgent perspective on our world,” says David Steinberger, chair of the board of directors of the National Book Foundation. “Throughout his career, Saunders has captured the imagination of readers and mentored countless writers in and outside of the classroom. It is our honor to celebrate his oeuvre and creative generosity with the 2025 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.”

“Congratulations to George on this well-deserved honor. This achievement is yet another example of the high caliber of faculty nurturing our students,” says Behzad Mortazavi, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Saunders has earned numerous accolades throughout his literary career. His novel “Lincoln in the Bardo” won the 2017 Man Booker Prize; his short story collection “Liberation Day” was named one of President Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2022; and three of his works were featured in The New York Times’ list of the . Saunders’ upcoming novel, “Vigil,” set to be published by Random House on Jan. 27, 2026, follows oil company CEO K.J. Boone through a passage between life and death, where he must face the consequences of his actions.

Saunders will be presented with the DCAL Medal by Deborah Treisman, fiction editor at The New Yorker, at the 76th National Book Awards Ceremony and Benefit Dinner on Nov. 19 in New York.

Chris Meek stands at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in downtown Manhattan. (Photo courtesy of Adhiraj Chakrabarti, American Essence Magazine)

Chris Meek ’92, G’18 was on a work call at Goldman Sachs on Broadway Street in lower Manhattan on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, when he and his colleagues heard a tremendous noise.

From media reports, Meek soon realized what they heard was the hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 as it crashed into the World Trade Center’s North Tower at 8:46 a.m. A few minutes later, hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower at 9:03 a.m. Meek and his colleagues felt the tremors and heard the loud explosion.

Less than half a mile from Ground Zero, Meek and his teammates frantically made their way down the stairs from their 19th floor office building after the first plane crash and sought refuge at the American Stock Exchange across the street. That’s where they were when the North Tower collapsed.

In the immediate aftermath, Meek observed hundreds of first responders running toward the chaos of the World Trade Center—an image that still resonates 24 years after the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93 that killed 2,977 people, including 30 ���ϲ����� alumni.

Inspired by the bravery of those first responders, Meek dedicated his life to giving back to our soldiers and to preserving the memory of those who died that day. He launched the , a nonprofit that aims to educate, commemorate and inspire action by telling the stories of the survivors, first responders and the families of those lost.

“Seeing those first responders running toward trouble, running toward the World Trade Center because it’s their job and that’s what they needed to do is one of my most lasting memories from that day,” says Meek, author of the book, “Next Steps Forward: Beyond Remembering. The Power of Action.” “Because of those first responders, I knew I had to do something to give back.”

Meek stands outside Ladder Company 10, located across the street from the World Trade Center. It is the only fire station inside Ground Zero.

Driven to Action by Bravery of First Responders

Next year, in remembrance of the 25th commemoration of the terrorist attacks, Meek’s foundation plans to promote the events occurring around the country, and it wants to reframe how Americans think about the events of Sept. 11 to ensure the stories of those who lost their lives are preserved and passed along to future generations.

“We vowed to never forget, but there’s an entire generation of Americans who weren’t alive when Sept. 11 happened,” says Meek, executive producer of “T��� Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11,” a documentary slated for release next September. “T���y don’t know what they’re not supposed to forget, so I’m trying to change that narrative from ‘Never Forget’ to ‘We Remember’ by sharing those stories and having people talk about what happened.”

The 25th anniversary of the attacks coincides with the 250th anniversary of the founding of America, and Meek says his foundation is working in conjunction with the White House to plan events honoring the victims. He says there are remembrances planned at all three sites: Ground Zero in New York City; the Pentagon, where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed; and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed.

Beyond raising awareness of these events, Meek says his foundation wants to make it required that high schools in all 50 states teach students about what happened on Sept. 11 (only 16 states currently require this as part of their curriculum); wants to fundraise to help the Pentagon build an education and resource center honoring those who died in the attacks; and wants to increase the Sept. 11th Victims Compensation Fund, which provides financial compensation for physical illnesses or deaths suffered by first responders and survivors.

Chris Meek visited Ground Zero in the spring, the first time he had returned since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. (Photo courtesy of Adhiraj Chakrabarti, American Essence Magazine)

The Power of the Athenian Oath

Meek learned early on the importance of giving back from his mother, Camille, a deaf education teacher who emphasized how one person can make a difference in the world. He recalls his mother saying, “we might not be able to change the world today, but we can change the world around us.”

That served as the impetus for Meek to launch Start Now, a nonprofit that helped individuals facing foreclosure work with banks to remain in their homes. Later, he formed , which began collecting and donating socks and essential care packages for soldiers serving overseas and morphed into providing technology and educational opportunities to veterans transitioning from active duty to civilian life.

The wisdom imparted by his mother, along with the teachings of the Athenian Oath—“to leave things better than we find them”—guided Meek as he earned bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science from the College of Arts and Sciences and the ,��and a master’s degree in public administration from the Maxwell School.

“Everything I have is because of ���ϲ�����, and everything I’ve done in my career has been motivated by the Athenian Oath,” says Meek, who served on the Maxwell Advisory Board for 10 years. “I’ve been blessed to have a series of small wins that turned into major victories, and it doesn’t take much to make changes to the world around me.”

Troops pose with the care packages from a shipment delivered by SoldierStrong, a nonprofit Meek started to donate socks and essential care items to soldiers serving overseas.

Justy Carruthers ’25 was so impressed with the sport management program in the that she moved across the country from San Diego to enroll here.

But after just one day in her first sport management class, she was ready to fly back to the West Coast.

Carruthers met with her instructor, Associate Professor , following the class and told her, “I don’t think this is meant for me.” When Pauline asked why, Carruthers said, “Because all of the boys in the class are spitting out facts left and right and I have no idea what they’re talking about.”

But Pauline, who worked in collegiate athletics before joining ���ϲ�����, saw the same potential in Carruthers that ���ϲ����� football coach would see two years later. Pauline encouraged Carruthers to keep an open mind and understand that she didn’t need to know stats, she needed to display “grit and hustle.”

Hired at the start of her senior year in fall 2024, Justy Carruthers became the youngest director of on-campus recruiting at a school from one of college football’s four power conferences.

“She came up to me after every single class and really made her presence known and to work in football, you have to have that presence, right?” Pauline says. “You have to be passionate and motivated and not afraid to speak up. That’s what has set her apart all along.”

With the help of Pauline’s professional network, Carruthers spent two years as an intern with the American Hockey League’s ���ϲ����� Crunch, and the Crunch helped her land a summer internship with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls. She was working as an intern for the ���ϲ����� football team when Brown was hired in November 2023, and 10 months later, Brown appointed Carruthers as the youngest director of on-campus recruiting at a Power 4 school–and she was just starting her senior year.

Thanks to a whirlwind recruiting class that Brown assembled and Carruthers helped procure, the 2024 Orange enjoyed one of the greatest seasons in program history with a 10-3 record and three wins over top-25 teams.

“She’s a major part of our program, and the success we had our first year, we wouldn’t have had it without her,” Brown says. “We wouldn’t be where we are in the recruiting rankings without Justy.”

‘From 0 to 100’

So, how did Carruthers get from being a student intern to this integral role? , who supervises Carruthers as ���ϲ�����’s senior athletic director for football operations, says Carruthers personifies Brown’s culture of D.A.R.T.: She is Detailed, Accountable, Relentless and Tough.

“It’s not the easiest world to work in, college athletics, and especially Power 4 football (made up of the most influential conferences),” says Kelly, who joined Brown’s staff in March 2024. “But she’s got a confidence about her that really stuck out to me. And she’s been an asset to us ever since I’ve been here.”

When Brown was hired, recruiting “went from 0 to 100,” Carruthers says, and she and another Falk College intern, Cami Pasqualoni ’24, put their recruiting ideas in a binder for Brown to consider and eventually implement.

“It was nuts,” Carruthers says, “but it taught me so much about myself because our coaches would call me at 1 or 2 in the morning and say, ‘I need a kid here by 8 a.m.,’ and I’d have to figure that one out.”

One of those recruits was quarterback Kyle McCord, who was transferring from Ohio State. Carruthers received a call from the player personnel department at around 2:30 a.m. saying that Kyle McCord’s father was on the phone and they needed to get McCord here as soon as possible.

During a practice in the John A. Lally Athletics Complex, Carruthers (left) confers with Scouting Assistant Alex Kelly (center) and Director of Scouting Aaron Mannici.

Carruthers made all the arrangements for his visit, including a last-minute change after his initial flight was grounded. McCord eventually chose ���ϲ�����, and he set a ���ϲ����� record and led the NCAA with 4,779 passing yards.

‘Works Itself Out’

Following ���ϲ�����’s win over Georgia Tech last September, Brown offered Carruthers the full-time job as director of on-campus recruiting and then called her parents to make sure they were comfortable with their daughter working full-time while completing her degree. Carruthers didn’t accept the job at first because she was concerned about juggling work and academics, but in the end she decided—much like she did after her first class as a first-year student—to embrace the challenge.

“I flooded my schedule in my freshman and sophomore years and I’m so happy I did because my junior and senior years were a little bit lighter,” Carruthers says. “And with the teachers I had like (Associate Teaching Professor) , they gave me so much support and grace in the classroom.”

Carruthers’ day-to-day duties depend on the time of year as the on-campus recruiting calendar varies throughout the year. But recruits can attend games at any time, and Carruthers plans all aspects of their visits, from flights to rental cars to hotels and even monitoring traffic patterns to ensure they arrive to campus on time. Brown says Carruthers is the most organized person he knows, and he says a recruit’s visit “just always works itself out the right way.”

It’s remarkable to think that Carruthers, who as a first-year student wasn’t sure if she could cut it at ���ϲ�����, is now an integral part of what college football experts call one of the most efficient recruiting machines in the country. Football is a results-oriented business, and Brown clearly favors Carruthers’ results over her age.

“I think this has been something that’s not only shaped me but also shaped the program,” Carruthers says. “A lot of our coaches say they learn something new from me every day. They always say, ‘I want my daughter to be like you when she’s older because they joke that I don’t put up with anything.’”

Otto poses with an incoming student who is part of an Orange legacy family during the annual Orange Alumni Family Reception. (Photo courtesy of the ���ϲ����� Alumni Association’s Facebook page)

How does it feel to follow in your older sibling’s footsteps at the same university? SU News wanted to know so we asked five pairs of siblings—each including one who already graduated and one who is just starting their Orange journey—to reflect on their Welcome Week experiences and share how they will be forever connected by ���ϲ�����.

Gabe ’29 and Shalom Acheampong ’25

Shalom Acheampong

When siblings Shalom ’25 and Gabe ’29 Acheampong both chose civil engineering in the as their field of study and Shaw Hall as their home, they started to create a powerful Orange legacy.

From their hometown of Manchester, Connecticut, both found their paths converging at ���ϲ����� in ways that would transform not just their academic futures, but their family bond.

For Shalom, she remembers her journey began with Welcome Week connections to upperclassmen who shared invaluable advice and resources, giving her the confidence to navigate college life.

Gabe Acheampong

She shared her own advice to her brother: “Your path is your own. Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone is figuring things out in their own way. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support or share your experiences.”

Her transformation from an introverted first-year student to a confident ���ϲ����� student didn’t go unnoticed back home. “Seeing how she came back with a different demeanor and more confidence showed me how impactful being part of the ���ϲ����� community can be,” Gabe says.

For Gabe, carrying on this Orange legacy represents profound honor and pride. “It means the world to me,” he says. “I’m very proud of what my sister did here. She laid out what I need to do to be a successful student.”

Elena ’23 and Peter Biglan ’29

Peter Biglan

From helping with move-in during Welcome Week and catching up over Family Weekend to celebrating at Commencement, Peter Biglan ’29 enjoyed making the trip from Zionsville, Indiana, to visit his sister, Elena ’23, at ���ϲ�����. As Peter contemplated what he wanted from his college experience, he quickly realized his search started and ended with ���ϲ�����.

“Watching my sister’s experience showed me how strong the academic and career support is, and that ���ϲ����� can help me reach my goals,” says Peter, a supply chain management major in the and Flint Hall resident.

Elena Biglan

Forming a strong bond with her Sadler Hall roommate provided Elena with a companion to explore campus and a lifelong friend. It also facilitated a smooth transition to college. That’s part of her advice to her brother as he begins his Orange journey.

“Adjusting can take some time as you navigate new academic and social landscapes. However, give it a few months, and you’ll find yourself feeling right at home,” says Elena, who earned a policy studies and citizenship and civic engagement degree from the .

Peter admits it’s special knowing he is continuing the Orange tradition his sister started. “���ϲ����� is more than just a university; it’s a community and a legacy that connects us both,” he says.

Miren ’20 and Rem Chenevert ’29

Rem Chenevert

The age gap between Miren ’20 and Rem Chenevert ’29 is 10 years. While the two were close growing up in San Antonio, Texas, Rem felt like their hobbies and experiences rarely overlapped.

Not anymore. With Rem pursuing a public relations degree in the , now “we have something we both can relate to. We share ���ϲ�����. Even though our experiences will be different, I’m happy to have her as another ���ϲ����� mentor,” says Rem, a Sadler Hall resident.

The camaraderie found in her Living Learning Community in Lawrinson Hall helped open doors and made Miren feel welcomed from the minute she stepped onto her floor.

Miren Chenevert

“Everyone had their doors propped open, going from room to room to meet each other and see if anyone needed help getting set up. I am still close friends with a few of my floormates,” Miren says.

When it comes to her own advice to her brother, it’s important to “enjoy and cherish every moment shared with friends in the dining hall, every Juice Jam, every freezing walk and every football and basketball game,” says Miren, who graduated with a psychology and forensic science degrees from the .

Ashley ’25 and Chloe Kim ’29

Chloe Kim

Chloe Kim ’29 always looked up to her older sister, Ashley ’25, as they were growing up in Cresskill, New Jersey. After watching her sister grow as a student and a leader through hands-on learning opportunities, including a valuable immersion trip to Los Angeles, Chloe followed in Ashley’s footsteps to ���ϲ�����.

“���ϲ����� supports its students and pushes them to achieve their academic and personal goals, and I wanted to be part of a community where I can challenge myself, make meaningful connections and flourish,” says Chloe, a resident of Lawrinson Hall.

Those meaningful connections began for Ashley when she attended Citrus in the City as part of Welcome Week with fellow first-year students living in DellPlain Hall.

Ashley Kim

“Welcome Week created the foundation of friendships and connections that shaped my entire ���ϲ����� experience,” says Ashley, who graduated with a nutrition degree from the Falk College.

Ashley’s advice to Chloe is to “get involved as much as you can, as early as you can,” she says. “T���re are so many clubs, organizations and opportunities to help you find your community.”

“I feel honored and excited to not only continue but also share this Orange legacy,” Chloe says. “I can’t wait to create my own experiences while following in her footsteps.”

Luke ’25 and Sophia Lybarger ’29

Luke Lybarger

After moving into his room in Flint Hall, Luke Lybarger ’25 embraced the chance to make new friends and enjoyed connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.

It was one of the many perks of Welcome Week, where “residence life felt like a melting pot I had never experienced before, giving me plenty of opportunities to start building friendships right away,” says Luke, who earned an information management and technology degree from the .

Those friendships and lifelong connections were evident to Sophia Lybarger ’29 whenever she traveled to ���ϲ����� from their hometown of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.

Sophia Lybarger

“Every time I visited, I fell even more in love with the University’s beauty and its lively, welcoming atmosphere. Luke played a large role in my decision to attend ���ϲ�����, and I am extremely grateful for his advice and support,” says Sophia, who is enrolled in the Whitman School.

Like her brother, Sophia will reside in Flint Hall during her first year. Sharing the ���ϲ����� experience makes Sophia feel “even more connected to my brother and excited to follow in his footsteps,” and makes Luke proud that his sister “chose the perfect place to grow and call home. ���ϲ����� shaped me into who I am today, so it means a lot to know she’s part of that same community,” he says.

The collection includes typefounders’ and printers’ specimen books, some of which date back to the 18th century. In addition to being informative and educational, many items include beautiful examples of letterpress printing with lithographs, woodcuts and other forms of illustration. The collection complements and enhances SCRC’s existing collection strengths in ���Ի���.

“We are grateful to George W. Hamilton for his generous gift,” says Nicolette A. Dobrowolski, Director of the SCRC. “This collection, assembled over many years, reflects George’s deep passion for the history of printing and typography. We appreciate his decision to entrust this remarkable resource to his alma mater, recognizing the vital role that SCRC collections play both on our campus and in the broader research community.”

Hamilton, who resides in Austria, Vienna, has been a long-time supporter of the Libraries. He was an early funder of��, the 90-second radio show highlighting audio collections within SCRC, including the . He also provided early sponsorship to support publication of the New York state series by the ���ϲ����� Press.

The acquisition of the George W. Hamilton Book Collection was made possible by the efforts of Dean David Seaman, Assistant Dean for Advancement Ron Thiele, SCRC Director Nicolette A. Dobrowolski, Assistant Director Lindy Smith, Curator of Early to pre-20th Century Irina Savinetskaya, Lead Curator and Curator of Plastics and Historical Artifacts Courtney Hicks, and graduate students Iman Jamison, Philomena Kern and Mary Visco.

Elizabeth (Liz) DuRoss Liddy

Liddy G’77, G’88 was a native of Utica, New York. The starting point of her career can be traced to 1975, she told the iSchool’s Connections Magazine in 2015. When her oldest child started kindergarten, she volunteered to sort books in his school library. Realizing how much she thrived in that environment, she enrolled in ���ϲ�����’s master’s degree program in library science the next day.

She earned a master’s degree and became the faculty librarian at Onondaga Community College, but her educational journey was not yet complete. In 1982, she was accepted as the iSchool’s first part-time Ph.D. student. When approaching each challenge, from the master’s program to University leadership, her mantra was always “why not” instead of “I can’t.”

Liddy earned a Ph.D. from the iSchool in 1988 and was teaching and working on a National Science Foundation grant even before completing her dissertation. Her research in natural language processing generated a vast amount of scholarship in information extraction search, data mining, question-answering and cross-language retrieval and summarization.

She established a startup company, TextWise, and then went on to found the Center for Natural Language Processing. Liddy authored more than 110 research articles and led over 70 research projects. Her eight technology patents have been applied to a wide range of sectors throughout society, including security, crisis management, business, travel, health care and public utilities.

Liddy was appointed dean of the iSchool in 2008. During her tenure, undergraduate enrollment grew by 71%, graduate enrollment rose by 66% and she raised over $26 million in research funding. She established New York’s first graduate certificate in data science and introduced a data analytics minor. She led initiatives that provided unique entrepreneurial experiences for students and bolstered the school’s national profile and international reach.

From 2012 to 2014, she chaired the iSchools Organization, a consortium with three initial member information schools, including ���ϲ�����.��The organization now includes nearly 100 information schools around the world. Liddy was a strong proponent of increasing female student engagement in IT.

In 2015, Chancellor Kent Syverud appointed Liddy as interim vice chancellor and provost. In that role, she led the development of the University’s first Academic Strategic Plan, a pivotal framework charting the University’s future course.

“Liz Liddy was a remarkable leader whose influence touched many parts of the University,” says Chancellor Syverud. “I will always remember her cheerful outlook, her entrepreneurial spirit, her openness to new ideas and her unwavering faith in people.”

Liddy returned to the iSchool deanship in 2016.

“Liz meant a lot to me personally. When I was finishing my Ph.D., she encouraged me to apply for a faculty role here, and she always made time when I had questions or ideas. She pushed me to try things like the iSchool poster day, which is still part of who we are,” says iSchool Interim Dean Jeff Hemsley. “T��� way she supported students and colleagues has become a model for me, and I think of her often in my own role now. I’ll miss her warmth and spirit.”

Barbara Kwasnik, professor emerita and a friend and colleague of Liddy’s, says that Liddy was a natural educator. “While it’s true she served in many leadership roles, my deepest appreciation was for her skills as an educator. Her classes were challenging, but almost always ranked the highest in student evaluations,” she says. “Her Ph.D. advisees form an honor roll of national awards, professional success and impactful contributions. She herself won ‘the trifecta’ of awards for her proposal and dissertation, so she knew what it took to pay attention to all the details that make for the highest quality work. I know it was not just a random thing because I observed the levels of preparation she put into every presentation, making it seem easy.”

Liddy was a mentor, dean and friend to Jeff Rubin, the University’s senior vice president for digital transformation and chief digital officer and a longtime iSchool faculty member. “She inspired generations of students and educators around the globe. She was a true pioneer in natural language processing and an extraordinary advocate for our library science program,” he says. “She leaves behind a remarkable legacy.”

Liddy is survived by her children, John (Jen) Liddy, Suzanne (Mike) Terry and Jennifer Liddy (Tony Sereno); four grandsons, Cormac Terry, Nolan Terry, Owen Gette and Jack Liddy; and three brothers, Jim (Cynthia) DuRoss, Gil DuRoss (Maria Sabatini) and Frank (Liz) DuRoss. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Margaret DuRoss, and her sister, Margaret (Peggy) Ashton.

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 3535 Park Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28209. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery, Matthews, North Carolina.

Memorial donations may be made to the in the iSchool.

A will be held in Hendricks Chapel on Monday, Sept. 29, at 4 p.m. To share remembrances of Liddy, visit the .

Michael M. “Mike” Bill

The student-athletes who pass through the entry of the football locker room in the John A. Lally Athletics Complex will be carrying on the legacy of one of ���ϲ�����’s most ardent supporters: Michael M. “Mike” Bill ’58. As they come to know the story of the man after whom the locker room was named, they will appreciate how hard work and dedication to excellence on and off the field can lay the foundation for a lifetime of success.

Bill, who passed away on Aug. 11, 2025, at the age of 89, always credited the University for shaping his life’s achievements and positioning him to be able to give back to the alma mater he adored. “���ϲ����� really took care of me,” Bill said in a 2022 interview explaining the reasoning behind a $2 million dollar gift that he and his wife, Sharon, pledged to the Lally complex. “T���y gave me a scholarship and an education. They gave me the foundation for my success in business. ���ϲ����� is really part of my persona.”

Bill earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in 1958. Though the Orange linebacker and center (who played in the Cotton Bowl with the team in 1957) was offered an opportunity to join the Green Bay Packers, Bill pursued a career off the field. He built one of the nation’s top privately held insurance brokerage firms, MJ Insurance Inc., specializing in construction, energy, transportation, employee benefits and bonding.

He joined the Board of Trustees in 2001, serving as a voting trustee for more than a decade and chairing the Audit Committee from 2003 to 2006 and engaged with the Facilities and Athletic committees. Bill is credited with guiding the University to adopt a self-insurance model to enable more accurate and timely financial forecasting. As a life trustee, he participated on the board’s Facilities and Audit and Risk committees.

Part of his legacy is the unwavering support he provided to the athletics program, including the Sharon C. Bill and Michael M. Bill Endowed Football Scholarship Fund and the Head Football Coach Fund, among many other initiatives. Bill saw his philanthropy as a long-term investment in student-athletes and in the athletics program. He believed that the best facilities could attract the most talented student-athletes and that winning programs, especially football, attracted more donors.

“Mike was inspirational as a board member, an engaged alumnus and a major donor,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “He built strong relationships with colleagues and throughout campus. He genuinely cared about people and about our students’ aspirations and futures.”

Director of Athletics John Wildhack expressed both gratitude and praise for Bill’s vision and devotion. “Mike loved to tell stories about his playing days at ���ϲ�����, in particular practicing with and blocking for Jim Brown,” Wildhack says. “He often talked about the importance of intellectual and physical development of our student-athletes. He invested in them. There are countless athletes who are grateful for that.” Bill received a LetterWinner of Distinction Award in 2003 for football.

Bill’s own career success included building upon MJ Insurance, founding several subsidiary businesses. Omnibus Financial Corp. allowed customers to finance insurance premiums.��Benefit Design and Administrators Inc. helped customers create self-insured health care plans. Omnibus Insurance Ltd. provided insurance products for the mining industry. As a board member of Assurex Global he helped more than 100 other large, independent, privately owned insurance agencies in the United States and around the globe, enabling them to compete with large national companies.

Bill is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Sharon; their children, Terri, Michael, Daniel and Betsy, as well as six grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

After working for a few years as an attorney focused mostly on environmental cases, Jody Barringer set her sights on a career pivot in hopes of influencing the law from within the public sector.

Knowing that a master of public administration (M.P.A.) would help in the transition, she turned to the Maxwell School. The nation’s top-ranked program had come highly recommended by friends who’d made similar changes, and it seemed a natural choice considering her roots: Barringer had already received two degrees from ���ϲ����� and represents her family’s third generation of proud Orange alumni.

