The Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving announced the newest members of the ���ϲ����� Alumni Association (SUAA) board of directors and its Generation Orange Leadership Council this week.

These passionate alumni began their terms on July 1 and are are excited to work in partnership with University staff to foster connections within the Orange community and advance the mission of ���ϲ�����.

New members of the SUAA board of directors include:

• Mike Backman ’96, G’99
• Davita N. Carpenter ’92
• Lawrence Lin ’18
• Andrew Regalado ’20

The board also elected Alonna Berry ’11, a director since 2021, as vice president. She will serve in that position under SUAA President Peter Gianesini ’94 for the next year before transitioning to the role of president on July 1, 2025.

The Generation Orange Leadership Council—composed of graduates from the last ten years—welcomes the following new members:

• Jessia Beyer ’19
• Shelly Bhanot ’22
• Julianna D’Urzo G’20
• Mia Givens ’23
• Madison Prowak ’23
• Connor Schultz ’23

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Peter Gianesini ’94

Gianesini became president as Ryan McNaughton ’96, a member of the alumni board since 2014, concluded his two-year term. Gianesini spent more than two decades as a producer and executive at ESPN before leaving the company this spring and is looking forward to serving the University and Orange alumni family in this volunteer leadership role.

“It’s an incredible honor to have worked with the leaders that came before us, the ones that currently make up our board and, perhaps most of all, the student leaders that are just scratching the surface of their potential,” Gianesini says. “It doesn’t get much more exciting than that!”

Lauren Appelbaum G’06

Lauren Appelbaum earned a master’s degree from the Newhouse School after finishing her undergraduate studies at Columbia University. She is a vice president for RespectAbility, a nonprofit that works to fight stigmas and advance opportunities for people with disabilities. She is an award-winning consultant for accessibility and inclusion and the author of the Hollywood Disability Inclusion Toolkit. Appelbaum has been active with the University’s Alumni Club of Washington D.C., serving as the club’s president for one term.

Scott Greene ’93

Scott Greene was instrumental in the development of the University’s Alumni Club of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts and has served as the club’s co-leader (with new SUAA President Pete Gianesini). Greene is the advertising sales manager at Reminder Publishing and the president of Prospects1500, a website covering baseball’s future stars.

Wilder Leavitt ’86

Joining the SUAA Board is the next step in Maryland-based attorney Wilder Leavitt’s commitment to giving back to his alma mater. He says receiving a “life-changing” Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship during his freshman year allowed him to earn his degree and begin a successful career. That has driven him to be an active donor to the University’s Veteran’s Legacy Fund and, with his wife, to create the Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students. Leavitt is an Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) Connect mentor for military-connected students and alumni.

Alison Murray ’01

As a student, Alison Murray was an ROTC cadet and cheerleader. As an alumna, she is a 20-year Army veteran who has continued to be a cheerleader for ���ϲ����� in each of the half dozen cities where she has lived. Since graduating, she’s been active with the Office of Multicultural Advancement, OVMA and the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. She is an experienced digital health and virtual nursing provider and the president and CEO of In2uitive Solutions LLC.

Parrish Smith ’14

Parrish Smith is a vice president at Neuberger Berman, a private investment firm in New York City. Smith calls his time on campus “well-rounded.” He was involved in Greek life, served as an orientation leader, studied abroad and was active in several student organizations. Since graduating, he has served on the University’s Generation Orange Leadership Council, something he considers a return on the investment ���ϲ����� made in him.

will be held Sept. 21-23 and will include engaging and informative panel discussions and opportunities to reminisce with classmates, faculty and friends. Plus, attendees can celebrate this year’s Law Honors Award and Alumni of Color Award recipients, meet with current students and earn CLE credits. The weekend will also feature a football game against Army.

The Office of Alumni Engagement’s Orange Central celebration is set for the following weekend, Sept. 28-Oct. 1, when the Orange host defending ACC champion Clemson in the JMA Wireless Dome. The annual homecoming and reunion weekend features opportunities for alumni to reconnect with classmates, get an inside look at the exciting things happening at the University today and revisit their favorite spots around campus. for the most updated information—including hotel options and registration details when they become available—and enjoy a look back at 2022’s celebration.

