The HEOP and SSS teams announced five inaugural awards at their virtual graduation ceremony. Each award recognizes the outstanding work of professionals and students, be it for years of service and dedication, positive student engagement and support, or student achievement.

The HEOP and SSS leadership and staff want to recognize the myriad of people who consistently support the efforts of their programs and establish a series of awards that honor select members of the ���ϲ����� community. They are pleased to present these awards to well-deserving members of the community in honor of the great legacies for whom they are named.

With a year unlike any other in higher education, the HEOP and SSS leadership and staff felt it was time to create a new and hopeful platform that recognizes the true meaning of One University. They look forward to subsequent years of recognition and in-person celebrations.

The Robert L. Boney Service in Perpetuity Award: Named for HEOP’s inaugural director, HEOP and SSS leadership and staff are truly excited and humbled to receive the blessing from the family of Robert Boney on the naming of this award. They felt strongly that this award be named in honor of Boney, as he is remembered as a pioneer in higher education, particularly in relation to opportunity programs and student support.

This award is presented to ���ϲ����� professionals (past or present), alumni and/or community members who consistently provide or provided great contributions to the continued existence and development of the HEOP and SSS programs. As a result of the exceptional work done by the recipients, the programs–and more essentially, the students–continue to thrive here at ���ϲ����� and beyond. The inaugural recipients are:

• Barry L. Wells, former ���ϲ����� senior vice president of student affairs; former special assistant to Chancellor Kent Syverud;
• Horace H. Smith, former associate vice president for undergraduate studies;
• Colleen O’Connor Bench, associate vice president, parent engagement and student experience;
• Marsha C. Senior, director, University College HEOP; assistant director of student administrative services, University College; and
• Joann “Jan” Strauss Raymond ‘65 and Charles “Chip” V. Raymond ‘66.

“I am incredibly humbled and sincerely honored to receive such an honor, especially one named for Mr. Boney, who was so cherished by so many of us over the years,” says Bench.

The leadership and staff celebrate the rich history that each of the recipients has with the programs.

Robert C. Wilson Legacy Award: This award is presented in honor of colleague, friend and former director of Student Support Services Robert C. Wilson, whose long history of leadership of SSS is steeped in dedication to serving first-generation students. HEOP and SSS are presenting this award to ���ϲ����� professionals whose dedication, commitment and service supports the success, retention to graduation, and the overall enhancement of the marginalized students’ experience. The inaugural recipients are:

• Kalpana Srinivas, interim director for student success, enrollment and the student experience
• James W. Ryan, senior associate director, admissions

The Denise Trionfero Student Excellence Awards: This award named in honor of colleague, friend and former director of HEOP is presented to an HEOP and SSS graduating senior. These graduates have shown immeasurable resilience, academic growth and dedication to service to the programs. The inaugural recipients are:

• Canab Sheekh Nuur ’21, a political science alumna in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs; and
• Barrington C. Bucknor ’21, a biochemistry and neuroscience alumnus in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The HEOP and SSS Spirit of Service Award: The award recognizes the dedication and service of a ���ϲ����� professional whose work throughout the academic year supports students. The dedication and service of this professional enhances both the academic and personal success of each student with whom the awardee is connected. The inaugural recipients are:

• Derek Pooley, success advisor, College of Engineering and Computer Science;
• Katherine Shaw, advisor, College of Arts and Sciences; and
• Shannon Marrero, undergraduate academic advisor, iSchool.

The HEOP and SSS Ally Award: This award recognizes campus partners, supporters and friends who embrace a spirit of creating an inclusive climate that strengthens the retention-to-graduation efforts of our programs. The hard work of these awardees is distinguishable and valued by HEOP and SSS students. The inaugural recipients are:

• The Office of Multicultural Affairs; and
• Katherine Hanzalik, assistant teaching professor, Department of Writing Studies, Rhetoric and Composition in the College of Arts and Sciences and HEOP and SSS writing and language arts support specialist.