Mary Jane Massie and William Pelton with their niece, Jody Barringer

Barringer earned the M.P.A. in 2008 and launched a second career that quickly brought high-ranking roles in the federal government. She advised four presidents—Bush, Obama, Trump and Biden—and played an instrumental role in the multi-agency response to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill, the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history.

Through it all, Barringer found support from her proud uncle and aunt, William Pelton ’63, G’66 and Mary Jane Massie. “Uncle Bill,” as she calls him—among the family’s second-generation of ���ϲ����� alumni—worked on groundbreaking technologies including GPS and laptop computers as a partner at the New York City patent law firm Cooper & Dunham before his retirement. He and Mary Jane encouraged their niece to follow her passion and provided financial support to supplement scholarships, grants and loans when she was an undergraduate.

To honor their niece and their family’s ���ϲ����� legacy, Pelton and Massie recently have created the Barringer Pelton Public Service Graduate Scholarship at the Maxwell School. Their generous gift will provide financial support to graduate students interested in careers in local, state and federal government.

“I would not have gone to ���ϲ����� without that little bit of money they chipped in to add to the financial aid package I was provided,” says Barringer. “Being able to give back to someone like me who might just be a little bit short or who needs an extra hand is so important because you never know what they can accomplish in the future. I am always so grateful to Bill and Mary Jane for supporting me in everything that I do.”

The scholarship is the latest philanthropic gift by Pelton to support students. His generosity has extended to the College of Law, where he received his degree in 1966, and to the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), where he received a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1963.

Jody Barringer and Warren Bonds are pictured at their fall 2024 wedding, surrounded by Barringer’s Maxwell M.P.A. program classmates

Pelton’s gift to A&S in 2019 comes with still another ���ϲ����� connection, as it honors the school’s longtime dean, Eric Faigle. His wife, Lucy (Pelton) Faigle 1924, was a distant cousin of Pelton’s paternal grandmother.

Faigle was in his ninth year as dean of the then-College of Liberal Arts when Pelton began his undergraduate studies. Faigle called him to his office one day and shared that he had been a mentor to Pelton’s father, Russell ’35.

Pelton’s sisters Marjorie Pelton and Marilyn Barringer ’69 also were ���ϲ����� students. “As he did for me, Dean Faigle closely followed their academic careers through to graduation,” says Pelton. “He was always very generous with his time toward each of us. And believe me, we were grateful.”

Pelton says the experiences of his niece, including the close friendships she found in the year-long M.P.A. program, inspired the latest gift. “She excelled in Maxwell and after she graduated, we met some of her classmates at her wedding, so I decided we should create a scholarship at Maxwell to recognize Jody,” he says.

Barringer knew she wanted to be a lawyer since she was about 13 years old, and says, “I had an amazing inspiration in my uncle.” After earning a bachelor’s degree from A&S in 1995 she attended the College of Law, where she earned numerous honors including Law Review editor and Phi Eta Sigma and Order of the Coif memberships. After receiving a juris doctor in 1998, she went to work for the Ford Marrin law firm in New York City, primarily handling environmental insurance cases. She was especially passionate about contamination suits that resulted in mitigation, cleanup and sometimes, reparations.

“Over time, I realized it would be a really interesting transition instead of working on the tail end of “who’s going to pay to clean it up?” to be on the side of making or influencing the policies to get people to be better actors in the environment to begin with,” she says.

Enter the Maxwell School. Barringer said her legal background was complemented by the skills and perspective she gained in the M.P.A. program. Training in budgeting, management and collaboration proved especially beneficial, she says, crediting professors like Peter Wilcoxen and David M. Van Slyke.

“Jody was an outstanding student who brought a passion for understanding and developing government-business relationships that could be mutually beneficial in which the public good can be realized,” says Van Slyke, dean and Louis A. Bantle Chair in Business-Government Policy. “I’m grateful for public servants like her that take initiative to break down barriers and open pathways for dialogue and cooperation.”

After Maxwell, Barringer worked for the U.S. Department of Energy briefly before joining the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).��Deepwater Horizon exploded in April 2010, four months after Barringer arrived at OMB. The catastrophe claimed 11 lives, injured 17 and poured 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. “That was a very defining moment in my career,” she says. “My background in environmental litigation was crucial to handling that issue. Multiple agencies were involved in that response, and it went on for months.”

In her 14 years with OMB, Barringer led program management and resource allocation for hazardous waste cleanup and emergency response programs, advised on the development and implementation of environmental regulations and legislation, and mediated interagency disputes. In 2022, she moved to the Environmental Protection Agency as a senior executive in the Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery.

Health issues brought an early retirement in 2024. But she finds joy looking back on her many accomplishments, her family’s impactful legacy and in knowing that her family’s gift will help support future generations of aspiring public servants.

Upsilon Alpha Alumnae of ���ϲ�����, NY Inc. is donating its former chapter house, located at 300 Waverly Ave., to ���ϲ�����. (Photos by Amy Manley)

What was once the beloved campus home for Upsilon Alpha sisters will soon become a welcoming meeting and gathering place for Greek letter social and professional organizations that do not have a dedicated campus building. Upsilon Alpha Alumnae of ���ϲ�����, NY Inc. (UAA) is donating its former chapter house, located at 300 Waverly Ave. and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to ���ϲ�����.

The generous gift brings to life the commitment by the organization to be “a symphony of high purpose and helpfulness.” Words that were part of the noble pledge memorized by each UA sister—and has bonded them and grounded them in their own endeavors.

UAA Board President Laurie Bean-Taishoff ’84, who graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism and worked in the industry for several years, says being a member of Upsilon Alpha energized her volunteerism and philanthropy.

Importance of Volunteerism

Taishoff has vivid memories of participating in two, three-day Muscular Dystrophy Dance Marathon national fundraisers in Manley Field House (now the John A. Lally Athletics Complex) and takes pride in the fact that ���ϲ����� raised the most money of any university in the country during her time there. It’s one of the hallmarks of the Greek system, teaching the importance of volunteerism and giving, which sparked the gift of the chapter house. “We wanted to leave a lasting legacy by donating a cherished place that forged lifelong friendships and inspired so many of us to give back,” says Taishoff.

The monumental gift will have a profound impact on current and future Greek Life sororities and fraternities at the University.

“We are very grateful for this exceptional gift from the alumnae of Upsilon Alpha,” says Allen Groves, senior vice president and chief student experience officer. “T���ir desire to have this strategically located house primarily utilized by the Student Experience Division, with a focus on supporting, preserving and enhancing Greek Life at ���ϲ�����, will have a very positive impact for our current and future students.��We have many fraternities and sororities across our six councils who have no house of their own in which to hold meetings or alumni/alumnae receptions, as well as some chapters that closed years ago but whose alumni/alumnae still enjoy coming together for reunions.��This gift will enable us to offer these groups something crucial that has been missing.”

A Place to Call Home on Campus

The sisters of Upsilon Alpha know all too well the importance of having a place to call home on campus. The house served as the home of the Upsilon Alpha Chapter of Chi Omega for more than 70 years, from 1919 until the early 1990s. It was originally built in 1910 as a private residence and underwent some significant remodeling in 1941, but retains original features like the grand curving staircase, parquet wood floors, fireplace and sitting rooms.

The house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, served as the home of the Upsilon Alpha Chapter of Chi Omega for more than 70 years, from 1919 until the early 1990s.

The three-story, 9,000-square-foot building is the last remaining privately owned historic residence on what is the southernmost block of Walnut Park. When the Upsilon Alpha Chapter of Chi Omega disbanded in 1992, the sisterhood began exploring options for the house. UAA has been proud to maintain the chapter house since then and has leased the home during the years to others but were most happy to lease the home to another sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma.��They were able to create their own memories there until they moved to their new home in 2024.

“We wanted to take all those experiences and memories that formed our legacy and give it back to the University and future students and alumni,” says Taishoff. Currently, there are 1,282 women listed as Upsilon Alpha alumnae.

“Very active alumnae have worked hard to keep the house relevant to our traditions,” says Upsilon Alpha alumna Laura Hand Wright ’71, an award-winning journalist and television news anchor who had a groundbreaking career in the ���ϲ����� broadcast industry. “T��� proposed repurposing of the house is welcome news. While an active chapter, sorority members were recognized for academic excellence and leadership in campus and community organizations. Many sisters have continued in distinguished careers that include community service. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and will be repurposed as a meeting place for Greek organizations to�� develop lifelong commitment to community service.”

With such an esteemed history, it was important to the UAA membership to ensure preservation of its legacy in covenants to the gift. The property itself will be preserved and utilized primarily to enhance the student experience. The Upsilon Alpha Chapter Room, formerly known as the music room, will be available for Upsilon Alpha alumnae member use. It will be used as a gathering place where the words of the pledge will continue to come to life: “to be loyal under any and all circumstances to my Fraternity and her highest teachings and to have her welfare ever at heart that she may be a symphony of high purpose and helpfulness in which there is no discordant note.”

Elliot Stamler ‘60 (right) receives the Cramer Horizon Award from Liz Armstrong G’13, Maxwell’s assistant dean for advancement.

Throughout his remarkable career, honoree Elliot J. Stamler ’60, who received a bachelor’s degree in political science, held executive roles in advertising and publicity, real estate brokerage and asset management. He has generously supported Maxwell and ���ϲ����� with his time, expertise and financial contributions. In 2019, he named the University as a beneficiary of a portion of his estate—totaling seven figures—to be directed to multiple recipients on campus to support academic and research excellence.

The Cramer Horizon Award recognizes alumni and friends for their wise, inspirational leadership and exceptional philanthropic commitment. Originally the Horizon Award, it was renamed in 2018 to honor the Cramers, who are among the most generous and influential supporters in Maxwell history.��, a graduate of the , gifted Maxwell nearly $10 million over three decades; his philanthropy was often driven by his interest in a world problem or policy issue.

“Today’s ceremony marks the first time Maxwell has bestowed this recognition since 2011,” Liz Armstrong G’13, Maxwell’s assistant dean for advancement, said at a special ceremony honoring Stamler in May. “We hoped to have this ceremony in 2022, the year Elliot was named the recipient, but more than anything, we are so pleased to do so years later and amongst his fellow classmates.”

After earning an undergraduate degree at Maxwell and the College of Arts and Sciences in 1960, Stamler attended Columbia University, graduating with an MBA in 1965. “Maxwell, through its students and alumni, is a potent, positive force now and in the future for the preservation of our democracy,” Stamler said in a previous interview when explaining his motivation for supporting the Maxwell School.

Stamler resides in New York City and is retired from running his own investment company, Northstar Assets. His career also included executive roles with Columbia Pictures Television/Screen Gems Inc. and First Hanover Realty.

Maxwell Dean David M. Van Slyke came to know Stamler soon after becoming dean in 2016 but noted that his commitment to and support of Maxwell began long before his time. Over the years, Stamler “has challenged us to examine present-day Maxwell and envision our future,” Van Slyke said.

“Much like we hope for every graduate, Elliot’s political science degree has influenced all aspects of his life and his way of thinking. He is a lifelong learner with a strong commitment to democracy and citizenship,” Van Slyke said.

“My deepest gratitude goes out to all who supported, challenged and inspired me throughout my 38-year career here,” says Berkowitz-Smith. “It’s been an honor and all will be missed.”

Robin Berkowitz-Smith with Otto the Orange

Berkowitz-Smith’s connection to ���ϲ����� started long before her professional tenure began. As an undergraduate, she was a resident advisor in Sadler Hall and worked in Food Services. After graduating in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition management, she pursued a master’s degree in higher education administration at Kent State, where she met her future husband. The couple returned to ���ϲ����� in 1988, newly married and eager to begin their careers in higher education.

Her early years were spent in residence life, where she initially served as a residence director (RD) in Flint Hall. Her husband was the RD in Day Hall, and they split their time between two apartments on Mount Olympus.

Building Community and Supporting Students

Over the years, Berkowitz-Smith climbed the ranks, becoming a coordinator on South Campus, then assistant director and eventually associate director, overseeing all of the residence halls on North Campus (which at the time housed more than 5,000 students).

The most challenging parts of the job were helping students navigate roommate issues and assisting students dealing with personal struggles. “I really learned to mediate and to listen, and to collaborate with others to provide the support that students needed,” she says.

Berkowitz-Smith’s care was also felt by her colleagues.

Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, associate dean at Hendricks Chapel, says Berkowitz-Smith helped smooth her transition to the University when she arrived in 2002 as the director of the Office of Residence Life.

“She was an incredible colleague—steadfast, deeply compassionate and absolutely student-centered in everything she did. Her warmth, insight and candor have had such a lasting impact on all of us who’ve had the privilege of working with her,” Kantrowitz says. “Robin always kept it real—always genuine, always grounded, always honest.”

Every year on opening weekend, Berkowitz-Smith would walk every floor of every residence hall before move in, checking to make sure resident advisor door tags and bulletin boards were up and welcoming.

“That level of care sent such a strong message to staff, students and their families:��You matter, and how you’re welcomed matters,” says Kantrowitz.

Berkowitz-Smith was also invested in her students’ social and leadership development. She was instrumental in launching such programs as Orange After Dark, and initiated and implemented the first overnight retreat to build community among honors students.

A Move to Academics

In 2018, after three decades in residence life, Berkowitz-Smith transitioned to the academic side of the University, joining the College of Arts and Sciences as an academic advisor.

Four years later, she joined the Renée Crown University Honors Program. It was a shift driven by a desire to return to her passion—working directly with students. “I didn’t want to supervise anymore,” she says. “I wanted to advise and to connect.”

Robin Berkowitz-Smith, center back, with Renée Crown Honors Program colleagues, from left, Danielle Smith, Allie Heppner and Niki Swackhamer

She quickly realized that what students needed most wasn’t a thesis advisor—it was someone who cared. “T���y just need someone to tell them that they’re doing okay, that they’re enough,” she says.

“Over the years, Robin has made invaluable contributions to the honors program. As an academic advisor, her love for students played a major role in ensuring that honors students had meaningful student experiences and thrived academically,” says Danielle Smith, professor of African American studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Renée Crown University Honors Program. “Robin taught the honors sophomore seminar, and students learned so much from her about conducting research, doing community service, preparing for internships and other professional opportunities. Her guidance has been instrumental for the growth of students.”

Allie Heppner, associate director of the Renée Crown University Honors Program, says Berkowitz-Smith’s dedication, thoughtfulness and behind-the-scenes leadership shaped the student experience in profound ways. “Robin leaves behind a legacy and a community of staff, faculty and students who are excited to celebrate her next chapter and will long appreciate the positive mark she made,” she says.

Berkowitz-Smith’s daughters, Brianna ’13 and Alea ’14, G’15, were greatly impacted by their mom’s tenure at the University. They lived in a South Campus apartment when they were small and grew up on campus, attending ORL picnics and student events.

When it came time for college, their parents took them to look at other colleges and universities, but they both gravitated back to ���ϲ�����. Both were resident advisors during their time here. “T���y bleed Orange too,” says their mom. Both are now elementary school teachers in the Liverpool Central School District.

Celebrating a Legacy of Caring

For her retirement, Berkowitz-Smith’s colleagues and former students compiled a 30-minute video filled with messages of gratitude. The words that came up the most? “Caring,” “supportive” and “mentor”—testament to the relationships she built over nearly four decades.

The decision to retire wasn’t an easy one, she says. A Philadelphia native and first- generation college student, she has been working since she was 12. But after her mother’s passing and with her daughter’s wedding approaching, she felt it was time.

Retirement for Berkowitz-Smith, however, doesn’t mean slowing down. She is already enrolled in a class on ancient China, intends to return to ceramics and is planning for a trip to Japan and China with her husband. She also looks forward to spending more time in her garden. “I am not saying I won’t work again,” she says. “But right now, I want to find me again.”

“The day my dad died, part of me died too including my identity,” Mahoney says.

The tragedy thrust Mahoney, a seasoned journalist, into an unfamiliar position. Suddenly, she was the subject of the story rather than the one covering it. She found herself conflicted when interview requests began flooding her inbox.

“I was honestly torn on whether I should speak out or not,” she says. “I had spent a decade asking people to share their hard stories with me. Ultimately, I said yes to doing interviews because I wanted to show the world that my dad was a human being who shouldn’t have had to run for his life in a grocery store parking lot.”

Questions Lead to Connections

What began as a desire to honor her father’s memory evolved into something much larger. The shooting left Mahoney with many questions and the reporter within her needed to find the answers.

Four years later, Mahoney has created a podcast that not only tells her story but explores what she calls the “web of pain”—the far-reaching impacts and unexpected connections that extend well beyond the immediate victims of mass violence.

“I’m really asking people to walk with me from the day of the shooting through the trial and the years in between when I’m grappling with grief and trauma,” Mahoney says.

One of the most surprising discoveries in Mahoney’s journey was finding love stories emerging from tragedy. In the third episode of “Senseless,” she shares the story of Logan, a store employee who survived the shooting and helped others to safety, and Olivia, who lost her mother in the attack. The two survivors eventually found each other and fell in love while processing their shared trauma.

“So often we talk about the hard parts of grief and it’s so hard, but there are also some beautiful things to come out of it,” Mahoney says.

Newhouse Training

“Senseless” is built on a foundation of research, interviews and storytelling—journalism skills Mahoney learned in college and has sharpened throughout her professional life in broadcasting.

“Newhouse has been fundamental in my career as a TV reporter, a radio reporter and now as a podcaster,” she says. “I still have professors’ comments in the back of my head. They’re still there.”

However, Mahoney acknowledges she can’t be objective, a tenet of journalism, while producing the podcast. Sharing this personal story requires her to be vulnerable, raw and real. “It would be disingenuous to pretend that it didn’t happen to me,” she says.

A Message of Hope

The transition from daily news reporting to long-form podcasting has allowed Mahoney to explore stories with unprecedented depth. She says she’s discovered the power of patient storytelling, which has required a significant adjustment to her usual process but has proven transformative.

“What I hope people take away is that we can get on the other side of these hard, hard things,” Mahoney says. “That we can find joy again.”

She says she’s learned how to find joy through the process of producing her podcast and sharing her story. She also feels a sense of pride; she’s proud of the podcast and proud of herself for “getting back up after this.”

“I would give it all back to have my dad back,” Mahoney says. “But I’ve learned to slow down, live boldly, raise my voice. I think life is so much shorter than we really think it is.”

Check out�� featuring Mahoney. A transcript [PDF]��is also available.

���ϲ����� alumni are invited back home for an amazing fall weekend packed with tradition, connection and a celebration of what it means to be Orange. Whether you just graduated or it’s been years since you’ve stepped on campus, this year’s homecoming promises something special for every member of the Orange family.

Highlights include Forever Orange Friday, a family-friendly celebration that will make history as the first homecoming event to take place in the brand-new Miron Victory Court at the JMA Wireless Dome. From 6 to 9:30 p.m., alumni and their families can enjoy food and drinks, snap photos with Otto, create game day crafts with Arts at SU students and watch the ���ϲ����� Marching Band rehearse right on the Dome turf. Plus, learn about some of our amazing student organizations and find out how you can support the cool things they’re doing!

Start Saturday morning with our Homecoming Alumni Breakfast in the Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium from 8:30-10:30 a.m. This signature gathering brings together alumni, current students and leaders from across the University. Collect stamps on your “One University passport” by visiting booths representing the University’s schools and colleges to earn an exclusive, clear game day tote bag!

Get to cheer on the Orange against Pittsburgh at the JMA Wireless Dome (kickoff time TBA). Get ready for the game at the Orange Central Homecoming Tailgate on Shaw Quad beginning 2.5 hours before kickoff. This festive, pre-game celebration features classic tailgate fare, game day giveaways and a special performance by the Marching Band on the steps of Hendricks Chapel one hour before game time—a homecoming tradition that brings together generations of Orange pride.

Many signature experiences—including Forever Orange Friday, the Homecoming Alumni Breakfast and the Orange Central Tailgate—offer special pricing for Generation Orange recent graduates.

, take advantage of our before they sell out and get ready to come back to your forever Orange home away from home!

For the complete schedule of events, registration information and football ticket details, visit .

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

Thomas O’Brien

The Blackstone LaunchPad at ���ϲ����� Libraries has awarded a Student Start-Up Fund grant for the Spring 2025 semester to Thomas O’Brien ’25 for his company, Ten Open Projects. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis to undergraduate and graduate students who need help moving an idea from concept to commercialization.

O’Brien’s company provides video production services to small and medium-sized enterprises and produces short films under its FreeFall Films production company. The grant will be used to expand customer reach and LLC formation expenses. O’Brien is a graduate of the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Applications must specifically define the need with identified outcomes to be achieved within a set time. The fund is possible because of generous donors like Libraries Advisory Board members Jeffrey Rich ’67 and Yvonne Hyland.

Raquel-Ann “Roxi” Nurse McNabb and daughter Lexi McNabb

As point guard for the Orange women’s basketball team, Raquel-Ann “Roxi” Nurse McNabb ’98, G’99 was known for helping her teammates ‘make buckets’—a lot of buckets. The 1997 ���ϲ����� Athlete of the Year, two-time team MVP and three-time BIG EAST Academic All-Star still ranks fifth in all-time career assists at ���ϲ�����.

Twenty-five years later, the busy mother of four is still focused on creating scoring opportunities as co-founder and executive director of the Caris Sports Foundation, which has helped nearly 500 young athletes throughout Arizona make buckets, touchdowns, slap shots, homeruns—even ollies and pirouettes.

“Studies show that kids in families who make less than $30,000 don’t play sports, because they just can’t afford it,” says McNabb. “Our mission is to give every child the opportunity to play sports by removing financial barriers.” The group funds equipment and fees for K-12 students in any organized sport, both competitive and recreational, and has plans to expand beyond Arizona into cities where the McNabb family has roots—including ���ϲ�����.

The idea struck McNabb when she and her husband—legendary Orange and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb ’98—saw players in their daughter’s basketball club struggling to pay travel costs. As coaches, they and other members of the club were providing financial assistance.

Raquel-Ann “Roxi” Nurse McNabb was the 1997 ���ϲ����� Athlete of the Year, a two-time team MVP and three-time BIG EAST Academic All-Star.

“T���se were kids that may never have left Arizona if they didn’t play on these teams,” Roxi says. “We were like: ‘If we can do this within our small organization, what could we do on a greater scale for other sports, for other organizations?’” she recalls. They launched the foundation in 2019 and began hosting charity fundraisers like golf tournaments and other events.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the , McNabb earned a master of public administration (M.P.A.) degree with a focus on nonprofit leadership from the .

She also holds a master’s in education policy from the University of Pennsylvania. “I knew that my heart was always going to be in something nonprofit,” McNabb says, “and I knew Maxwell was going to give me the tools to do that.”

McNabb says she often draws on the hands-on experiences she gained in the M.P.A. program, including an internship at the Samaritan Center, where she learned the administrative side of nonprofit management, including working with grants.

Like her days on the court, McNabb’s academic pursuits were fueled by teamwork. “It would be like 11 o’clock at night, close to midnight, and we’re in our groups working and studying. But we’re doing it together, right?” McNabb says.

She remains in contact with Maxwell classmates like Allegra Ivey G’99, with whom both Roxi and Donovan McNabb serve on the ���ϲ����� Board of Trustees.

Over the years, the couple has launched a range of philanthropic endeavors, including the Donovan McNabb Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars primarily for health care causes. The two also give generously to ���ϲ�����: they recently established the McNabb Family Opportunity Program Endowed Fund, which supports economically disadvantaged students, in addition to naming the ���ϲ����� women’s basketball team lounge.

McNabb says her work with the Caris Sports Foundation transcends her love for the game. She points to the ways sports help children develop essential qualities like confidence, teamwork, problem solving and discipline.

While Caris aims to fund all students evenly, McNabb says the organization sees the most long-term impact among girls. Just this year, three young women funded by the foundation received athletic scholarships—two of them playing for “Big 4” Division 1 schools.

But in the end, for McNabb, “making buckets” isn’t about making buckets of money; it’s about learning to take initiative, driving toward a goal and owning the risks. It’s an outlook she and her husband instilled in their own children, including daughter Alexis, who—like her mom—played basketball for the Orange and plans to earn an M.P.A. with hopes of starting her own nonprofit. She has long dreamed of opening a homeless shelter.

“She said to me, ‘You know, Mom, you see a problem in society, and you try to fix it. That’s what we do,’” says Roxi. According to her daughter, who goes by Lexi, identifying problems and developing sustainable solutions fits both her business background and her nonprofit aspirations. She earned a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship from the in May and will soon start in the M.P.A./MBA dual degree program, offered in partnership between Whitman and Maxwell, to focus on social entrepreneurship.

“It is kind of the best of both worlds,” says Lexi. “I am going to be able to get that business degree but also be able to focus on the nonprofit work that I want to do in the future.”