, coordinated by New Student and Family Programs, will be Nov. 3-5. The weekend provides a great opportunity for students to show off the campus to their families and features a variety of programs that showcase the unsurpassed ���ϲ����� student experience. This year, the Orange will host Boston College during Family Weekend.

At top, from left, are Robb Armstrong, Joanna Geraghty, Stacey Mindich and Robert J. Miron. In the bottom row, from left, are Carole A. Leland, Jamal Salmon and Melvin Stith.

Seven outstanding alumni will be honored by ���ϲ����� as part of the 2022 Alumni Awards Celebration on Friday, Sept. 30. The celebration is one of the signature events of , the University’s annual homecoming and reunion weekend. Find out more about the events and register on the . Registration closes on Sept. 25 at 11:59 p.m.

This year’s honorees for the 2022 George Arents Award, the University’s highest alumni award, are cartoonist Robb Armstrong ’85, JetBlue President and COO Joanna Geraghty G’97, L’97, theatrical producer Stacey Mindich ’86 and retired cable executive Robert Miron ’59. Carole A. Leland ’56 will receive the Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award, recognizing alumni who have graduated more than 50 years ago and have demonstrated loyalty and service to the University. The 2022 Generation Orange Award, which recognizes graduates of the last 10 years, will be given to Jamal Salmon ’12. Melvin Stith G’73, Ph.D.’78 will be the recipient of the 2022 Military-Veteran Alumni Award.

For more information about the recipients, visit the .

Alumnus Gabe Honig ’01 produced “The Captain,” a docuseries on Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter.

A strong film education from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, robust resume of production experience and lifelong obsession with the New York Yankees prepared Gabe Honig ’01 for a “dream come true” opportunity to produce “The Captain,” a docuseries on Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter.

Find out more about .

Visit the for more information.

“We’ve spent so much of the last year couped up, dealing with the pandemic, so the idea of spring providing an opportunity to start fresh feels even more meaningful this year,” says Cory Miller, executive director of events and affinity programs in ���ϲ�����’s Office of Alumni Engagement. “We’re excited to offer these very timely and engaging Orange Experience programs— led by two amazing alumnae.”

On Thursday, April 8 at 6 p.m., Jillian Pransky ’90 will guide participants through a restorative “Inner Spring Cleaning.” Pransky is a world-renowned mindfulness teacher and certified yoga therapist who will teach us how to replenish our energy beginning with a series of warming, grounding movements and breath-awareness practices. Her program is designed to provide strategies to melt away layers of stress, releasing tension from the body and mind.

We’ll shift our attention to a more literal spring cleaning on Thursday, April 22 at 6 p.m., as Stacey Winnick ’81 demonstrates how to “Turn Your Clutter into Cash.” Winnick is an experienced and energetic powerhouse in the world of appraising and selling. She’ll share tips on identifying, preparing and selling items that are just taking up space because you’re no longer using them. If selling isn’t your thing, Winnick will offer advice on ways to donate your clutter to support sustainability.

“As the name suggests, our Orange Experiences are more than just virtual programs – they’re engaging experiences that offer alumni a tangible takeaway,” says Miller.

You can find a on the ���ϲ����� Alumni website.

SUccess Week builds off of the Office of Alumni Engagement’s SUccess in Any City series of career-focused networking programs. Like those programs, SUccess Week aims to provide alumni with an opportunity to learn and develop new skills, consider a variety of career options and connect with the vast Orange network.

“The last year has been really tough for so many people. The pandemic has disrupted careers, altered professions and eliminated jobs,” says Jenna Collins G’19, associate director of alumni professional development and outreach in the Office of Alumni Engagement. “COVID has also caused people to reevaluate their careers and consider other opportunities. This week of programming truly provides opportunities for skill development and professional growth is for everyone, no matter where they are in their career.”

Variety of Virtual Programs

SUccess Week will consist of daily, virtual programs at noon EDT—offered at no cost to alumni—covering topics ranging from lifelong learning to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace beginning with “Articulate Your Why” by Marissa Feinberg ’05, founder and chief storytelling officer at Triple Bottom Why.