The AACTE Holmes Scholars program supports students from historically underrepresented communities enrolled in doctoral programs in education. Orange Holmes Scholars are first- or second-year ���ϲ����� School of Education doctoral students interested in teacher, leader or counselor education.

Linzy Andre and Cassaundra Guzman G’21

Andre has “a strong passion for serving diverse populations and advocacy for underserved clients and students,” says Yanhong Liu, assistant professor of counseling and human services and Andre’s nominator. Andre is the president-elect of the ���ϲ����� chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society, and the founder of Sunshine Advocacy, a private practice offering a wide spectrum of mental health services to diverse clients, especially those who are marginalized and underserved.

Guzman works with students across the ���ϲ����� campus through the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Office of Financial Literacy. She has “very clear interests in understanding the educational experiences of first-generation students, how schools reproduce and reduce inequality, and transforming education,” says nominator Gretchen Lopez, assistant professor of cultural foundations of education. Guzman is a graduate of the cultural foundations of education master’s program and currently serves as the financial secretary of the School of Education Graduate Student Council.

Andre and Guzman will work closely with Courtney Mauldin, who joins the Orange Holmes Scholars as the faculty advisor this year. Mauldin is an assistant professor of educational leadership whose research looks at the impacts of youth voices in school leadership, with a particular focus on elementary youth voices of color.

“I’m thrilled to advise and be in community with the Holmes Scholars students,” says Mauldin. “They each bring such relevant and needed perspectives to the field of educational research, as well as meaningful experiences that I see as timely and essential in our current society.”

Joanna Masingila, dean of the School of Education, has seen the benefits of being a Holmes Scholar for previous cohorts. “The program has been great for our students to gain experience in teacher and leader advocacy and grow as scholars of color in a very supportive space.” Holmes Scholars enter a national cohort of peers and alumni for networking and mentoring. During their three-year term, they receive financial support to attend and present their research at the AACTE Annual Meeting and attend the Holmes Scholars Summer Policy Institute. Orange Holmes Scholars will also be mentors in a local mentoring program and present their research at other regional or national conferences.

Current Orange Holmes Scholars are Tiffany Hamm (science education), Phillandra Smith (special education), Kirsis A. Dipre (counseling and counselor education) and Robin Maxile (cultural foundations of education).

Juli Boeheim G’97

Juli Boeheim G’97 will deliver the convocation address to the 2021 graduates of the . The ceremony will be streamed virtually for graduates, families and friends over ���ϲ����� Commencement Weekend, May 22-23.

Boeheim earned a master’s degree in infants and young children with special needs from the School of Education in 1997. She is deeply involved in the ���ϲ����� community, serving on the Board of Visitors for the School of Education and the Upstate Hospital Foundation Board. Boeheim previously served on the boards of the ARC of Onondaga and the ���ϲ����� Community Health Center and has been active with the Rescue Mission and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“I’m excited that Juli will be our convocation speaker this year,” says School of Education Dean Joanna Masingila. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the wonderful work that Juli and Jim have done in supporting projects within the ���ϲ����� City School District with tablets and other resources, and the ���ϲ����� community through the Courts 4 Kids, the Boys and Girls Club, Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Camp Good Days and Special Times and so many more. Juli’s work in our community is a great example of educational leadership in the community.”

Boeheim has brought a background of “Southern hospitality” to Central New York. Born in Miami, Florida, and raised in Kentucky, she received her undergraduate degree in merchandising, apparel and textiles with an emphasis in marketing from the University of Kentucky. She was introduced to ���ϲ����� men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim in 1994 at a Kentucky Derby party. The two were married in 1997.

The Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation, founded in 2009, strives to enrich the lives of kids in need within the Central New York community, as well as provide support for eliminating cancer through research and advocacy. The foundation has provided support to the School of Education’s Fit Families program, which encouraged physical activity for children with autism and visual impairments and their families.