“Since the day I stepped on this earth, my parents have been putting on different fundraising events and been involved in community service,” says Lexi. “I think that is the reason for my mindset…when I leave this earth, I want to say that I’ve made the world at least 1% better in any way that I could have.”

The McNabb family, from left to right, Devin James, Donovan Sr., Roxi, Lexi, Donovan Jr. and Sariah.

For his yearlong thesis project, Dan Cohen ’25 turned to two of his passions—music and fashion—to devise a stylish, portable and wearable CD player, coined the Voyager CD Bag.

Bucking the trend of streaming music platforms and contrary to what one might expect of a member of his generation, musician Dan Cohen ’25 prefers listening to his favorite artists on compact disc (CD) and record players.

His research and experiences convinced Cohen he wasn’t alone among his peers, and for his yearlong thesis project, Cohen turned to two of his passions—music and fashion—to devise a stylish, portable and wearable CD player, coined the Voyager CD Bag.

Dan Cohen

“This is a response to Gen Z’s growing fascination with tangible, nostalgic technology,” says Cohen, an major in the .

“T��� world we live in is so screen-saturated and these new products can make you feel like you’re mindlessly using them. A lot of my peers are overwhelmed by this impersonal experience of digital screens. We want to sit down and have a more authentic experience while enjoying a sense of ownership, connection and intentionality.”

Since arriving on campus, Cohen noticed many of his peers skipped Spotify and Apple Music for the comforts and enhanced auditory experience associated with playing vinyl records and CDs.

Cohen says there’s something personal about interacting with your music instead of mindlessly going from one digital track to the next. And in a day and age of device overload, using a CD player provides an authentic, tangible listening experience.

Cohen’s crossbody CD bag fuses retro technology and modern style, allowing the user to step back in time and enjoy their favorite music thanks to a fully functional CD player that is skip-proof and water-proof. Down the road, Cohen would love to market and manufacture the Voyager CD bag, hoping to tap into a large audience that also enjoys vintage music technology that is both portable and convenient.

Embracing Market Research to Understand the Audience

Before Cohen’s vision became a reality, he studied the wants and needs of his intended audience to better understand the potential interest in his CD bag. He relied on a key lesson taught in his industrial and interactive design classes.

“Industrial design is about much more than just making the perfect product sketch. We’re taught to love the research aspect, to learn more about who you’re designing for and their experiences as a user. To truly know the people you’re designing this product for, you need to ask the right questions,” Cohen says.

Conducting market research to gauge the interest in his wearable retro technology, Cohen first interviewed industry professionals like Adam Carr ’02, director of industrial design at Bose Corporation, and Sean Christy, an industrial designer at McIntosh Laboratory Inc., a company that crafts high-end home audio sound systems.

Then, Cohen sent out customized surveys to two different groups of participants: those between the ages of 18 and 29, and those age 30 and older. He learned that while a majority of respondents enjoyed listening to CDs, they didn’t like the inconvenience associated with traditional CD players, and they craved a product that was both portable and looked trendy.

Convinced that his thesis was viable and would meet a need, Cohen set about designing his prototype.

A Passion Project Realized

Inspired by the Walkman and the Discman, Cohen wanted to create a prototype of a musical and stylish accessory that a user would want to bring with them everywhere they went.

When it came to the aesthetic component, he roamed the buildings and spaces on campus, observing trends to figure out which items his fellow students viewed as must-haves whenever they left their residence hall rooms and apartments.

“Bags are the big fashion craze. Everybody carried a bag with them everywhere they went, and I realized the best way to go was to insert or mount a CD player on the bag,” Cohen says.

The finished product? A fashionable grey bag with a zipper running across the top for the main storage section and an adjustable black strap. Mounted to one side is a sleek black CD player with a headphone jack and a zipper storage pouch for holding multiple CDs.

“People I shared the bag with were so excited at the prospect of a portable CD player bag,” Cohen says. “I had this vision of what I wanted it to look like, and I was very fortunate to create something that matched my vision.”

He says the biggest lesson he learned from the project was to trust himself. “While there were definitely some ups and downs along the way, this was my passion project and I’m proud of how everything turned out.”

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

“When we concluded our tasks, we wrote reports about our field work, but many times felt that little insight was given to understand the real dimension of the impact we could produce over a given time,” says De Miranda, who earned a master’s degree in public administration from the . “This was very frustrating for me.”

Paulo De Miranda

The frustration evolved into a fascination with how to examine and measure impact associated with capital deployment. De Miranda saw a need for organizations and government entities to obtain useful data beyond the standard financial analysis.

Five years ago, he and a friend co-founded a start up in their home country, Brazil, that seeks to fill that gap while supporting sustainability efforts across sectors. DEEP measures carbon emissions, climate risks, water footprints and other impacts for roughly 400 organizations and businesses. The company also provides training, sustainability dashboards and data management tools.

In that short time, demand for DEEP’s services has grown exponentially amid increasing government regulations and reporting requirements related to the environment, says De Miranda.

The company has raised over $5 million in investor support and formalized strategic partnerships with Brazil’s largest technology and energy companies, TOTVS and VIBRA, respectively. What’s more: DEEP has grown to more than 100 employees since its launch.

Paulo De Miranda (right) began working with the Organization of American States while he was an undergraduate at the University of Maryland.

To honor his success and innovation, De Miranda was named the 2024 alumni entrepreneur of the year, the top recognition at last year’s ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneurship Awards celebration, which recognizes the 50 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by Orange alumni.

De Miranda was among seven Maxwell School entrepreneurs recognized at the event. Applications for the third annual ��are being accepted through July 13.

“My time at Maxwell played a foundational role in shaping my outlook,” says De Miranda. “It is where I first began to see public policy, economic development and international relations not as separate domains, but through the lens of my own background and how they function interdependently. Maxwell nurtured in me a systemic lens—helping me understand that leadership in the public interest requires more than analytical rigor and imaginative reach.”

The interdisciplinary environment “encouraged me to ask questions beyond conventional models and design my own set of interventions in and outside classrooms,” De Miranda says. “I have carried this into almost every initiative I have been involved with.”

De Miranda left Brazil to study English in the U.S. at age 19. While an undergraduate at the University of Maryland, he began working with the Washington, D.C.-based Organization of American States.

By the time he came to Maxwell, De Miranda had amassed international experiences that could have been used as the focus of classroom discussions about NGOs, diplomacy, democracy and more.

For instance, had he not experienced a flight delay, he would have been kidnapped alongside his team of international election observers, who were held hostage for 30 days by National Liberation Army guerillas near Medellin, Colombia in 1997.

He also met President Jimmy Carter in 1990 while working in Nicaragua as field coordinator for another group of international observers. “President Carter’s delegation came to our office for a local inspection visit, and we were able to receive him for a lunch,” says De Miranda. “We spent about four hours together.”

At Maxwell, De Miranda became interested in the intersection of technology and policy—a research focus of one of his most influential instructors, Terrell A. Northrup, associate teaching professor emerita of international relations. He also studied with University Professor Sean O’Keefe, who at the time was a professor of practice, former comptroller for the U.S. Department of Defense and secretary of the Navy. “He brought a very practical approach and sense of reality to technology and science policy in the business world,” says De Miranda.

Paulo De Miranda (right) with DEEP co-founder Arthur Covatti.

Melvyn Levitsky, then a professor of practice at Maxwell, offered a wealth of lessons from his professional experience. He also shared a special connection to De Miranda, as he served as a U.S. ambassador to Brazil from 1994–98.

De Miranda’s various roles since Maxwell include serving as a project director for the International Finance Corporation, an arm of the World Bank Group. He also worked with the International Association of Science Parks in Spain.

In 2018 he told his wife, Fabiana, that he wanted to work for himself and to focus on what had long fascinated him—using technology to “tell organizations what their impact is and will be for many years to come.”

While volunteering for his children’s school, he partnered with a member of its staff, engineer Arthur Covatti, on an impact report. When it was completed, they realized their work together wasn’t finished. “We decided to think through a process that we could turn into a product and eventually into a company,” says De Miranda.

Today, DEEP is a market leader in the areas of impact measurement and ESG, an acronym for environment, social and governance. This past fall, De Miranda stepped back from his daily role with the company to serve as an advisor and chair its board of directors.

“My experiences at Maxwell helped me refine and deepen my understanding of why impact matters and gave me confidence to pursue my goals,” De Miranda says.

Alonna Berry ’11, executive director of the Delaware Center for Justice and a graduate of the , is the new president of the (SUAA) Board of Directors, as of July 1, 2025. In her new role, Berry will also serve as a member of the University’s .

“Stepping into this leadership role is a profound honor and a timely responsibility,” Berry says. “Right now, colleges and universities across the country are grappling with how best to support students, and alumni feedback is a critical part of that decision-making process. I see this moment as an opportunity to meet the times with integrity and intention.”

Berry succeeds Peter Gianesini ’94, who completed his two-year term and will now serve as past president of the Alumni Association. Under Gianesini’s leadership, the alumni board was a steady partner in efforts to reach Forever Orange campaign goals, launched the new tool and moved the annual Alumni Awards Celebration to coincide with Senior Alumni Reunion in the spring, boosting attendance numbers and student participation.

In her full-time job, Berry leads a nonprofit organization with more than a century of experience advancing equity and justice in Delaware. She brings over 15 years of experience in education, policy and nonprofit management to her alumni leadership role.

As a ���ϲ����� student, Berry served as a , exploring health and law policy and was a four-year member of the .

“In this moment, intentional communication and transparency are more important than ever,” Berry says regarding her priorities for the alumni community. “That begins with listening. Together with my fellow SUAA Board members, we’re focused on being present—whether that’s on campus, at regional gatherings or in virtual spaces—so we can truly understand and reflect the needs of our alumni community.”

The ���ϲ����� Alumni Association Board of Directors creates an environment where alumni, former students, parents, students and friends stay connected to ���ϲ����� and support the institution.

Katie Walpole ’12 becomes the board’s vice president and president-elect. Walpole is a local government professional who holds degrees from the London School of Economics and the .

Berry resides in Sussex County, Delaware, with her husband and two sons. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

A recent gift by Tracey and Ken Pontarelli ’92 endows the Pontarelli Professorship in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Ken Pontarelli ’92 credits the University for changing his life, opening up opportunities to pursue his passions and achieve professional success that allows him to focus on the public good. In return, he and his wife, Tracey, are paying it forward by supporting ���ϲ����� students pursuing meaningful careers in the vital field of sustainability. Their recent gift endows the Pontarelli Professorship in the . It builds on their years of support that have helped position the University as a thought leader in sustainability. As part of the Forever Orange Faculty Excellence Program, the University has committed additional funds to support teaching and research activities in environmental sustainability, finance and public policy.

“Our goal is to build a sustainability program that ties together distinctive strengths from across the University, allowing business, policy and environmental science to work together to solve problems and tackle global challenges,” says Pontarelli. They are well on their way, thanks to previous support from the Pontarellis that a five-year funded professorship in 2019 and a scholarship fund in the , and helped create a unique master of science joint degree from the Maxwell and Whitman schools in sustainable organizations and policy, and the .

“When I (in 2022), ���ϲ����� was ranked No. 11 nationally for environmental policy and management by U.S. News & World Report,” says Jay Golden, Pontarelli Professor of Environmental Sustainability and Finance. “Each year our rankings have increased, and the most recent 2024 rankings have us tied with Harvard for No. 6. Certainly, our goal is to continue to rise in the rankings through the recognition of our peers of all the great programs we have going on at Maxwell and the other colleges at ���ϲ�����.”

Growing Interest in Sustainability

Pontarelli graduated from the University with a bachelor of science in finance from the Whitman School and in economics from the Maxwell School. He immediately began what became a long career at Goldman Sachs, initially focusing on energy markets. “We made one of the first large-scale investments into renewable power back when few such investments were being made,” says Pontarelli. “As I gained more understanding of the field, I realized how critical private capital is, together with government policy, in addressing environmental issues. The business case for investing in sustainability is incredibly strong.”

In an interview with Private Equity International (November 2023), Pontarelli pointed out that sustainability was just a niche market with $20 billion of assets under management just 10 years ago and ballooned over the decade to more than $270 billion of assets under management.

At Goldman Sachs, where Pontarelli is partner and managing director, he leads the firm’s private equity impact investing efforts within the Asset Management Division. He was appointed to the University’s Board of Trustees in 2021, serves on the Whitman Advisory Council and, last year, was awarded the for Sustainability by Maxwell. His investments in academic and experiential programs are designed to ensure that environmental policy research is well-grounded in an understanding of markets and financial mechanisms.

“This is a pivotal time,” says Pontarelli. “T���re are so many things that could be done if we don’t get caught up in political issues. Everyone would agree that these are common sense business things to do.” He cites the example of one recent investment in a company that provides control panels to big data centers to manage power generation usage. The product can reduce usage by 10% for the average data center. “I’m focused on pragmatic solutions.”

That’s why Pontarelli is so impressed with the work being done by students in the which, according to Golden, is “a nonpartisan think tank and research lab focused on examining sustainability imperatives at the nexus of industry and government.” The lab launched in 2021 with just six students.

“From that early start we have maintained every semester 40 to 50 paid undergraduate and graduate sustainability research fellows spanning almost every college across the University,” Golden says. “In fact, we have more students interested than we can currently financially support or mentor with our current staffing levels. Not a week goes by that I don’t receive numerous emails from students interested in joining the lab.”

Inspiring More Philanthropic Support

It’s easy to see why students are so interested. They are doing what Pontarelli calls “eye-popping work” in partnership with industry or government, and he hopes to inspire more philanthropic support so that more students can participate. Golden cites a few examples:

• Students from the Maxwell School, Whitman School and are doing research in energy systems, biotechnologies and carbon capture technologies for various industrial sectors. This includes providing technical, finance and policy insights to develop recommendations for government agencies, policymakers and business leaders that would benefit the U.S. economy and the environment.
• Students are working with Thomson Reuters as well as the global footwear and apparel industries researching innovative best management practices and policies that can eliminate the utilization of forced labor in the global supply chain.
• A team led by Golden and School of Architecture Assistant Professor Nina Wilson is working with architects, engineers, design/build firms, insurance, government and finance on developing innovative strategies, policies and professional practices for resiliency in the built environment.��They are holding workshops throughout New York state.
• Students have developed an energy dashboard to quantify and visualize energy consumption on campus, by buildings and by energy source, that is continuously updated while also modeling economic impacts and opportunities for the University to manage energy consumption and other environmental impacts. This also involves working with Campus Dining to quantify food wastes across the campus and modeling the economic and greenhouse gas opportunities by implementing new strategies.

Preparing Future Leaders for the Public Good

The new joint master’s degree from Maxwell and Whitman, supported by the Pontarellis and directed by Golden, offers an intensive professional sustainability consulting course each spring through the lab, in which students work in project teams to provide high-level research and consulting to public and private organizations, including Fortune 500 global companies and smaller start-ups domestically and globally.

“I am grateful to Ken and Tracey for continuing to promote the values of high-quality teaching, experiential learning, evidence-based research, engaged citizenship and public service impact, which we hold dear at the Maxwell School,” says Dean David M. Van Slyke. “This professorship, endowed in their name, will make certain their commitment to climate, energy and environmental sustainability and working across levels of government and sectors of the economy continues to be a hallmark of the instruction and scholarship the Maxwell School pursues in preparing future leaders that seek to promote the public good.”

Golden says that “we have an incredible job placement rate for students even before they graduate” with organizations as diverse as Morgan Stanley, KPMG, the State of New York and the Department of Defense. “T���y stand out in the job market because they have learned to take theory from the classroom and apply it in the real world, with plenty of opportunities to do the work thanks to Ken and Tracey Pontarelli,” Golden says.

“We want students to get excited about careers in the sustainability field,” Pontarelli says. “It’s purposeful, meaningful work as they become problem-solvers who can change the world.”

Today, his eagerness and enthusiasm are stronger than ever as he again walks through the halls of the law school with the same sense that a rare opportunity has come his way. In August 2024, Lau began his role as the College of Law’s 13th dean—and the first alumnus to lead the college in its 130-year history.

Terence J. Lau, the 13th dean of the College of Law (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

The Foundations for a Career

Prior to applying to law schools, Lau was training to be a commercial airline pilot, but without the funds to continue, he needed a new plan. So Lau set his sights on the law. ���ϲ����� Law not only offered him a scholarship but gave him the foundations for a successful career in law and higher education.

“Attending ���ϲ����� Law changed the trajectory of my life,” says Lau. “I enrolled sight unseen, and it became my home for the next three years. I’m eternally grateful for the education and career opportunities the law school gave me. Returning to serve as dean is a true full circle moment.”

Lau stands out not only as an alumnus, but also for his unconventional path to becoming a law school dean. While he was a practicing attorney early on, much of his career has been in higher education, particularly in the business school space, giving him a distinct perspective in his new role.

Pivoting to Business in Academia

After receiving his J.D., Lau joined Ford Motor Corp. as an attorney, working in transactional, distribution and international trade practice. In 2006, he became a fellow for the U.S. Supreme Court assigned to the Office of the Administrative Assistant to Chief Justice John Roberts.

Lau’s career quickly pivoted to a more business-oriented path when he joined the University of Dayton’s School of Business Administration, first as a professor of business law and then as director of international business programs, department chair of management and marketing, and, eventually, associate dean of undergraduate programs. In 2017, he spent a year in China serving as executive director of academic and corporate relations for the University of Dayton China Institute.

The following year, he returned to the United States to take on the role of dean of the College of Business at California State University Chico, a position he stepped down from just before coming to ���ϲ�����.

Dean Lau poses at his desk at Ford’s offices in Bangkok, Thailand.

Building a Long-Lasting Foundation

Taking on the role of dean at ���ϲ����� Law has given Lau a chance to reflect on where he started and the path he took to get here today.

“I have great memories of law school, and I was also fortunate to experience the campus life of the greater University because, as part of my scholarship, I lived in the dorms as an employee of the Office of Residential Life for undergraduates,” he says.

He says many of the best moments from law school revolve around the faculty. “When I run into other alumni, it seems everyone will talk about a specific faculty member who had a lasting impact on them,” Lau says. “And it’s that incredibly student-focused faculty who are a very integral part of what makes ���ϲ����� Law much different from what you get elsewhere. They are practical and solution-oriented individuals who come to us having had a tremendous impact on the law through their scholarship and work experiences.”

Lau has his own list of faculty who made a lasting impression, including Professor of Law Emeritus Travis H.D. Lewin and former Dean Daan Braveman, now a distinguished lecturer in ���ϲ����� Law’s .

“I was Professor Lewin’s research assistant, and he also coached me on the trial team. When we went into competitions, he would say, ‘Go to war; return in peace,’” says Lau. “Dean Braveman taught Civil Procedures my first year and told us, ‘You have to pass the “look yourself in the mirror every morning” test,’ referring to conducting yourself within the ethical and legal limits of the law. Both of these lessons have stuck with me as I navigated my career.”

A Personal Desire to Give Back

When Lau heard that Dean Craig Boise was stepping down, he offered his insights as a board member to the search committee, helping to shape the qualities they should seek in the next dean. His passion for ���ϲ����� Law and his thoughts on new leadership clearly made an impression, as not long after, the search committee approached Lau to see if he was interested in the position.

The timing seemed right, as Lau was looking for another opportunity. Where better to further his career than his alma mater?

“Terence has a passion for the Law School and credits this place for a lot of his success,” says Professor of Law Todd Berger, co-chair of the Dean’s Search Committee. “For him, joining us as dean didn’t seem to be just the next step in his career. It was a very personal desire to give back to a place that truly impacted his life and his profession.”

According to Berger, the search committee was impressed by Lau’s background in higher education, particularly in a business school environment, as well as his foundation as a lawyer. “It gave an insider-outsider quality that made him a very intriguing candidate,” Berger says.

Nina A. Kohn, the David M. Levy Professor of Law, also co-chaired the search committee. “I think Terence brought a really sophisticated understanding of higher education and a sense of his vision of how the law school fits into the big picture of a research university,” she says. “And he has an outstanding ability to connect with a very broad and diverse group of stakeholders here, which is so important to our success.”

“I think it’s wonderful that he comes to us as an alumnus with a deep history of the College of Law,” Kohn adds. “He cares about the school in a very personal way, and I think it says a lot about how we value our students and about our confidence in the education we provide.”

Richard Alexander L’82, chair of the ���ϲ����� Law Board of Advisors and partner and chair emeritus at Arnold & Porter, also admires the qualities Lau offered to the college.

“During the search process, Terence demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the Law School in the current environment,” says Alexander. “He impressed us with his enthusiasm and energy, as well as his commitment to driving success at the ���ϲ����� College of Law.”

From First-Year Student to First-Year Dean

Now that Lau has settled into his position as dean, he is solidifying his goals to retain the history and excellence of the school, while also working to see ���ϲ����� Law reach its full potential.

Lau acknowledges that going from the dean of a business school to that of a law school is not the most common path. “Being a dean is largely the same skillset, but being a dean of a business school is not a natural step for a lawyer,” he says. “However, this dual path has allowed me to become familiar with the study and operations of business such as management and budgeting, which are as necessary to running a law school as knowing the law. And it has allowed me to make decisions from both perspectives, which I believe will be a real benefit.”

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2024 ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Award winners (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Did you cultivate your entrepreneurial skills as a student at ���ϲ����� and either founded or currently own your own business as an Orange alumnus?

If so, you’re encouraged to apply for the University’s third annual , which celebrates 50 of the fastest-growing global businesses owned or led by Orange alumni.

In the first two years of the ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards, honorees have included the heads of global investment firms; the co-founder of a market leader in sustainability impact measurement; an inventor who created smiley-faced sponges for a worldwide cleaning product company; the managing partner of global operations for a leading distributor of high-quality, fresh flowers; and many others.

Applications for the����are being accepted through July 13.

J. Michael Haynie

“T��� is proud to be home to one of the nation’s first academic entrepreneurship programs, and for decades we’ve championed the ambitions of Orange innovators,” says��, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the Whitman School. “Now in its third year, the ‘CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards continue to celebrate the success of our alumni founders while creating meaningful connections between past and present—between the entrepreneurial leaders of today and the students who will shape tomorrow.”

Alumni of any school or college, graduates of the University’s executive education programs and alumni of entrepreneurship programs operated by the����are eligible to apply.

Tracy Barlok

“T��� ’CUSE50 awards have become one of my favorite ���ϲ����� traditions, because they exemplify our mission to support the academic pursuits and successes of our entire campus community,” says��, chief advancement officer. “We’re recognizing the innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our alumni who honed their talents at ���ϲ����� and are eager to return and share their knowledge with a new generation of students. It’s a wonderful ‘full-circle moment’ and an excellent learning opportunity for budding entrepreneurs.”

The ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneurship Awards ceremony will occur on campus on Thursday, Nov. 13, in the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building. The next day, during the ’CUSE50 Student Summit, honorees will share insights with current students as part of a series of campus engagement sessions held at the Whitman School.

Rob Long

As the executive director of Uplifting Athletes—a nonprofit organization that uses the power of sport to build a community that invests in the lives of people impacted by rare diseases—Rob Long ’12, G’14 says it was a thrill for his organization to share the stage with “such an inspiring group of Orange alumni who are leading with purpose and impact” during last year’s awards ceremony. He encourages his fellow Orange business owners and entrepreneurs to apply for this year’s competition.

“Being part of the ’CUSE50 Awards last year was a truly positive experience and an awesome opportunity to return to campus,” says Long, a former punter on the ���ϲ����� football team. “It was a meaningful recognition of the work Uplifting Athletes is doing, and a great opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and changemakers in the ���ϲ����� community.”

Ready to Join the Third Annual Class of ’CUSE50 Awardees?

Review the for the ’CUSE50 awards.

The deadline to apply for recognition is��Sunday, July 13. To learn more about the ’CUSE50 awards and nominate your company for recognition, visit�� or send an email to cuse50@syr.edu. Past ‘CUSE50 applicants, including previous winners, are encouraged to apply again.

Students engaged with ’CUSE50 honorees during last year’s Entrepreneurship Summit. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

University Professor Sean O’Keefe (fourth from the right) poses with his family (and Otto) during a retirement celebration at the Maxwell School. (Photo by Amy Manley)

For most of his time as a public servant, Sean O’Keefe G’78 adhered to a few guiding principles: Step up when someone calls upon you to serve. Be open to anything. Challenge yourself.

Those values helped O’Keefe navigate a career as a public administrator, national security expert, financial manager and aerospace industry executive, including leadership positions in the U.S. government, higher education and industry.

Fifty years ago, O’Keefe applied those principles for the first time, with life-changing ramifications.

Sean O’Keefe

As a political science student at Loyola University of New Orleans, O’Keefe was drawn to public service through the example set by his parents. But instead of politics, O’Keefe wanted to devise, implement and administer public policies that impacted citizens. Stan Makielski, a political science professor, encouraged O’Keefe to apply to the public administration program in the .

“I had never heard of the Maxwell School, but Professor Makielski told me Maxwell is the place that founded the new public administration movement, a modern interpretation, understanding and parameters of what public management and public leadership is all about, and that’s where you need to be,” O’Keefe says. “It was a leap of faith, but it turned out to be a wise choice.”

Upon his retirement from the University, O’Keefe shares why public service matters and reflects on the lessons learned from a decades-long association with the University and the Maxwell School, from graduate student through numerous faculty roles and affiliations—including the highest faculty rank conferred, University Professor.

Fundamentals of Leadership

O’Keefe says his time as a Maxwell graduate student taught him the importance of employing a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, examining the wide range of possible outcomes and identifying what success looks like.

“It was a remarkable experience. Every choice I made, every public service challenge I encountered, the fundamentals were introduced to me at ���ϲ����� and the Maxwell School,” says O’Keefe, the Howard G. and S. Louise Phanstiel Chair in Leadership and senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.

O’Keefe is shown on Feb. 8, 2003, thanking the community of Lufkin, Texas, for its support and honoring Columbia’s fallen crewmembers. He was NASA’s administrator at the time of the Columbia accident. (Photo courtesy of NASA)

While O’Keefe always leaned on his Maxwell education, he drew strength from the lessons learned during the most difficult times. Challenges like investigating and correcting what caused the Columbia shuttle to break apart while returning from a space research mission, killing seven astronauts in 2003 when O’Keefe was the head of NASA.

Or navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated Louisiana while O’Keefe was the Chancellor of Louisiana State University, a campus which became the first stop for thousands of displaced residents who fled New Orleans.

Or leading organizational culture change in the aftermath of the “Tailhook” incident during his service as Navy secretary. Or addressing resource and management challenges at the Pentagon and later at the White House as the Cold War ended and after the tragedies of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Through it all, O’Keefe embodied a thoughtful leader who always kept an open mind.

“I learned the best thing you can do in a leadership capacity is to gather folks with different skills in the same room talking together and coming up with a mutually agreeable solution,” says O’Keefe, a 2023 inductee into Government Executive magazine’s Government Hall of Fame.

“I don’t know everything about a particular discipline, but I have confidence that if you can motivate a diverse collection of people to attack a problem that’s larger than their singular disciplinary focus areas, you have a higher probability of achieving a successful solution.”

Impact of a Presidential Management Fellowship

O’Keefe’s service includes four presidential appointments in two administrations: as U.S. secretary of the Navy, administrator of NASA, deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget and comptroller and chief financial officer of the Department of Defense.

O’Keefe shares stories from his career in public service. (Photo by Amy Manley)

The program that launched O’Keefe’s career came about by chance. Standing in front of a poster in Maxwell Hall promoting the inaugural Presidential Management Fellow program to recruit promising scholars dedicated to federal public service, Anne Stewart, Maxwell’s then-director of career and alumni services, told O’Keefe to apply.

O’Keefe scoffed, saying “I don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell,” to which Stewart replied, “you’re right. If you don’t apply, you have no chance of getting in.” He applied, and to his surprise, he was selected as one of the 250 recipients in 1978.

“That program accelerated my professional development. In two years, I spent time in an agency within the Department of the Navy and worked in the Pentagon dealing with the Secretary of Defense’s financial management staff. I understood the workings of the Office of Management and Budget, and for the last six months I was placed with Senator J. Bennett Johnston from Louisiana, who exposed me to Capitol Hill and the processes behind how appropriations bills are passed,” O’Keefe says.

“Later, I was recruited to join the staff of the Senate Appropriations Committee and worked for the chair of the defense subcommittee, Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska—an extraordinary, selfless public servant who became a mentor, counselor and friend who guided me through many chapters of my career.”

Training the Next Generation of Public Servants

O’Keefe taught graduate courses in the Public Administration and International Affairs Department. Beloved by his students, his courses included public management, public finance and budgeting, national security policy, technology management, leadership and participation in executive education programs.

O’Keefe stressed understanding the principle of the issue, identifying each stakeholder’s primary goals and objectives, figuring out the challenges and obstacles to achieving the goal and understanding the tools available to solve the issue.

In the end, O’Keefe urged students to always search for different solutions, realizing public servants will never make everyone happy.

“T��� Maxwell School taught me everything I know about management and leadership. I always felt an obligation to teach those lessons to my students,” O’Keefe says. “It has been an honor and a privilege to teach here.”

During O’Keefe’s (second from left) retirement celebration, he was joined by current Maxwell Dean David M. Van Slyke (left), University Professor and Dean Emeritus John Palmer (second from right) and former Maxwell Dean James Steinberg (right). (Photo by Amy Manley)

Oren Lyons Jr. (left) and Roy Simmons Jr. were honored with the Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award for preserving the Native origins of their sport, educating current and future generations of players about the proud connection between lacrosse and Indigenous communities.

Oren Lyons Jr. ’58, H’93 and Roy Simmons Jr. ’59, H’14 formed a lifelong friendship that stems from their days starring for the ���ϲ����� men’s lacrosse team from 1955-58.

Recently, Lyons and Simmons were honored with the Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award, which intends to “keep the legacy of the Onondaga stick maker alive, to promote the game’s sacred Indigenous roots and to honor members of the larger community who share Alfie’s love of lacrosse and his commitment to its growth,” according to a press release issued by the .

The dynamic duo captured multiple All-American honors playing for the Orange and have remained friends through their shared experiences with the lacrosse program.

Roy Simmons (left) and Oren Lyons

Interwoven with their passion for ���ϲ����� lacrosse, Lyons and Simmons have advocated to preserve the Native origins of their sport, educating current and future generations of players about the proud connection between lacrosse and Indigenous communities.

Both players excelled under head coach Roy Simmons Sr. during their ���ϲ����� careers, with Lyons twice earning All-American honors as a goalie and Simmons Jr. twice claiming All-American honors at attack as a potent goal scorer. They helped the Orange go undefeated during the 1957 season, the program’s first unbeaten season since 1924.

Lyons is one of the first Native Americans to have attended ���ϲ�����, earning a degree in fine arts from the��. He remains one of the most talented����in program history and was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1992 and received the prestigious Spirit of Tewaaraton Award in 2015. As a Faithkeeper—one of the spiritual leaders of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation—Lyons advocates for environmental protections and the rights of Indigenous people. In 1983, Lyons co-founded the Iroquois Nationals, a team that represents the Haudenosaunee in international field lacrosse competitions.

Oren Lyons Jr.

Simmons was a lifelong friend of Jacques who often invited the stick maker to speak to his ���ϲ����� teams—which featured many standout Iroquois players—about the history and Native connections to lacrosse. Simmons was the first coach in the NCAA Division I history to win five national championships and ranks sixth all-time with his six national titles. His teams posted a record of 290-96 during his 28-year coaching career. Simmons was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1991, received the Spirit of Tewaaraton Award in 2009 and was inducted into the ��on Feb. 20, 2022.

“[Their] lives and legacies stand as profound representations of what the game of lacrosse is about. Both Lyons and Simmons have walked alongside Alfie Jacques for decades, as advocates and storytellers. They have lived lives that reflect the deep spiritual and communal roots of the game,” the release said about their ties to Jacques, a master lacrosse stick maker and member of the Onondaga Nation’s Turtle Clan.

Lyons and Simmons will receive their awards during the 2025 Wooden Stick Festival in ���ϲ�����, to be held Sept. 12-14.

For more information about the Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award and past recipients, visit .

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. “T��� 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

Bao-Ding “Bob” Cheng

Bao-Ding “Bob” Cheng’s journey to ���ϲ����� in pursuit of graduate education in the 1960s was long and arduous. He didn’t have the means for air travel, so he voyaged more than 5,000 nautical miles by boat from his home in Taiwan to the Port of Seattle, Washington, where he boarded a bus to ���ϲ�����, New York, travelling another nearly 5,000 miles. That trip would set the stage for an extraordinary future and the ability to help countless others achieve the American dream.

Cheng G’67, G’69 passed away in 2020. Through the Jatain Charitable Foundation he had established in 2002, his family expressed their gratitude to the University with a $1.3 million gift to fund the Bao Ding Cheng Endowed Professorship of Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“When he arrived in Central New York, it was the first time my father had traveled outside of Taiwan. He had never even seen snow before. But he felt truly welcomed by ���ϲ�����,” says his son George. It was 1965, two years after Cheng had graduated from National Taiwan University with a degree in chemical engineering. He was the first in his family to go to college, the oldest son and one of nine children in a family with little means.

���ϲ����� offered Cheng a scholarship to study in America. He earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in chemistry in just four years. Besides the scholarship support, there were people who helped him thrive. “One advisor, Dr. Harry Brumberger, was a mentor to him, treating him like family, inviting him over for Thanksgiving. They kept in touch over the years,” recalls George.

While Cheng was studying, he was also developing a relationship by mail with a young woman in Taiwan who would become his wife. Jean Cheng says they were introduced to each other by her grandmother’s friend. She recalls Bob writing to her about his enthusiasm for football and the support he was receiving from professors. After they married in Taiwan in 1970, Jean had to wait nearly six months before being able to join her new husband and meet his mentor at the University. “He and his wife were so kind to both of us,” she says.

Unwavering Support

The kindness the Chengs received is reflected in their giving back to the University. Their gift is part of the Forever Orange Faculty Excellence Program in which the University matched a portion of the gift to fully endow the professorship. “It’s our way of recognizing the impact of a professor on students,” says George. “T��� program elevates the impact of philanthropy—my father would have appreciated that.”

“We are very thankful for the Cheng family’s unwavering support,” says Mathew Maye, professor of chemistry and department chair. “We are thrilled to have this endowed position in the memory of one of our most distinguished Ph.D. alumni. Future faculty with this title will no doubt train generations of students who will go on to publish many papers and patents and become leaders in industry, just like Dr. Cheng did.”

Entrepreneurial and Philanthropic

George and Jean both noted that Bob was both entrepreneurial and philanthropic. He was especially impressed with investor and philanthropist Warren Buffet’s commitment to use his vast wealth for good. Over time, Cheng accumulated enough resources to give back in substantial ways, to community organizations doing good work and especially to organizations dedicated to Taiwanese American culture and recognizing the contributions of Taiwanese Americans.

“My husband was always working hard and helping others,” says Jean. He took on private tutoring jobs and was a teaching assistant, earning income for himself and helping others understand the power of education. After graduating from the University, Cheng went to work for Colgate Palmolive as a researcher, focused on removing dangerous phosphates from detergents. After a decade, he and some friends started a company to produce high-quality display products (LCD displays). His friends ultimately dropped out of the venture, and Cheng was left on his own to develop the company that would eventually become FEMA Electronics.

“My father had the grit to stick it out and build the business,” says George, who is currently CEO of FEMA Electronics. Meanwhile, the family opened a small grocery store in New Brunswick, New Jersey, near their home, and Jean worked 12 hours a day with help from her sons to pay the bills and support the family’s dream. Eventually, they relocated the business headquarters to Irvine, California, where FEMA Electronics grew rapidly. Still, they never forgot their East Coast roots.

“My husband remained a humble man throughout his lifetime,” says Jean. His philanthropy was never about promoting himself, but always about promoting the Taiwanese American community and providing opportunities for others to succeed.

“By ensuring that we can continue to attract and retain gifted researchers and teachers through this endowment, we are impacting generations of students and graduates,” says College of Arts and Sciences Dean Behzad Mortazavi. “Dr. Cheng appreciated the value of his ���ϲ����� education and experience, and with this gift from the family foundation, he is smoothing the path for others who are pursuing the American dream.”

Ashley Prow-Fleischer

In the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), Ashley Prow-Fleischer G’25 (Ph.D.) is taking the lead in a brand new area of paleontology that could unlock vital information toward this global effort by using the past to predict the future.

The Devonian Period took place around 400 million years ago and was a critical time in evolution when plants began to appear and four-legged creatures like amphibians emerged from the sea. Even before the dinosaurs roamed the Earth, present day New York is believed to have been located 20 degrees south of the equator with a tropical environment covered in inland seas.

Scientists believe that the late Devonian Period brought on extinction events marking a significant time of environmental change, which might offer information about climate changes happening today.

Approximately 40% of the rocks found in New York today were formed during the Devonian Period, and hidden in these rocks are clues to understanding the relationship between the terrestrial and marine biospheres that created this transition, hopefully extrapolating the timing and the rate to modern environmental changes.

“Paleontology is a multidisciplinary field that combines different aspects of biology, chemistry, geology and math. However, geochemistry, which is a subdiscipline of paleontology, is my specialty,” says Prow-Fleischer.

Microfossils May Help Predict Future Changes

One aspect of Prow-Fleischer’s research concentrates on extinct marine plankton abundant in many rocks in this region. As the base of the food web, variations in the body sizes or distribution of plankton can be used to reconstruct past environmental changes on ecosystem structure and predict ecosystem response under modern day climate change.

Too small to be seen by the human eye, the plankton must go through a special process to be separated from the rock, while still maintaining its shell integrity. Unfortunately, standard techniques use corrosive and carcinogenic chemicals, but Prow-Fleischer has developed a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative.

Using a method that includes soaking the rock to allow water to seep into cracks and then repeatedly freezing to create pressure in the rock and then thawing, the process weakens the rock matrix, causing it to split the cracks around the microscopic fossils.

Prow-Fleischer has also been experimenting with various surfactants (soaps) that can gently and safely remove dirt from the uncovered fossils. Interestingly, she discovered that the most effective surfactants are actually Calgon and sodium carbonate found on grocery store shelves. This method increases the rate of extraction in a way that is safer for humans, giving greater access to the information these fossils may hold.

A microscope view of Devonian-era dacryoconarid microfossils reveals a wide range of sizes. These size differences offer valuable insights for reconstructing ancient environmental conditions and forecasting how ecosystems might respond to modern climate change.

This technique has allowed Prow-Fleischer to extract enough fossils to survey their body sizes across a warming interval in the late Devonian Period, which showed they became smaller over time. This is significant in that it demonstrates the implication for energy transfer in food webs today. If oceans warm, then plankton get smaller, negatively impacting fish stocks .

Coral Used as History Book of the Environment

Another area of her research focuses on coral, which Prow-Fleischer calls “the history book of the environment” because some can live for thousands of years. Coral grows by accretion of layers, like the rings of a tree, which tell a story of the conditions of the ambient sea water that existed around the time each was formed.

This research has moved forward thanks, in part, to facility access she had at A&S to a novel iodine-to-calcium proxy developed for geochemistry by her advisor, Professor , in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES).

“T��� goal is to be able to apply this proxy specifically to fossilized or subfossilized corals, so we can target areas of the world that might be susceptible to oxygen depletion via climate warming, or even be able to extend reconstruction as far back as the last Ice Age, which is something I’m exploring,” she says.

She has also been able to perform her work using a laser available at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry labs, which is a unique tool in her coral research.

A Passion for the Mystery of Paleontology

While Prow-Fleischer came to A&S to complete a Ph.D. in geochemistry, she quickly pivoted to paleontology, something she was always interested in but didn’t pursue until she realized the opportunities ���ϲ����� could give her for a viable career in this field.

Prow-Fleischer has been so devoted to her work that she published four papers before defending her dissertation, something that generally doesn’t happen. She has collaborated with others with similar interests, including Lucy Weisbeck ’24 (SUNY ESF) and Caroline Underwood ’23, both co-authors on “Extraction of calcareous dacryocaonarid microfossils from limestones and mudrocks by surfactants paired with freeze-thaw processing,” in Marine Microplantology, as well as her primary EES mentors, Thonis Family Associate Professor and Professor .

“Ashley is fearless in the face of a challenge, diving into the deep end even when in unfamiliar territory,” says Ivany. “She has mastered some fairly beefy coding and statistics in her time here and done the same with a powerful Earth system model that has quite a steep learning curve, all of which have been brought to bear in her research.”

After receiving a Ph.D. in May, Prow-Fleischer accepted a position as a post-doctoral researcher at the Payne Paleogeology Lab at Stanford University. Joining as a geochemist, she will work with other experts in the hopes of further exploring options to help mitigate climate warming.

“I love the mystery of paleontology and what you might discover. The work I’ve been able to achieve at the College of Arts and Sciences has been rewarding,” says Prow-Fleischer. “Overall, I plan on a career in academics where I can continue to explore the biological effects on climate change and use my curiosity and skills to contribute further to the collective betterment of society.”

Noah (left) and Ian Eagle on the broadcast set at NBC

There’s a new father-son sportscasting team on the national scene, one with a decidedly Orange background: Ian ’90 and Noah Eagle ’19.

Ian finished his second year as the lead announcer for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and has crafted an award-winning career calling NFL, NBA and college basketball games on a variety of national broadcast networks. He’s also the longtime Brooklyn Nets TV announcer for the YES Network.

Noah is a rising star, working the Super Bowl and serving as the voice of Team USA basketball at the Olympics, the radio voice of the Los Angeles Clippers, and broadcasting French Open tennis and countless primetime college football and basketball games.

“When Noah was calling Team USA basketball games at the Summer Olympics, I was watching as a fan but also as a proud father and as a broadcaster who studies what the broadcaster is saying and what information they’re using in the moment,” Ian says. “I was blown away by Noah’s calls, his coverage and his choice of words in the moment. He crushed it, and he’ll always have that moment for the rest of his life.”

Noah Eagle (left) served as the voice of Team USA basketball at the Summer Olympics.

Growing up, Noah always saw how excited his dad was calling games and thought it could be a fun career option to pursue.

“I see it’s possible and knew what to expect with this job and what comes with it, but I didn’t do anything with that until I got to ���ϲ�����,” Noah says. “By the time I got there as a freshman, I was singularly focused and really had a feeling of what I wanted to do so I could attack it.”

The Eagles were both nominated for a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Personality/Play-by-Play, and on June 30, Ian will receive the National Sportscaster of the Year Award from the National Sports Media Association.

Ian Eagle (far left) wrapped up his second season as the lead announcer for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

Sportscasting and a love for ���ϲ����� runs in the Eagle family. Ian earned a broadcast journalism degree and Noah earned a broadcast and digital journalism degree from the . Ian’s wife, Alisa (Terry) Eagle ’90, earned a retailing degree from what is now the , and his daughter, Erin ’21, earned an advertising degree from Newhouse.

In honor of Father’s Day, the Eagles stopped by the “’Cuse Conversations” podcast to discuss their special bond and reflect on the important role ���ϲ����� has played in their lives.

Check out�� featuring Ian and Noah Eagle. A transcript [PDF]��is also available.

How special is it to share a profession with Noah?

Ian Eagle: The pride that you have as a dad that your child is interested in what you do and interested at a level that they want to pursue it, and they want to make it their life’s work—it’s been more than I could have ever expected.

The conversations we now have are nuanced, because it’s not just dad and kid, it’s someone that fully understands what I’ve done, and now I’m living vicariously through him as he goes through navigating those experiences.

How would you describe your relationship with him?

Noah Eagle: He’s meant everything to me. The best thing he’s done was to stay as hands-off as possible unless I came to him and really wanted help. But for the most part, he let me learn for myself and enjoy everything else that comes with this job by myself.

He was always there as a sounding board. I’m incredibly thankful that we’re in the position right now where we’re both doing great events and we both get to share those experiences together.

What are some of your lasting memories of raising Noah?

Ian Eagle: Sports is the connection we’ll always have. He was really into sports at a young age, which was very similar to me. When he was 6 or 7 years old, he was studying the stats and learning the names and backgrounds of athletes. That’s a bond any sports fan can share.

But the more important part for our relationship was his love for TV, movies and music. We watched all the classic movies of the 1970s and 1980s that shaped me as a person, from “Animal House,” and “Stripes,” to “Blues Brothers,” and “Caddyshack.” That he has so much love and appreciation for that and can quote lines from my favorite movies is probably more at the core of our relationship than sports.

What are some of your favorite memories of growing up with your dad?

Noah Eagle: We had a lot of great games that I got to go to with him and those are memories that stick out forever. There were certain times on birthdays where he would take me on trips, including the first time I ever got to fly by myself was meeting him going to a Duke basketball game when I turned 14. It’s more so the little moments in the house or going out to dinner to California Pizza Kitchen. Those are the memories that stick out the most.

What does it mean to be an alumnus of ���ϲ�����?

Ian Eagle: It is the backbone of what I do. I showed up and had nothing other than a dream of what I wanted to do. Everything I learned was based on that school and that experience and the people I came in contact with and the people that took me under their wing. I never would have met my wife, my soulmate, without ���ϲ�����. For our kids to go there and experience ���ϲ����� is so special.

Noah Eagle: My mom best described it when we went to visit. The sun was shining, everyone was smiling and you could feel this kinetic energy around campus. My mom and I walk onto the Quad and she says, “This is my happy place.” I asked why she said that, and she said, “You’ll understand one day if you come.” She was right. Every time I come back, the special memories flood your brain.

Ian and Noah Eagle shared a special moment in February of 2018 when Ian was calling the ���ϲ����� vs. Miami men’s basketball game for CBS and Noah was broadcasting for WAER-FM.

Note: This conversation has been edited for brevity.

concludes its 2024-25 season with the world premiere production of “T��� National Pastime,” a provocative psychological thriller about state secrets, sonic weaponry, stolen baseball signs and the father and son relationship in the middle of it all.

Written by acclaimed playwright and University alumnus Rogelio Martinez ’93, “T��� National Pastime” is directed by Johanna McKeon and will run June 11-29 in the Archbold Theatre at ���ϲ����� Stage, located at 820 E. Genesee St. in ���ϲ�����.

“Creating new work is both a vital and essential aspect of our mission,” says Artistic Director Robert Hupp. “We’re delighted that Central New York audiences will be the first to experience Rogelio Martinez’ thrilling new drama. We commissioned ‘The National Pastime’ in 2021; it is as timely and engaging as any work we’ve done this season. If you’re a fan of spy thrillers or insider baseball or a great evening of theatre, then this production is for you.”

In New York, Josemaria is questioned by the CIA as he travels from Cuba to see his son, Yuri, who defected to play Major League Baseball. In Havana, American “cultural liaison” Val is experiencing debilitating symptoms that develop after mysterious sounds bombard the embassy halls. And in Houston, the Astros are developing a code that will ultimately help their batters clinch a World Series win. These intertwining stories play out in the lingering shadow of the Cold War as the two nations continue their dangerous, decades-long dance, begging the question: When the national pastime is corrupt, what comes next?

“T��� National Pastime” was commissioned by ���ϲ����� Stage and first premiered as a reading in the 2022 Cold Read Festival of New Plays. This year, Cold Read becomes the Julie Lutz New Play Festival, with events surrounding the world premiere production of “T��� National Pastime.” Festival curator and ���ϲ����� Stage Associate Artistic Director Melissa Crespo and Resident Playwright Kyle Bass will join “T��� National Pastime” playwright Rogelio Martinez for a talkback, discussing the play’s journey from conception to fully staged world premiere, immediately following the 7:30 p.m. performance on Thursday, June 12.

The cast for “T��� National Pastime” includes Erick González (“Native Gardens”) and Joe Cassidy, John J Concado, Cherrye J. Davis, Jorge Sánchez Díaz, Alejandro Hernandez and Frank Rodríguez, all making their ���ϲ����� Stage debuts.

The design team includes sets by Andromache Chalfant, costumes by Andrea Lauer, lighting by Christopher Brown, sound design by Tony Award-winner Cody Spencer (Broadway “T��� Outsiders”) and video design by Stephen Stivo Arnoczy.

All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30 with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets may be purchased online at , by phone at 315.443.3275 or in person at the ���ϲ����� Stage Box Office. Pay-What-You-Will performances for “T��� National Pastime” are June 11-15 inclusive; prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions that take place one-hour before curtain, are on June 15, 21 and 26; the Post-Show Talkback will take place on Sunday, June 22, after the 7:30 performance. ���ϲ����� Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for June 18 and 29 at 2 p.m. and June 24 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on Sunday, June 28, at 2 p.m. and an ASL interpreted performance on June 21 at 2 p.m. The Sensory Friendly/Relaxed performance of “T��� National Pastime” is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, at 7:30 p.m.

Trivia Night for “T��� National Pastime,” hosted by “Jeopardy!” champion Dillon Hupp, will be held on Thursday, June 12, at 6 p.m. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are required to participate. Pre-registration at is recommended.

Support for the 2024-25 season includes season sponsors the Slutzker Family Foundation, the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation and Advance Media New York. Special thanks go to presenting sponsor George S. Bain and show sponsors NBT Bank and the ���ϲ����� Mets. The community partner for “T��� National Pastime” is La Casita.