Tuesday’s program focuses on the importance of being able to pivot and adapt to develop strategies for lifelong skill development with Cheryl Lasse ’90, managing partner at SkillDirector.

Diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace will be the topic of Wednesday’s session, featuring Michael B. Moore, a vice president at Blackbaud. Wednesday will also feature a virtual workshop at 4 p.m. ET on using LinkedIn to expand your professional network.

Tori Stevens, founder of evolYOUtion and YOUniversity, will lead Thursday’s program called “Take Your Own Advice,” which explores opportunities for professional development at any stage of your career.

SUccess Week will culminate on Friday with several industry-specific discussions and interactive networking sessions featuring impressive alumni representing DC Urban Alliance, Disney, ESPN, Google, Harvard Medical School, LinkedIn, Nielsen, Peloton, Twitter, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and more.

SUccess Supports SUccess

“The involvement of so many successful alumni during the week is a true testament to both the impact ���ϲ����� grads have across so many industries and their willingness and desire to help members of the Orange family reach their goals,” Collins says.

You can get more information about and sign up for any or all of the SUccess Week programs .

Dibya Patnaik

“I’ve come to the realization that all the opportunities I took advantage of over the past 4 years were possible because of philanthropy,” says Patnaik, who is majoring in supply chain management and entrepreneurship and minoring in information management and technology. “The Whitman Leadership Scholarship has made my ���ϲ����� experience a reality by being a gift that kept giving.”

Patnaik has made the most of her time as a student, immersing herself in academics and student organizations like Delta Sigma Pi, OrangeSeeds and Whitman Leadership Scholars. She joined the Forever Orange Student Alumni Council (FOSAC) in 2018 and serves as the group’s co-president, one of the reasons she knows her ���ϲ����� experience will change when she graduates, but it won’t end.

Like the tens of the thousands who came before her and the tens of thousands who will follow in her footsteps, Patnaik’s lifelong connection to ���ϲ����� began the minute she stepped on campus.

The Orange family will celebrate that lifelong connection during , March 22-28. The week features a variety of virtual programming, community service projects and philanthropic initiatives designed to bring the Orange family together, highlight the power of giving back and demonstrate what it means to #BeOrange while celebrating the University’s 151st birthday on March 24, National Orange Day.

Among the highlights:
• The Forever Orange Virtual 5k: Walk, Run or Roll, anywhere–anytime! A partnership with the Lerner Center
• Orange Experience: Craft a Collage with the ���ϲ����� Art Museum | March 23, 6-6:45 p.m. ET | Zoom Meeting
• University Lecture: Nyle DiMarco, deaf activist and ambassador | March 23, 7:30 p.m. ET | Zoom Webinar
• Forever Orange: Connecting to the Orange Family for students and young alumni | March 24, 6 p.m. ET | Zoom Meeting
• CBT Virtual Connection Series: Women’s History Month Panel hosted by the Office of Multicultural Advancement | March 25, 7 p.m. ET | Zoom Webinar
• Music and Message with Hendricks Chapel | March 28, 4 p.m. | Zoom Webinar

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���ϲ����� alumni clubs will continue their tradition of supporting their communities with a number of service projects planned across the country. Several clubs are also urging their members to support the Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry, which provides food and other important items to members of the campus community in need.

The University’s birthday week is also a great time to show off what means to #BeOrange on social media. Post a photo of yourself wearing your favorite ���ϲ����� gear and share a story about the importance of your lifelong connection to ’Cuse on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the #BeOrange hashtag.

As a senior, Dibya Patnaik knows Forever Orange Week 2021 will carry some extra meaning as she reflects on her time at ���ϲ�����.

“I was able to embrace opportunities inside and outside the classroom to have the richest possible college experience,” says Patnaik.

Patnaik appreciates that many of those opportunities were made possible by the experience, leadership and generosity of the generations who came before her. She looks forward to a forever Orange future where she can help shape similar opportunities for generations of students to come.