Remarks will also be given by Dean Masingila; Erin Hernandez ’21, a graduate of the inclusive elementary and special education undergraduate program; and Joash Geteregechi G’21, a graduate of the mathematics education doctoral program. Visit for more information on the School of Education convocation.

Cerri Banks

Cerri Banks ’00, G’04, G’05, G’06, dean of students and vice president for student affairs at Skidmore College, will deliver the convocation address at the 2019 School of Education convocation ceremony on May 11, 2019.

In her role at Skidmore College, Banks is responsible for the academic and social progress of students. She oversees all offices in student affairs, including athletics, campus life and engagement, health and wellness, residential life, career development, student diversity programs, and student academic services. She is the chair of the School of Education Board of Visitors, and a member of the ���ϲ����� Alumni Association Board of Directors. Committed to educational reform and issues of inclusion, Banks draws from educational, feminist and critical race theory in her work as the dean and in her teaching, research and writing.

“I’m so proud to call Cerri a School of Education alum,” says Joanna Masingila, dean of the School of Education. “She is an outstanding leader in higher education and has contributed greatly to the School of Education through her leadership as the chair of our Board of Visitors. I am excited that our 2019 graduates will be able to hear from her as our convocation speaker.”

Before joining Skidmore in August 2016, Banks served as vice president for student affairs and dean of the college at Mount Holyoke College and the dean of William Smith College at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

She received a bachelor’s degree in inclusive elementary and special education, and master’s in cultural foundations of education, and a Ph.D. in cultural foundations of education all from the School of Education, as well as a C.A.S. in women’s and gender studies from the College of Arts and Sciences. She specializes in sociology of education, cultural studies, multicultural education and qualitative research.

Banks’ published work includes “Cultural Capital and College Success” (2009), “Teaching, Learning and Intersecting Identities in Higher Education” (2012) and “No Justice! No Peace! College Student Activism, Race Relations and Media Cultures” (2020), as well as numerous articles, book chapters and presentations on culturally relevancy, identity and learning, and other subjects.

More information on the School of Education convocation ceremony can be found on the .

Peter H. Reynolds

The School of Education and the Jo-Linda and Dennis Keith Distinguished Speaker Series announce the 2019 speaker, acclaimed author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. He will visit ���ϲ����� for a two-day residency on Tuesday, March 19, and Wednesday, March 20. This is the second annual Keith Speaker Series residency.

Reynolds on Tuesday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m. in the Stolkin Auditorium, Physics Building. He will discuss several of his books, including “The Dot,” “Happy Dreamer” and “The Word Collector” and how they encourage readers of all ages to keep positive, keep dreaming and keep expressing themselves. Reynolds will also unveil his new book, “Say Something!,” which reminds readers that in a world where a few loud voices can drown out more nuanced, marginalized ones, it’s important to stand up for others.

On Wednesday, March 20, from 3-5 p.m., Reynolds will also , 447 S. Salina St. He will read from one of his books, followed by an interactive activity and a meet and greet with families. All are welcome and there is no cost to attend.

Both events will be followed by book signings, with a selection of Reynolds’ books available for purchase on-site from the ���ϲ����� bookstore.

Other planned activities during Reynolds’ residency include a visit to the ���ϲ����� Early Education and Child Care Center, the Bernice M. Wright Laboratory School and Van Duyn Elementary School, as well as a lunchtime chat with students from across ���ϲ�����. The Keith Speaker Series is also donating several sets of Reynolds’ books to Van Duyn Elementary.

Creativity champion Peter H. Reynolds is a New York Times best-selling author and illustrator. Published in over 25 languages, his books inspire children and “grown up children” with his messages about authentic learning, creativity, bravery, empathy and courageous self-expression.

Reynolds also illustrated the best-selling “I am Yoga, I am Peace, I am Human,” and “The Water Princess,” with Susan Verde, as well as the Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald. He lives in the Boston area where he founded The Blue Bunny, a family-owned and operated children’s book, toy and creativity store. With his twin brother Paul, he launched the Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning, and Creativity, a not-for-profit organization that encourages creativity and innovation in teaching and learning.