Jack and Laura Milton

Growing up, Stacey Milton Leal ’75 and Chris Milton heard countless stories about how ���ϲ����� brought their parents together in what would turn out to be a fairy tale romance with a happy forever ending. So it was no surprise that Jack and Laura Milton would become benefactors to the University throughout their lives and beyond. Their estate gift of more than $20 million is one of the largest unrestricted gifts in University history.

“T���ir education at ���ϲ����� was a fundamental foundation for their success in business and in life,” Chris says. His sister Stacey agrees. “T���y took advantage of everything the school had to offer, from classes to Greek life to football, and then they gave back,” Stacey says. “It’s a great legacy to know that the money you earned went to a cause that you believe in and will have impact for generations.”

Indeed, Jack Milton ’51 and Laura Hanhausen Milton ’51 have left a legacy that will continue to impact ���ϲ����� students and faculty for years to come with significant gifts funding such diverse offerings as the first year experience for arts and sciences students, an endowed professorship, an atrium for students to gather and, most recently, a residence hall. “My father’s service to the Board of Trustees gave him an opportunity to see the inner workings of the University and gave them both confidence that their gifts would be used wisely,” says Stacey.

A Chance Meeting

The inspiration behind the Miltons’ generosity was simple. It began during their freshman convocation in Hendricks Chapel. Complete strangers, Jack and Laura were seated near each other and met by chance.

Chris says his Dad never really wanted to be in college; he wanted to join his own father working in the heavy equipment industry at a Caterpillar dealership. “My grandfather told my mom that Dad had to stay in school, so she helped him with his class assignments,” Chris says.

Stacey says her mother was more studious, better at taking tests and writing papers. “One of Mom’s stories was about how Dad got an A on a paper she wrote for him, and she got a B on her own paper!” They were married at the end of their junior year.

Laura graduated with a degree in French from the College of Arts and Sciences. With his business degree from the School of Business Administration (now the Martin J. Whitman School of Management) in hand, Jack first went to serve in the U.S. Army, and then worked for his father at Perkins Machinery Company in Massachusetts. He later co-founded Jordan-Milton Machinery in Concord, New Hampshire, which in 1991 acquired Southworth Machinery to become Southworth-Milton, Inc. The office headquarters moved to Massachusetts. In 2004, Southworth-Milton Inc acquired ���ϲ����� Supply and adopted the trade name Milton CAT. Today, Chris is CEO of Milton CAT, a $1.5 billion business with nearly 2,000 employees.

“T��� success of the business created opportunities for my parents’ philanthropy and community engagement,” says Chris. When they lived in Concord, New Hampshire, Laura was active on the boards of Child and Family Services, YMCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Parks and Recreation, Junior Service League, the Concord Hospital Association and the New Hampshire Hospital Association; in Boston, she served on the Emerson Hospital board.

Service and Philanthropy

Jack and Laura remained active alumni and Orange fans, especially during the time Stacey attended their alma mater and graduated with a degree in fine arts in printmaking from the College of Visual and Performing Arts. As their wealth grew, so did their service to the University and their philanthropy. Jack was elected to the ���ϲ����� Board of Trustees in 2000, the same year Laura became a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Board of Visitors. Jack also served on the Whitman School of Management Advisory Council.

They supported many institutional priorities within the College of Arts and Sciences and the Whitman School of Management. The Jack and Laura Milton Room on the fourth floor of the Whitman Building and the Jack and Laura Milton Atrium in the Life Sciences Complex acknowledges multiple million-dollar gifts over the years. More recently, their estate funded the Jack and Laura H. Milton Professorship in the College of Arts and Sciences, now held by Robert Doyle, a renowned medicinal chemist with an interest in pharmaceutical drug development. Further acknowledging the impact of their estate gifts, the former apartment complex known as The Marshall at 727 S. Crouse Ave. has been fully modernized and renamed Milton Hall. It’s a 287-bed residence hall, primarily home to second-year students.

“Laura often said that the University was a gift to Jack and herself because they met there, but their union ultimately turned into transformative gifts to the University,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “T��� fact that most of their estate gift is unrestricted demonstrates their deep love and devotion to their alma mater, their past dedication to service, and their trust in the future vision for the University.”

The siblings saw their parents’ commitment to the University and the tangible impact it had on campus—and how important it was to them. “My parents recognized that their good fortune began at ���ϲ�����, and they just wanted to give back,” says Chris.

“While they were alive, they got to see how the University used their funds wisely,” says Stacey. “That’s why they were so confident in leaving behind a gift for future generations. They trusted that the school would use the funds in the right ways.”

The inaugural SEICon event in 2024 featured this large contingent from the Falk College and ���ϲ�����. Representatives will once again play prominent roles during SEICon II July 8-10 in Las Vegas.

The second annual Sports, Entertainment and Innovation Conference (SEICon)—named by Zoomph as one of the —will be held from July 8-10 at MGM’s iconic Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

SEICon is a partnership between and the , in collaboration with the Las Vegas-based guest experience agency , and it serves as a platform for professionals to discuss strategies and innovations shaping the future of the sports and entertainment industries.

SEICon II will bring together industry leaders from the public and private sectors and academia and feature fully catered lunchtime keynotes, insightful panel discussions and curated networking opportunities focused on emerging trends, digital transformation, and the future of fan engagement, media rights, sponsorships and entertainment technology.

All-inclusive registration for SEICon II is now open. Visit the to register and to find more information about SEICon II and satellite 2025-26 SEICon events in Houston, London and Atlanta. ���ϲ����� alumni will receive $200 off the cost of registration by using the code SU ALUMNI.

“This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, share insights and explore the latest innovations in sports and entertainment,” says alumnus and Circle CEO Shawn Garrity ’86. “We’re thrilled to build upon last year’s momentum, bringing together thought leaders for another unforgettable experience. Expect compelling content, intimate connections and top-notch hospitality that only Vegas can offer.”

Building on the success of its inaugural year, SEICon is moving to the legendary Bellagio Hotel, which is known for its fountains and world-class amenities. This year’s event will focus on key emerging areas within the industry, including women in sports and entertainment, motorsports and golf.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to host SEICon II at the prestigious Bellagio,” says Jay Vickers, COO of UNLV Sports Innovation Institute. “Returning to Las Vegas and partnering with such an esteemed venue, alongside the invaluable support of our partners, underscores SEICon’s growing influence and our commitment to providing an unparalleled experience for our invited guests.”

Vickers, Garrity, and Falk College of Sport Dean Jeremy Jordan appeared on the in late May to discuss the partnership between Falk College, UNLV Sports Innovation Institute, and Circle, and the present and future of SEICon.

SEICon will include nearly 30 panel conversations and two keynote speaker events. One keynote is with Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, who in June will become president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The second keynote features two ���ϲ����� alumni, veteran news and media executive Chris Licht ’93 and New York Post CEO Sean Giancola ’90, along with a representative from Gannett/USA Today, the presenting sponsor of SEICon II.

Several faculty members will lead panels, including David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management (The World Cup and the Rise of MLS: A New Era for Soccer); Assistant Teaching Professor of Sport Management (Women in Racing); Sport Analytics Undergraduate Director and Professor (Get with the Program: Entreprenuership); and Professor of Sports Law (Post House–The Future of College Athletics).

Growing Partnership

The connections between the Falk College and UNLV Sports Innovation Institute continue to grow beyond the annual SEICon event.

SEICon’s Business of Sport conference for the Australian National Rugby League featured Falk College faculty members Rodney Paul (middle row, left), Rick Burton (middle row, right) and Alexia Lopes (first row, second from right).

This past March, the National Rugby League (NRL) from Australia with men’s and women’s games at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. In advance of those games, SEICon hosted a ��conference for the NRL at the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute that included the signing of a partnership between SEICon and the . Burton, Lopes and Paul attended the conference, and Paul served as the moderator for a discussion on The Tech Playbook: Innovations for Shaping the Future of Sports.

“We are excited about the growing collaborations with UNLV Sports Innovation Institute and Circle for SEICon and the opportunities for our faculty to share their work and research from the programs in the new College of Sport: sport management, sport analytics, esports, exercise science, and nutrition,” says Paul. “We are most excited, however, to show off our greatest asset, our students, and provide them with an unparalleled experience in one of the most dynamic sports and entertainment markets in the world.”

Analysts predict the global sports market to reach $2 trillion, which is 2% of the $100 trillion world economy, bolstered by an influx of money from new sources, emerging technologies and growing demand. Already the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas has become an emerging sports destination and is perfectly positioned to host an annual conference focused on the intersection of sports, entertainment and innovation.

The inaugural SEICon in 2024 included 775 attendees and 183 speakers ranging from presidents and founders to venture capitalists and government officials. Visit the to learn more about the inaugural 2024 event and what’s planned for 2025 and beyond.

David B. Falk College of Sport

On July 1, 2025, ���ϲ����� will make history by launching the David B. Falk College of Sport—the first college on a high-research activity (R1) campus dedicated exclusively to sport-related disciplines. Named after visionary benefactor and legendary sports agent David B. Falk, this new college stands at the intersection of academic excellence and industry innovation. The college will unite our distinguished programs in sport management, sport analytics, exercise science, nutrition and esports (offered jointly with the prestigious Newhouse School of Public Communications) under one dynamic academic umbrella.

Various artifacts from the journalism career of Denise Kalette

Maxwell School alumna Denise Kalette ’68 got her first byline at age 12, under a poem titled “T��� Poor Taxpayer” that she submitted to her local newspaper. In a few paragraphs of playful prose, she drew attention to an issue that seemed far beyond her years—the financial plight of many working-class Americans.

Two years later, in 1960, Kalette sent a letter to the White House that elicited a response from Vice President Richard Nixon. “I am glad to know you are taking an active interest in our government and its elected officials,” Nixon wrote, “and I trust that you will continue this excellent foundation for good citizenship.”

Given Kalette’s love of writing and unwavering support for the underdog, it was no surprise to her loved ones that she would go on to become a highly accomplished journalist. Over more than four decades she covered a wide range of topics, from the Olympics in Seoul to corruption in a county jail. She especially loved writing profiles of American heroes such as Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, and ordinary citizens facing extraordinary circumstances.

“What she was able to do was a result of her own drive, her persistence,” says her brother, Edward L. Chapman. “She had this innate sense of right and wrong about things and always had this place in her head and heart for everyday people.”

Kalette passed away in 2021. To honor her legacy and support students who are involved with the ���ϲ����� (IDJC), Chapman and sister Dorothy Blackmon gifted $50,000 to establish the Denise F. Kalette ’68 Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship Memorial Fund. Maxwell students who are involved with research and engaged in programming at the Washington, D.C.-based institute can apply for a one-time award ranging from $1,200 to $5,000.

“Denise’s career in journalism was inspired by her interest in helping people connect with one another in hopes of building mutual understanding,” says Chapman. “She knew the media’s important role in a well-informed public to help support a healthy democracy. We know that if she were here today, she would wholeheartedly support the IDJC, and especially the students who are engaged with it.”

Blackmon adds, “Denise enjoyed her time at Maxwell and found it extremely beneficial for her path in life, and we hope it will provide the same value to other students.”

Rebecca Akinwale

Launched in 2022, the IDJC is a joint initiative of the Maxwell School and . It promotes nonpartisan, evidence-based research and dialogue in the public interest and strives to create new knowledge, foster a more informed and engaged citizenry and equip students for success.

“I am incredibly grateful to have received the award. It gave me the financial support I needed to fully take advantage of my unpaid internship without worrying about additional expenses,” says Rebecca Akinwale ’25, one of the first three award recipients.

Akinwale, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, participated in events and programming at the IDJC while interning in the U.S. Capitol during her senior year. The experiences furthered her interest in a career that combines public policy and diplomacy with media literacy.

“Throughout my time at ���ϲ�����, I’ve explored how media and civic engagement can help build public trust in institutions,” says Akinwale. “Misinformation is one of the biggest challenges in today’s digital age—it can have serious consequences for underserved communities.”

For the complete story, please visit the .

Alumna Dara Drake ’23 has been named as a 2025 Knight-Hennessy Scholar, the first from ���ϲ�����.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars is a multidisciplinary, multicultural graduate scholarship program at Stanford University. Each Knight-Hennessy scholar receives up to three years of financial support to pursue graduate studies at Stanford while engaging in experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world.

“Our world has never been in greater need of leaders to address a wide range of challenges,” says John L. Hennessy, Stanford University president emeritus and the Shriram Family Director of Knight-Hennessy Scholars. “Our scholars are ready to think boldly, act wisely and humbly, and lead with purpose, helping build a better future for all of us.”

Drake, from Highland Park, Illinois, earned a bachelor’s degree in policy studies from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences in 2023. At Stanford, she will enroll in a dual master’s degree program in policy, organization and leadership studies in the Graduate School of Education and public policy in the School of Humanities and Sciences.

She is passionate about addressing inequities that lie at the intersection of education, technology and government. She co-founded Skills Win!, which brings “skills coaches” to schools and nonprofits across New York state. Her research on student voice and empowerment has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented to global audiences, including twice at the United Nations.

Drake joined KPMG after graduating from ���ϲ����� and works as an education strategy consultant and national education operations lead. In that role, she is engaged to address complex challenges and answer difficult questions that schools struggle to resolve. “I love being in schools and talking to teachers and students, deans and principals,” she says.

As the national operations lead, Drake sets the processes and policies for the KPMG education team. She oversees research and thought leadership on issues from trends in education to the role of AI in education. Her team includes almost 700 people who serve 300 clients around the country.

At Stanford, Drake is seeking more formal training in leadership and to build her problem-solving skills through different perspectives. She worked with the University’s Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) to prepare her application and for her interviews. “Dara’s clear goals and incredible record of leadership make her a wonderful fit for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship,” says Jolynn Parker, director of CFSA. “It was a joy to work with her on this application, and we can’t wait to see what she’ll do with this opportunity.”

“It is an honor to be the first ���ϲ����� student to receive this scholarship. I hope that I am the first of many more,” Drake says.

Her first year at Stanford, in policy organization and leadership studies, will help her build leadership skills. Most of the year will be spent in a field study in a school. Her second year, in public policy, will help her build her quantitative skills.

“The first year I’ll be thinking about creating, navigating and scaling effective changes in schools,” she says. “In the second year, I can think about the feasibility of that change and evaluate whether policies are working in the schools or, if they’re not, what about them needs to change.”

Drake says she is also looking forward to engaging with the Knight-Hennessy Scholar community. “I will have access to this really amazing group of people. They’re all super passionate about a specific problem,” she says.

Drake says that, in the field of education, problems are often very interconnected. “Schools are a place where almost all of the problems that we deal with as a society come together. If you don’t address them as a package deal, students are left behind,” she says. “I’m really excited to have this community and to get to learn how to better pitch my ideas.”

“I’ve talked to some of the scholars who have gone on and graduated, and they all cite this program as a launch pad,” she says. “Many of them say they changed over the course of their program because of the people they were introduced to, the way their thoughts were challenged and the resources and support that they accessed.”

At ���ϲ�����, Drake was a University Scholar, a Maxwell | Arts and Sciences Scholar, and a Remembrance Scholar. She worked on solving problems both on campus and in the community.

“���ϲ����� was so instrumental and gave me all the experiences that I needed to match what I was learning in the classroom,” Drake says. “I was really lucky to have several professors and ���ϲ����� staff that were on my team.”

Mentors such as Bill Coplin, professor of public policy in the Maxwell School, talked Drake through problems that she wanted to solve. “T���re were all kinds of experiences that I had as an undergraduate that enabled me to be successful in my job and prepared me to join a community like Knight-Hennessy,” she says.

In the first few weeks of her freshman year, a professor gave Drake advice she says she still holds in her heart. She told her, “Within measure, say yes to everything, even the things no one else wants to do.”

Drake’s long-term goal is to be a leader in education through a position at a government agency. And she will still follow that advice.

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 )

“We are so pleased to welcome these new members to the board and grateful for their commitment to strengthening their alma mater and enhancing the student experience,” says Board Chair Jeff Scruggs. “T���ir personal and professional experiences and vision will be critical to the work we do to ensure the University achieves its ambitious goals.”

Chancellor Kent Syverud says he is looking forward to working with the new trustees and eliciting their diverse viewpoints. “All of these individuals are outstanding in their fields, and they understand the persistence and passion required to bring about positive change in an organization,” says Chancellor Syverud. “T���y are role models and mentors and each, in their own way, has established a legacy of excellence and service. We will no doubt benefit from their insights.”

Alonna Berry ’11

Alonna Berry

Given her family history and undergraduate experiences at ���ϲ�����, Berry was destined for a career in leadership, education and service. Today, she is executive director of the , a statewide force for justice reform and community empowerment through programming and advocacy. Throughout her career, whether in politics and policy, or teaching and consulting, she has focused on using the power of education to create positive social change.

Berry a long line of educational leaders in Delaware, including a great-aunt who was the first black female superintendent in the state.

At ���ϲ�����, where she was a 2011 graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences with a major in writing and rhetoric, she was offered an opportunity to help run a GED program for inmates. Since then, her life and work have reflected a commitment to education, policy reform and transformative leadership.

After teaching English and math in public schools, Berry gained experience in public policy working in the Delaware Department of Education and was the public face of Teach for America Delaware as manager of alumni and teacher impact. Berry served as the director of Community and Family Services and senior policy advisor for Health, Equity, and Education for the Office of Governor John Carney in Delaware and was the state’s first trauma-informed care coordinator. She also served as a senior director at Social Contract, which helps organizations achieve social impact goals.

Berry founded the Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence, a public charter high school dedicated to service learning, matching the needs of students with the needs of community.

Her passion for service and community was evident as an undergraduate. She was a Remembrance Scholar and active in the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble, often performing at alumni events. An engaged member of the ���ϲ����� Alumni Association, she served as chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and recently became association president.

She has held leadership roles on several boards, including The Delaware Center for Justice, The Milton Historical Society, Next Generation South, The Delaware Historical Society and Delaware Guidance Services and is active in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Berry is a doctoral candidate in organizational learning and innovation at Wilmington University, holds a post-graduate certificate in virtual online teaching and learning from the University of Pennsylvania, and a graduate degree in management and organizational leadership from Wilmington University.

She lives in Milton, Delaware, with her husband, Benjamin Spears, and son, Malkemus.

Jonathan Resnick ’89

Jonathan Resnick

As president of Jack Resnick & Sons, Resnick understands what it means to uphold and advance a legacy. For nearly a century, the company has been a major force in the dynamic Manhattan real estate market. Joining the company in 1996 and becoming its president in 2007, Resnick oversees the firm’s portfolio of more than five million square feet of commercial, office and retail space, and approximately 900 high-rise luxury rental apartments.

Resnick learned the business from his father, Burton, who learned it from his father and company founder, Jack, who learned from , Israel, who owned brownstones in Harlem.

The Resnick family firm is highly respected in the industry, from ground-up development, construction, leasing and management, earning awards for sustainability and energy efficiency, and credited with revitalizing urban landscapes.

Resnick helped to honor the legacy of a former ���ϲ����� fundraising executive by establishing a scholarship in 2021 in memory of Tom Walsh. Walsh had spent much of his career raising funds to position the University for growth. The creative writing scholarship strengthened the study of arts and literature in the creative writing undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Sciences. Resnick has actively supported other ���ϲ����� fundraising efforts as well, including Hillel and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, and was heavily involved in construction of the Fisher Center in New York City.

Resnick serves as chair of the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations in New York City, and sits on the Executive Committee of the Real Estate Board of New York. He is a director of the New York Building Congress, and a former chairman of the Greater New York Construction User Council. He is a board member of the Borough of Manhattan Community College Foundation, RiverSpring Health Plans (the managed care arm of RiverSpring Living) and the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York.

Resnick graduated from ���ϲ����� in 1989 with a B.S. in producing for electronic media from the Newhouse School.

He lives in Harrison, New York, with his wife, Joelle, and two children.

Frank Ryan IV ’90, L’94

undergraduate student-athlete who earned a four year varsity letter to magna cum laude Order of the Coif graduate from the College of Law, Ryan says ���ϲ����� . Today, Ryan is global co-chair, global co-CEO and Americas chair at DLA Piper, a global law firm with more than $4 billion in revenues and offices in more than 40 countries.

Known as a go-to strategist for some of the world’s most sophisticated media and sports companies, including Disney, ABC, the Pac-12 and ESPN, Ryan helped lead the firm through a period of unprecedented growth. He is also founding chair of the firm’s scholarship programs established to assist student athletes and veterans wishing to pursue a legal career.

Ryan joined the firm in 2010 as a partner, U.S. co-chair of the intellectual property and technology practice, and deputy chair of the media, sport and entertainment sector. He was instrumental in strengthening the firm’s growth in technology, life sciences and health care sectors and launching artificial intelligence, health care policy consulting and space exploration practices. Before DLA Piper, he spent nearly 16 years at Nixon Peabody LLP where he was partner and chair of the firm’s litigation practice.

He is a member of the Legal Service Corporation’s Leaders Council, the nation’s largest funder of civil legal aid programs for low-income people, and on the Board of Directors for Beat the Streets NYC. He is also a member of The Wall Street Journal CEO Council and Thomson Reuters’ Global Strategy Board.

Ryan graduated with a B.S. in finance from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management in 1990, though he often calls wrestling his major undergraduate pursuit and was a three-time team captain of the ���ϲ����� Wrestling Team.

Ryan has served on the College of Law’s Board of Advisors since 2004.��He is a former member of the College Law Board of Visitors (1998-2003), the College of Law Associates Council (1998-2016), and in 2017, was awarded ���ϲ�����’s College of Law Distinguished Service Award.

He and his wife, Melissa M. Dunne-Ryan ’90, L’94, have three adult children, Zach, Sean and Will ’26 (Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs/College of Arts and Sciences).

Chancellor Kent Syverud (left) receives the Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award from Scout Executive/CEO of Scouting America, Longhouse Council Edwin Theetge at the 57th Annual ScoutPower event on May 7.

Chancellor Syverud, a native of Irondequoit, New York, has long been involved in the mission of scouting, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and previously serving on the board of the Longhouse Council. Chancellor Syverud and his wife, Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, have three grown sons, Steven, Brian and David, all of whom participated in scouting.

“I am honored to be named the Distinguished Citizen of the Year by Scouting America,” says Chancellor Syverud. “Scouting has been a meaningful part of my life for as long as I can remember—first as a scout and now as a member of the Longhouse Council. I’m grateful for the friendships, bonds and connections I’ve made, and I appreciate everyone who supports Scouting America and encourages young people to participate in scouting programs.”

This year’s ScoutPower event featured another Orange connection: NBC sports commentator Mike Tirico ’88 delivered the keynote. Tirico, an alumnus of the University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences and well-known sports commentator, delivered an engaging and inspiring address. Tirico’s career includes notable coverage of “Sunday Night Football,” the Olympics and other high-profile sports broadcasts.

Mike Tirico delivers the evening’s keynote speech.

���ϲ����� was the presenting sponsor of the event, along with JMA Wireless. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry President Joanie Mahoney ’87, L’90, who herself has a notable history with scouting and was named Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Longhouse Council in 2023, served as this year’s event chair.

Graduates get ready to celebrate! (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

It’s time to celebrate, ���ϲ����� Class of 2025! Bring your family and friends and join in all the excitement and pomp and circumstance during .

The University’s Commencement exercises will be held in the JMA Wireless Dome Sunday, May 11, beginning with the degree candidates’ procession at 9:30 a.m.

Carmelo Anthony, the 10-Time NBA All-Star who guided the men’s basketball team to the 2003 NCAA Championship, will deliver the Commencement address.

School and college convocations and Commencement will also be livestreamed. Visit the May 8-11 to view the ceremonies online.

At Sunday’s Commencement, around 6,900 students are expected to graduate.

���ϲ����� Chancellor and President Kent Syverud will address the graduates and confer degrees. Interim Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Lois Agnew will give the welcome.

The University will recognize three honorary degree recipients:

• Robert “Bob” Mankoff ’66, influential cartoonist with a decades-long career as cartoon contributor and editor at The New Yorker;
• Ali Meders-Knight, executive director of California Open Lands and Mechoopda tribal member; and
• Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56, ���ϲ����� life trustee and president of Heritage Management Co.

Bea González G’04, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, will serve as mace bearer.

Tadodaho Sidney Hill, of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, will give the ceremonial opening. The Rev. Dr. Brian E. Konkol, vice president and dean of Hendricks Chapel, will give the invocation. Peter A. Gianesini Jr. ’94, president of the ���ϲ����� Alumni Association, will welcome the newest alumni.

Student Marshals and Scholars

Representing the Class of 2025, Mark Nzasi and Yifan “Ivan” Shen are the senior class marshals and will lead graduates during the ceremony.