The clock starts ticking at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, as the entire ���ϲ����� community comes together in a race to beat the goal of 5,000 donors by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 6. In its third year, Boost the ’Cuse is expanding to 44 hours for ���ϲ�����—an effort that aims to be as legendary as the number itself.

There will be several ways for students, faculty and staff to be a part of the excitement, beginning with a on Monday, Nov. 4. Get a team together or show up solo and test your ���ϲ����� trivia knowledge!

Once Boost the ’Cuse kicks off, we encourage you to join the fun at one of our on-campus locations. On Tuesday, the Barnes Center at The Arch will host contests while offering food, pet therapy sessions and much more. Wednesday will feature a scavenger hunt, food and contests during the day at Bird Library and a tailgate at Dineen Hall from 7 to 9 p.m., prior to the season-opening men’s basketball game against the University of Virginia. If you’re going to the game, check out our Boost the ’Cuse table in the backcourt at the Dome for fun games and activities.

Throughout the 44 hours, students will search for stuffed Ottos hidden around campus. Students who find one, will be able to designate challenge money donated by the to any part of ���ϲ����� they choose.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of Boost the ’Cuse because, as a student, I know I have personally benefited from generous donors who support ���ϲ�����,” says Julia Pion ’20, a member of the Forever Orange Student Alumni Council. “I am particularly grateful to have had the opportunity to meet some of the alumni whose hard work and meaningful gifts resulted in the development of the program I am currently in, the social work program.”

Members of the ���ϲ����� community have three ways to give during the 44 hours of Boost the ’Cuse:

• Online: Make your gift at .
• By phone: Call 315.443.1848 or watch for a call or text from ���ϲ�����.
• In person: Visit us at the Barnes Center at The Arch on Tuesday and at Bird Library on Wednesday, stop by our tailgate at Dineen Hall before Wednesday’s men’s basketball game or check out our Boost the ’Cuse table in the Dome backcourt before the game or at halftime.

You can watch live coverage from campus, find out about time-sensitive challenges and track our progress by following along on , and . Across the country, several alumni clubs will be hosting gatherings to celebrate alumni philanthropy.

We look forward to bringing the ���ϲ����� community together for 44 legendary hours on November 5 and 6. Together, we’ll Boost the ’Cuse and celebrate what it means to be Orange!

Chancellor Kent Syverud headlines a team of University leadership traveling to China to participate in a series of programs for University alumni, students and families during the month of May. “���ϲ����� Around the World” will be held in ,�������Ի���. The alumni-moderated panel discussions will showcase ways in which the University is expanding its global footprint and bolstering its profile as a top-rated international research institution.

“We have many passionate alumni living in Asia who are interested in keeping up with what’s happening at ���ϲ�����,” says Esther Feng, director of international development, Asia.  “We are thrilled our ‘���ϲ����� Around the World’ series will provide an opportunity for them to hear directly from Chancellor Syverud and other academic leaders about the exciting partnerships, innovations and discoveries that are happening on the ���ϲ����� campus and beyond.”

The event in Hong Kong will be held Saturday, May 19, at 1 p.m. at the American Club Hong Kong and will feature Chancellor Syverud; Lorraine Branham, dean of the ; and David Van Slyke, dean of the . Kitty Lun G’80, head of creative shop for Greater China at Facebook, will serve as the afternoon’s moderator.

Chancellor Syverud and Dean Van Slyke will be the panelists for the program at Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel at 7 p.m. on May 21. Alton Chow G’97, vice president and managing director for Central China at AECOM, will serve as the evening’s moderator.

The program in Beijing on May 23 will feature Chancellor Syverud, Dean Branham, and Zhanjiang “John” Liu, SU’s vice president for research. Matt Rivers ’10, CNN international correspondent, will moderate the evening’s discussion at Beijing’s Westin Hotel. The event will begin at 7 p.m.

Each of the two-hour programs will include a reception, allowing attendees the opportunity to speak with the panelists and connect with other ���ϲ����� alumni. Anyone interested in attending the programs may register online at . Walk-up registration will also be available at the time of the programs.

About ���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic , with a global footprint, and , ���ϲ����� offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of ���ϲ����� is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .