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 ※�������50 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 ※�������50 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 ※�������50 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��� ※�������50 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 ※�������50 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 ※�������50 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 ※�������50 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 ※�������50 Awardees?

Review the for the ※�������50 awards.

The deadline to apply for recognition is��Sunday, July 13. To learn more about the ※�������50 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 ※�������50 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 Driscoll. 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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Download the and choose the “Commencement Experience” for easy access to Commencement weekend details and to receive push notifications related to the weekend’s events.

(Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Update Your Email Address

Congratulations, Class of 2025! You’re Forever Orange, and the wants to stay in touch with you. It’s especially important to so we can reach you!

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���ϲ����� alumni are standing by to help as you take the next step. Make career connections without any app, sign-up or login information to remember. Just !

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!

Are you a soon-to-be grad or a friend or family member of someone graduating? Mark the milestone with a gift in honor of the Class of 2025 and to have it featured on our Wishing Well website!

Instagram Stickers

There will be new Instagram Stickers available for the 2025 Commencement Weekend, which can be found by searching SUGrad25 on Instagram starting Thursday, May 8.

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; 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 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, and��, 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.

A ���ϲ����� senior and an alumna were recently chosen for prestigious graduate fellowships that prepare students for careers in the Foreign Service.

Linda Baguma ’25, an international relations and political science major in the and , has been named a 2025 Rangel Fellow. Alexandria Johnson ’24, an international relations graduate from the Maxwell School and College of Arts and Sciences, has been selected as a 2025 Pickering Fellow.

The Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State where they can help formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy. The Rangel Program supports fellows through two years of graduate study, domestic and overseas internships, mentoring and professional development activities.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship awards recipients two years of financial support, mentoring and professional development to prepare them for a career in the Foreign Service. Fellows will also complete a domestic internship at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., and an overseas internship at a U.S. embassy.

Linda Baguma

Baguma, a 2024-25 Remembrance Scholar, participated in a Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute (PPIA) at Carnegie Mellon University over the summer. Her interest in the Foreign Service started with her desire to build stronger relationships between the U.S. and Africa, especially in diplomacy and international security.

Baguma was born in Africa and raised in the United States and feels a strong connection to both places. “Growing up in a refugee camp and then resettling in the U.S. gave me a unique perspective on the importance of diplomacy in building stronger global relationships,” Baguma says. “It helped me understand how important it is to foster cooperation and support across nations and communities to create positive change in the world.”

In addition to her PPIA experience, Baguma spent the Fall 2024 semester studying in South Africa. “Studying abroad allowed me to see how international relations works in a country with a very different history and set of challenges. I learned about South Africa’s policies and how they impact local communities. This experience has made me even more excited about pursuing a career in the Foreign Service, particularly focused on improving U.S.-Africa relations,” she says.

“T��� Rangel Fellowship will give me the resources, mentorship and hands-on experience to deepen my knowledge of foreign service and diplomacy. It will provide me with training, internships and access to a network of professionals, all of which will help me develop the skills I need to navigate U.S. foreign policy,” Baguma says. “T��� chance to work in the U.S. Foreign Service will allow me to directly address global issues and contribute to solutions that benefit people around the world. With the Rangel Fellowship, I believe I will be in a stronger position to pursue my goal of working in international affairs, peace and security for Americans and the rest of the world.”

Alexandria��Johnson

Johnson’s interest in the Foreign Service was sparked in high school in Cleveland, Ohio. “I had the privilege to hear from a retired ambassador through the global studies program, which changed my perspective,” Johnson says. “The conversation helped me understand that there are more opportunities beyond my immediate community and it led me to research and learn more about U.S. foreign affairs and the Foreign Service.”

In the summer of 2022, Johnson interned at the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, acting as a liaison between visiting professionals and professionals in her local community. “I learned a lot more about international relations and diplomacy, multilateral issues such as human rights and rule of law, my own city, and ultimately about myself. It was a challenging experience that I will never forget,” Johnson says.

In the spring of 2023, Johnson studied abroad in Strasbourg, France, where she interned with the Arab Center for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Education. She was also a 2023 Rangel Scholar, which funded a short-term summer program that gave her a comprehensive introduction to professions in U.S. foreign affairs. “I was surrounded by a cohort of 14 like-minded peers and I loved my experience. It inspired me to contribute my perspective as a Black woman from the Midwest to the field of diplomacy,” Johnson says. “T��� Rangel Summer Enrichment Program ultimately affirmed my commitment to pursuing a career in the Foreign Service to bridge global divides and advocate for inclusive and impactful diplomacy.”

“All of these experiences have taught me about diplomacy in different ways and have allowed me to make an impact. They all speak to a commitment to service in the field, which I will continue to strive for,” Johnson says.

Johnson currently works with the Truman Center for National Policy, a national security think tank in Washington, D.C. There, she focuses on subnational diplomacy and democracy building.

“T��� Pickering Fellowship will help me to attain my goal of public service. When I reflected on what I wanted out of a career, it had to be public service first and foremost. Coupled with my passion for foreign affairs, it is a perfect fit,” she says. “I hope to make positive change and to bring more awareness to what Foreign Service Officers do.”

Baguma and Johnson worked closely with the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) on their applications and to prepare for their fellowship interviews. Students interested in learning more about the Pickering Fellowship and the Rangel Fellowship should contact CFSA.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1931, Elman met his wife, Elise Barnett Elman ’52, while at ���ϲ�����, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history. He went on to receive a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1955 and a master’s degree in history from New York University in 1970. Elman was the founder of the firm of Stark, Elman, Amron and Rosen in New York City and became a well-respected attorney over his 40-year career. More recently, he worked as a solo practitioner in New York City specializing in real estate law and banking.

Elman was also a member of the New York State and American bar associations and the American College of Mortgage Attorneys, and he served as an active duty member of the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General Corps for three years. He was a trustee and board president of the Jewish Child Care Association of New York, as well as co-founder of two American history groups at the Harvard Club.

