The campaign began Nov. 1 and runs through the end of December 2020. During this time, University employees are encouraged to consider making a voluntary pledge through for either a one-time donation or a regular donation through payroll deduction each pay period. For those who prefer, a paper pledge card can still be obtained by contacting campaign coordinator Maggie Ekdahl at meekdahl@syr.edu or 315.443.8052.

The United Way of CNY funds 87 different programs at 33 local agencies, and all of the funds raised stay in Central New York. For every dollar donated, an additional $3 comes back to the community in matching funds, which allows the United Way to leverage and direct these funds to address the most critical needs in our local community.

The co-chairs of this year’s University campaign are Joanna Masingila, dean of the School of Education, and Ryan Williams, vice president of enrollment services.

In addition to the co-chairs, the campaign is led by a network of team leaders from across each college and department on campus. These team leaders spread awareness of the campaign and encourage their colleagues to participate. Many departments organize their own activities to raise supplemental funds in addition to employee pledges, and then donate the proceeds from these activities to the campaign.

While typical department activities include bake sales, team games and gift basket raffles, this year’s virtual environment has required teams to be creative. In past years, SU Libraries held a huge bake sale organized by team leader Patricia Hunt that staff and students eagerly anticipated. With the pandemic this year, they have shifted focus and are now hoping to hold a virtual auction event in the coming weeks.

Employee participation in the campaign is voluntary and participating employees can select either an automatic payroll deduction or a one-time donation in any amount. University retirees are also invited to participate as many enjoy the longstanding tradition and generous spirit of this annual event.

Chancellor Syverud will chair the committee, which includes student, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees representatives.�� A new Director of Athletics, who reports to the Chancellor, is expected to be in place by the start of the fall semester.

“The future of ���ϲ����� Athletics is brighter than it has ever been, both on the field and in the classroom,” says Chancellor Syverud. “The next Director of Athletics will be someone who can enhance our many existing strengths and has a strong vision that will bring us to new heights.”

The search committee members are:

• Kent Syverud, Chancellor (Chair)
• Dino Babers, head football coach
• Richard Burton, Falk Professor of Sport Management and faculty athletics representative
• Kimberly Keenan-Kirkpatrick, deputy athletics director and senior women’s administrator
• Robert Miron, University Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees’ Athletics Committee
• Brittney Sykes, women’s basketball student-athlete

“This search process will be both deliberate and expeditious,” says Chancellor Syverud. “Our unprecedented investment in new facilities and membership in one of the finest athletic and academic conferences makes this job one of the best in the nation. I am confident we will find the best person to lead ���ϲ����� Athletics into the future. ”

The search committee’s goal is to select a final candidate and have a new Director of Athletics in place by the start of the 2016-17 academic year. The Chancellor will work with the committee to determine if the use of a search firm/consultant would benefit the search process.

Ann Clarke

During her tenure as dean, Clarke oversaw the creation of key associate dean positions in assessment and accreditation, research and graduate studies and global academic programs and initiatives. Coupled with the establishment of strong academic leadership in the college’s six schools and departments—including endowed chairs in the School of Art and School of Design—and the efforts of staff and faculty, the college has flourished as a leader in the education of students in art, communication and rhetorical studies, design, drama, music and transmedia.

“Under Ann’s leadership, the College of Visual and Performing Arts has gained an international reputation for its programs and faculty, opportunities for students both on and off campus and creative and scholarly research,” says Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost Liz Liddy. “We are thankful that Ann will return to the VPA faculty, where she can continue to dedicate herself to the success and well-being of our students.”

“It has truly been an honor and privilege to lead the faculty and staff of this college in the name of providing the absolute best education that our students deserve at a remarkable research institution,” says Clarke. “We as a whole and individually educate cultural leaders by being cultural leaders through our studios, presentations, writings, performances, activism and extremely hard work.”

Since 2008, numerous VPA schools, departments and programs have achieved national rankings, contributing to an increase in the recruitment of top faculty and students. These include graduate programs in ceramics, printmaking, sculpture and transmedia (U.S. News and World Report’s “Top 20 Best Graduate Schools in Fine Arts”); programs in environmental and interior design and industrial and interaction design (DesignIntelligence’s “America’s Best Architecture and Design Schools”); the film program (the Hollywood Reporter’s “Top 25 American Film Schools”); the Department of Drama (the Hollywood Reporter’s “Top 25 Drama Schools”); and the Bandier Program and Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music (the Hollywood Reporter’s “Top 25 Music Schools”). In addition, the graduate program in communication and rhetorical studies has risen to become one of the top master’s programs in the country.

Through ongoing teamwork by administration and faculty, the college has made significant progress on assessment of student learning and the creation of a framework for ongoing preparation and facilitation of accreditation and external self-study reviews. It has also increased its support for and promotion of faculty and graduate student research. In addition, a more strategic and formalized focus on the college’s global presence has led to new or expanded academic offerings and/or immersion programs in New York City; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; Brazil; the Czech Republic; England; France; Germany; and Italy. The college has also signed memorandums of understanding for partnerships with Rose Bruford College in London, York St. John University in England, the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and Massey University in New Zealand.

Clarke and the college have also overseen numerous initiatives for and renovations to VPA-inhabited buildings and facilities, including:

• a complete renovation to the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies’ classrooms and offices in Sims Hall thanks to a $1 million gift from the Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation Inc.;

• the relocation of the School of Design to the Nancy Cantor Warehouse in downtown ���ϲ�����, allowing for increased community partnerships;

• the creation of 914Works, a space for VPA students and faculty to present individual or group exhibitions, readings and small-scale performances;

• renovations to the School of Art’s ceramics studios and equipment in the Comstock Art Facility; and

• the soon-to-be-completed renovation of Smith Hall as a nexus for VPA interdisciplinary programs and research.

Liddy, working with Chancellor Kent Syverud, will be creating a timetable for the search process for the next VPA dean.

Samuel Clemence

The appointment comes as Tiffany Steinwert, current dean of Hendricks Chapel, has accepted the position of dean of religious and spiritual life at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Steinwert, who has served as the sixth dean of Hendricks Chapel since 2010, will depart the University on Aug. 15.

“Tiffany’s gracious leadership of Hendricks Chapel has served our community well,” says Kantrowitz. “She has a deep sense of fairness and strong moral compass, which have been the mark of her tenure as dean. Her ability to build relationships, span cultural divides and provide spiritual and moral education and support has helped enhance Hendricks Chapel as the ‘heart’ of the ���ϲ����� campus.”

Clemence, who agreed to serve has interim dean, has more than 37 years of teaching experience at ���ϲ����� in the . His academic work focuses on geotechnical engineering, soils and foundation design, and history of technology. Selected as a Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence in 1996, Clemence has received several teaching and professional honors, and has numerous publications.

In addition to his extensive teaching experience at ���ϲ�����, Clemence has served as a spiritual life group advisor for more than a decade and has been an active member of the University’s Spiritual Life Council. He is well known on campus and at the chapel and has cultivated positive relationships with all constituents, both staff and students. He became interim dean effective Aug. 1.

“Sam understands the culture of both ���ϲ����� and Hendricks Chapel and is able to work with diverse people from many faith traditions,” says Kantrowitz. “He is a trusted and well-respected member of our campus community, and I am happy to welcome him to the Division of Student Affairs.”

During the fall semester, Student Affairs leadership will work with the Hendricks Chapel community in an inclusive way to develop a firm foundation and clear vision for the chapel and its leadership team going forward. This will include the development of a report by Dec. 1, which will inform the search for a seventh dean and guide the new dean in the work of the chapel. A national search for a new dean will begin in January.

A farewell and thank you reception honoring Tiffany Steinwert will take place on Thursday, Aug. 13, 3-4:30 p.m. in the Noble Room of Hendricks Chapel. It is open to the full campus community.

Mike Hopkins

���ϲ����� Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced he has formally named Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Hopkins as head coach-designate. Hopkins will succeed Coach Jim Boeheim following the 2017-18 men’s basketball season. In March, Boeheim announced that he will retire in three years.

“For more than 25 years, Mike Hopkins has demonstrated the true meaning of Orange pride and loyalty,” says Chancellor Syverud. “He has contributed so much to the success of the ���ϲ����� basketball program. I know Mike is ready to lead the program into the future and carry forward the success that has occurred under Coach Boeheim.”

One of the most popular student-athletes in ���ϲ����� basketball history, Hopkins has forged a successful career as an assistant coach, recently completing his 19th season on the Orange staff. While Hopkins has been on the coaching staff, ���ϲ����� has advanced to 14 NCAA tournaments and four NIT berths. The Orange won the NCAA Championship in 2003.

“I’m honored, humbled and grateful for this special opportunity,” says Hopkins. “Very few people are afforded the privilege to coach at their alma mater. I want to thank Chancellor Syverud, the Board of Trustees and Jim Boeheim for entrusting me with this great program. Coach Boeheim has created one of the most pre-eminent college basketball programs in the country, one that is committed to a standard of excellence and consistency.”

Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees Athletics Committee Robert Miron says, “Chancellor Syverud has made the right choice for the men’s basketball program, the right choice for SU Athletics and the right choice for ���ϲ�����. Mike Hopkins has been a ���ϲ����� stalwart and a key part of the program’s exceptional achievements. I’m confident he will continue the success Coach Boeheim has brought to the program.”

“Mike has truly earned this honor through his hard work, dedication and commitment to our program for more than 20 years,” says Boeheim. “There is no one more ready or prepared to carry on the success of ���ϲ����� basketball than Mike Hopkins.”

Incoming Director of Athletics Mark Coyle says he supports Chancellor Syverud’s decision to name Hopkins head coach-designate. “During the search process I was fully briefed on all of the athletic programs, including men’s basketball,” Coyle says. “I am impressed by the accomplishments of the entire coaching staff and fully support the Chancellor’s decision.”

Born in San Mateo, Calif., where he played on the 1987 California state championship team at Mater Dei High School, Hopkins enrolled in ���ϲ����� in 1989. Hopkins led the 1991-92 team to the Big East Championship. He was a two-year starter at shooting guard and a team captain as a senior. Hopkins played professional basketball in the Continental Basketball Association with the Rochester (Minn.) Renegades and in Europe with teams in Turkey and Holland following his graduation from ���ϲ�����.

Hopkins joined the ���ϲ����� coaching staff in 1995 and immediately made his mark on the program. He tutored the Orange guards and was a key to the development of eventual NBA draft choice Jason Hart. Producing top performances out of his charges continued with the efforts of Jonny Flynn, Allen Griffin, Gerry McNamara, Demetris Nichols and Andy Rautins.

Hopkins has handled scouting reports for the Orange; he’s worked with the academic advising office on the players’ academic progress; and he runs the ���ϲ����� Elite Camp. During the summer of 2000 he added recruiting responsibilities to his job description. His efforts on the road have helped the Orange program remain a consistent NCAA Tournament contender.

Hopkins joined Boeheim’s USA Basketball staff in 2000 and 2001 as a court coach for the men’s national 21 and under team trials. He participated in player evaluation during squad tryouts and helped select the squad that earned a gold medal at the world championships in Japan. In 2012, he worked closely with the coaching staff of the USA Basketball squad that defended its gold medal at the London Olympics.

Coyle was selected following a comprehensive national search and was recommended to the Chancellor by the Director of Athletics Search Committee that was appointed in early April.

Mark Coyle

“Mark has an outstanding record as a director of athletics and is known throughout the country for his professional accomplishments,” says Chancellor Syverud. “His strong academic values and commitment to the welfare of student-athletes, combined with his record of achievement in fundraising, make him the right person to lead ���ϲ����� Athletics forward at this important time for the University.”

During Coyle’s tenure at Boise State, Bronco Athletics teams posted the highest grade-point average in school history, with 18 teams setting team GPA records and more than 72 percent of the student-athletes earning above a 3.0. Four Boise State teams—football, women’s golf, women’s tennis and volleyball—earned Public Recognition Awards from the NCAA in 2015 for having multi-year APR scores in the top 10 percent of their respective sports. Additionally, 10 athletic teams recorded a perfect 1000 APR this past academic year.

Athletically, Boise State has won 12 conference championships under Coyle’s leadership, including football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s gymnastics, women’s swimming and diving, and men’s tennis. During the 2014-15 academic year, Boise State was the only Football Bowl Subdivision school in the country to win football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball conference championships.

Known for his success in fundraising, under Coyle’s leadership, the Bronco Athletic Association raised more than $40 million in capital gifts and annual donations, including a $12.5 million naming gift for the football stadium. Additionally, Coyle renegotiated the multimedia marketing rights agreement with Learfield Communications valued at more than $42 million in guaranteed revenue for the department.

“I am truly impressed with ���ϲ�����’s athletics program and I am honored to have been selected athletic director,” Coyle says. “Throughout my career I have been committed to developing student-athletes and athletics staff to be leaders both inside the classroom and on the court and playing fields. I recognize that ���ϲ����� student-athletes, coaches, athletic staff and fans are among the best in the country. I am eager to work beside them and look forward to becoming a part of Orange Nation.”

“On behalf of the entire search committee I’d like to say how excited and supportive we are of Chancellor Syverud’s selection of Mark Coyle as our next director of athletics,” says University Trustee Steve Ballentine, CEO of Ballentine Capital Management, who chaired the nine-member search committee. “The committee conducted a comprehensive national search, targeting the very best. The interest in this job from so many extremely qualified candidates was deeply gratifying and should make Orange Nation proud. The Chancellor charged us to seek an experienced leader who will continue the University’s legacy of integrity and strong academic values, respect for diversity, student-athlete welfare, competitive success across all sports and fiscal responsibility. In Mark Coyle he has chosen exactly that leader.”

“Mark Coyle is uniquely qualified to lead our Athletics Department at this important juncture,” says Special Assistant to the Chancellor Barry L. Wells, former senior vice president and dean of student affairs at the University. “He has an impressive track record of accomplishment which puts the student-athletes’ well-being at the forefront of athletic success. Mark has the right values and beliefs for ���ϲ����� and should lead us to success both in the classroom and in the athletic arena.”

Prior to joining Boise State, Coyle served in several roles in the athletics department at University of Kentucky, first as an associate athletics director in fundraising and development. He was quickly promoted to senior associate athletics director for external affairs, a position he held for four years before being named deputy director of athletics. At University of Kentucky, Coyle successfully raised more than $140 million in annual donations and capital pledges and served as a sport administrator for multiple teams, including men’s basketball, volleyball, and men’s and women’s golf. Coyle managed football and men’s basketball scheduling, oversaw hiring of head coaches and support staff and was involved with recruits during campus visits. In 2011 he supervised the men’s basketball program, which advanced to the NCAA Final Four.

Before heading to the University of Kentucky, Coyle served as associate athletics director of external relations at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where he was responsible for managing the marketing and sales unit, athletic communications, the ticket office and licensing. Under his guidance, the marketing staff was recognized as the top marketing staff in the Big Ten Conference.

Coyle began his career at the University of Miami and later joined HOST Communications Inc., a national leader in college sports marketing, association management and media services that was acquired by IMG in 2007. At HOST, Coyle served as key liaison to clients including the NCAA, the University of Tennessee, the Southeastern Conference, the University of Notre Dame and Florida State University.

A former football student-athlete, Coyle received his undergraduate degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, received a master of science degree in sports administration from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla., and a master of arts in teaching from Drake University. Coyle will move to the ���ϲ����� region later this summer with his wife Krystan, a physical therapist, and their three children, Grace, Nicholas and Benjamin.

Coyle will assume his new role on July 6. The appointment is to be confirmed by the University’s Board of Trustees at its next meeting.

He will be formally introduced at an event to be held on the ���ϲ����� campus on Monday.

Steven W. Barnes

Barnes will assume the role of Chairman when the four-year term of current Chairman Richard L. Thompson G’67 concludes during the Board’s annual meeting during Commencement Weekend. Thompson will become Chairman-Emeritus and will be awarded an honorary degree at Commencement.

Barnes was named to the Board of Trustees in 2008, and has served on two of the board’s committees: the executive committee and the investment and endowment committee. In 2014, he received the Dritz Trustee of the Year Award, which recognizes a trustee who shows extraordinary effort on behalf of the University. In 2011, Barnes received the Jonathan J. Holtz Alumnus of the Year Award from the Whitman School of Management. His term as Chairman will run through May 2019.

“Steve is a wonderful advocate and supporter of ���ϲ�����,” says Thompson. “He has shown compelling leadership through his work on the Board of Trustees, and as Co-Chair of Institute for Veterans and Military Families, which has helped move that organization to its current national prominence. I know Steve has the capacity, drive and expertise to skillfully lead this University into a new era, working with the entire board and Chancellor Syverud.”

Barnes is a managing director with Bain Capital, a global investment firm with $80 billion of assets under management. He has been associated with the company since 1988, and has served as CEO/president for several of the firm’s portfolio companies. He currently leads the firm’s North American Private Equity group. Prior to joining Bain Capital, Barnes held senior management positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Barnes earned a bachelor’s degree from the Whitman School. He serves as co-chairman of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families and is a long-term member of the Whitman Advisory Council.

In 2010, Barnes endowed, as part of a gift, the Barnes Family Entrepreneurship for Veterans with Disabilities at the Whitman School. His gift also created the Barnes Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Whitman School, which is held by Vice Chancellor Mike Haynie. Also at the school, Barnes is a founding investor in the Orange Value Fund, a $4.1 million student-run portfolio.

Barnes currently serves on several boards, including Blackhawk and Securitas. He is a member of ownership and the board of directors of the Boston Celtics. Active in numerous community activities, he is: a founder and member of the board of directors of MV Youth; former chairman of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island and currently a member of the Board of Directors; and a member of the trust board of Boston Children’s Hospital.