The Jo-Linda and Dennis Keith Distinguished Speaker Series was established by Jo-Linda ’65 and Dennis Keith in 2017 to bring exceptional and award-winning authors and illustrators to share their expertise about the craft of writing children’s picture books on topics that matter.

“Peter has an amazing ability to write about developmentally appropriate concepts for children on topics which children can and should relate to,” says Jo-Linda Keith. “His wonderful illustrations make these words come alive which hopefully will initiate discussion in the classroom.”

She continues, “the School of Education and the ���ϲ����� community are very fortunate to have Peter Reynolds for the upcoming events. He is a very warm, creative and engaging presenter.”

For more information about the series, public events, directions, parking and accommodations, please contact the School of Education at suschoolofed@syr.edu or 315.443.4696.

“These scholarships drastically decrease the cost of tuition and make it much more affordable for a student to pursue one of the School of Education’s highly ranked graduate degree programs,” says Amie Redmond, senior assistant dean for academic and student services in the School of Education. Scholarships are available for programs in high-demand areas of inclusive and special education, mathematics and science education, and mental health and school counseling. Many of these qualifying programs can be completed in 12-15 months.

Funding available includes:

• $47,000-$63,000 in scholarships for the master’s degree, which prepares students for teacher certification working with children birth-grade 2.
• Over $40,000, including funding from the newly created Frances Burgoyne-Burt tuition scholarship, for the master’s degree through the SUITR program, which prepare students to teach in inclusive middle and high school classrooms. The SUITR program provides intensive field placements and mentoring experiences in partnership with the ���ϲ����� City School District.
• Up to $32,000 for a limited number of highly qualified students in the or master’s degrees, which prepare students for certification teaching grades 7-12.
• Up to $65,000 for the master’s degree, which prepares students to provide socially just and culturally relevant therapeutic services.
• Up to $52,000 for the master’s degree, which prepares students to promote the academic, career, and personal development of K-12 students.

The School of Education is ranked 13th among private graduate schools of education by U.S. News & World Report for 2019, and ranked 14th among special education graduate programs. Anyone interested in starting one of these degree programs in summer or fall 2019 can attend an upcoming , visit the or contact Speranza Migliore at gradrcrt@syr.edu or 315.443.2505.

Students at the 2018 McNair Scholars Recognition and Induction banquet

�ճ���� has opened applications for 2019-2020 McNair Scholars. Students with a strong interest in graduate education and a keen interest in research should  by Feb. 24, 2019.

The federally funded McNair Scholars program prepares high-achieving undergraduate students for graduate/doctoral studies with hands-on research, academic services and scholarly activities. The program provides motivation, encouragement and support to 29 students annually from all disciplines. McNair staff work closely with participants through their undergraduate requirements, encourage their entrance into graduate programs and track their progress to successful completion of advanced degrees. Scholars must engage in a summer and academic year programs.

McNair Scholars Program Director Christabel Sheldon, Scholar Ensonn Morris and Program Coordinator Lauren Mallow

“The McNair Scholars program is an amazing opportunity for students to gather with others who are likeminded academically,” says Lauren Malloy, McNair Program coordinator. “The program provides assistance and support with research and graduate school pursuits, and just as importantly becomes a place where community is created, fostered and valued. Together this makes for the ideal environment for students to pursue their post baccalaureate goals.

Program activities and services include the following:

• Summer Research Academy and research methodology courses
• Guided faculty research opportunities during the academic year
• Opportunities and funding for research presentations and conferences
• Workshops and seminars on graduate school applications, admissions and funding
• One-on-one advising and tutorial support, and weekly community meetings with other McNair Scholars

Eligible students have a minimum 3.0 GPA, have earned at least 48 credits as of July 2019 and are a US citizen or permanent resident that meets federal income guidelines or is a member of an underrepresented population. More eligibility details can be found on the , and questions can be directed to mcnair@syr.edu���ǰ���315.443.5274.