Always dedicated to his alma mater, he was a charter member of the A&S Board of Visitors, now called the��, for 20 years, where he served as chair of the executive committee, later becoming an emeritus board member. Elman also served on the University’s National Alumni Board and was chair of the Metropolitan New York Advisory Board. In 1996, he received the University’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

In 1988, he and his wife created the Richard Elman Memorial Fund in Creative Writing Endowment, in memory of his brother, who graduated from A&S in 1955 and became a distinguished author, novelist, poet and professor. The couple also established the Leonard S. and Elise B. Elman Fund for Creative Writing. Both funds allow two distinguished authors to hold a two-day residency at A&S annually as part of the��. Some of the most recent authors include novelist Anelise Chen, poet John Murillo, novelist Katie Katamura, poet Vievee Francis, author Illya Kaminsky and novelist Percival Everett.

“Len was one of the closest friends the creative writing program ever had. Coming from an eminent literary family himself, he wasn’t just generous, he was curious, and he loved to talk books and listen to writers he admired. He’s been one of us for a long time, and the many creative writing faculty who have been here a similarly long time are mourning his loss very personally,” says Associate Professor��, director of the creative writing program.

In 2016, Elman became president of The Phyllis Backer Foundation, Inc., which was supported by the estate of the late Phyllis Backer, a lifelong resident of Queens, New York, who established the foundation to support nonprofit organizations related to medicine or education with an emphasis on Jewish causes. Under Elman’s leadership, the foundation’s board voted unanimously in 2017 on a $1.5 million endowment to establish the����in the College of Arts and Sciences at ���ϲ�����.

At the time, Elman said he hoped the professorship would give students at the College “the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding on the interrelationships between ancient and contemporary Judaism through literature, philosophy, politics and language.” In 2020, the first Phyllis Backer Professor of Jewish Studies was hired, and, currently, Assistant Professor����holds the position.

“Thanks to Len’s time, dedication and generosity over the years, A&S has been able to bring numerous unique opportunities to our students,” says A&S Dean Behzad Mortazavi. “From supporting our creative writing program so that students can learn from the nation’s top writers, to establishing the endowment for the Phyllis Backer Professor of Jewish Studies, which will help students become more engaged citizens, his influence has been incredibly important. A&S will be forever grateful to Len and Elise Elman.”

According to his obituary, Elman was known for his wry sense of humor, as well as his all-encompassing knowledge and his avid love of history. In his free time, he enjoyed being with family and friends, as well as theater, jazz, tennis, skiing and summers on East Hampton, Long Island. He is survived by his wife, Elise, of 71 years, as well as two children, Michael and Susan; a son-in-law, Joseph Ronson; and four grandchildren. A memorial service was held for Elman on Jan. 5 in New York City.

.

Tarky J. Lombardi Jr.

Longtime Board of Trustees member and dedicated University supporter Tarky J. Lombardi Jr. ’51, L’54, H’87 passed away peacefully on Nov. 24, 2024. Referred to simply as “Tarky” by all those who knew him in the Orange community and around Central New York, Lombardi was 95 years old.

Lombardi earned a bachelor’s degree from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management in 1951 and a J.D. from the College of Law in 1954.��He was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws from ���ϲ����� in 1987.

Appointed to the Board of Trustees in 1976, Lombardi served as a voting trustee for nearly three decades. He also served on the College of Law Board of Advisors, Falk College Board of Visitors and the National Alumni Association Board.��He was also co-chair of the Schine Student Center National Campaign and honorary chair of the College of Law Annual Fund. In addition, he supported various initiatives in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Law and ���ϲ����� Athletics. He was recognized in 1983 with the University’s highest alumni honor, the George Arents Award.

“Tarky was an incredibly dedicated public servant, a giant in Central New York politics,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Yet, no matter how busy he was legislating, lobbying and leading, Tarky could often be found in his Dome suite, cheering on his alma mater. The Dome is not only a place he helped get built, it is home to the spirit that drove his loyalty and passion for service to the Orange community.”

Lombardi was an avid ���ϲ����� Athletics supporter and longtime season ticket holder. His support started with the Orange Pack, the athletics fundraising arm founded in 1974, which became the Orange Club in 2006, and is now known as the ’Cuse Athletics Fund. He helped secure $15 million in state grants for the Dome’s construction.

Lombardi began his public service in 1959 when the Onondaga County Republican Party selected him to run for a seat on the ���ϲ����� Common Council. It was the first of what would mark many campaign victories. He served the Common Council for six years, including time as its majority leader. He eventually ran for statewide election and, in 1965, was elected New York State Senate representative for the 49th district. His district covered a large swath of Central New York situated almost entirely in Onondaga and Cortland counties.

He championed legislative efforts to contain health care and medical malpractice costs through medical malpractice reform and the creation of physician assistants and nurse practitioners. His signature piece of legislation was the Nursing Homes without Walls program—a pilot program that served as a model for other states and earned him recognition as Legislator of the Year from the National Association for Home Care. He chaired the Senate Health Committee from 1971 until 1989 and the Senate Finance Committee from 1989 until 1992.

Lombardi was similarly committed to supporting arts and culture initiatives, believing they were fundamental to a well-rounded education. He was chairman of the Senate Special Committee on the Arts and helped re-codify the state’s art law. He became quite popular among members of the New York entertainment community and worked closely with celebrities like Kitty Carlisle Hart and Tony Randall on multiple legislative projects.��In 1986, he was named National Republican Legislator of the Year. In 1992, Lombardi retired from the Senate.

As special counsel to the law firm of Barclay Damon LLP in ���ϲ�����, Lombardi worked with clients in the energy, health care, insurance, telecommunications and transportation industries. His civic commitments included service on the boards of the New York Historical Society, ���ϲ����� Symphony Orchestra, ���ϲ����� Opera Company, St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center Advisory Board, WCNY Public Broadcasting, Loretto, Onondaga Community College Foundation, Landmark Theater Foundation, New York Historical Society in New York City and the New York State Council for Humanities.

Lombardi is survived by his wife, Marianne, and their children Tarky III; Jennine Lombardi Yonta G’92 (Whitman School); Marianne Lombardi Fogelson ’89 (College of Arts and Sciences), L’92; Michael ’91 (College of Arts and Sciences); and Rosemary; and eight grandchildren.

Carrying on his legacy, Lombardi’s family encourages memorial contributions to the ���ϲ����� Athletics Opportunity Fund in recognition of his commitment and passion for ���ϲ����� Athletics and his enduring love for supporting student-athletes, coaches and his alma mater.

Audra Weiss

When Weiss was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, she became a passionate advocate for early cancer detection and diagnosis, and holistic care. Weiss died Dec. 31, 2024, at the age of 57. Her husband Jim Weiss ’87 and their two children, Ethan and Emily, were at her side. “Audra was a quiet yet powerful force who walked through life exuding grace, strength and class,” .

Audra Weiss graduated from the , while her husband graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the . Jim Weiss founded Real Chemistry in 2001.

In 2012, a gift from Audra and Jim Weiss established the at the Newhouse School. The Weiss Center’s goal is to ensure students are immersed and educated in the digital world as they prepare for careers across the communications industries.

Nine years later, the Weisses for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a new, state-of-the-art classroom established by a gift from Real Chemistry. The Emerging Insights Lab is a social media command center that serves as a central hub for the interfacing of digital media monitored and studied by students and faculty.

“Audra Weiss’ support meant so much to ���ϲ�����. She will always be remembered at Newhouse for her dedication to helping our students succeed, collaborating with Jim on mentorships, career advice, classroom visits or the many other ways they gave back big and small,” said Newhouse Dean Mark Lodato. “We mourn her passing and extend our deepest condolences to Jim, Ethan, Emily and the rest of the Weiss family.”

Born and raised on Long Island in Coram, New York, Audra Weiss worked in healthcare communications after graduating from Whitman. She connected with Jim through a mutual friend—they worked in the same field and shared a love for ���ϲ�����, though they never met while at school. They were married for nearly 25 years.

“She knew from the get-go that she’d happily trade in her stellar professional career for a lifelong role of motherhood.  She welcomed Ethan and Emily into the world and devoted herself to her calling,” her family said.

“Audra’s intellect and brilliance shined in the backdrop of Jim’s entrepreneurial quest to build a leading global communications firm,” the family said.  “As an advisor and confidant, Audra made her mark on the business that would become Real Chemistry. To her, success was a vehicle to do good—giving back through the ‘Weiss Family Office.’”

After being diagnosed with cancer, Weiss became a staunch advocate for the care of those living with cancer. She shared her wisdom about her cancer journey and connected with the Dempsey Center, joining the board of the organization founded by actor Patrick Dempsey. The Dempsey Center provides personalized and comprehensive cancer care at no cost.

The Weiss family said it would continue to advocate for early cancer detection and diagnosis, as well as advocating for treating cancer “holistically, not just with pharmaceuticals but with wraparound care that makes the journey a much better experience for patients and their families.”

Services will be held Jan. 8 in San Francisco, California. The family said donations in Weiss’ memory can be made to the , , and the . Read Audra Weiss’ .

A gift from William T. “Ted” Frantz ’80, P’13 will establish a new endowed chair in engineering and computer science. (Photo by Joey Heslin)

His new gift, which will be partially matched by the University through the Forever Orange Faculty Excellence Program, will establish the William T. Frantz Endowed Chair in Engineering and Computer Science. “T��� idea for this gift has been simmering for nearly 20 years,” says Frantz. The engineer turned investor, who has studied and invested in many promising concepts and companies, says his newest investment in ECS as part of the was a matter of just-the-right timing.

“T��� timing is ideal, coming on the heels of Micron Technology’s ��$100 billion commitment to the region,” says Frantz. He says the partnership opportunities between the technology company and the University are a boon for students, faculty and the wider community. “It’s a great time to invest in the University, the expansion of the engineering program and in the region. These things tend to build on each other.”

Frantz draws similarities to the success of Silicon Valley, where he once worked for Hewlett-Packard. “I witnessed the growth of Silicon Valley and how nearby universities like Stanford, Berkeley and Santa Clara provided the intellectual expertise, engineering and research,” he says. Forward-looking investors seized opportunities brought about by the region’s dynamic partnerships and ingenuity.

New Ideas

Investing in new ideas has always held appeal for Frantz, who has provided capital for companies exploring new computer technologies and biotech firms developing new therapeutics for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes and other diseases. “It’s the challenge of seeing something grow and make a go of it, get off the ground and get bigger,” says Frantz.

The man who loves to see new ideas get off the ground and soar was perhaps inspired at a young age by his neighbors. They were airline pilots who built an aerobatic plane in the garage. A curious young Frantz helped out after school. One of those neighbors was Leo Loudenslager, who was a mechanic in the Air Force and a pilot for American Airlines, but who is best known for winning multiple U.S. Aerobatic Championships. “Leo was innovative,” says Frantz. “T��� design changes he made shook up the aerobatic community. And he not only built it, he flew it.”

Frantz, who has his own pilot’s license, has combined his passion for flight with his desire to fuel innovation through investment in a significant gift he made to ���ϲ����� students and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in 2008. Frantz funded the purchase and upkeep of an advanced flight simulator that would allow students to get hands-on experience with flight vehicles that they designed and to experiment “with the ‘edge of the envelope’ without endangering any persons or property.”

Edge of Innovation

Similarly, Frantz hopes his latest gift will help keep ECS on the edge of innovation, build on past successes and bring greater prestige. He notes that the gift is structured to allow for flexibility in that it is not restricted to a particular aspect or field of engineering. The recipient of the endowed chair will be selected by the dean of the college and hold a term of five years that is renewable. Frantz says flexibility allows the dean to look into the future and identify new fields where investing in faculty expertise would be most promising.

“Ted is a visionary in his approach to philanthropy,” says ECS Dean J. Cole Smith. “His background as both an engineer and investor allows him to look far into the future, to see where technology and creativity can take the next generation of engineers and computer scientists. His generosity is literally helping us shape the future of our program as we address the challenges facing our globe.”

“I’ve been studying the history of ���ϲ�����,” says Frantz. “At one point, it was the center of commerce with proximity to the Erie Canal that allowed steel and manufacturing to thrive. But the city did not adjust to change, and new growth industries did not take root and adapt. Now, with Micron’s investment, the city has new opportunities, and ���ϲ����� is perfectly situated to take advantage of those opportunities.”

About ���ϲ�����

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

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for ���ϲ�����

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

Coach Mac’s daughters Janet Sweeney and Maureen MacPherson unveil the plaque for the Coach Mac Food Pantry at Hendricks Chapel. They were joined by their families, at left, and Chancellor Kent Syverud, College of Engineering and Computer Science Professor of Practice Dr. Ruth Chen, Sean McDonough ’84 and Vice President and Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol. (Photos by Zobayer Joti)

For 10 seasons, ���ϲ����� football coach Richard “Dick” MacPherson (Coach Mac) led his team on the gridiron–propelling ���ϲ����� Football back to the national powerhouse it once was. But it was the legendary football coach’s commitment to faith, family and the Orange that left an indelible mark on the ���ϲ����� community and the City of ���ϲ�����. Although Coach Mac passed away in 2017, his legacy lives on at ���ϲ����� and in the former student-athletes and students whose lives he touched.

Last month, members of the ���ϲ����� community, Coach Mac’s family and loved ones, former student-athletes and alumni gathered to celebrate the dedication of the at Hendricks Chapel. The devout Catholic and dedicated family man was born in 1930 amid the Great Depression, the eleventh of 12 children. Like so many families during that time, putting food on the table wasn’t easy. That’s an experience Coach Mac never forgot. And that’s why it is only fitting that nearly a century later, the food pantry at Hendricks Chapel, at his beloved ���ϲ�����, now bears his name.

Sean McDonough ’84 provided a lead gift for the renaming of the food pantry.

The naming of the food pantry was made possible by generous benefactors, including the lead gift from Sean McDonough ’84, longtime sportscaster and member of the Hendricks Chapel Advisory Board. McDonough met Coach Mac in the fall of 1980, worked for him for three and a half years as a work-study assistant, and maintained a special relationship with him.

“He became to me a father figure, a mentor, a shining example of how life should be lived, particularly by someone in the public eye,” McDonough says. “He was a Hall of Fame person who embodied his considerable Catholic faith through his abundant love and kindness. Much more than one of the greatest football coaches of all time, he was an all-time great as a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, son, friend, mentor and a citizen of the world. He radiated God’s love in his interactions with everyone he encountered. He cared about everyone, everyone was and is important to Coach Mac. God is love. And Coach Mac was and is love.”

In recent years, McDonough, the MacPherson family and Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol began exploring ways to properly honor the man Coach Mac was off the field.

“We decided the food pantry would be the right place, the perfect place to honor Coach Mac and his life of compassionate care and service to others,” McDonough said. “In the place where faith is nourished and where people of many beliefs come to grow deeper in their faith.”

Cameron MacPherson ’16. G’18, Coach Mac’s grandson, looks at photos of his legendary grandfather.

In attendance at the naming ceremony and dedication were Chancellor Kent Syverud, Dr. Ruth Chen and members of the MacPherson family including Coach Mac’s daughters, Maureen MacPherson L’84 and Janet Sweeney ’85, G’92; son-in-law Greg Sweeney; and grandchildren Richard “Macky” MacPherson ’13, G’18, and his wife, Rachel, Cameron MacPherson ’16, G’18 and Suzy MacPherson ’20 and Molly Sweeney. Coach Mac’s wife, Sandra, who became a surrogate mom to many of Coach Mac’s players, died in January.

During his remarks, Konkol reflected on the significance of naming ceremonies. “Today we celebrate that the name of Richard MacPherson, Coach Mac, will be displayed here at Hendricks Chapel,” said Konkol. “We celebrate that from this day forward, more people will see his name. More people will be inspired by his name. Because more will associate his name with faith, with kindness, with generosity and with service.”

Coach Mac’s daughters, Janet Sweeney ’85, G’92 and Maureen MacPherson L’84, outside the food pantry named in honor of their father.

Chancellor Syverud recalled the first time he met Coach Mac, sharing breakfast together at the Chancellor’s House shortly after his arrival in ���ϲ����� in 2014.

“He did most of the talking, and he talked about three subjects: football, family and ���ϲ�����,” Chancellor Syverud recalled. “His greatest joy would be seeing the great human beings that each member of his family continues to be. What we’re doing right here is we’re honoring a good man.”

During the ceremony, a plaque that welcomes visitors to the food pantry was unveiled. Maureen MacPherson reflected on her father’s service off the field. “When he did food drives with the Salvation Army, it was personal to him. And for him to have this food pantry named after him, he’d be thrilled,” she said.

There are currently two food pantries on campus: the Coach Mac Food Pantry in Hendricks Chapel and another on South Campus. Both pantries rely on and donations.

Alison Murray, the chapel’s assistant dean for student assistance, is reminded daily of the importance of the food pantry. “Whenever someone supports the work of the pantry, they are directly supporting our students,” she said.

Leondra Tyler, Hendricks Chapel student engagement coordinator and a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, says “the Coach Mac Food Pantry plays an important role in the heart of campus in Hendricks Chapel. It allows students to have less worries, enhance their college experiences and succeed.”

Following the dedication ceremony, Coach Mac, who served as coach of the Orange from 1981-90, was inducted into the Ring of Honor during halftime of the Orange vs. Connecticut game in the JMA Wireless Dome.

The Whitman School’s “Discover Florence: A Gastronomic and Cultural Odyssey,” runs June 26 to July 4, 2025.

The will host an , “Discover Florence: A Gastronomic and Cultural Odyssey,” during the summer of 2025.��The edu-tourism experience will run from June 26 to July 4, 2025, and is open to interested University students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of ���ϲ�����.

“T��� Whitman School has long valued the importance of experiential learning outside the classroom for students, and now we are excited to venture into the area of edu-tourism for faculty, alumni and others in our Orange family, too,” says trip leader ,��Whitman’s professor of supply chain practice and director of executive education.

“Not only will participants learn firsthand about food, wine, art and culture, but they’ll also see some of the business concepts behind them as they meet award-winning chefs and restaurateurs, vineyard owners, government officials and alumni in related fields,” Penfield says. “To round out the trip, travelers will get a firsthand look at the historical significance of one of the world’s most iconic cities.”