“Dick Thompson has been a great leader for ���ϲ�����,” says Chancellor Syverud. “He has expanded opportunities for students, advanced ���ϲ����� so in many ways and steered the University through a time of transition and change. Ruth and I are also personally grateful for Dick and Jean’s support and guidance during our transition to ���ϲ�����.”

“Steve Barnes will bring exceptional skills to the role of Chairman,” says Chancellor Syverud. “He is a strategic and entrepreneurial thinker. He has worked vigorously on behalf of the University and provided visionary support for our students, and our faculty. I know he will be a great leader in his new role.”

Thompson, who earned a master’s degree in political science from the Maxwell School, joined the board in 2001 and was elected vice-chairman in 2008, after serving as a member of the executive and budget committees and as the chairman of the administrative operations committee. In 2011, he was elected chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Among the University’s accomplishments and milestones during Thompson’s four-year tenure are the successful completion of the University’s $1.044 billion fund-raising campaign; the invitation to join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC); the creation of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families; the successful search for a new Chancellor in 2013 that resulted in the selection of Chancellor Kent Syverud; and the construction of new premier facilities, including the College of Law’s Dineen Hall, the Fisher Center in New York City, the Newhouse School’s Dick Clark Studios and Alan Gerry Center for Media Innovation, and the Ensley Athletic Center.

On July 1, 2013, Thompson, along with his wife Jean, gave a $1 million gift to the Athletic Department. The gift, coinciding with the historic date of the University’s formal entry into the ACC, has provided support for several athletic programs and the naming of the new indoor practice field at the Ensley Center after Jean’s father, First Lieutenant John F. Phelan, who died in action in Normandy, France, during World War II.

The Board of Trustees has also announced the appointment of Lisa A. Dolak, the Angela S. Cooney Professor of Law, as senior vice president and University Secretary. Dolak was appointed interim secretary to the board in January. As University Secretary, Dolak oversees trustee relations, supports the overall work of the Board and manages the Office of the Board of Trustees.

In addition, the following members have also been unanimously nominated for election to the Executive Committee: Joanne Alper ’72, at-large member; Darlene T. DeRemer ’77, ’79, investment and endowment committee co-chair; David Edelstein ’78, vice-chair; Theodore McKee ’75, at-large member; Reinaldo Pascual ’85, vice-chair; Edward J. Pettinella ’76, budget committee chair; and Michael G. Thonis ’72, audit committee chair and investment and endowment committee co-chair.

The Vice Chancellor and Provost is ���ϲ�����’s chief academic officer and is responsible for all aspects of the academic mission.

“���ϲ����� is about to launch our shared vision in the Academic Strategic Plan,” Chancellor Syverud says. “The University’s next Vice Chancellor and Provost will guide the important, transformative work to implement the priorities laid out in the strategic plan. The new Provost will be a skilled leader to oversee the academic life of this University, continuing its tradition of academic excellence and prioritizing students as our primary focus.”

The committee, which is composed of faculty, staff and student representatives and members of the Board of Trustees, was ratified by the University Senate yesterday at its April meeting. The search committee members are:

• Jean-Francois Bedard, associate professor, School of Architecture
• Tej Bhatia, professor of linguistics, College of Arts and Sciences
• Lorraine Branham, professor and dean, Newhouse School of Public Communications
• Jim Breuer, University Trustee and Chair of the Trustee Academic Affairs Committee
• Keith Bybee, Paul E. and Hon. Joanne F. Alper ’72 Judiciary Studies Professor, College of Law
• Charles Driscoll, University Professor, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Alejandro Garcia, professor of social work, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
• Gwenn Judge, director of budget and planning
• Ian MacInnes, associate professor, School of Information Studies
• M. Cristina Marchetti, William R. Kenan Professor, College of Arts and Sciences
• Patricia Mautino, University Trustee and member of the Trustee Academic Affairs Committee
• Patrick Neary, graduate student; outgoing president of the Graduate Student Organization
• Aysha A. Seedat, undergraduate student; president-elect of the Student Association

The Vice Chancellor and Provost oversees a range of academic affairs, from recruitment of students to the administration of the schools and colleges and other units that are central to the academic life of the University. The Provost collaborates with the Chancellor in setting academic priorities and provides leadership for the school and college deans and their faculties.

Elizabeth D. Liddy is the Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost. She was appointed to the position in January by Chancellor Syverud, after Eric F. Spina announced the conclusion of his tenure in December. Spina was appointed a Trustee Professor by the Board of Trustees in December. A campus community event celebrating his tenure and achievements as Vice Chancellor and Provost will take place next Friday, April 24, at 4 p.m. in the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium at Newhouse 3.

The new athletic director is expected to be in place for the start of the 2015-16 academic year.

University Trustee Steve Ballentine, CEO of Ballentine Capital Management, will chair the committee that is composed of student, faculty and staff representatives, and members of the Board of Trustees.

The committee, which convened and met with prospective search firms last week, will present at least two final candidates to Chancellor Syverud for his review. A new Director of Athletics, who will report to the Chancellor, is expected to be in place by the start of the 2015-16 academic year.

“This is a key moment for ���ϲ����� to recruit an outstanding Director of Athletics who will continue to promote core values for our student athletes and all who work at and support our University,” Chancellor Syverud says. “I have charged the Search Committee to seek an experienced leader who will continue the University’s legacy of integrity and strong academic values; respect for diversity; student-athlete welfare; competitive success across all sports; and fiscal responsibility.”

The search committee members are:

• Steve Ballentine, Chair of Search Committee, University Trustee
• Richard Burton, Falk Professor of Sport Management and Faculty Athletics Representative
• Veronica Dyer, Strength and Conditioning Coach for Olympic Sports
• James Kuhn, University Trustee and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
• Robert Miron, University Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees’ Athletics Committee
• LaVonda Reed, Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professor of Law
• Sam Rodgers, Class of 2015, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Football Student-Athlete
• Peter Sala, Interim Athletics Director and Managing Director, Carrier Dome
• Barry L. Wells, Special Assistant to the Chancellor

“The Search Committee has already taken the first steps in conducting a comprehensive search for the University’s new Director of Athletics,” Ballentine says. “We look forward to seeking out the best possible candidates to lead University athletics and, most importantly, guide and support our student-athletes as they come to ���ϲ����� to strive for excellence in academics and success in their sport.”

The University has retained the executive search firm DHR International’s Sports Practice Group leader Glenn Sugiyama and Pat Richter to consult on all aspects of the search, from profile development to recruitment and selection of an experienced candidate.

Last month, Dr. Daryl Gross concluded his tenure as Director of Athletics. He was appointed and now serves as Vice President and Special Assistant to the Chancellor and adjunct professor in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics.

The University initially self-reported potential violations to the NCAA in May 2007, and submitted its written self-report in October 2010—after conducting an internal investigation for three years and five months. The NCAA conducted its own review and issued a Notice of Allegations essentially confirming the self-report in 2011. While the University was in the process of responding to the Notice of Allegations, a subsequent violation occurred prompting a joint investigation beginning in February 2012. That investigation lasted more than 24 months and concluded with an amended Notice of Allegations in May 2014. The University responded to the Notice of Allegations in August 2014 and appeared at a hearing before the NCAA Committee on Infractions in October 2014.

The University believes the NCAA’s investigation of ���ϲ����� has taken longer than any other investigation in NCAA history—close to eight years and involving a review of conduct dating back to 2001. The University and the NCAA devoted massive resources to the process. Hundreds of thousands of documents were reviewed, hundreds of interviews were conducted, and thousands of hours of human capital were expended.

���ϲ����� does not agree with all the conclusions reached by the NCAA, including some of the findings and penalties included in today’s report. However, the University takes seriously issues of academic integrity and the overall well-being of student-athletes. The University regrets, and does not dispute, that the following significant violations cited by the NCAA occurred:

Regional YMCA

The University discovered that in 2004-2005, two men’s basketball and three football student-athletes received a combined total of $8,335, provided by a part-time Rome, New York YMCA employee who qualified under NCAA rules as a University athletics “booster.” These monies were purportedly for work done at the YMCA, such as refereeing youth basketball games. Regardless, these monies were prohibited “extra benefits” under NCAA rules, and although these payments were isolated to one individual booster, they never should have occurred. In addition, three of these student-athletes received academic credit in the same course for internships at the YMCA they failed to complete. The University subsequently rescinded the credit.

Drug Education and Deterrence Program

The University’s voluntarily-adopted Drug Education and Deterrence Program has been in place for many years, distinguishing the University from those that elect to have no drug testing or rehabilitation program for their student-athletes. Although the NCAA does not require schools to have a testing program, if one is adopted, the university must follow its terms. The University reported to the NCAA that from 2001 to early 2009 it at times failed to follow the written terms of the program with respect to student-athletes who tested positive for use of marijuana. Although these failures largely were the result of an unnecessarily complicated testing policy and did not involve performance-enhancing drugs, they constitute an NCAA violation, which the University accepts.

Academic Integrity Matters

The University reported that in January 2012, a men’s basketball student-athlete committed academic misconduct. The misconduct occurred when the student-athlete submitted a paper in a course he already passed in an effort to improve his course grade and restore NCAA eligibility. Per University policy, the ability to improve a previous grade is open to all students.���� The paper was prepared with assistance from two (now former) athletics employees, both of whom were aware their actions were improper and wrong. Their actions, done in secret, went against clear instructions that the student-athlete needed to complete the assignment on his own, and constituted a clear violation of the University’s academic integrity policy and NCAA rules.��The University has acknowledged the now-former staff members’ wrongful conduct and accepts responsibility for their actions.��While reviewing this matter, the University found information suggesting these same two individuals, and one tutor, may have assisted three other student-athletes with some academic assignments.��Detailed information was submitted through the University’s faculty-led academic integrity process. In each case, faculty failed to find evidence supporting a violation.��NCAA bylaws dictate that it must accept an institution’s academic integrity determinations. Notwithstanding, the NCAA determined the same conduct constituted an “extra benefit” to these student-athletes. The University disagrees with the NCAA’s position.

Since first self-reporting to the NCAA, the University has implemented a series of best practices, strengthened existing policies and procedures, and reformed a range of student-athlete support services to ensure these mistakes never happen again. These proactive steps include:

• Fundamentally restructuring the entire student-athlete academic support office, that now reports solely to Academic Affairs, in lieu of jointly to the Athletics Department
• Creating a new Assistant Provost for Student-Athlete Development and more than doubling the number of full-time academic support staff for our student-athletes
• Redesigning the University’s voluntary Drug Education and Deterrence Program for student-athletes, consistent with best practices and peer institutions
• Establishing an Athletics Committee of the University’s Board of Trustees, that oversees the athletics department and receives reports of athletics issues, including compliance matters
• Creating an Athletics Compliance Oversight Committee that includes the University’s Faculty Athletics Representative, and a representative from Academic Affairs. This committee reviews the status of athletic compliance initiatives and monitors compliance
• Assigning oversight of the Office of Athletics Compliance to the University General Counsel
• Implementing new and wide-ranging enhanced compliance training programs for all student-athletes and coaches focused on NCAA, ACC and University rules and policies
• Taking action to separate employment with two former athletics staff members found to have been involved in academic misconduct
• Disassociating non-SU affiliated persons responsible for, or involved in, violations

In addition to implementing important changes to enhance academic support services and overall compliance, the University already self-imposed a series of significant penalties, including:

• A one-year ban from 2014-15 post-season competition for men’s basketball
• A voluntary, two-year period of probation for the Department of Athletics
• Eliminating one scholarship for men’s basketball for the 2015-2016 season
• Eliminating one off-campus recruiter for men’s basketball for six months during the 2015-2016 academic year
• Vacating 24 men’s basketball wins: 15 for the 2004-05 academic year; 9 for the 2011-12 academic year
• Vacating 11 football wins: 6 for the 2004-05 academic year; 1 for the 2005-06 academic year; 4 for the 2006-07 academic year

As part of its report, the NCAA Committee on Infractions today announced additional penalties and measures imposed on ���ϲ�����. Among them:

• Five years of probation from March 6, 2015 through March 5, 2020
• Returning all funds the University has received to date through the former Big East Conference revenue sharing for its appearances in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and other financial penalties
• Suspension of Coach Jim Boeheim from the first nine conference games of 2015-2016
• Reduction of men’s basketball scholarships by three for the 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 academic years (Executed scholarship offers for the 2015-16 year are not impacted.)
• Vacation of all wins in which ineligible men’s basketball students played in 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2010-11 and 2011-2012 equaling a vacation of 110 wins

The panel accepted the University’s self-imposed postseason ban for the 2014-15 season and other self-imposed penalties.

Although the University recognizes the seriousness of the violations it has acknowledged, it respectfully disagrees with certain findings of the Committee.��Specifically, the University strongly disagrees that it failed to maintain institutional control over its athletics programs, or that Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jim Boeheim has taken any actions that justify a finding that he was responsible for the rules violations.

���ϲ����� does not agree with certain aspects of the NCAA’s ruling and additional penalties. It is currently evaluating its right to challenge those portions of the report and penalties with which it disagrees. Coach Boeheim may choose to appeal the portions of the decision that impact him personally. Should he decide to do so, the University will support him in this step.

To learn more about the NCAA Investigation of ���ϲ�����, visit .

The following are statements from Chancellor Kent Syverud, Director of Athletics Daryl Gross, and Chair of the ���ϲ����� Board of Trustees Richard Thompson:

Chancellor Kent Syverud:

“We believe the NCAA’s investigation of ���ϲ����� has taken longer than any other investigation in NCAA history. During this time the University and the NCAA devoted massive resources to resolve this case. The University cooperated throughout the process, and the investigation’s length was a product of decisions made separately and together by both parties. Nevertheless, when I became Chancellor last year I concluded that the process had gone on long enough and needed to reach a prompt conclusion. We have worked hard with the NCAA in the last year to complete this matter.

“As Chancellor, I take issues of academic integrity very seriously along with the overall well-being of our student-athletes. We acknowledge significant violations occurred and we regret that. Years ago the University made substantial changes to academic oversight and compliance procedures to ensure mistakes like these don’t happen again. In taking responsibility for our actions, we have also self-imposed a series of significant penalties.

“We do not agree with all the conclusions reached by the NCAA, including some of the findings and penalties included in today’s report. We are considering whether to appeal certain portions of the decision. Coach Boeheim may choose to appeal the portions of the decision that impact him personally. Should he decide to do so, we would support him in this step.

“We understand some may not agree with our viewpoint on these important issues. However, we hope everyone will agree that eight years is too long and that a more expeditious and less costly process would be beneficial to student-athletes, public confidence in the NCAA enforcement process, and major intercollegiate athletics in general.”

Director of Athletics Daryl Gross:

“We have been open and cooperative with the NCAA throughout this lengthy process, taking responsibility for past violations, self-imposing a series of strong penalties and doing the right things to make sure violations don’t happen again. I share the University’s disappointment with aspects of today’s NCAA ruling and I support Chancellor Syverud and the University as it evaluates its right to appeal portions of the report and penalties.”

���ϲ����� Board of Trustees Chair Richard L. Thompson:

“This has been a long and exhausting investigation spanning close to eight years. I want to commend Chancellor Syverud and University General Counsel Dan French for ultimately bringing this investigation to conclusion. When Chancellor Syverud joined the University we agreed to immediately create an Athletics Committee of the Board of Trustees to oversee the Athletics Department and receive reports of athletics issues. In addition, the University has taken responsibility for past violations and self-imposed a set of very serious penalties. Most important, we have taken action to reform and strengthen oversight policies and procedures to ensure full compliance. At the same time, we believe a number of the penalties instituted by the NCAA are excessive, and I support the University’s decision to consider its options for appeal.”

���ϲ����� today announced that it previously notified the NCAA that it has instituted a self-imposed post-season ban for the men’s basketball 2014-15 season as part of its case pending before the NCAA Committee on Infractions.

The University initiated the case when it self-reported potential violations within the Athletics Department to the NCAA in 2007. Much of the conduct involved in the case occurred long ago and none occurred after 2012. No current student-athlete is involved. In addition, beginning in 2007, the University took a series of actions to reform and strengthen existing policies and procedures, implement a series of best practices, and realign and improve a range of student-athlete support services.

The University appeared before the NCAA Committee on Infractions in October 2014 and has continued to cooperatively engage with the Committee. As a further means of acknowledging past mistakes, the University notified the NCAA that it will be voluntarily withholding the men’s basketball team from post-season competition following the current 2014-15 season. This one-year ban includes the ACC Tournament and any additional post-season tournaments such as the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament and the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). This action is accompanied by other self-imposed penalties the University also instituted and which the NCAA Committee on Infractions will make public when it issues its final report.

Chancellor Kent Syverud said, “���ϲ�����’s history demonstrates a strong commitment to integrity, responsibility and fairness—values I have personally observed in practice many times since becoming Chancellor last year. The University has taken this matter seriously and worked with the NCAA for nearly eight years to investigate and address potential rules violations. The process has been exhaustive. We have taken responsibility for past violations and worked hard to ensure they are not repeated. I am disappointed for our current men’s basketball players who must shoulder this post-season ban. I also recognize that not participating in post-season play will be disappointing for many in the University community and to all Orange supporters. However, we look forward to moving past this matter and I am confident the men’s basketball program will be strong and successful both on the court and in the classroom in the years ahead.”

Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross said, “This has been a long process and while this is a tough decision it is in the best interest of the Athletics Department and the University. My greatest disappointment is for the players who will be affected by this outcome even though they were not involved. I am also mindful of the passionate and loyal members of Orange Nation who look forward to post-season play. In the end, I am confident our program will continue to compete at the highest national level and remain strong.”

Men’s Head Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim said, “I am very disappointed that our basketball team will miss the opportunity to play in the post-season this year. Senior Rakeem Christmas has been an outstanding member of the team for the past four years. However, I supported this decision and I believe the University is doing the right thing by acknowledging that past mistakes occurred. Our players have faced adversity and challenges before. I know they will rise to this challenge by keeping our program strong and continuing to make our University proud.”

Newly-appointed Faculty Athletics Representative and Falk Distinguished Professor of Sport Management Rick Burton said, “Every Division I program faces challenges and while this is a tough decision for the University and its students, faculty, staff and fans, it helps to close this particular chapter and allows us to focus on the future.”

As the NCAA case has not yet concluded, per NCAA bylaws the University is unable to provide additional details or comment further at this time.

Elizabeth Breul O’Rourke, Senior Vice President for Principal Gifts and International Advancement

Elizabeth “Lil” Breul O’Rourke, who has served as Secretary to the Board of Trustees and Vice President for Principal Gifts since 2009, today was named Senior Vice President for Principal Gifts and International Advancement by Chancellor Syverud.

In this new role, O’Rourke will focus on strategically enhancing the University’s global advancement and engagement initiatives and raising its profile internationally. She will develop a global advancement strategy for the University integrating advancement and academic affairs. She also will leverage her deep donor and alumni connections and extensive institutional knowledge to create opportunities for engagement and strategically advance philanthropic support through the cultivation and stewardship of principal gifts.

O’Rourke will report to the Chancellor and continue to serve as a member of his Executive Team. She will work closely with the new Chief Advancement Officer, for whom a search is underway, and serve as a member of the Division of Advancement and External Affairs’ leadership team. In undertaking this new role, O’Rourke will depart her position as Secretary to the Board of Trustees and begin in her new position effective Sept. 1.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Lil and for the University as a whole to expand its reach and impact in critical international regions,” says Chairman Thompson. “She has been a tremendous asset to the Board over the last five years, and I know she will be invaluable in this new capacity.”

“Lil brings to this role a wealth of experience in advancing the best interests of the University locally, nationally and globally,” says Chancellor Syverud. “The numerous relationships she has forged here will serve us well as we work to expand global development and advancement opportunities and align them with University strategic priorities. I am grateful for her dedicated service to the Board, and I know she will bring the same dedication and commitment to this critically important role.”

O’Rourke has served in a number of advancement roles at ���ϲ�����, including oversight of alumni relations and strategies for alumni outreach and engagement. She also was a key part of the leadership team for the successful $1 billion capital campaign that concluded in 2012. She joined the University in 1983, with her work in advancement covering a broad range of responsibilities. She has served as vice president for development and chief development officer; associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and associate vice president of alumni relations. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1977, and a master of arts degree in public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in 2004.

James O’Connor, Executive Director of Middle East Advancement and External Affairs

This transition will allow James O’Connor, who has served as executive director of Middle East Advancement and External Affairs since 2010, with an opportunity to further build on his successful advancement and engagement efforts in the Middle East, Turkey and North Africa. O’Connor will continue in this role and lead these efforts in the region. He will work directly with Chancellor Syverud on a strategy to expand and build on these successful efforts as an institutional priority.

Last May, O’Connor led and organized an initial development trip that Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Ruth Chen took to the Middle East. O’Connor will be planning and leading a more extensive trip to the region this December. During the current search underway for a new University Chief Advancement Officer, O’Connor will continue to report to Interim Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Charles Merrihew. O’Connor joined the University in 2000 having served as a top aide to former Congressman James T. Walsh.

“Our visit in May made clear to me that the University’s influence in the region is growing rapidly thanks to our outstanding alumni and supporters there,” says Chancellor Syverud. “I look forward to working with Jim to advance these efforts.”

Secretary to the Board of Trustees

With O’Rourke’s transition to her new role, Chairman Thompson announced that the Board of Trustees, the governing body of the University, will conduct a search to fill the position of Secretary to the Board of Trustees. The Secretary to the Board oversees trustee relations, supports the overall work of the Board and manages the Office of the Board of Trustees.

“This transition is a good opportunity for us to examine the structure of the Office of the Board of Trustees, including how we can strengthen and enhance its capacity to serve the Trustees and augment its effectiveness,” says Thompson.

As the search is underway, David C. Smith, a longtime University leader, former Vice President for Enrollment Management, and former Vice President for Administrative Planning, will serve as acting Secretary to the Board of Trustees. He will begin in that role on Sept. 2. Smith retired in 2008 after a 35-year career at the University. He is a nationally recognized expert and leader in the field of institutional planning, enrollment management and college planning.

“We are very grateful to David for agreeing to serve as acting Secretary to the Board,” says Thompson. “He will be a great asset to the Board as he has deep familiarity with the University from his many years of his outstanding service here. I look forward to working with him during this important time.”

Chancellor-designate Syverud has served as dean of the Washington University School of Law since 2006 and has nearly two decades of experience in academic leadership at premier national universities. He has a reputation as both a visionary and a strategic thinker with a keen ability to anticipate changes in the rapidly evolving higher education landscape. Beyond being credited with bringing the Washington University and Vanderbilt University law schools to greater national prominence, he has been a key member of the university leadership at both institutions. In these roles, he has worked on a broad spectrum of academic, diversity, fiscal, fundraising, human resources and strategic planning issues. He has earned the deep respect of colleagues across disciplines and is known for being a perceptive listener, skilled negotiator and wise policy maker.

“Chancellor-designate Syverud is exceptionally well prepared to guide SU as we seek to build on our tremendous momentum and continue to raise SU’s profile while fulfilling its proud legacy,” says Chairman Thompson. “Throughout the selection process, he distinguished himself by the impressive range and depth of experience he brings from being a faculty member and academic leader at some of the nation’s best universities.”

Chancellor-designate Syverud’s scholarship draws upon his exceptional professional experience, from having been a clerk to Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to having worked in one of the nation’s most prestigious law firms. He also has broad experience partnering with others to address crucial issues facing the nation and the world. He currently serves as one of two independent trustees of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust, a $20 billion fund created to compensate victims of the 2010 BP oil spill. Chancellor-designate Syverud has led several cross-sector partnerships, including a groundbreaking collaboration between Washington University and the Brookings Institution.

He will succeed Chancellor Nancy Cantor, who will become Chancellor of Rutgers University-Newark in January, and will begin his tenure as Chancellor on January 13, 2014.

“���ϲ����� is an inspiring institution,” says Chancellor-designate Syverud. “One of its most striking characteristics is the way that every constituency—faculty, students, staff, alumni—exudes a balance of humility and ambition, which, I believe, is the essence of what has enabled SU to be so boldly innovative and achieve such great things throughout its history. I am honored by the opportunity to lead SU, determined to help every part of it achieve its potential and, together, carry forward this remarkable legacy.”

Chancellor-designate Syverud will meet and address the SU community later today, at 1 p.m., at Hendricks Chapel. The event will be streamed live via the web at .

“Kent is a superb choice as ���ϲ�����’s next leader,” says Chancellor Nancy Cantor. “He understands that the genius of SU as an institution is the way we interweave excellence and access, liberal and professional education, campus and community, local and global, creating an ever-changing fabric together that is both brilliant and resilient.”

Kris Byron, an associate professor in the Whitman School of Management, faculty affiliate in the Psychology Department in the College of Arts and Sciences and one of eight faculty members on the Chancellor Search Committee, is impressed with Chancellor-designate Syverud’s qualifications on many levels. “Kent has extensive experience as a faculty member and faculty leader. He has a track record of strengthening academic excellence and understands the importance of research to doing that. At the same time, he gets the big picture of the world of higher education and possible challenges to it,” says Byron. “He also has a personal style that is open and engaging and that demonstrates high integrity. He is just a remarkably intelligent and insightful person.”

“Something that came across strongly during the search was that Chancellor-designate Syverud is student oriented,” says Ivan Rosales-Robles ’15, one of two undergraduate student representatives on the Chancellor Search Committee. “His genuine interest in the student perspective and his organic ability to connect were obvious as he spoke to the committee about the need to have deep and meaningful conversations with students and the important role that students must play in moving SU forward.”

Chancellor-designate Syverud and his wife, Dr. Ruth Chen, are the parents of three grown sons: Steven, Brian, and David. Dr. Chen, an accomplished environmental toxicologist, will hold a Professor of Practice appointment at SU. Her work has been funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and she currently is a faculty member in Washington University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, where she has led both a professional engineering master’s program and an international education program.

A native of Upstate New York, Chancellor-designate Syverud was born and raised in Irondequoit, a town on Lake Ontario neighboring the City of Rochester. After attending Irondequoit High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in 1977, a law degree magna cum laude from the University of Michigan in 1981 and a master’s degree in economics from Michigan in 1983.