The University’s Commencement exercises will be held in the JMA Wireless Dome Sunday, May 11. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Along with the all-University marshals, 23 student marshals represent the 13 schools and colleges at the University. The marshals will lead the degree candidates of their respective schools or colleges.

Twelve seniors have been designated as ���ϲ����� Scholars. This is the highest undergraduate honor the University bestows. University Scholar Jonathan Collard de Beaufort, College of Arts and Sciences, was selected as the student speaker on behalf of the Class of 2025.

Retiring faculty members who have been recommended to receive the title of emeritus by the University Senate to the ���ϲ����� Board of Trustees will be recognized by Jamie L. Winders, vice provost for faculty affairs.

The University Marshal is Kira Reed, associate professor of management, Whitman School of Management. Associate University Marshal is Tula Goenka G’86, professor and graduate program director, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Also during the ceremonies, Army and Air Force ROTC cadets will present the colors.

The ���ϲ����� Wind Ensemble will perform under the direction of conductor Timothy W. Diem.

The national anthem will be sung by Olivia Scanzera ’25, College of Visual and Performing Arts, and Enzo Cupani ’25, College of Visual and Performing Arts, will sing the alma mater.

Security and Other Important Information

To ensure a safe and enjoyable event, all guests and degree candidates will go through , including metal detection, prior to entering all Convocation and Commencement venues. The University has a , which will be in effect for Commencement weekend. Bags larger than 10″ x 10″ will not be allowed into Convocations or Commencement.

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(Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

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Class of 2025 Giving Campaign

������ڴǰ�����Thursday, May 8, to receive special orange, white and silver cords to wear at Commencement!

Fill up the Wishing Well!

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Instagram Stickers

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More information about Commencement 2025 can be found at .

Three student lawyers with the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic meet with a local veteran.

Service members injured in active duty are entitled to receive disability benefits and associated medical care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). But navigating the process can be intimidating.

Beth Kubala

Thanks to the efforts of the (VLC) within the , hundreds of area veterans have received their benefits or successfully upgraded their military discharge through the pro bono, student-offered legal services since its founding in 2015.

“Our law students get a chance to get into the legal practice, taking everything they’ve learned and put it into practice working on real cases with real clients with real challenges,” says , executive director of the Office of Clinical Legal Education, director of the VLC, teaching professor in the College of Law and a U.S. Army veteran. “This is a chance to make a tremendous difference, helping veterans get the VA medical care and the disability benefits they earned.”

Collaborating With Community Service Partners

Veterans are referred to the VLC through organizations like the Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency, which provides a yearly grant to help facilitate the VLC’s efforts, and the ���ϲ����� VA Medical Center. The community partner organizations will often refer veterans who have had their medical claims denied multiple times.

Knowing that new evidence is needed for the VA to consider reopening a claim, Kubala’s students study pages of military documents and health care records to learn everything they can about the tasks the client performed and the injuries or illnesses the veterans suffered while serving that contributed to their current health issues. Comprehensive medical exams are conducted to verify the disabilities being claimed.

Annie Mancilla

“T���re’s a great collaboration between our teams,” says Annie Mancilla, director of the Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency and an Army veteran. “We know how to handle new and initial claims, and Beth’s team comes in, handles those trickier claims and succeeds at getting intricate cases adjudicated quickly and fairly.”

When she was training as a veteran service officer, Mancilla says veterans service agencies partnering with clinics like the VLC were rare. She hopes the collaborative work on display in ���ϲ����� can inspire other partnerships across the country between university-led student law clinics and veterans service agencies.

“We have to work together to help our veterans,” Mancilla says. “This partnership is so beneficial and we’re at the beginning of something special that is going to continue to grow and have a tremendous impact on our veterans.”

Helping Veterans at Risk for Homelessness

Two years ago, the VLC received a��, a first-of-its-kind grant opportunity from the VA to fund legal services providers. The VLC is one of just four University-affiliated veterans legal clinics to receive grant money.

Once a week, VLC students go over cases at the Altamont House, a facility that provides transitional housing to veterans facing homelessness. Kubala says this grant has enhanced and solidified the VLC’s partnership with the ���ϲ����� VA while showing how the clinic can help those veterans receive access to health care and their benefits.

“We’re able to make such a significant difference in the lives of so many homeless veterans in and around ���ϲ�����,” Kubala says. “Our students not only gain expertise while strengthening their legal skills, they gain confidence and a better ability to relate to others, and they understand how they can help others with their law degree.”

Beth Kubala (center) meets with two student lawyers in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic.

Using Law Degrees to Do Good

VLC student lawyer Sarah Simon-Patches ’24 took on the case of a veteran who filed his own claim with the VA after suffering medical hardships stemming from his time in the military.

Sarah Simon-Patches

Oftentimes, veterans who file their claims on their own don’t fully understand the criteria and can be denied a portion of their benefits. With a rating of only 20% of his disability benefits, the veteran, a self-employed mechanic from Kansas City, Missouri, was unable to return home to his sons, lost his job and experienced homelessness.

After Simon-Patches combed through the evidence to understand why the veteran fell short of the VA’s criteria, she successfully helped him obtain his full share of benefits and he has been reunited with his family.

“It felt like a huge relief. Here was someone who was experiencing homelessness, unemployed and anxious about his future being separated from his family and came to us for help,” says Simon-Patches, who has a brother and grandfather who served in the military.

“T��� average veteran, especially our homeless veterans, would not have access to these resources otherwise,” Simon-Patches says. “Our clinic is well-equipped to successfully navigate this system and handle the different needs of our veterans.”

Fighting to Make a Difference

Before Seth Owens enrolled in the College of Law, he spent 13 years as a physical therapist, treating many veterans and active-duty service members. He started in the VLC in the spring of 2023 and realized he was meant to be there.

Seth Owens

“You have to bring this mindset to every interaction with a client that I’m going to know everything I can about your case,” says Owens, the LSV-H program manager and a Veterans’ Health and Disability Law Fellow with the VLC. “Professor Kubala’s reputation for having an amazing clinical experience and producing students who do such a high quality of work is well known in the veterans’ community.”

Simon-Patches was so inspired by the impact her work was making, she applied to and was accepted into the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, a government law organization that defends the Army and its soldiers in all military legal matters.

“This work has meant so much to me and this program wouldn’t be what it is without the work that Professor Kubala does,” Simon-Patches says. “We make a difference in the lives of our veterans and we want veterans to know we’re here for them as a resource.”

“It amazes me every day the work that comes out of the clinic,” Kubala says. “I like to think that I inspire the next generation of veteran advocates. There are ways to use a law degree for the greater good, and this is one of those ways.”

Beth Kubala (center) leading a classroom discussion in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Long lines of families turned out for support and shared their heartbreaking stories of evacuations and lost homes. Amid the sorrowful scene, Aga recalls watching a group of children playing tag and laughing in the parking lot while their mother waited in line for food and other provisions.

“It was just such a human moment in such a tragic, apocalyptic scenario that it just really struck me that this is something people are going to have to deal with for years, and it’s real people just trying to get through it,” says Aga, who has worked as a field representative in Chu’s Pasadena office for three years.

On the first day of the Eaton fire, Jan. 7, Aga fielded calls from residents who had evacuated, who had lost their homes, and who couldn’t find family members. Some had lost loved ones in the flames. Chu’s district, which covers most of northeastern Los Angeles county and serves nearly 750,000 residents, was heavily impacted by the Eaton Fire; it destroyed nearly 9,500 structures, scorched over 14,000 acres and claimed 17 lives before it was fully contained.

Maxwell alumnus Zayn Aga (pictured center, wearing a tie) is shown with colleagues during a visit to fire-ravaged Altadena, California, by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (left) and other lawmakers.

Aga was part of a team advocating for federal aid to support the affected community. They also assisted residents in receiving medical equipment and in recovering lost mail and other critical documents.

“It’s our job and our responsibility to make government work for people,” Aga says, adding that he strives to “make government work for somebody just a little bit better and be a little bit more accessible.”

Aga said he finds purpose in making a difference in small, meaningful ways. Despite evacuating his own home, he gathered supplies and drove across the city, visiting four different centers in search of one still accepting donations. One day he rounded up a lost dog and located its worried owner who had been searching since the fires.

“Helping people in a crisis, and exercising initiative and going the extra mile even when his own safety and property are being threatened, sounds so much like Zayn,” says , professor of political science. “He’s the complete Maxwell package—empathy, dedication to service and determination to improve government. I’m very proud of him.”

Aga says his Maxwell schooling helped prepare him to support others in times of need, reinforcing the importance of solving problems one step at a time. He said he gained especially valuable experience interning for U.S. Sen. Charles “Chuck” Schumer and U.S. Rep. Anthony Brindisi.

“At its core, this was all just people doing their best and trying to be there for one another,” says Aga of his experience.

Story by Mikayla Melo

Patrick Ahearn (Photo by Randi Baird Photography)

Ahearn serves on the School of Architecture Advisory Board, is a ���ϲ����� trustee and is a member of the ���ϲ����� Boston Regional Council.

Ahearn is founding principal of , an award-winning Boston-based architecture firm specializing in classic American architecture for contemporary living. For over 50 years, he has designed historically motivated private residences, which have advanced the art of place-making in some of America’s most desirable and storied destinations.

From an early age, Ahearn knew he wanted to be a designer, but his first passion wasn’t architecture—it was cars. Through his fascination with automobiles, Ahearn’s initial appreciation for the power of good design and the importance of scale, proportion and light was born. And while this interest in car design sparked Ahearn’s earliest aesthetic awareness, growing up in Levittown, New York—the nation’s first planned suburb—helped him understand how good architecture and urban design could improve people’s lives and foster a true sense of community.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in urban design from ���ϲ�����, Ahearn began his career in Boston, teaching at Boston Architectural College and designing for the Architects Collaborative and Benjamin Thompson & Associates. He worked on waterfront revival projects in Miami and Baltimore and new-build, mixed-use hotels and urban design initiatives in Cairo and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, along with renowned adaptive reuse projects including Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

In 1978, Ahearn founded Patrick Ahearn Architect. Over the next 20 years, he revived hundreds of historic townhouses in the then-struggling Back Bay neighborhood of Boston and reinvigorated the commercial corridor of Newbury Street. Ever mindful of scale, proportion and context, Ahearn worked carefully within zoning, conservation and community regulations to balance preservation concerns with the need to design structures that felt timeless—an enduring signature of his work today.

In the early 1990s, Ahearn expanded his practice to the community of Edgartown Village on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, where much of his professional and personal energies were devoted for the better part of the three decades that followed. He has lent his expertise to more than 350 buildings—225 of them in the historic district alone—reimagining and redesigning many of Edgartown’s most notable private residences and public buildings. In the process transforming them into places and spaces for contemporary living, he has deftly blended them into the historic coastal landscape.

In the past 10 years, Ahearn’s commissions have taken him to locations farther afield, including California, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Maine, New Hampshire, Delaware, New York, New Jersey and Florida. Internationally he has designed residences on Vancouver Island and in both Australia and Scotland.

No matter the location, whether reviving centuries-old, landmarked structures along the coastlines or creating new homes that reimagine the local vernacular, Ahearn demonstrates an unparalleled ability to combine the romance of traditional architecture with the ideals of modernism. Through the practice of what he calls “narrative-driven architecture,” Ahearn creates a storyline for every home he restores, renovates or builds from the ground up.

Sensitive to the original spirit of every property and its surrounding neighborhood, Ahearn’s work ranges across a broad spectrum of project types, including master planning, new construction, historic renovation and restoration. His use of rich materials, artisanal craftsmanship and period details creates buildings that are so well suited to their context that they seem to have been built in the distant past.

Perhaps most importantly, Ahearn and his firm apply the “greater good theory”—a belief that architecture has the power to improve lives, increase happiness and encourage friendly and familiar interactions—to their work. This approach allows them to create what he calls “non-ego-driven architecture,” where the success of the project is judged on its capacity to enhance the public realm rather than on the architect’s singular design intentions.

Renowned for his skill and expertise, Ahearn has received many awards, including election to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows. His work has been featured in numerous publications and broadcast outlets, including Architectural Digest, The Wall Street Journal, House Beautiful, HGTV and many others.

Ahearn is a registered architect in 19 states, the District of Columbia, and British Columbia, Canada, and has earned the NCARB Certificate. He is also professionally associated with the Boston Society of Architects, the Boston Architectural Center, the Boston Preservation Alliance, the National Trust for Historical Preservation, the Back Bay Neighborhood Association, the Back Bay Architectural Commission, the Town of Wellesley Planning Board, the Town of Wellesley Design Review Board and is a former Chairman of the Board of the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust.

He has taught at the Boston Architectural College, the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, the Rhode Island School of Design, and ���ϲ�����’s own School of Architecture.

Patrick Ahearn’s acclaimed monograph, “,” was published in 2018 and is in its seventh printing. His second published book, “,” was published in 2023 and details the architectural process that transformed an historic seaside hotel into a gracious bayfront estate.

Charles W. Beach

Shortly after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of Arts and Sciences, Charles W. Beach launched a firm representing manufacturers and helped a start-up company become a world class leader in opto-electronic components. Eventually, grew into a leader among manufacturers’ representatives, offering high technology component solutions and quality service throughout the Northeast. Long after Beach himself retired, the company remains family-owned and operated, in Jamesville, New York, with his son David at the helm.

Beach, who died on Feb. 22, 2025, at the age of 88, served his alma mater on the Board of Trustees as a voting trustee from 1991 to 2007 and remained active as a life trustee on the board’s Academic Affairs Committee. He also supported the University and its students philanthropically, including initiatives in the athletics department, and an endowed scholarship in the name of his parents, Arthur and Norma, both of whom were ���ϲ����� graduates. Like their son, Arthur Beach 1917 and Norma Vergason Beach 1925 earned degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences.

While building his business in the 1960s, Beach returned to ���ϲ����� to pursue a master’s degree in education in the School of Education. He continued to live in ���ϲ����� and commute to Rochester to support Kodak and Xerox with various electronic components.

“Through his service and philanthropy, Charlie demonstrated his enduring support of higher education and ���ϲ�����,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “He built a company grounded in innovation and service, demonstrating the value of relationships, integrity, and ingenuity.”

Beach remained devoted to the greater ���ϲ����� region in his civic work and volunteerism. He was a founding member of InterFaith Works of ���ϲ�����, where he served as board president, and was also past president of the United Methodist Foundation Inc. and the Vera House Foundation, and past president of the boards of Elmcrest Children’s Center and ���ϲ����� Rotary.

The city he loved honored him in return. The Post-Standard honored him with a Person of Achievement award in 2003 for his “volunteer leadership and monetary contributions to a long list of Central New York’s social service, educational and cultural institutions over the decades.” Temple Adath Yeshurun honored Beach with a Citizen of the Year award in 2010. In 1991, he was named philanthropist of the year by the Central New York chapter of the National Society of Fund-Raising Executives.

Beach’s commitment to service and inclination toward leadership began early in life. He was elected class president at Nottingham High School after serving in that position at his elementary school, the Charles Andrews School. He pursued his passion for baseball in high school but, according to his family, his dream of playing professionally was dashed when he contracted polio in his pitching arm and shoulder.

Beach is survived by three children, Karen, Marilyn and David, along with seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

IBM’s Owego site supported special operations, and she worked on avionics system engineering and software development. She would be involved with a system throughout its entire life cycle from design and development to integration and testing. That broad view of problem solving and mission effectiveness helped inspire a desire in her to lead.

Carey Smith

“Engineering gives you a background,” says Smith. “T��� ability to ask questions. You have the technical background to ask the right questions.”

Smith decided to take advantage of a unique partnership between IBM and ���ϲ�����. Engineering and Computer Science faculty would travel to IBM’s campus twice a week and teach classes onsite for IBM employees who wanted to earn a master’s degree while they were working.

“It was a very good program and allowed me to move forward with my education while still working at IBM,” says Smith. “���ϲ����� is such a well-regarded university and the faculty were outstanding.”

Her first move into management was as a flight simulation engineering department manager at IBM. That led to managerial promotions at IBM and then leadership roles with Loral Corporation (acquired IBM Federal), Lockheed Martin (acquired Loral) and Honeywell. In 2016, she joined Parsons as president of the company’s Federal Business Unit. She was promoted to chief operating officer (COO) in 2018, president and COO in 2019, assumed the role of chief executive officer in 2021, and now serves as Parsons Corporation’s Chair, President and CEO.

Her first three years as CEO of Parsons Corporation marked a significant chapter in the company’s evolution from a traditional engineering firm to an advanced technology leader in national security and critical infrastructure. Since assuming the role of CEO in 2021, Smith has steered the organization through substantial growth and transformation.

Under Smith’s leadership, Parsons embraced digital solutions and technology innovation. She has strategically focused the company on high-growth markets, high profit and enduring markets including space and missile defense, cyber and intelligence, critical infrastructure protection, transportation, environmental remediation and urban development. She also initiated internal research and development and acquired 14 technology-differentiated companies since 2017 to be an industry leader in applying innovation and technology across Parsons’ global infrastructure and national security portfolios. This forward-thinking approach has helped Parsons secure significant contracts and expand its market presence.

“I have tried to look at our customer’s emerging challenges and define solutions to meet their needs,” says Smith. “Not things that have been done before. We’re about starting with a clean piece of paper.”

Parsons unique position as a global leader in both national security and global infrastructure allows them to offer coordinated services that are in high demand.

“Utilities, water companies, transportation and health care have to be protected against cyber threats. We are a unique company that has the domain understanding for example of how a rail and transit system works coupled with the cyber capabilities to protect the domain,” says Smith.

Parsons has achieved remarkable business growth and financial performance in the past three years. The company’s strategic acquisitions have expanded its capabilities and market reach. This growth strategy has been balanced with organic expansion and internal innovation initiatives. Smith credits the company’s outstanding performance to the hard work and dedication of Parsons’ nearly 20,000 employees in 50 states and 20+ countries around the globe. Her leadership style combines strategic business acumen with a deep understanding of the importance of human capital in driving organizational success.

“I wanted to create a person first culture,” says Smith. “Our leadership supports employees.”

While Parsons is well positioned for the future, Smith is still prioritizing growth, innovation and emerging technologies. She believes her engineering background has been key to her success in navigating change while leading a global corporation. She encourages young engineers and computer scientists who are considering management roles to gain as much experience as they can on a company’s business side.

“You have to have strong technical acumen along with strong business acumen,” says Smith. “That’s the way I operate–with a focus on delivering results.”

While she took all her classes remotely, Smith is still proud of her connection to ���ϲ����� and the important role it played in her career journey.

“I’m always proud to be a ���ϲ����� alum. It is a wonderful university.”

The annual Maxwell Awards of Excellence celebrated five exceptional alumni who embody the school’s commitment to engaged citizenship. Pictured are (from left to right) Maxwell Dean David M. Van Slyke with honorees Sahil Jain ’13, Margaret Abraham ’89 Ph.D., Ana Maria Menezes ’06 and Tom Bozzuto ’71. Tiesha Peal ’99 was unable to attend.

Standing on stage before an audience of community members, Sahil Jain ’13 B.A. (IR) reflected on the “incredible people, valuable lessons and pivotal experiences” leading to his receipt of the school’s Compass Award for exceptional accomplishments as an early-career alumnus.

“Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the resilience of my parents,” Jain said at the Awards of Excellence celebration in Washington, D.C., on March 27. “T���y fled turmoil and worked tirelessly to build a future for our family. Their unwavering determination taught me that true leadership is not solely about personal achievements but about the impact we have on those around us—uplifting others, empowering them and creating opportunities where few exist.”

Jain, who was one of five alumni honored at the event, shared how he completed his ���ϲ����� application at his family’s liquor store in Sacramento, California, and, upon receiving his acceptance months later, was so overwhelmed with excitement that he nearly hugged a customer.

“That moment marked the beginning of a transformative journey,” Jain said.

A foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State, Jain has held roles across the U.S. government helping to advance peace and security around the world. From 2024-25, he was special assistant to the deputy secretary of state, focused on U.S. policy related to South and Central Asia. He served in the White House as a senior advisor at the National Security Council and as policy advisor in the Vice President’s Office of National Security Affairs. He was a political officer at U.S. Embassies in China from 2021-23 and India from 2018-20.

“Over the years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to serve in the halls of the State Department, our embassies overseas and at the White House,” Jain said. “Walking through these corridors of power, I often reflect on the journey from the liquor store in Sacramento to where I stand today. I arrived at Maxwell filled with uncertainty and hope; I departed empowered and prepared to contribute.”

Established in 2022, the Awards of Excellence program celebrates the contributions of the school’s alumni and friends to their fields, communities and society through work that reflects the Maxwell School mission and values. In addition to the Compass Award, recognition categories include the 1924 Award, Bridge Award, Charles V. Willie Advocate Award and Spirit of Public Service Award. In the spring of 2024 the event was expanded to celebrate Maxwell’s centennial year.

This year’s event was held at the University’s new home in Dupont Circle. In addition to Jain, honorees included Margaret Abraham ’89 Ph.D. (Soc); Tom Bozzuto ’71 M.P.A.; Ana Maria Menezes ’06 M.A. (PA); and Tiesha Peal ’99 B.A. (PSc).

Abraham received the 1924 Award, honoring graduates for their distinguished and sustained professional or civic leadership and achievement in the spirit of the school’s mission. She is a professor of sociology and the Harry H. Wachtel Distinguished Teaching Professor for the Study of Nonviolent Social Change at Hofstra University. Her leadership roles include serving as past president of the International Sociological Association and, at Hofstra, as senior vice provost for academic affairs, special advisor to the provost for diversity initiatives and director of the Women’s Studies Program.

An author, lecturer and advisor, Abraham bridges scholarship and social justice advocacy in the areas of ethnicity, gender, migration and domestic violence. She has published four books and two special volumes, including “Speaking the Unspeakable: Marital Violence Among South Asian Immigrants in the United States.”

Abraham thanked her supporters and reflected on recent transitions in the federal government. “We are at the crossroads, where we are witnessing multiple cascading effects of policies and laws on political, social and economic institutions that impact everyday lives, especially on the marginalized,” she said. “In these times our activism, engagement and pursuit of justice becomes even more vital. As social scientists, we must share our learning and knowledge with the broader societies of which we are a part. We need to use data and analytical tools, critique, counter misinformation, inform publics and collectively address issues we face. We have the responsibility to engage in building a better world.”

Bozzuto, chairman and co-founder of The Bozzuto Group, received the Bridge Award, which honors exemplary leadership across sectors. Throughout his career in real estate development and management, he has created more than 62,000 homes and apartments, nurturing vibrant multifamily communities. A Vietnam veteran, he worked for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and spent 13 years as mid-Atlantic regional partner at Oxford Development Corp. His leadership roles have included serving as board chair of the Baltimore Community Foundation, the National Multifamily Housing Council, the Maryland Science Center and Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he received undergraduate and honorary degrees.

He thanked Dean David M. Van Slyke for encouraging his re-engagement with the Maxwell School in recent years, and then, shared what has been his family’s guiding compass.

“My wife and I, and our children believe that as citizens, we have a responsibility to our community that goes beyond just paying taxes and obeying the law. As citizens, our duty does not stop at the doorway to our homes. As citizens, regardless of where we work, each of us in some way should try to make our world a better place in which to live,” Bozzuto said. “Our family has been blessed with the resources to allow us to be very active in our city and our state and even a bit in our nation. However, I also know that one of my greatest blessings was a terrific education, the capstone of which was the year I spent at Maxwell.”

Menezes received the Spirit of Public Service Award which recognizes contributions that have had a widespread global impact. For more than 35 years she has applied her knowledge in aquaculture and natural resource management to help eradicate food insecurity, improve nutrition and reduce poverty in some of the poorest regions of the world.

As senior fisheries officer with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, Menezes works with member nations to increase aquaculture production. Previously, she was national officer for the UN Environment Programme and she served as national director of planning and research for the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and aquaculture researcher at the Instituto Nacional de Investigação Pesqueira in her native country of Mozambique.

“I’ve witnessed from within the rise from Zero to the Blue Economy, the Blue Foods and the Blue Transformation movement, harvesting from the ocean, rivers and lakes, from man-made ponds to feed billions of people around the planet. It’s my great fortune to have been part of this,” she said, later adding, “What I really want to make clear is that what I learned at the Maxwell School in the public administration master’s degree program set me up for a fulfilling journey, a greater purpose and you in this room share in this honor.”

Peal, an attorney with 20 years of experience helping to ensure equal treatment for all under the law, received the Charles V. Willie Advocate Award. She was unable to attend the event to accept the award in person.

Peal previously worked as the assistant district attorney in the Bronx County District Attorney Office, handling litigation and conducting investigations into criminal activity ranging from contraband to gang assaults. She also represented New York City employees in housing court as an attorney for District Council 37 Union and was a staff attorney with Essex-Newark Legal Services, which provides free legal assistance to very low-income residents. She is a founding member of the Maxwell School’s Alumni Affinity Group and a frequent mentor to current students and alumni.