This nine-day trip kicks off with a welcome reception that includes insights from faculty based at the , as well as a unique opportunity to hear from , the European Union Parliament minister of food and agriculture and former mayor of Florence who delivered the 2024 Commencement address at ���ϲ�����’s graduation ceremonies.

This event will allow travelers to network and get to know one another, as they prepare for a slate of activities* that includes:

• visits to and vineyards;
• culinary adventures through a hands-on Florentine cooking class;
• Stops at iconic landmarks like the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery;
• first-hand looks at the work of Renaissance masters like Michelangelo and Ghirlandaio;
• premier dining at two Michelin-star restaurants, and ;
• escapes to ancient olive groves, charming local markets, quaint cafés and more; and
• free time to explore, shop, relax and take in the beauty of Florence.

The cost of the trip includes the above adventures and lodging at the four-star in the heart of Florence. Based on the maximum enrollment of 20 people, the cost is $9,600 for single occupancy and $12,600 for double occupancy. Transportation to and from Florence is not included in the price, allowing travelers to make their own plans from anywhere in the world.

The registration deadline is March 20, 2025, and space is limited so to experience Florence with the Whitman School.

*Itinerary subject to change

Robert E. Dineen Jr. (center) served on the Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2016 and was a member of the Budget and Advancement and External Affairs committees. He was also a member of the College of Law Board of Advisors and the National Alumni Association Board.

Dineen Jr. was generationally attached to the College of Law. His parents had attended the College of Law and Dineen Hall is named in honor of them: Robert E. Dineen Sr. L’1924, H’66 and Carolyn Bareham Dineen L’1932. His mother was one of only two women in her class. His father was raised in the Irish immigrant neighborhood near the law school at the western edge of the University campus, a neighborhood referred to as “the swamp.”

Dineen Jr. passed away Oct. 12, 2024, at 84. He served on the Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2016 and was a member of the Budget and Advancement and External Affairs committees. He was also a member of the College of Law Board of Advisors and the National Alumni Association Board. He was generous in his philanthropy, supporting scholarships and financial aid for law school students.

“For decades, Bob Dineen Jr. played a major role in ensuring ���ϲ����� remained at the forefront of legal education,” said Chancellor Kent Syverud. “That’s evident in all the ways he continued to give back to his alma mater, including his years of dedicated service on the Board of Trustees and on the College of Law Board of Advisors. His family’s transformational gift led the way in creating a state-of-the-art facility to support the next generation of law students, while honoring his parents’ legacy. And Bob’s accomplishments in finance law across the globe demonstrate that a ���ϲ����� education can take our students anywhere.”

When Hannah Arterian became dean of the College of Law in 2003, she asked for Dineen Jr.’s assistance in creating a strategic plan to form a new Board of Advisors. She described him as “an incredible person” for his guidance. ��He was a driving force behind the capital campaign that would bring Dineen Hall to life—a 200,000-square-foot building that brought together the law school community under one roof for the first time and would be hailed as one of the most architecturally attractive law school buildings in the world.

Robert E. Dineen Jr.

Dineen Jr. had attended the College of Law after earning his undergraduate degree at Brown University. He served as editor of the ���ϲ����� Law Review and was named to the Order of the Coif and the Justinian Honor Society. In 2010, the College of Law presented him with its Law Review Alumni Achievement Award.

Dineen Jr. had a successful career focused on public finance transactions. He was also a specialist in U.S. and international private banking and financial transactions, including equipment and project financing.

He was a partner of Shearman & Sterling LLP, a leading international law firm from 1974 until his retirement in��December 2005. While at Shearman & Sterling, he led several of the firm’s corporate groups, including those responsible for Latin America and Asia as well as��its global project finance work. Over the years, he spent significant time in the firm’s offices in Algeria, Hong Kong, London, New York, Paris, Toronto, and Washington.

“Bob’s brilliant career in international legal and financial transactions and steadfast client relationships inspires our students to excel in everything they do,” says College of Law Dean Terence Lau L’98. “As commendable is his leadership, along with his siblings, in honoring their parents when they led the campaign to build Dineen Hall that our students, faculty, and staff are thankful for every day.”

Dineen Jr. is survived by his wife, Jeanne C. Olivier, Esq., and his sister, the Honorable Carolyn Dineen King H’06, judge and former��chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

On this “‘Cuse Conversation,” Kathrine Switzer discusses making history as the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, why she’s never stopped advocating for the inclusion of women in sports and what it means to be a proud alumna.

Instead of wallowing in what could have potentially been the lowest moment of her life, Kathrine Switzer ’68, G’72, H’18 used the adversity she overcame during her historic run at the Boston Marathon as fuel to inspire women around the world.

Switzer, who in 1967 became the first woman to officially run and finish the Boston Marathon when she entered as K.V. Switzer using bib number 261, contended not only with the grueling course and frigid race conditions, but also a physical challenge from race director Jock Semple. Around mile four, Semple leapt out of the photographers’ press truck and headed straight for Switzer and her contingent of runners from ���ϲ�����.

Kathrine Switzer (wearing bib number 261) is harassed by Boston Marathon race director Jock Semple (in black) while she is running in the marathon. Switzer’s boyfriend at the time, Tom Miller (wearing bib number 390), delivers a block to Semple that frees up Switzer to continue running. (Photo courtesy of the Boston Herald)

As Semple tried to rip Switzer’s bib off the front and back of her grey ���ϲ����� track sweatshirt, Switzer was frightened. Her coach, Arnie Briggs, the University’s mailman and a veteran runner at the Boston Marathon, tried to convince Semple that Switzer belonged in the race, to no avail. Only after Switzer’s boyfriend, Tom Miller, a member of the Orange football and track and field teams, blocked Semple, was Switzer free to continue chasing down her pursuit of history.

In that moment, Switzer followed Briggs’ advice to run like hell, driven to prove Semple and the other doubters wrong by finishing the race. She hasn’t stopped running with a purpose since.