Prior to becoming dean of the School of Law at Washington University, he served as dean of Vanderbilt Law School from 1997 to 2005. He served as associate dean for Academic Affairs and was on the faculty at the University of Michigan School of Law; an associate with the Washington, D.C., law firm of Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering; and a clerk for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

The recipient of numerous teaching awards, Chancellor-designate Syverud continued to teach several courses a year while serving as dean of Washington University School of Law. In addition to his scholarship and teaching, he recently completed a term as Washington University’s associate vice chancellor of Washington, D.C., Programs. Chancellor-designate Syverud also has served as a court-appointed mediator and a special master for the federal courts, involving litigation on insurance, re-insurance and settlement issues.

A member of the American Law Institute and a fellow of the American Bar Foundation, Chancellor-designate Syverud served as chair of the Council of the American Bar Association’s Section on Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. He also has served as president of the American Law Deans’ Association, chair of the Board of the Law School Admission Council and president of the Southeastern Association of American Law Schools.

The search for SU’s 12th Chancellor began last fall, with the creation of the Search Committee, which was led by Trustee Vice Chair Hon. Judge Joanne Alper ’72. The Committee was composed of trustees, faculty, students, staff, alumni, a dean’s representative and a representative from the Chancellor’s cabinet. A comprehensive process of community engagement occurred, including a campus-wide survey and several open forums that were also held to allow members of the campus community, local community and alumni the opportunity to provide input. The Committee’s work culminated in recommending finalists for the Board to consider. More information about the search process can be found at .

“Words cannot express how profoundly grateful I am for having the privilege to lead SU for nearly a decade, to be a partner with so many throughout Central New York and across the nation, and to forge so many friendships that will never fade. It has been tremendously rewarding to think, learn and problem-solve with the ���ϲ����� community—all of which I will draw upon as I prepare to take this next step,” says Cantor. “Rutgers-Newark is a gem of a research university that is creating innovation; engaging in public scholarship; enrolling first-generation students of all ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural backgrounds; and partnering to make a difference in a remarkably resilient city where the global becomes local, and the future is being charted. I am excited by the opportunity to lead this great institution.”

“The Rutgers-Newark campus and community are gaining one of the nation’s outstanding academic leaders and the Rutgers board is gaining a deeply thoughtful, energetic and committed partner,” says SU Board of Trustees Chairman Richard L. Thompson. “Nancy has been a superlative leader, seeing our University to wonderful success and helping us to build on our distinctive greatness and achieve new heights. Among her many achievements, she led us through an aggressive and successful $1 billion capital campaign, positioned us in ways that have resulted in a record level of applications from an applicant pool that is more diverse than ever, attracted hundreds of new faculty, overseen the creation of a stellar array of new academic facilities, and engaged our city and community in unprecedented ways. Through these efforts, and her thoughtfully planned transition, she has positioned SU to attract a new leader of the highest caliber.”

With Chancellor Cantor joining Rutgers-Newark in January, several months ahead of her planned departure, she and Chairman Thompson are discussing a transition plan for University leadership, and more details will be provided soon. The Chancellor Search Committee continues its work, which remains on schedule, with details available at .

Rutgers University in Newark is one of three campuses of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. It is a world-class urban research and teaching institution, with more than 12,000 students and more than 500 faculty members. The Newark campus comprises seven colleges offering more than 45 undergraduate and more than 50 graduate majors and joint degree programs through the School of Criminal Justice; School of Law-Newark; Rutgers Business School-Newark and New Brunswick; School of Public Affairs and Administration; Newark College of Arts and Sciences/University College; College of Nursing; and the Graduate School. For more than 15 years Rutgers-Newark has been ranked by leading publications as the most diverse national university in the nation. The campus is an engine of social mobility that attracts students of exceptional talent from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

“I am excited to welcome Nancy to Rutgers as our Newark chancellor. Over her career, Nancy has held leadership positions at some of our nation’s best schools,” says Barchi. “She has always pursued excellence in higher education and shown a strong commitment to issues of accessibility and community engagement. She is the ideal fit to be our Newark chancellor and we look forward to her arrival on campus.”

Cantor began her tenure as SU’s 11th Chancellor and President in 2004 and defined the University’s vision, . This entails a view of the university not as a traditional “ivory tower,” but as a public good, an anchor institution that collaborates with partners from all sectors of the economy to more effectively serve the needs of society.

Under Chancellor Cantor’s leadership, SU has pursued multiple cross-sector collaborations in the City of ���ϲ����� that are simultaneously enriching classroom scholarship and education, and changing the face of the city. The breadth, depth and success of these efforts earned SU the distinction of being among the first institutions to earn the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s classification as a university committed to community engagement. They also earned Chancellor Cantor the 2008 Carnegie Corporation Academic Leadership Award.

Prior to her appointment at SU, Chancellor Cantor served as chancellor of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of Michigan, prior to which she had been dean of its Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies and vice provost for academic affairs. She also was professor of psychology and senior research scientist at the Institute for Social Research at Michigan. Previously, she had been chair of the department of psychology at Princeton University.

The Rutgers announcement can be read .

SU Board of Trustees Chairman Richard L. Thompson G’67, today announced the full membership of the Chancellor Search Committee and new details about the search process that will identify ���ϲ�����’s 12th Chancellor and President.

The Search Committee, chaired by Trustee Vice Chair Judge Joanne F. Alper ’72, will be comprised of trustees, faculty representatives, student representatives, a staff member representative, a dean’s representative and a representative from the Chancellor’s cabinet. The committee’s charge will be to identify and recommend potential candidates for the board to consider.

“Judge Alper has launched the search on precisely the path needed to select the next Chancellor for the University,” says Thompson. “A hallmark of the SU community long has been its distinctive inclusiveness, and Joanne has overseen the composition of both an open search process and an outstanding search committee that assures us of benefiting from the best thinking of SU’s broad constituencies.”

The Board of Trustees has retained the executive search firm Spencer Stuart to assist with the identification of highly qualified candidates. In addition, a new website dedicated exclusively to the search process will launch in the coming weeks. A campus-wide survey and several open forums will also be held to allow members of the campus community, local community and alumni the opportunity to provide input on the academic, professional and personal credentials and qualities they believe are important for the next Chancellor.

“I look forward to working with the Search Committee to conduct a comprehensive and thorough search for the next chancellor,” Alper says. “Among the steps we will take to assure an open process will be providing ample opportunity for stakeholders across the campus community to articulate their aspirations and offer input. I am especially hopeful that our alumni from coast to coast and around the world will seize this opportunity to engage as stewards of this institution that means so much to all of us. I am confident that we will attract candidates of the highest caliber.”

The faculty representatives and the staff member representative to the search committee were recommended by the University Senate’s Agenda Committee; student representatives were recommended by the Student Association and Graduate Student Organization; the dean, cabinet, and Office of the Board of Trustees representatives were appointed by Thompson.

The following is a full list of the Chancellor Search Committee members:

Faculty Representatives

Kris Byron, Whitman School of Management
Martha Garcia-Murillo, School of Information Studies
Dawn Johnson, School of Education
Deborah Pellow, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Kendall Phillips, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Eric Schiff, College of Arts and Sciences
Radhakrishna Sureshkumar, L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science
Silvio Torres-Saillant, College of Arts and Sciences

Student Representatives

PJ Alampi, junior, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Ivan Rosales-Robles, sophomore, Martin J. Whitman School of Management
Patrick Neary, doctoral student, College of Arts and Sciences

Staff Representative

Ryan Williams, associate vice president, Enrollment Management, and director of Scholarships & Student Aid

Dean Representative

Ann Clarke, dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts

Cabinet Representative
Tom Walsh, executive vice president for Advancement and External Affairs

Office of the Board of Trustees
Lil Breul O’Rourke, secretary to the Board of Trustees and vice president, Principal Gifts

Board of Trustees Members
Joanne F. Alper ’72, Search Committee Chair
Peter A. Horvitz ’76
Christine E. Larsen G’84
Robert J. Miron ’59
Judith C. Mower ’66, G’73, G’80, G’84
Deryck A. Palmer ’78
Reinaldo Pascual ’85
Chairman Richard L. Thompson, G’67, *ex officio member

Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor announced in October that she will conclude her tenure as Chancellor when her current contract ends in June 2014. The search for a new Chancellor is expected to take at least one year.

All media inquiries for Chairman Thompson, Search Chair Judge Alper, or trustees should be directed to Kevin Quinn, senior vice president for public affairs, at 315-443-8338.

���ϲ����� Board of Trustees Chairman Richard L. Thompson today announced the formation of a search committee to select the next chancellor and president of ���ϲ�����, and he has asked board vice chair, retired Judge Joanne F. Alper ’72, to chair the search committee.

Also announced were six other Trustees to serve on the committee: Peter A. Horvitz ’76, Christine E. Larsen G’84, Robert J. Miron ’59, Judith C. Mower ’66, G’73, G’80, G’84, Deryck A. Palmer ’78 and Reinaldo Pascual ’85. Chairman Thompson will serve as an ex officio member of the committee.