The ���ϲ����� community is invited to one of the most inspiring and unforgettable nights of the year—the . On Friday, April 4, 2025, we’ll gather to honor outstanding alumni who embody the Orange spirit through their remarkable achievements, leadership and service.

The evening will be a beautiful tribute to the power of the ���ϲ����� experience. From heartfelt videos to moments of pure Orange pride, the Alumni Awards Celebration is a can’t-miss event that brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to recognize and applaud excellence.

The celebration begins at 5 p.m. (doors open at 4:30) at the National Veterans Resource Center, Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building. A reception will follow until 8 p.m. !

Awardees are chosen by the ���ϲ����� Alumni Association Board of Directors.

The George Arents Award is ���ϲ�����’s highest alumni honor and recognizes individuals who have excelled in their fields.��This year’s honorees are��Paul Greenberg ’65, P’03;��Melanie Littlejohn G’97; ���Ի���Judith “Judy” C. Mower ’66, G’73, G’80, Ph.D.’84.

Chelsea Ransom-Cooper ’15��will receive the Generation Orange Award, which recognizes graduates from the past decade for career success, community engagement and overall commitment to ���ϲ�����.

Jack Kreischer ’65��will receive the Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award for his loyalty and service to ���ϲ����� over the past 50 years.

Jamieson R. Ritter ’19��will posthumously receive the Military/Veteran Alumni Award. Ritter was killed in the line of duty while serving as a police officer in Cleveland, Ohio. This award highlights his bravery and dedication to our country and community.

Kimberly Wolf Price L’03��will be awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for her commitment to ���ϲ����� as a volunteer.

Whether you’re a student looking for inspiration, a faculty or staff member eager to celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni, or a proud alum yourself, this event is for you. Expect an evening filled with powerful storytelling, meaningful connections and an atmosphere brimming with Orange spirit.

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to celebrate our incredible alumni and connect with the broader ���ϲ����� community. The awards celebration is complimentary, but space is limited—!

Kim and Mike Venutolo

Michael “Mike” Venutolo ’77 and his wife, Kim, vividly remember sharing an eight-hour bus ride through the 110-degree desert in the United Arab Emirates with a half dozen engineering students from ���ϲ�����. Mike had helped design a novel two-week internship experience to expose the students to issues involved in producing and transporting potable water hundreds of miles across the desert. It was the kind of experiential learning that the Venutolos have supported through their philanthropy. The kind that directly and rapidly transforms the student experience.

“In the many hours we spent together, we learned so much about their lives and hopes and dreams,” says Kim. “T���se students come from all walks of life and many of them don’t have the funding they need to help them get where they want to go.” The desire to directly help students “get where they want to go” is the motivation behind their recent gifts to the Forever Orange Campaign for ���ϲ����� and what has become a nearly $2 million legacy in philanthropy that can only be described as “outside the box” thinking by a dedicated alumnus who describes himself as “atypical.”

Venutolo, who was appointed to the University Board of Trustees in 2022, came from modest means—his father was a plumber, and he grew up in a New Jersey town where many teens went to vocational and technical high schools to learn trade skills. “I grew up in a household filled with experiences,” says Venutolo. “T���re was a lot less learning from textbooks and a lot more learning from doing what my parents and grandparents did.”

His parents insisted that he go to college, but he says he didn’t do very well—until he met a counselor who helped him identify a field where he could excel (civil engineering) and a few professors who spent the time to support his success.

The atypical student became an atypical graduate, taking his engineering degree overseas to work in Saudi Arabia. “I was a junior engineer, working on a multibillion-dollar project building the world’s first major desalination plant,” Venutolo says. “We had no Google. If we had a critical question, we had to drive two hours to the closest telegraph office. It was hands-on problem solving.”

Venutolo would spend more than four decades living overseas, building a successful career and creating a company that became a worldwide leader in engineering and construction services. Living in the Gulf region and England, he was disconnected from the Orange community, but decided to attend his 30th class reunion and forge a new bond to bring his international experience to benefit his alma mater. He helped originate the Middle East Regional Council and engaged his company, Raymond International Pipeline Services Group, in the design and implementation of summer internships for civil and environmental engineering students.

The Venutolos designed and supported engineering internship experiences, which included this group of six students who went to a site in Kuwait in 2014.

In a 2012 article published in the American Society for Engineering Education, ���ϲ����� professors credited Venutolo with “helping to create and support another model for successful development of future global engineers.” The article, titled “Stepping Outside the Box: Education of Global Engineers,” detailed the significance of this kind of experiential programming. “T���se programs have provided an essential service to the engineering profession by providing students with a solid foundation of genuine openness, cultural curiosity and cultural understanding, as well as a greater appreciation for the power of communication, interpersonal relationship skills, organization and team membership,” the professors wrote.

Venutolo also supported the creation of a new construction engineering lab in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) in 2016, providing students on campus with a dedicated space for hands-on educational and research initiatives. His appreciation for international experiences and experiential learning is reflected in Venutolo’s most recent philanthropy, pledging nearly $1 million to create or support:

• Kim and Michael Venutolo ’77 Fund for Experiential Learning to support students studying abroad and the London Center program with particular focus on community and cultural engagement through program-sponsored travel,
• Kim and Michael Venutolo ’77 Fund for Professional Development to augment the activities of ECS clubs and societies specifically oriented to building professional skills, networking and education through their activities, including student travel to conferences,
• Kim and Michael Venutolo ’77 Undergraduate Endowment Scholarship to provide scholarship and financial assistance to deserving ECS undergraduates,
• Kim and Michael Venutolo ’77 Fund for Remembrance and Lockerbie Exchange to support trips to Lockerbie, the Lockerbie Academy and other remembrance related activities and
• Invention Accelerator Fund, which supports undergraduates as they design, prototype and pitch their inventions.

“We want to make a difference in individual students’ lives, to make it possible to attend a conference or get a passport or get on a plane to the Middle East,” says Venutolo. For his wife, Kim, who never had a chance to get a college degree, helping college students achieve their dreams is particularly satisfying. “I feel like these students try their hardest and we like to help.”

“Mike and Kim have a deep understanding of the importance of experiential learning opportunities to student academic, professional and personal growth, and a passion for supporting these opportunities abroad,” says Erika Wilkens, Ph.D., assistant provost and executive director of ���ϲ����� Abroad. “T���ir generous gift will provide students with invaluable immersive learning experiences in London, Lockerbie and beyond, and enable them to develop global skills that will benefit them for years to come.”

Both Venutolos have been judges for , which encourages the kind of innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that guided Michael in his career development. “Michael has told me that he credits ���ϲ����� with his ability to succeed,” says Kim, who went to work after high school in order to help her family financially. Now married nearly 20 years, Michael credits Kim with being “a champion for the underdog” and identifying opportunities for philanthropy that directly help students. “It doesn’t have to be huge dollars,” says Kim. “It’s just got to be from your heart. I love the University that has adopted me. I’ve become Orange.”

“Through these extraordinary gifts, Mike and Kim have given current and future Orange students the chance to pursue a life-changing education: an education that is distinctive in the way it fosters innovation and professional growth,” says ECS Dean J. Cole Smith. “Thanks to them, ECS will now be able to provide new life-changing scholarships, support experiential learning initiatives through our engineering and computing clubs and organizations, and devise groundbreaking inventions through our invention accelerator program, Invent@SU.”

“When we can talk to the students, see what they are inventing or touch what they are building, that’s what gets us excited,” says Venutolo. Now that he is based in the states (he and Kim live in New Jersey), he has more access to the students and more reasons to visit campus as a University Trustee. “I’m really honored and proud to be part of the group. I’m enjoying bringing an international perspective and more outside the box thinking.”

The Venutolos’ philanthropy helps support such initiatives as Invent@SU.

Richard Alexander

Over the last decade, Richard Alexander L’82 has navigated his chosen profession (the law) and his chosen passion (���ϲ����� and its law school) through incredibly challenging waters. As partner, managing partner and chair of one of the nation’s most prestigious law firms, Arnold & Porter, and as current University and College of Law , Alexander has always been directed by a North Star, a guiding light amidst uncertainty.

“During very dynamic and demanding times in academia and the legal profession, I have found some common challenges and opportunities.�� Among other things, universities and law firms are in the talent business,” says Alexander, who became at the start of 2025. “T��� mission of the university is to recruit and retain very talented people, develop student scholars and create the kinds of connections that will help them become future leaders of the world. Law is a similarly noble profession, but it has become brutally competitive, which requires law firms to differentiate themselves in terms of talent recruitment and retention while delivering great results for clients.”

Alexander is deeply proud of and grateful for the four decades spent at a law firm that is well known for its cutting-edge work, its strong pro bono program and its focus on providing opportunities for personal and professional growth throughout the organization. During his nearly ten years as chairman of the firm, he led the strategic combination of Arnold & Porter and Kaye Scholer (in 2017), and saw the combined entity surpass $1 billion in revenue in 2021. With more than 1,000 employees in 15 offices worldwide, Arnold & Porter has consistently been named to��The American Lawyer’s��A-List, according to the magazine, because of its ability to balance industry pressures with a commitment to core values.

Core Values

When the A-List was announced last year, Alexander said, “Our inclusion in The American Lawyer’s��A-List is a reflection of the firm’s continuing commitment to providing extraordinary client service, protecting and defending the rule of law, having a diverse workplace and investing in our talent.” He says those core values were reinforced while studying at the College of Law, including a commitment to pro bono work and the value of public service.

With his law degree, Alexander began his legal career in the federal government in the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Though he was recruited just three years later to join Arnold & Porter, he told ���ϲ����� law students that he left government work with great reluctance. In remarks delivered to first-year law students at the Sherman F. Levey Lecture in 2010, Alexander said, “Public service offers an opportunity to get fantastic experience and responsibility.��While I recognize that government jobs are not as lucrative as the private sector, they can be more rewarding in terms of professional development and personal growth.”

This belief drove the establishment of a scholarship in honor of his parents, the Rhoda S. and Albert M. Alexander Memorial Scholarship, to encourage law students to pursue public and government service. It also drives distinction for Arnold & Porter. Alexander points out the significance of its continuing pro bono portfolio of work. “We’re the firm that secured the constitutional right to counsel in��Gideon v. Wainwright—argued by one of our founding partners, Abe Fortas—and we believe we are one of the leading pro bono firms in the world,”��he .

Public Service Ethos

From helping to secure American Sign Language interpreters at White House briefings, to protecting civil rights and voting rights, to cases involving police discrimination, housing, public benefits, immigration and unemployment, the firm nurtures a public service ethos among associates and partners. Last year, Arnold & Porter was recognized by The American Lawyer as a top 10 firm on its .

“Do not forget those who are in need, and put your law degree to work to help the community at large,” Alexander counseled law students during his lecture.

Kevin Toomey L’12 says Alexander and the firm have “done a great job in recruiting top talent from the law school” and describes the firm’s commitment to both excellence and public service as a “unique combination.” A ���ϲ����� native, Toomey first met Alexander while Toomey was in law school working at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and rising star at Arnold & Porter and head of the firm’s financial services practice group.

“It takes a certain type of character to lead a law firm of 1,000 very qualified, credentialed and also opinionated lawyers,” says Toomey. “Richard did that very well, while balancing collegiality and client success, getting the best of the best and retaining talent, and holding on to our core values as a firm.”

���ϲ�����’s ‘Secret Sauce’

Both Toomey and Alexander believe that ���ϲ����� law school graduates are well-prepared to compete in an increasingly competitive industry. Both agree there’s something intangible about ���ϲ����� that strengthens its students. “Maybe it’s walking up the hill to the law school through the snow every day,” says Toomey with a chuckle. “You feel some kind of obligation and responsibility to prove yourself.”

Alexander calls it ���ϲ�����’s “secret sauce,” a kind of grittiness. “We also have a strong moral compass at the University,” says Alexander, who was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2016 and currently serves as its vice chair. He will become chair of the Academic Affairs Committee in May.

“Universities have had to navigate through some important challenges, including the rising cost of education, changes in athletics, the implications of technology and online learning,” says Alexander. “I think ���ϲ����� has done an excellent job and there’s more to be done. The University and law school must continue to differentiate themselves. I want people to understand the strengths of the University as a place that brings together people with different life experiences and from all walks of life.”

Similarly, Alexander points to Arnold & Porter’s commitment to be a place that is welcoming to all. That idea of bringing a wide range of perspectives to the college and practice of law inspired the creation of the Hon. Theodore A. McKee L’75 Endowed Law Scholarship. Alexander and his wife, Emily, made a substantial gift to help establish the scholarship in 2022 to honor the legendary graduate and jurist whose public service demonstrated a deep concern for social justice and to provide opportunity for deserving students.

No matter what his role Alexander remains a steward of ethical principles and the dual pursuit of justice and excellence. After all, he says, “we are teaching young people to be citizens of the world.”

Andreas Acrivos

The College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) noted the passing of chemical engineering alumnus Andreas Acrivos ’50, on Feb. 17, 2025. Acrivos was recognized by the American Institute of Physics as one of the greatest fluid dynamicists of the 20th century and was a leading figure in the chemical engineering field.

Born in Greece, he came to the U.S. to study at the University on a fellowship and received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1950. He earned a Ph.D. degree from the University of Minnesota in 1954 and began his academic career as a faculty member in chemical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, shortly after.

In 1962, he moved to the newly formed chemical engineering department at Stanford University and played a major role in bringing the chemical engineering program to national prominence. In 1986, Acrivos became the Albert Einstein Professor of Science and Engineering and the director of the Benjamin Levich Institute for Physico-Chemical Hydrodynamics at the City College of New York, where he worked until his retirement in 2001.

Acrivos won numerous awards and recognitions for his research. He was a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Arts and Sciences. He served as editor-in-chief of the scientific journal Physics of Fluids from 1982 to 1997. He received the National Medal of Science from President George Bush in 2002 and was awarded honorary doctor of science degrees from several universities. During his long academic career, he also mentored numerous students, many of whom distinguished themselves in academia and the industry.

“T��� two-quarter course that Professor Acrivos taught at Stanford was the most memorable course I ever took in my entire education,” says biomedical and chemical engineering professor Ashok Sangani, who was one of Acrivos’ graduate advisees. “T��� course was so good that I have been teaching the same material at ���ϲ����� over the past 40 years even though there is a lot of temptation to add more. It was simply a classic!”

As a fitting tribute to his monumental mentorship, the American Physical Society named its annual award for the outstanding doctoral dissertation in fluid dynamics after Acrivos. Since 2014, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers has also given the Andreas Acrivos Award for Professional Progress in Chemical Engineering to individuals who have made significant contributions to chemical engineering.

Acrivos’s enduring legacy is reflected in his stellar academic family, which spans approximately four generations of scholars teaching at various universities across the United States and the world. Additionally, he was a great support of ECS and its commitment to providing its students with transformative learning experiences. His impact will be felt for generations to come.

John Chawner ’84 holds a disk of aluminum that was part of a testing device for supersonic airflow he created during his time at the University. Chawner recently provided a gift to establish a new endowed professorship.

In his home office, John Chawner ’84 proudly displays a disk of aluminum dated “4-8-84.” It is a treasured memento from his days at ���ϲ����� and, in many ways, it is symbolic of his approach to service and philanthropy to his alma mater, which includes a recent gift establishing a new endowed professorship. Chawner vividly recalls assembling a 100-foot-long shock tube, a testing device for supersonic airflow, in the basement of Link Hall, assembling it from parts, bolts and instrumentation that was scattered in offices throughout the engineering building. It was part of an independent study project under John LaGraff, then professor of mechanical, aerospace and manufacturing engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“Creating such a device required open-ended thinking that is critical to learning,” says Chawner, who credits ���ϲ����� for laying the foundation for a highly successful career that made possible the generous gift for the professorship. “I feel that I was transformed by my time at the University, from a raw 18-year-old to someone ready to enter the professional world. I want to ensure that today’s students and professors are able to maximize their time at ���ϲ����� and enjoy the benefits of higher education.”

Chawner has supported scholarships for deserving students for years, but his latest gift funds an endowed professorship within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Through the Forever Orange Faculty Excellence Program, the University will match one-third of the gift to ensure that the John R. Chawner Endowed Professorship��has the resources to support world-class scholars and the research needed to propel their work forward.

Chawner earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering in 1984 and, later, a master’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. Immediately after graduation from ���ϲ�����, he got a job with General Dynamics in Texas. “I came out of ���ϲ����� with a great body of knowledge and raw skills that allowed me to get into the aerospace and defense field at a great time,” says Chawner. “I’m an engineer by degree but I’m a programmer by practice because I got involved in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), which was a brand new software technology back then. A bunch of us 22- to 25-year-olds were given the opportunity to develop this capability from scratch and that launched the rest of my career.”

Cultivating Talent

Chawner would go on to launch Pointwise Inc., which became internationally renowned for developing mesh generation software for CFD in aerospace applications. The technology has been applied to virtually every major military aircraft and spacecraft, including the F-16, F-22, F-35, B-2, and Space Shuttle. After more than 26 years at the helm, Chawner sold Pointwise to Cadence Design Systems where he continued to work until retiring in 2023 and forming his own consulting firm.

“Owning a small business is like agreeing to be punched in the face for a living,” Chawner told an interviewer in a blog on how to become a CFD engineer. In all seriousness, he loved the process of cultivating talent, inspiring creativity in teams, and the continuous learning required to develop and successfully market new technologies. “Everyone wants to pigeonhole engineers,” he says, but he personally defied being defined and found great value in following more than 300 blogs in engineering, business and marketing. He calls himself “an early adopter” of social media and eventually created a very popular blog called Another Fine Mesh to educate and share information.

Chawner is still educating, sharing and inspiring through a company called (he’s the chief gibberish officer), where he attempts to redefine the stereotype of consultants. “What you need is someone with direct experience to guide you through the gibberish with simple, direct and actionable advice. That’s my role,” he says, adding the consulting work allows him to remain relevant, to pass along earned wisdom.

Building Future Engineers

Chawner brings that same wisdom and experience to his role as a member of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Advisory Board at the College of Engineering and Computer Science and as a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council. “John’s service to the college is invaluable,” says Dean J. Cole Smith. “He has acquired wisdom over the years that has impacted our approach to educating and preparing engineering students for successful careers. His generosity has opened doors, helped build futures and, with this new gift, creates a legacy that will continue to support innovation and creativity for generations to come.”

“I’m a big believer that an engineering education should not be like going to a trade school. It’s about developing the aptitude and ability to learn,” says Chawner, who describes himself as a continuous learner. “An engineering education allows one to be very impactful and I want to enable students and professors to enjoy that. The investment Micron has made in the ���ϲ����� region amplifies that impact and essentially multiplies the effect of the gift.”

Chawner says he views philanthropy as a way to give back “to a place that gave me so much in terms of education and other life experiences.” Those “experiences” include his wife, Cathy, of nearly 40 years, whom he met “at a mixer” during freshman year. They lived in the same dorm and share many memories, including the first football games in the then-Carrier Dome.

Those were the years in the first phase of life, says Chawner—the learning phase, which is followed by the earning phase, and finally, the returning phase. Learn, earn, return. “I’m in the return phase where I give back what I’ve learned and earned,” he says.

Five extraordinary Maxwell School alumni will be recognized, and the school’s commitment to engaged citizenship will be celebrated, at a March 27 event at ���ϲ�����’s new home in Washington, D.C.

Members of the community are invited to an upcoming event in Washington, D.C., that will honor five accomplished alumni whose careers and civic contributions exemplify a commitment to giving back and improving the lives of others.

The annual Awards of Excellence, to be held on Thursday, March 27, will also serve as an opportunity to reunite, celebrate the school’s enduring commitment to engaged citizenship and visit ���ϲ�����’s newest DC home.

It will be held at ���ϲ�����’s recently opened center in the heart of Dupont Circle. It houses the and serves as a home base for study away programs offered by the Maxwell School, the and the .

Established in 2022, the Awards of Excellence program celebrates the contributions of the school’s alumni and friends to their fields, communities and society through work that reflects the Maxwell School mission and values. Recognition categories include the Compass Award, 1924 Award, Bridge Award, Charles V. Willie Advocate Award and Spirit of Public Service Award. In the spring of 2024 the event was expanded to celebrate Maxwell’s centennial year.

“We are honored to welcome members of the Maxwell community to join us for an evening of celebration and reflection,” says Dean David M. Van Slyke. “Now in its fourth year, I look forward to this event each spring as it fills me with a sense of pride and hope. This year’s awardees work in and across the public and private sectors in a range of professions. Through their work and additional pursuits, they have demonstrated engaged citizenship, and a sustained commitment to leaving what they find greater, better and more beautiful. This public service ethos is central to our mission since the school’s founding in 1924.”

The five 2025 honorees are Margaret Abraham ’89 Ph.D. (Soc); Tom Bozzuto ’71 M.P.A.; Sahil Jain ’13 B.A. (IR); Ana Maria Menezes ’06 M.A. (PA); and Tiesha Peal ’99 B.A. (PSc).

Margaret Abraham

Abraham is the recipient of the 1924 Award, honoring graduates for their distinguished and sustained professional or civic leadership and achievement in the spirit of the Maxwell School mission. She is a professor of sociology and the Harry H. Wachtel Distinguished Teaching Professor for the Study of Nonviolent Social Change at Hofstra University, where she has served on the faculty for 35 years. Her leadership roles include serving as past president of the International Sociological Association and, at Hofstra, as senior vice provost for academic affairs, special advisor to the provost for diversity initiatives and director of the Women’s Studies Program.

An author, lecturer and advisor, Abraham bridges scholarship and social justice advocacy in the areas of ethnicity, gender, migration and domestic violence. She is the author of four books and two special volumes, including “Speaking the Unspeakable: Marital Violence Among South Asian Immigrants in the United States.” She has been quoted in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Newsday and India Today.

Tom Bozzuto

Bozzuto, chairman and co-founder of The Bozzuto Group, is the recipient of the Bridge Award which honors exemplary leadership across sectors while upholding the Maxwell School’s mission of making the world a better place. He has led an extraordinary career in real estate development and management, creating more than 62,000 homes and apartments and nurturing vibrant multifamily communities. A Baltimore community leader, he is a driving force-for-good in civic and charitable circles.

Before attending the Maxwell School, Bozzuto served as a combat correspondent for the 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Early in his career, he worked for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and spent 13 years as mid-Atlantic regional partner at Oxford Development Corp. His leadership roles have included serving as board chair of the Baltimore Community Foundation, the National Multifamily Housing Council, the Maryland Science Center, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he received undergraduate and honorary degrees. He also served as a congressional appointee to the Millennial Housing Commission and twice as a gubernatorial appointee to the Maryland Housing Commission.

Sahil Jain

Jain is the recipient of this year’s Compass Award for his exceptional accomplishments as an early-career alumnus. A foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State, Jain has led an exemplary career in diverse roles across the U.S. government helping to advance peace and security around the world. From 2024-25, he was special assistant to the deputy secretary of state, focused on U.S. policy related to South and Central Asia. He served in the White House as a senior advisor at the National Security Council and as policy advisor in the Vice President’s Office of National Security Affairs.

A career diplomat, Jain was a political officer at U.S. Embassies in China from 2021-23 and India from 2018-20. He has contributed to key policy initiatives in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs and at USAID. He also managed the foreign affairs portfolio for California Congressman Ami Bera as a legislative assistant.

Ana Maria Menezes

Menezes is the recipient of this year’s Spirit of Public Service Award, which recognizes contributions that have had a widespread global impact. For more than 35 years she has applied her vast knowledge in aquaculture and natural resource management to help eradicate food insecurity, improve nutrition and reduce poverty in some of the poorest regions of the world.

As senior fisheries officer with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, Menezes works with member nations to increase aquaculture production using best practices that are both sustainable and profitable. She leaves a legacy of capacity development and good governance frameworks for government officers, financial institutions and farmers. Previously, Menezes was national officer for the UN Environment Programme and she served as national director of planning and research for the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and aquaculture researcher at the Instituto Nacional de Investigação Pesqueira in her native country of Mozambique.

Tiesha Peal

Peal, an attorney with 20 years of experience helping to ensure equal treatment for all under the law, is the recipient of the Charles V. Willie Advocate Award.

Peal previously worked as the assistant district attorney in the Bronx County District Attorney Office, handling litigation and conducting investigations into criminal activity ranging from contraband to gang assaults. She also represented New York City employees in housing court as an attorney for District Council 37 Union and was a staff attorney with Essex-Newark Legal Services, which provides free legal assistance to very low-income residents. She is a founding member of the Maxwell School’s Alumni Affinity Group and a frequent mentor to current students and alumni.

Seventeen students from the University were selected for Fulbright research, study and teaching awards for academic year 2024-25 to Andorra, Argentina, Germany, India, Italy, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Tajikistan and the United Kingdom.

The Fulbright competition is administered at��. This is the fifth time—and third year in a row—the University was named a Fulbright Top Producing Institution. The University was previously recognized for the 2012-13 cohort (under campus Fulbright advisor and professor emerita Susan Wadley) and the 2019-20, 2022-23 and 2023-24 cohorts (under CFSA).

Thirty-eight faculty and staff members from across the University served on the campus Fulbright committee supporting the 2024-25 applicants. The committee is convened by CFSA; members interview applicants, provide feedback and complete a campus endorsement for each applicant. “Preparing our students to be strong Fulbright applicants, and supporting them through the application process, is an all-campus effort. Faculty and staff are crucial,” says Jolynn Parker, director of CFSA.

Alec Rovensky ’21, a School of Architecture alumnus, received a research/study grant to Germany. He has been pursuing a master’s degree in architecture typology at the Technische Universität Berlin. There, he is researching Berlin’s urban restructuring efforts through the adaptive reuse of buildings as a strategy to address the city’s housing crisis, with a focus on housing migrants and refugees. He is working with the Habitat Unit, a research center developing new approaches for urban change processes.

Alec Rovensky ’21, an alumnus of the School of Architecture, received a research/study grant to Germany in the 2024-25 Fulbright cycle.

Rovensky’s architecture cohort consists of students from all over the world, and his school offers courses that explore urban issues in a variety of global locations, including courses focused on Arab urbanisms and hand-crafting techniques in China. Next week, Rovensky will participate in a seminar hosted by Fulbright in Luxembourg and Brussels, where he and his cohort will visit the headquarters of the European Union and NATO.

He is also embracing life in Berlin. “I have been using the past seven months to explore my new home city’s museums, cafes and cultural centers. Berlin is one of the most bikeable cities I’ve ever visited, and I’ve been using my bike as much as I can to explore around. I’ve also been learning more about the many layers of history in Berlin, and visiting sites like the Berlin Wall Memorial to get a glimpse into what life was like in a formerly divided city.”

Rovensky says his Fulbright experience has also been a time of much personal growth.“By challenging myself to move to an unfamiliar place, meeting people with diverse perspectives, and embracing the differences in culture and attitude, I’ve placed myself in a position where I am learning and growing every day,” he says. “This experience has been eye-opening and will help me become a more well-rounded and globally aware designer and researcher in the future.”

Students apply for Fulbright awards in the fall and awards are made in the spring. In the current competition for the 2025-26 cohort, 29 of the University’s 44 applicants have been named as semifinalists. Awards will be announced this spring.

Fulbright is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. It is also among the largest and most diverse exchange programs in the world. Since its inception in 1946, more than 400,000 participants from all backgrounds and fields—including recent university graduates, teachers, scientists, researchers, artists and others, from the United States and over 160 other countries—have participated in the Fulbright Program. Fulbright alumni have returned to their home countries to make an impact on their communities thanks to their expanded worldview, a deep appreciation for their host country and its people, and a larger network of colleagues and friends.

Fulbright alumni work to make a positive impact on their communities, sectors and the world and have included 41 heads of state or government, 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 78 MacArthur Fellows and countless leaders and changemakers who carry forward the Fulbright mission of enhancing mutual understanding.

More information about the��.�� Students and alumni interested in applying for a Fulbright award in the next cycle should contact CFSA at cfsa.syr.edu.

This group of graduates was also stepping into the record books, as these 497 students recently reported the highest percentage of job placements and starting salaries for the Whitman School. A 180-day post-graduation survey of the Class of 2024, facilitated by the Whitman Career Center, reported that 98.7% of students actively pursuing full-time employment had secured a job, with an average starting salary of $72,156—far exceeding similar data collected over the past five years that averaged a 93.4% job placement rate and a $66,220 average starting salary.

The , overseen by Director Kara Primrose, played a pivotal role in these outstanding results. By providing transformative opportunities that connect academic knowledge to real-world applications, the Career Center team equips students with the life skills and meaningful experiences needed to succeed in a dynamic global economy.

“T��� Whitman Career Center team feels incredibly fortunate to support our students on their career journeys and see hard work lead to meaningful success,” says Primrose. “T��� dedication of our career advisors and the Whitman community, along with the hard work and determination of our students, collectively play a vital role in these outcomes. It is inspiring to see students gain clarity and confidence over their time at Whitman, developing the skills and passion needed to make a real impact in their fields. Their achievements are a testament to not only their efforts but also the strong academic and professional foundation of the Whitman School.”

The Whitman Career Center provides transformative opportunities that connect academic knowledge to real-world applications for students, enabling them to succeed in a dynamic global economy.

According to Primrose, Whitman students are highly sought after by top employers worldwide. The Class of 2024 secured positions at prestigious firms such as Bank of America, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs, GroupM, JPMorgan Chase & Co., KPMG, Morgan Stanley, PepsiCo, PwC, Ross Stores, Tapestry, the Walt Disney Company, TJX Companies and Wells Fargo.

“We are tremendously excited to see the outstanding job placement and salary results from the Class of 2024. We know how talented our Whitman students are and are proud that our industry partners see this in the same way. We congratulate our successful students and our outstanding Career Center team who help support and prepare them to launch their careers,” says Interim Dean Alex McKelvie. “T���se most recent placement numbers are a testament to the current impact and potential for the future of our Career Center and the Whitman School’s goal of becoming a Top 25 business school—and, it’s increasingly clear that we are on the right track.”

The School of Education’s freshman class being welcomed to campus during orientation in August 2024.

The School of Education will celebrate Alumni Week 2025 in February by launching EdMentor Connect, a pilot student-alumni mentoring program. EdMentor Connect will pair current undergraduate students with alumni to foster professional growth, enhance career readiness and provide students with insight into their future professions.

The program’s launch begins with —on Feb. 19 and 20—and culminates with a on Feb.y 21 at 5 p.m. in Huntington Hall’s Sharon H. Jacquet ’72 Education Commons. The invites School of Education undergraduates to build a profile to make the best match with an alum.

EdMentor Connect was developed by student leaders in the Deans’ Undergraduate Advisory Panel, with help from Assistant Dean for Student Success and Career and Certification Counselor and with support from Assistant Dean for Advancement and the School of Education .

“Everyone can benefit from a mentor, but those students who are in a teacher program and maybe realize they don’t want to only work in the classroom—and specifically our students—can learn about other real-world experiences,” says Gill, who will be the program’s point of contact and pair alumni with undergraduates. “A lot of students don’t realize the opportunities available for an education degree graduate, and our alumni have such a wide variety of backgrounds.”

“We have an extensive Orange network, and we help each other like a family,” says Hsiao, referring to the school’s more than 23,500 alumni, and especially Advisory Board members and School of Education , who have signed up to advise undergraduates. “Any and all students can benefit from EdMentor Connect, and mentors can offer students different perspectives on their futures.”

As she prepares to graduate, selected studies in education student Sofia DaCruz ’25, a member of the Undergraduate Advisory Panel, says she is “excited to connect with someone in the field for career advice.”

“As a senior, I think this program will be especially useful for students like me who are trying to figure out what they can do with the major after graduation,” DaCruz says.

Advisory Board Member Emily R. Ades ’89, P’21, P’23 says she is excited for the launch of the pilot program, ready to take on a mentee, and believes that mentoring programs can help students of any age.

Ades, currently director of The Kinnect Foundation, the nonprofit arm of fashion brand Kith, recalls how informal advisers have helped her throughout her career. “I started as an elementary school teacher had a mentor for nine years,” Ades says. “I then worked for the New York City Department of Education for Mayor Michael Bloomberg and found someone there, and for the past 12 years a mentor has helped me work in the nonprofit sector.”

Like Ades, Gill says mentors helped her early in her career. In fact, her host teacher from when she was a student teacher became her coach when she was hired into her placement school. “She stayed with me into my post-graduate life and shared teaching practices that I also used,” Gill says.

Madison Zeltzer ’25 contributed to this story.

Pictured from left to right: JaSheika James, Stacy Ike, JaNeika James and Ta’Rhonda Jones on the set of “Empire.”

JaNeika James G’05 and her twin sister, JaSheika, grew up watching television and “fell in love with TV” and the possibilities it could mean for them.

JaNeika James

Today, the two are accomplished TV writers and producers of several shows, including JaNeika’s role as supervising producer on FOX’s groundbreaking hit show, “Empire,” among others.

“Our story is an example of how dreams can be manifested. A lot of people think that you have to know every single step to get to where you want to be,” JaNeika says. “T��� truth is, if you’re clear and have a vision for what it is that you want to do with your life, all you have to do is declare it.”

On Feb. 7, JaNeika will bring her message to young scholars as the keynote speaker at the . The ceremony, which is open to the entire University community, honors from the previous year who have successfully transitioned to their second year on campus. Those who would like to attend are encouraged to .

“Allowed Us to Dream”

As youngsters, the James twins lived on an Air Force base in Wiesbaden, Germany, where their mother was stationed. Access to television was limited, and the offerings available were predominantly in German.

Thankfully for the sisters, their grandparents in the U.S. mailed them VHS tapes of popular U.S. TV shows like “A Different World,” “T��� Cosby Show,” “Cheers,” “T��� Golden Girls” and “Empty Nest.”

Watching television became “a source of comfort” for the sisters, and JaNeika says it provided hours of entertainment and it “allowed us to dream of what was possible for ourselves,” says JaNeika, who earned a master’s degree in television, radio and film from the .

It was an unlikely way to start their lifelong love affair with television, but today, JaNeika and JaSheika are accomplished TV writers. JaNeika was supervising producer on FOX’s groundbreaking hit show, “Empire,” co-executive producer on Netflix’s limited series, “True Story” and HBO Max’s reboot of “Gossip Girl,” and an executive producer on Peacock’s hit show, “Bel-Air.”

JaNeika and JaSheika co-authored a book, “Living Double,” describing their experiences working in the ultra-competitive TV industry in Hollywood. It outlines how, no matter the obstacles, the sisters were determined to turn their dreams into reality.

Pictured on the set of “Bel-Air” are (from left to right): JaNeika James (writer and executive producer), Jabari Banks (who plays Will Smith) and JaSheika James (writer and executive producer).

James sat down with SU News to discuss ���ϲ�����’s impact on her life, her successful career, the importance of giving back to current students and her message for the WellsLink students during their Transitions Ceremony.

What impact has ���ϲ����� has had on your life and your career?

The Newhouse School instills in those who decide to work in media an understanding of the importance of the media and how it shapes our world and culture. Knowing the responsibility we hold—not just as storytellers in Hollywood, but also those who deliver information through journalistic integrity.

There is a huge responsibility that comes with putting content out into the world for all to see and hear. That responsibility was embedded in me at ���ϲ�����. It’s had an incredible impact on my career.

What show had the greatest influence on you?��

“Living Single.” The stars were Queen Latifah, Erika Alexander, Kim Fields and Kim Coles. When that show first aired, it was the first time I saw a show with Black women of all different shapes and sizes, who were best friends living their best lives as single, independent women. “Living Single” allowed me and my twin sister to see a future version of ourselves, and what was possible for our careers.

When did you realize you had made it as a producer?

That first time I was on set for “Empire.” I was flown out to Chicago to produce my first episode of television. I had been a fan of the show since season one and became a writer during season two. To go from being a fan of the show to walking into the studios and seeing where all the scenes were filmed was pretty incredible for me as a huge television fan.

One of the best feelings I’ve had as a writer is seeing actors I know and love—from Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson to Demi Moore, Forrest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard, among others— say words that literally came from my head. To witness them bring my words to life is when it started to settle in that I was actually living my dream.

JaNeika James poses with the cast of “Bel-Air.”

How can your success inspire future generations?

Representation is extremely important. If it wasn’t for representation, I personally would not be in this business. I was truly inspired by “Living Single,” but what really stood out was when I read an article about Yvette Lee Bowser being the first African American woman to create and run her own TV show. That planted this idea in my head that I could one day be an African American woman who created and ran her own TV show.�� It’s been a goal of mine and my sister’s to be a source of inspiration and an example that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

Why is it important to give back to our students through the Our Time Has Come Scholarship Program?

I hope I’ve had an impact in helping students who didn’t think going to school was a possibility for them. I know what it’s like to want to go to college but not know if it’s something you can afford. I know what it feels like to have financial burdens when you’re deeply in pursuit of a dream. By supporting , I hope to help students feel free to pursue their dreams without being distracted by financial responsibilities.

What’s your message for WellsLink students during their transitions ceremony?

A lot of people have been disillusioned into thinking we are powerless through our circumstances. What I learned as an artist, writer, producer and African American woman is that there is a lot of power that we hold within that we, unfortunately, have been made to believe is not there. I really want to encourage and remind them of the power they hold to essentially move mountains—in their own lives and in the lives of everyone they encounter.

WellsLink Leadership Program Class of 2027

This year’s ceremony will honor the following students:

• Kaitlyn Arzu (S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications)
• Mouctar Barry (Martin J. Whitman School of Management)
• Angelie Serrano Báez (College of Arts and Sciences)
• Umar Bilgrammi (Arts and Sciences)
• Nashaly Bonilla (School of Architecture)
• Sydney Brockington (Arts and Sciences)
• Frances Brown (Whitman School)
• Samantha Chavez (Newhouse School)
• Karrington Clay (Arts and Sciences)
• Eliora Enriquez (College of Visual and Performing Arts)
• Matthew Esquivel (College of Engineering and Computer Science)
• Kiara Reyes Estevez (Whitman School)
• Khalil Foreman (Whitman School)
• Edward Garcia (School of Information Studies)
• Ryann Gholston (Information Studies)
• Samayee Gupte (Arts and Sciences)
• Lindsay Hiraoka (Engineering and Computer Science)
• Monica-Lillie Jacobs (Information Studies)
• AJ (Angie) Jaramillo (Visual and Performing Arts)
• Hayden Jones (Arts and Sciences)
• Amy Kim (Information Studies)
• John Lasso (Whitman School)
• Bryant Lin (Engineering and Computer Science)
• Valarie Lin (Arts and Sciences)
• Kelly Lopez (School of Architecture)
• Nehru Madan (Newhouse School)
• Emely Marte (Visual and Performing Arts)
• Rosmery Martinez (Whitman School)
• Ariana Mithu (Visual and Performing Arts)
• Sophie Navarrete (David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics)
• Dylan Okamoto (Whitman School)
• Kaylin Pagan (Arts and Sciences)
• Jiya Patel (Whitman School)
• Nayeli Perez (Information Studies)
• Simeon Sheldon (Falk College)
• Paris Smith (Arts and Sciences)
• Aramata Trawalley (Engineering and Computer Science)
• Jasmine Trenchfield (Newhouse School)
• Orezimena Ubogu (Arts and Sciences)
• Alexandra Vassel (Visual and Performing Arts)
• Aaron Wang (Whitman School)
• Yuki Zhang (Whitman School)

���ϲ����� will honor eight distinguished members of the Orange community during the , which is being held on Friday, April 4, in the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building (NVRC). All members of the community are invited to attend this complimentary program. Registration will open in February.

This annual event recognizes and celebrates the exceptional accomplishments of alumni and students who exemplify what it means to be Forever Orange.��The honorees were selected by the awards committee of the Board of Directors.��The committee will soon announce the 2025 Outstanding Future Alumni Award, which goes to a most deserving student.

The George Arents Award is ���ϲ�����’s highest alumni honor and recognizes individuals who have excelled in their fields.��This year’s honorees are Paul Greenberg ’65, P’03; Melanie Littlejohn G’97; and Judith “Judy” C. Mower ’66, G’73, G’80, Ph.D.’84.

Chelsea Ransom-Cooper ’15 will receive the Generation Orange Award, which recognizes graduates from the past decade for career success, community engagement and overall commitment to ���ϲ�����.

Jack Kreischer ’65 will receive the Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award for his loyalty and service to ���ϲ����� over the past 50 years.

Jamieson R. Ritter ’19 will posthumously receive the Military/Veteran Alumni Award. Ritter passed away in the line of duty while serving as a police officer in Cleveland, Ohio. This award highlights his bravery and dedication to our country and community.

Kimberly Wolf Price L’03 will be awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for her commitment to ���ϲ����� as a volunteer.

The Outstanding Future Alumni Award honoree will be announced in February.

and plan to join us in April for the celebration.

The program’s five focus areas—technology and media, schooling and diversity, physical activity, post-secondary and human services, or pre-teaching—prepare students for any career with a learning, training, service, or advocacy component, including coaching, counseling, higher education, instructional design, law, and library science.

Another path for SSE graduates is policy, politics and nonprofit and international development work, which has been the outcome for Yang and Woods.

Victor Yang ’16 says his education background comes in useful when advocating for older adults in the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging.

Yang ’16 is currently chief government affairs officer for the (NAPCA), having also worked in Congress, in the Biden Administration and for various political campaigns. Woods has worked for the Department of State (DOS) and, most recently, the Nakupuna Companies, a sub-contractor for the U.S. Bureau of Global Health, Security and Diplomacy. In December, she returned to DOS as the director of operations of the .

Yang’s and Woods’ careers illustrate how an SSE degree can provide in-demand skills and practical experiences—not to mention a spirit of exploration. Both alums are happy to pass along a few of the lessons learned from their journeys.

Lesson 1: It’s OK if classroom teaching isn’t for you—SSE lets you explore service careers beyond the classroom.

Both Yang and Woods set out to be classroom teachers, driven by early experiences. Yang, the son of immigrants, grew up in Boston’s Chinatown. As a young person, he worked as a legislative intern for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and at the American Chinese Christian Educational and Social Services (ACCESS), where he ran an after-school program to help Chinese immigrants navigate the educational system.

As an elementary education undergraduate, Yang had an early placement at a child care center, which gave him real world experience of the education system and challenged him “to think more about education policy, especially as this was during the implementation of No Child Left Behind.”

Yang’s interest in policy grew to the point he decided to transition to SSE in his junior year. Students often combine SSE with another major, and Yang also enrolled in English and textual studies: “I thought that honing my writing skills would help my job search.”

Originally from Florida, Woods was inspired to apply to SOE by her high school guidance counselor, an Orange alum. Like Yang, Woods began in elementary education. “One of the great things about SOE is that you get started early with classroom experience and by my sophomore year I had done both tutoring and classroom instruction,” says Woods.

Angela Woods ’05 (left) moderated the 2024 Women in Leadership panel for the U.S. Department of State’s TechWomen Program: “The opportunity was special because I had the pleasure of managing the program from 2019 to 2023.”

Although Woods eventually realized classroom teaching wasn’t for her, she wanted to stay in the education field, especially when she learned about careers in higher education. SSE’s flexibility also was attractive. “I could create my own path based on my interests,” she says.

Some of Woods’ interests lay in student development. Enrolled in the (part of SOE’s ), she interned for CAASD’s (CSTEP) during the summer. Selected studies also gave her the opportunity to , where she worked with the US-Spain Fulbright Commission in Madrid: “That opened my interest to international education and work in government.”

Lesson 2: When starting your career, networking works!

After graduating with his SSE and English degrees in 2016, Yang returned to ACCESS as a program coordinator, and like many freshly minted graduates, he made ends meet with a side gig driving for Uber.

But just as Yang took a chance on switching his majors, so he did with his career. A friend working in software engineering in the Capital Region persuaded him to give government service “a shot.” “So I moved to D.C. and went to networking events and started interning on Capitol Hill, answering phones and giving tours,” says Yang. These efforts eventually led to an entry level position as a health and appropriations legislative assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Networking works, at least in Yang’s case: “If you can get your foot in the door, it’s totally worth it, but if you don’t succeed, it might mean it’s not the right timing.” The path to government work is often circumstantial, and Yang suggests anyone looking for this type of career should not be discouraged if it doesn’t work out initially.

Lesson 3: Diversify your experiences—you never know what will come in useful.

Woods discovered one way to give herself the best chance of success in public service was to diversify her experiences and keep options open.

After graduating, she continued on her path to a higher education career, earning a master’s degree at the University of Maryland, College Park. Like Yang, Woods then returned to an earlier experience—at CSTEP (“I really enjoyed working with the students”)—but the Florida native confesses that ���ϲ�����’s notorious winters discouraged her from settling.

Besides, her next move was a perfect fit for her combined background in higher education, student development and government programs. At The Washington Center, Woods managed academic internships for the Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration, Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies.

In 2012, her internship abroad with the US-Spain Fulbright Commission proved useful, helping to land her job in DOS, where she assisted in managing the Critical Language Scholarship Program and eventually—from 2019 to 2023—the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ TechWomen program, which empowers women leaders in STEM from Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East.

“I never imagined as an education graduate I would end up working for DOS,” Woods says. “I thought the only federal agency that would be open to my background was the Department of Education.”

For the full story, visit the .

Sadie Keefe ’26 (English education) contributed to this article.

Weijia Jiang

CBS News and Stations is partnering with the to explore the growing challenges of navigating misinformation and disinformation.

Two days of programming that focus on questions about how to discern truth from falsehood begin Jan. 30, when journalists will take part in the “An Eye on Misinformation and Disinformation.” Among those scheduled to attend are CBS News’ senior White House correspondent����G’06, congressional correspondent����’98, reporter����’15 and CBS News Confirmed executive editor��.

Scott MacFarlane

The and workshop mark the start of a new partnership with CBS News and Stations that will provide more distinctive opportunities for Newhouse students to engage with alumni and learn from leaders in the field. Plans include collaborative content creation with the network and student engagement with CBS News and Stations journalists in New York, Washington, D.C., and other cities.

Ali Bauman

“We are thrilled to work with Newhouse’s talented students and faculty, leveraging this relationship to foster meaningful discussions and prepare future journalists to navigate the complexities of reporting locally, nationally and globally,” says Laurie Orlando, SVP of Talent Strategy and Development, CBS News and Stations.

The collaboration highlights Newhouse’s enduring commitment to excellence in journalism education as the school��, says Newhouse Dean .

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Newhouse students to learn from some of the best reporters, editors and producers in the country, starting with our timely and intensive discussions about maintaining journalistic integrity while combatting disinformation,” Lodato says.��“On behalf of ���ϲ�����, let me express our deep gratitude to the CBS News and Stations team for sharing their time and insights about these critical topics.”

Rhona Tarrant

, senior associate dean at Newhouse, ���Ի���, a research professor, will work alongside the CBS News team during the masterclass to help students navigate the tools and techniques available to analyze misinformation and disinformation. The session will include interactive case studies, analysis of real-world examples and a hands-on interactive session where participants learn and apply practical techniques to combat misinformation and disinformation.

The 25 Newhouse students participating in the masterclass have been selected from an application process, which was open to Newhouse juniors, seniors or graduate students. As part of the visit to Newhouse, members of the CBS News and Stations team will also review student reels.

The class was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were chosen based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at addressing a critical challenge or need in a community, profession or organization.

Ray Toenniessen

“I am honored to be selected as a Presidential Leadership Scholar,” Toenniessen says. “This is a tremendous opportunity to learn from outstanding leaders across different sectors, exchange fresh ideas and collaborate on solutions to some of our country’s most pressing challenges. I’m eager to bring the knowledge and network gained through this program back to our work here at the D’Aniello IVMF, where we can continue driving meaningful impact for our nation’s service members, veterans and their families.”

Toenniessen, who served four years as a commissioned officer in the Army, leads more than 100 employees at the D’Aniello IVMF, both on campus and across the nation. He advances the Institute’s 16 national training programs and community services, its research and evaluation capabilities, its coalition for veteran-owned businesses and employers, the alumni and engagement network and the D’Aniello Institute’s policy work in Washington D.C.

Toenniessen’s work with the IVMF began upon his return to his alma mater in 2010 after transitioning out of the military, and he became the first national program manager of the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans. In his time with the IVMF, he has been instrumental in the development and growth of the organization’s programs and services, which have impacted more than 230,000 service members, veterans and military family members.

“���ϲ����� and the D’Aniello IVMF are proud of Ray Toenniessen’s selection as a 2025 Presidential Leadership Scholar,” says , vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and the executive director of the IVMF.��“Throughout his career, Ray has consistently advanced the interests of veterans and military families. We look forward to Ray’s continued leadership and significant contributions that only will be enhanced by his PLS experience.”

Throughout the program, Toenniessen and the other scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former presidents, key former administration officials, business and civic leaders and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership and exchange ideas to help strengthen their impact.

Scholars have consistently reported remarkable growth in skills, responsibilities and opportunities for impact since the program began in 2015, including 96% of scholars reporting an improvement in how confidently they can lead social change, and 97% reporting they are inspired to accomplish more since beginning the program.

The 2025 program will begin on Jan. 29.