Kathrine Switzer

“As I was running, I realized that if these women had the opportunity, just the opportunity, that’s all they needed. And by the time I finished the race I said, ‘I’m going to prove myself, play by their rules and then change those rules,’” says Switzer, an emeritus member of the of Sport and Human Dynamics’ .

“From the worst things can come the best things and that’s what I tell students whenever I speak to classes. If something is wrong, there’s an opportunity to change it, and we can then reverse it. When you’re training for a marathon, you’re out there for hours by yourself. I loved to use that time to take on a problem and solve it,” says Switzer, who earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism from the and English from the , and a master’s degree in public relations from the Newhouse School.

After her triumph in Boston, Switzer would complete more than 40 marathons, including winning the New York City Marathon in 1974, and she was instrumental in getting the women’s marathon included in the Summer Olympics. Switzer’s global nonprofit, (an homage to her Boston race bib), has helped thousands of women discover their potential through the creation of local running clubs, educational programs, communication platforms and social running events.

On this “’Cuse Conversation,” Switzer discusses making history as the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, why she’s never stopped advocating for the inclusion of women in sports and what it means to be a proud alumna whose running career was launched as a student on campus.

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

How did you use the Boston Marathon experience to create more running opportunities for women?

Kathrine Switzer finishes the Boston Marathon in 1975 doing her personal best: 2:51.37. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Johnson)

I was raised by parents who said you know right from wrong, so always go for what’s right. I knew it was going to be time-consuming, but I knew it was important to both correct the error the establishment had made, but more than that, I wanted women to know how great you can feel when you’re running. When I was running, I felt empowered. I felt like I could overcome anything. Running is naturally empowering, it’s a super endorphin high, and I wanted women to experience that.

One of the issues I wanted to solve was getting the women’s marathon into the Summer Olympics. It came down to opportunities and I wanted to create these opportunities, so [once I was working for Avon Cosmetics] I created the Avon International Running Circuit, a series of races around the world that are for women only, where we could make every woman feel welcome and treat her like a hero.

Eventually, we had 400 races in 27 countries for over a million women around the world. We had the participation, we had the sponsorships, we had the media coverage and we had the international representation. In 1981, by a vote of nine to one, women’s marathon was voted into the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. That was an incredible feeling.

What has running given you?

Running has given me just about everything. It’s given me my religion, my husband, travel opportunities, my health and wellness, but the biggest thing it has given me is this��perspective on myself, this empowerment and belief in myself that I can do whatever I set out to accomplish.

What kind of impact has 261 Fearless had in empowering and lifting up other women through running?

We’ve already proved that, regardless of your age, your ability or your background, if you get out there and put one foot in front of the other, you’re going to become empowered. If you want to lift a woman up, show her how to run.

We need to do it at the grassroots level and invite women around the world to have a jog or a walk with one of our more than 500 trained coaches. We’re working village by village, city by city, country by country to spread the word on the life-changing benefits of running, and we’ve worked with nearly 7,000 women in 14 countries and five continents so far. 261 was perfect for this mission. It became a number that means being fearless in the face of adversity. People have told me that 261 Fearless has changed their lives and that they’re taking courage from what I did.

Note: This conversation was edited for brevity and clarity.

Kathrine Switzer speaks to students in Falk College Professor Lindsey Darvin’s Sport Management “Race, Gender and Diversity in Sport Organizations” class. (Photo by Cathleen O’Hare)

First-year head coach Fran Brown guided ���ϲ����� to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Holiday Bowl, the 29th bowl appearance in program history. (Photo courtesy of ���ϲ����� Athletics)

For the third straight season, the ���ϲ����� football team has qualified for a bowl game, the first time the Orange have secured back-to-back-to-back postseason appearances since a run of five consecutive bowl games from the 1995 to 1999 seasons.

On Sunday afternoon, ���ϲ����� (9-3, 5-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference) learned it will take on the Washington State Cougars (8-4) in the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST on Dec. 27 and will be broadcast nationally on FOX.

Fans who are interested in making the trip to California to cheer on the Orange can visit for information on the Holiday Bowl, including how to purchase tickets. Fans are encouraged to buy their Holiday Bowl tickets through ���ϲ����� Athletics to ensure their seats in the ���ϲ����� sections of Snapdragon Stadium.

This year’s squad earned the 29th bowl appearance in program history, with the Orange sporting a 16-11-1 record all-time in bowl games. This will be ���ϲ�����’s first time playing in the Holiday Bowl.

First-year head coach Fran Brown has the Orange at 9-3 after the regular season, tied for the most regular season victories by a first-year head coach in program history. ���ϲ����� will enter the bowl game ranked in the College Football Playoff (No. 21), Associated Press (No. 22) and USA Today Coaches Polls (No. 25).

The Orange closed out the regular season with a thrilling 42-38 win over No. 8 Miami inside the JMA Wireless Dome on Nov. 30, a game where the Orange pulled off the largest comeback in school history (rallying from down 21 points), earned its first top 10 win since 2017 and secured its third win over a ranked opponent for the first time since 1998.

A win in the Holiday Bowl would be ���ϲ�����’s 10th this year and would represent the program’s third 10-win season since the 2000 campaign.

The Orange and the Cougars have met once before, in 1979, with ���ϲ����� defeating Washington State by a score of 52-25. With construction occurring on the JMA Wireless Dome, that game was played at then Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, home of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.

In this new role, Toenniessen, who is currently the vice president for strategic initiatives and innovation, will assume operational responsibility for the IVMF, which serves more than 22,000 servicemembers, veterans and families each year.

Ray Toenniessen

“Ray has been with the IVMF since its inception. For more than a decade, he’s played a central role in almost every facet of the IVMF’s strategy, programming and growth,” Haynie says. “T���re is no one more committed to our mission or more qualified to drive future growth and innovation than Ray Toenniessen.”

As Deputy Executive Director, Toenniessen will lead the efforts of the IVMF’s more than 100 employees, both on campus and within military communities across the U.S.