On Oct. 25, Thompson met with Senate Agenda Committee Chair Bruce Carter to discuss recommending faculty, students and staff for the committee. Once the Senate Committee completes its recommendations and they are reviewed by the Trustees, a schedule of next steps will be released in December.

Elizabeth Breul O’Rourke, secretary to the Board of Trustees, will serve as secretary to the search committee.

All media inquiries for Chairman Thompson and Board of Trustees members should be directed to Kevin Quinn, senior vice president for public affairs, at 315-443-8338. ��

]]> /blog/2012/06/05/chancellor-cantor-invited-to-white-house-event-to-announce-new-commitment-to-greater-financial-aid-transparency/ /?p=38037 Today, ���ϲ����� Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor attended an event at the White House to announce that ���ϲ�����, along with nine other institutions across the nation are making a new commitment to promote greater clarity in student financial aid packages and college costs. Cantor is one of 10 college and university presidents who are making the commitment to provide students and their families with the greater information needed to make the best decisions about where to enroll, and what kind of financial commitment they are taking on with their important, long-term investment in higher education.����

At the announcement, U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray, and Domestic Policy Council Director Cecilia Muñoz met with the group of presidents who are each committing to providing financial information in one easy-to-understand place to all incoming students as part of their financial aid package, beginning with the 2013-14 school year.��

To read the full White House announcement and see details about the commitment, visit .��

“We are proud to join with the White House, Department of Education, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and nine of our colleague institutions in making this new commitment,” says Chancellor Cantor. “This collaborative effort will provide greater clarity about access and affordability, help level the playing field for students and families, and convey the message that attending college is possible for students from all backgrounds.”��

During the past five years, ���ϲ����� has demonstrated an aggressive strategy to ensure access and affordability for a broader range of families across the income spectrum, continuing the legacy of SU as a place of opportunity for enterprising students from all economic and social backgrounds.���� In addition, as a relatively large private research university, the strides SU makes in ensuring affordability and supporting Pell-eligible students have a significant impact, due to the size of its undergraduate student ��body totaling nearly 14,000. Success in these efforts is illustrated by the following:��

• Nearly two-thirds of undergraduate students receive SU institutional financial aid.�� For fall 2012, undergraduate financial aid will total $204 million—a nearly 6 percent increase over fall 2011;
• Since fall 2007, total SU institutional undergraduate financial aid has increased from $134 million to $204 million in fall 2012, an increase of 52 percent, significantly outpacing the increase in cost to attend SU during the same period;
• In 2011-12, 27 percent of SU undergraduate students were Pell Grant eligible, an increase from 18 percent in 2006-07;��
• SU ranked No. 4 in the nation in the proportion of undergraduates who received Pell Grants when compared to other private institutions with endowments above $500 million, according to latest analysis by The Chronicle of Higher Education;
• In 2009, SU created the Money Awareness Program (M.A.P.), which buys back expensive private loans borrowed by SU students and replaces those funds with an institutional��grant in an effort to further retain and graduate low- and middle-income families. To date, via the M.A.P, SU has bought back over $2.6 million worth of these private loans, with the average buy-back per student totaling nearly $12,500;��
• SU recently created the nationally recognized program—a multi-level financial literacy program that provides students with the skills, resources and tools to successfully manage their money during and after college;
• To increase college participation and create alternative and affordable pathways, SU has reached out in key areas of the nation to create strategic partnerships with community colleges, from Central New York to California, Georgia and Florida.�� This includes the creation of articulation agreements and partnerships, which provide students with guaranteed admission to SU after successful completion of community college. This model also includes a commitment to meet the full demonstrated need of students and provides them a detailed estimate of what they will receive in SU financial aid after completing community college;
• SU has also played a leading role in creating Say Yes to Education: ���ϲ�����, which provides all 21,000-plus K-12 students in the ���ϲ����� City School District comprehensive supports, including the promise of free college tuition to SU or one of nearly 100 public and private colleges and universities.�� Under the program, the four-year graduation rate has increased, the ninth grade dropout rate has been reduced by 44 percent, and more than 2,000 high school graduates have gone on to college.����

For more information on SU’s financial aid and scholarship programs, visit: .

The ICP, founded in 1974 as an institution dedicated to photography, occupies a vital and central place in contemporary culture as it reflects and influences social change. Through its educational and community programs, ICP embraces photography’s ability to open new opportunities for personal and aesthetic expression, transform popular culture and continually evolve to incorporate new technologies.

[quote style=”boxed” float=”right”]Mark Robbins has made a tremendous impact not only on the SU School of Architecture, but on SU as a whole and, indeed, on the City of ���ϲ�����.[/quote]
“Mark Robbins has made a tremendous impact not only on the SU School of Architecture, but on SU as a whole and, indeed, on the City of ���ϲ�����,” says SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor. “With a rare combination of intellect, insight, energy, humor and vision for the potential of design to transform the social fabric, he brought faculty, students, and community partners together as never before. Their collaborative projects from the Warehouse and Connective Corridor to the Near West Side, have put the City of ���ϲ����� ‘on the map’ of metropolitan areas leading the way in leveraging the power of design to restore prosperity—and positioned the school to build on these signature strengths. We’re sad that he is moving on to new challenges, but so happy for him to have this new opportunity in New York.”

“Mark really has been a complete academic leader for the School of Architecture,” says SU Vice Chancellor and Provost Eric F. Spina. “He fostered cutting-edge research and catalyzed great teaching in the classroom, in the studio, and through reciprocal engagements across urban environments from ���ϲ����� to New York City, London, Florence, and beyond—all of which has prepared a generation of alumni to be leaders in the architecture profession and in their communities. Together, he and the faculty have put the School of Architecture on a superb trajectory by making a strong school even stronger. I know that the deans, faculty and staff join me in wishing the best to our outstanding colleague.”

Cantor and Spina plan to meet with the Architecture faculty to discuss the dean transition, with the expectation that an interim dean-designate will be identified and that a process to mount an international dean search will be initiated.

“My time here has been rewarding both personally and professionally,” says Robbins. “The past eight years have been a period of growth and change at the University and the School of Architecture. The School has been recognized for its intellectual breadth and deep engagement in the city of ���ϲ����� and in the global arena. Chancellor Cantor has been an unwavering partner and champion of the work of the School. Our student body is diverse, talented and with the curiosity and skill to frame their world, and the commitment of our faculty and staff is a hallmark of the School. New leadership will emerge to forge another chapter in our distinguished history. It has been a privilege to work with so many talented and committed colleagues, and I will miss seeing the next phase unfold at close range. But as a former dean, I will always have an eye on the School and its satellites.”

Robbins’ tenure as the ninth Architecture dean is most notably marked by the school’s ascending quality (since 2005, the school has more than doubled its applications, which now represent 55 countries) and his dedication to the critical social engagement between SU, Architecture students and the City of ���ϲ�����.�� Several leading architectural publications have recognized Robbins’ leadership in positioning the school as both as an incubator and key collaborator for design and development in the city of ���ϲ�����.

In leading several initiatives between SU and the city, Robbins has involved students of all disciplines in issues of collaborative design focused on art and design, technology and sustainability, and how students can address the national challenges of transforming older industrial cities. Architecture students have worked to construct and modify homes and propose new landscape neighborhood plans, and vacant warehouses on the city’s Near Westside have become national models of how students, architects and artists can transform�� unused urban places into new, vibrant spaces.

Recently, Architect Magazine recognized Robbins’ vision to transform three vacant and forgotten residential sites on ���ϲ�����’s Near Westside into sustainable, energy-efficient homes as part of the “From the Ground Up: Innovative Green Homes” international design competition. In 2008, Robbins created the collaboration among SU, Home HeadQuarters Inc. and the ���ϲ�����CoE to involve architects, students and the community in developing affordable single family homes that few cities have seen. The resulting built homes—designed by award-winning firms including ARO, Cook + Fox and Onion Flat—incorporate the most advanced thinking about design, sustainability and cost-effective building practices for single-family residences, and continue to demonstrate the value of design within underserved and demographically diverse communities. In 2011, the renovated “From the Ground Up” properties were recognized with the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® certification for high-performance and sustainable design, construction and operation.

In 2008, Robbins was also appointed the University’s senior adviser for architecture and urban initiatives, helping SU plan for collaborative design and architecture in the City of ���ϲ����� and bringing innovative design into the strategy of the University’s building and revitalization projects. Serving as SU’s liaison with city and county authorities and representing the senior administration on matters of urban initiatives and campus planning, Robbins advised on projects including the Connective Corridor and several Near Westside Initiative developments that have revitalized business and living in the area.