“I am honored to assume this new responsibility, and greatly appreciate the trust Vice Chancellor Haynie has in me to lead the IVMF into the future,” Toenniessen says. “As a team we have accomplished a great deal over the last thirteen years, working to enhance the lives of veterans and their families. That said, there is much more to do. I look forward to the work ahead, leveraging our best-in-class programs, services, research, and evaluation initiatives to create positive change for the military-connected community.”

Vice Chancellor Haynie will continue to serve as the IVMF’s Executive Director and Toenniessen will collaborate closely with Maureen Casey, the IVMF’s chief operating officer, and Barb Carson, managing director of programs and services.

Toenniessen graduated from ���ϲ����� in 2006 with an international relations degree from the and was commissioned from its ROTC program as a second lieutenant. He served four years on active duty, including a combat deployment to Iraq in 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon his transition from active duty in 2010, Toenniessen returned to the University as the first National Program Manager of the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, expanding the program across the country thanks to a partnership with ten world-class business schools while launching additional small business programs for veterans and their families out of the .

In 2011, Toenniessen assisted Vice Chancellor Haynie in launching the D’Aniello Institute, initially serving as director of programs and operations. As Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Toenniessen has been responsible for launching numerous innovative programs over the last ten years, including the IVMF’s partnerships with private sector firms, foundations and donors to the IVMF’s programs that have impacted the lives of more than 210,000 service members, veterans and military family members since 2011.

2024 ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Award winners (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

For the second year in a row, the University honored Orange ingenuity with two days of celebration, networking and a friendly pitch competition as part of the ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards.

Last Thursday, the ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards ceremony recognized the 2024 honorees, culminating with a live reveal of the top 10 fastest-growing Orange businesses. The evening also included a conversation with , celebrity chef and baker from A&E’s hit shows “Cake Dynasty” and “Legends of the Fork,” who participated in a fireside chat, sharing the personal ingredients behind his entrepreneurial success.

The next day, honorees of the ※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards headlined the ※�������50 Summit. The summit allowed students to meet and network with top thinkers on engaging, practical and forward-thinking opportunities. The summit also included a “Six for Six” student pitch competition, where the top six campus innovation teams participated in a spirited “Shark Tank”-style format for a “winner take all” $6,000 grand prize selected by ※�������50 honorees.

Check out how the two days went:

※�������50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards (Nov. 14)��

Thomas O’Brien ’25, student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, kicked off the ceremony. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, provided the welcoming remarks for the evening. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Tracy Barlok, senior vice president and chief advancement officer, and Buddy Valastro, celebrity chef and baker, participated in a fireside chat. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

The University presented Valastro with an Otto the Orange cake as a thank you for participating in the evening’s festivities. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Student attendees were invited on stage to take a photo with Valastro and Otto the Orange. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Valastro posed for photos with attendees after the event. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Valastro posed with Aaron Krause ’92 (center), founder of Scrub Daddy and Otto the Orange. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Award winners and attendees had an opportunity to network after the awards portion of the evening. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Award winners and attendees gathered together after the awards portion of the evening. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Students enjoyed the networking event after the ceremony. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Otto had fun joking around with the award winners. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

※�������50 Entrepreneurship Summit (Nov. 15)

The ※�������50 Summit included conversations and networking with the 50 fastest-growing alumni businesses. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Alex McKelvie, professor of entrepreneurship and interim dean of the Whitman School, provided welcoming remarks at the summit. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Students met and networked with alumni founders and top executives of leading innovation companies at the ‘CUSE50 Summit. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Haynie addressed the ※�������50 Summit attendees. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

※�������50 honorees participated in various panel discussions. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Students engaged with ※�������50 honorees. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

The ※�������50 Summit brought out great conversations and collaboration. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Students participated in a spirited “Six for Six” student pitch competition. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Nicolas Courbage ’26 (center), student in the Whitman School and founder of PapeX, won the “Six for Six” student pitch competition. (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Douglas Present

The Whitman School of Management is pleased to announce a significant seed gift from Douglas ’86 and Susan Present to the school’s Opportunity Fund. The donation will serve to create a pilot project to allow students with great academic potential, but limited financial resources, to take advantage of the unique opportunities at Whitman by helping to cover certain expenses not traditionally covered by scholarships or financial aid.�� Specifically, the Opportunity Fund will assist students to cover the costs of student activities, unanticipated events leading to financial hardships and stipends to cover expenses related to increasingly important summer internships.

The Presents’ generosity has been primarily anonymous in the past, but they hope that by making the gift public, they can help to raise additional funds and inspire other Whitman alumni to contribute to the Opportunity Fund, as well as encourage University leadership to create a similar fund for all ���ϲ����� students across all schools.

A University Trustee, Doug Present is a member of the Board’s executive committee and chair of its finance committee, and has been a longstanding member of the Whitman Advisory Council (WAC). He graduated from the Whitman School and found success in the healthcare industry, having worked at Deloitte & Touche, Medsite, Inc. and Managed Health Care Associates, Inc., before starting his own investment firm, Douglas Present Associates, LLC.

“Susan and I want every student to have a complete and full ���ϲ����� Orange experience,” Present says. “Costs not covered by financial aid can inhibit opportunities for students with high financial need. All students should have the opportunity to participate in non-academic activities and have the ability to accept a summer internship opportunity in a high-cost city. Lastly, no student should have their academic ambitions thrown off track by unexpected events that lead to expenses not covered by financial aid. Our philanthropy has always been focused on creating opportunities for high-achieving students with limited financial means to have the same opportunities as students who come from higher income families. I am pleased that Whitman is taking the lead on this initiative, and I hope to encourage the implementation of a similar program across the entire University.”

Requests for grants from the Whitman Opportunity Fund will be facilitated on a rolling, case-by-case basis while funding remains available.

“We are extremely grateful for the thoughtful generosity of Douglas and Susan Present, who are strongly committed to relieving the less visible financial burdens that some of our students quietly face,” says Whitman School Interim Dean Alex McKelvie. “We hope this gift will jump start a renewed awareness within our alumni supporters that this kind of need truly does exist and encourage others to help make a difference in Whitman students’ long-term success.”

For more information on the Whitman School of Management Opportunity Fund, go to .

Robert ’86 and Kathryn Taishoff

How do you inspire people to open their hearts and provide the support to raise the hefty sum of $2.5 million? Just ask retired U.S. Navy Capt. Robert “Rob” P. Taishoff ’86 who sees opportunities where others see obstacles, and who is determined to change the way the world views intellectual disability. With the recent Taishoff Family Foundation gift of $2.5 million to inclusive higher education at ���ϲ�����, Taishoff is challenging others to see the world the way he does and match his family’s pledge.

“I’ve seen the confidence that these young men and women with intellectual disabilities develop when given educational opportunities, and it’s mind-blowing,” says Taishoff. “If we give them the chance to pursue their interests and prepare them for careers, just like we do with every student at ���ϲ�����, they will thrive, excel, succeed and surprise us.”

Taishoff continues to marvel at the successes of the students who attend InclusiveU and the accomplishments of the , named for his father in 2009 with a $1.1 million grant from Taishoff. The center and InclusiveU have become national models for the inclusion and education of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At that time, Taishoff was a University Trustee; he served as a voting trustee from 2009 to 2021 and is now a life trustee. Taishoff has been involved in many University initiatives, but it was inclusive education and the work going on at the (CDI) in the School of Education that captured his whole heart.

Taishoff’s daughter, Jackie, was born with Down syndrome in 2001, and he experienced firsthand the promise and the heartbreak felt by the families of young people often marginalized by society. “Jackie is very social and friendly, and frequently surprises us with what she’s capable of doing,” says Taishoff. He’d love to see her attend InclusiveU but as a resident of Maryland, her benefits associated with her disability won’t cross state lines. The portability of benefits is one of those systemic policy issues that CDI’s staff is working to change, helping students overcome barriers to pursue an education and career.

According to Sara Hart Weir, a national expert in disability policy and former president of the National Down Syndrome Society, Taishoff is the kind of visionary who “sees endless opportunities not just for Jackie, but for all people with disabilities. Rob wants them to have the kinds of opportunities every other American has, from education to health care, from financial services to careers.” Weir says individuals with Down syndrome are an “untapped workforce who, with access to programs like InclusiveU, can skill up, enter the workforce and become taxpayers.” She says InclusiveU is the “best of the best” in providing these kinds of opportunities.

Strengthening Programming

The Taishoff Family Foundation has contributed several million dollars over the years to strengthen CDI, the Taishoff Center and InclusiveU, providing resources for programmatic growth. “T���y’ve achieved all their goals in the last five-year plan and that set the stage for the next five-year plan,” says Taishoff, who hopes his new gift will be leveraged to bring in new donor support. The next five-year plan seeks to grow enrollment by 25% and offer new experiences for students with intellectual disability.

“We’re never satisfied with what we’re doing,” says Beth Myers, the Lawrence B. Taishoff Associate Professor of Inclusive Education, executive director of the Taishoff Center and assistant director of CDI. “We may be the largest program of our kind in the nation, but there are always more opportunities to pursue. For example, I dream of first providing our students with a two-week study abroad in Italy with the goal of a full semester of study abroad in any location where any other ���ϲ����� student can go. Am I dreaming huge dreams? Yes. Is it possible? Yes!” But, Myers acknowledges, it takes more resources and staffing to achieve those dreams.

Myers credits her “amazing team and an incredible staff at InclusiveU who would do anything for these students” to deliver on dreams. She has watched the program at InclusiveU grow from 14 students in three majors to 100 students in 45 majors taking more than 300 courses across the University. “We have allies in every department across campus, top down and bottom up support,” says Myers. “It’s a culture grounded in the University’s 60-plus year history in disability advocacy. People really value the work we do in inclusion.”

“I am continuously inspired by Rob Taishoff’s generosity and, now, his strategic challenge to others to help advance ���ϲ�����’s leadership in the disability community,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Rob persists in challenging all of us to think of innovative and creative solutions and to collaborate across units and colleges to ensure equitable opportunities for all our students and to be a standard-bearer for academic institutions nationwide.”

Through those opportunities, Taishoff sees how students become one with the University community. “Our intellectually disabled students are woven into the fabric of the University, from the classroom to living arrangements, from social activities to career preparation,” says Taishoff.

Going Beyond

CDI’s strategic plan for growth goes beyond assisting the growth of the Taishoff Center and enrollment in InclusiveU. It would enhance access to higher education among students in the ���ϲ����� City School district (nationally, less than 2% of high school students with intellectual disability go to college). It would invest in innovative technical assistance for disabled students and establish an Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center to help other colleges and universities. It would support research, fellowships and teaching to advance the field. It would provide more resources for career advising and career placement (only 17% of adults with intellectual disabilities are employed nationally). The newly established Robert and Kathryn Taishoff Fund would support many of these initiatives and scholarship support for students.

In addition to the new fund, the latest Taishoff gift continues support through the Lawrence B. Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education Endowed Fund. Part of the $1.5 billion , Taishoff’s gift builds on and the legacy of the School of Education. Rob Taishoff’s father Lawrence and grandfather Sol philanthropically supported education, journalism and health research. Taishoff says his father was “exceptionally close” to granddaughter Jackie, perhaps because he had witnessed a cousin with Down syndrome sent to an institution and shielded away from society and opportunity.

Taishoff says his own military experience also reinforced the family’s commitment to opening the doors of opportunity. He spent more than two decades in active duty in the Navy and managed Navy and Marine Corps attorneys and civilians representing service members. “No matter what background or walk of life someone was from, whether enlisted or an officer, we were all pulling for the same goals, trying to fulfill a mission,” Taishoff says. “I saw people who were given opportunities in the military that they would not have had otherwise, and I saw them thrive and excel.”

The Taishoff Family Foundation’s legacy aligns with that of the School of Education, which is recognized as an international leader in the deinstitutionalization and school inclusion movements. The school is home to the first disability studies program in the country and the first joint degree program in law and disability studies, and it helped ���ϲ����� become the first research university to launch an integrated elementary and special education teacher education program.

“It’s time to build on history once again,” says Taishoff. “I hope others will join me in creating new futures for countless young people who deserve a chance to contribute in ways that will amaze us.”

About ���ϲ�����

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

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for ���ϲ�����

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