Robbins was also instrumental in the move to establish a University presence in the heart of downtown ���ϲ����� through the renovation of the West Fayette Street Warehouse. Today, the Warehouse provides the urban setting for Architecture students to study and explore the natural and historic designs of a city. The 140,000 square-foot Warehouse is also the home of UPSTATE: A Center for Design, Research and Real Estate as part of the School of Architecture, and frequently hosts events and projects that address the critical issues of urban revitalization.

Robbins is a recipient of the Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome; grants from the Rockefeller Foundation, the NEA and the Graham Foundation; and artist fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts. He has been a fellow of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University (2003) and the McDowell Colony (1990 and 2003), among other residencies.

A frequent juror, visiting critic and lecturer on issues pertaining to art and design, Robbins also received the 2008 American Institute of Architects New York Educators Award.

For more information on the ICP, visit: .

“We are very excited to be joining the ACC. This is a tremendous opportunity for ���ϲ�����, and with its outstanding academic quality and athletic excellence, the ACC is a perfect fit for us,” Cantor said. “The ACC is home to excellent national research universities with very strong academic quality and is a group that ���ϲ����� will contribute to significantly and benefit from considerably.����

“As a comprehensive, all-sports conference, the ACC provides ���ϲ����� tremendous opportunities for quality competition and growth in all sports, while also renewing some of our historic rivalries. This move will also bolster our continued efforts to look outward, engage and extend ���ϲ�����’s reach to key areas of the country, including the Southeast, as we grow and expand our national connections to alumni, partners and the students of the future,” Cantor said. “We are pleased that ���ϲ����� adds a New York City dimension to the ACC, a region in which we have built strong identity and affinity, and we look forward to bringing ACC games to the Big Apple.�� Overall, for ���ϲ�����, this opportunity provides long-term conference stability in what is an uncertain, evolving and rapidly shifting national landscape.”��

Richard L. Thompson, chairman of the ���ϲ����� Board of Trustees, said, “The Board of Trustees voted unanimously and enthusiastically to accept the ACC’s invitation because becoming a member of the ACC will provide excellent opportunities for the University moving forward.�� We are joining a stellar group of high-quality, academically strong national universities who also have outstanding, top-rated athletics programs. This move is also consistent with our efforts to grow ���ϲ�����’s footprint outside of the Northeast and into new areas, such as the Southeast, where we have alumni, supporters and a growing admissions base of students.”��

���ϲ����� Director of Athletics Daryl Gross said, “Today is a day that we will remember for years to come. We are truly excited that academically and athletically we will be a member of the ACC, one of the nation’s premier collegiate athletic conferences. As ‘New York’s College Team,’ we plan to compete at the highest level across all of our sports and help to enhance this great conference.”��

���ϲ����� was one of two schools to be extended an invitation to the ACC, along with the University of Pittsburgh. The inclusion of ���ϲ����� and Pittsburgh increases the ACC’s membership to 14 schools.��

Duke University President Richard Brodhead, chair of the ACC Council of Presidents said, “The ACC is a strong united conference that is only going to get better with the addition of the University of Pittsburgh and ���ϲ�����.�� Both schools are committed to competing at the highest level of academics and athletics.�� We welcome them as full partners in the ACC.”��

Swofford said, “The ACC has enjoyed a rich tradition by balancing academics and athletics and the addition of Pitt and ���ϲ����� further strengthens the ACC culture in this regard.�� Pittsburgh and ���ϲ����� also serve to enhance the ACC’s reach into the states of New York and Pennsylvania and geographically bridges our footprint between Maryland and Massachusetts. With the addition of Pitt and ���ϲ�����, the ACC will cover virtually the entire Eastern Seaboard of the United States.”��

Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jim Boeheim said, “In the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics, each school has to find the best fit. The Atlantic Coast Conference has a great basketball tradition and we look forward to contributing to that.”��

Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach John Desko said, “With the uncertainty in college sports right now, Dr. Gross and the University administration did an excellent job of putting ���ϲ����� in a position to strengthen ourselves for the future with this move. From a financial standpoint and an exposure standpoint, joining the ACC helps all the sports programs here, which is important. Lacrosse-wise you aren’t going to find any better competition you than you will in the ACC. They’re all elite programs so it’s a great fit from that aspect as well.”��

Head Football Coach Doug Marrone said, “I am excited for the University, our athletics program and our student-athletes. Joining the Atlantic Coast Conference puts us in a strong position for the future. The ACC has quality schools academically and athletically. I look forward to competing against them.”

Chartered in 1870 as a private, coeducational institution of higher education, ���ϲ����� is propelled by the bold idea of Scholarship in Action—education that is not static, but the living expression of insight that drives change. As a leading national research university of more than 19,000 full- and part-time students from all 50 states and 90 countries, it is a place where students become leaders, teachers, and collaborators and where the community is continually impacted by the energy of new ideas.��

About the Atlantic Coast Conference: Now in its 59th year of competition, the ACC has long enjoyed the reputation as one of the strongest and most competitive intercollegiate conferences in the nation. Since the league’s inception in 1953, ACC schools have captured 122 national championships, including 65 in women’s competition and 57 in men’s. In addition, NCAA individual titles have gone to ACC student-athletes 140 times in men’s competition and 99 times in women’s action. For more information on the Atlantic Coast Conference visit theACC.com.��

Thompson, who resides in McLean, Va., joined the board in 2001 and was elected vice-chairman in 2008, after serving as a member of the executive and budget committees, and serving as the chairman of the administrative operations committee. In 2010, he was named board chairman-elect.

Thompson is senior counsel at the law firm Patton Boggs LLP, concentrating his work on pharmaceuticals and food and drugs, areas in which he has spent the majority of his professional career. He is a member of the American Bar Association and is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Before joining Patton Boggs, Thompson served as senior vice president for policy and government affairs at Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., where he established and led a 45-member global staff and was a member of the company operating committee. During his tenure at Bristol-Myers Squibb, he was the principal representative of the CEO to industry associations, managed development of major public policy positions and led the integration of the government affairs staff following the merger of the Bristol-Myers and Squibb companies. Thompson was also responsible for leading the company to the top tier of advocacy in the pharmaceutical industry, and chairing a number of successful industry working groups on tax, intellectual property and Medicare prescription drug benefits.

Thompson spent nearly eight years on Capitol Hill working as an executive assistant to Rep. John Terry (R-NY), and later as Republican staff director and chief counsel to what is now known as the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. During his tenure as staff director and counsel, the committee focused on government reorganization, including the establishment of offices of Inspector General throughout the executive branch; oversight of multiple agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration and the Health Care Financing Administration; and the re-enactment of programs supporting state and local government financing.

Thompson was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 and completed his service with the rank of captain.��He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster in 1969 for service in Vietnam.

He has been involved in numerous civic and charitable activities, including serving as past chair of the board of directors of Ford’s Theatre, past chair of the governance committee and member of the board of directors of Meridian International Center and a member of the Federal City Council. He has also served on the board of governors of the Bryce Harlow Foundation.

Thompson has served on SU’s Washington, D.C. Advisory Board, and has previously served on the Whitman School of Management Advisory Board and the Maxwell School Advisory Board. In 2000, Thompson and his wife, C. Jean Terry ’66, provided significant financial support for the Remembrance Scholarship, given each year in memory of those SU students killed on Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

In addition to earning his master’s degree in political science from SU’s Maxwell School, Thompson received a law degree from the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America, and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Albany.

Eight newly elected trustees

Darlene T. DeRemer ’77, G’79 of Wrentham, Mass., is a managing partner at Grail Partners LLC, which she helped found in 2005. In addition to heading up the Boston office, DeRemer is the senior banker focusing on the asset management industry. Grail is an advisory merchant bank serving the investment management industry.

Prior to becoming an investment banker at Putnam Lovell NBF in 2003, she was for 25 years a leading adviser to the financial services industry, specializing in strategic marketing, planning, product design and the implementation of innovative service strategies.

DeRemer serves on the board of directors for AARP Women’s Leadership Circle Advisory Board on Financial Securities; AARP Services, Inc., chairman of the board; AARP Global Network board of managers; and ING Clarion Real Estate Fund board.

For SU, DeRemer is a past member of the National Alumni Association board of directors, has taken a leadership role in the greater Boston campaign events and initiatives, and serves on the Whitman School of Management Corporate Advisory Council, including serving on its development committee.��She is a member of the Whitman Women in Business Club,��is a frequent lecturer at Whitman and assists with the Orange Value Fund.��

She received both a bachelor’s degree and M.B.A. from the Whitman School.

Nicholas M. Donofrio G’71, of Ridgefield, Conn., is a 44-year IBM veteran who led IBM’s technology and innovation strategies from 1997 until his retirement in October 2008. He also was vice-chairman of the IBM International Foundation and chairman of the board of governors for the IBM Academy of Technology.

Donofrio is focused sharply on advancing education, employment and career opportunities for underrepresented minorities and women. He served for many years on the board of directors for the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) and was NACME’s board chairman from 1997-2002. He also served for several years on the board of directors for INROADS, a nonprofit organization focused on the training and development of talented minority youth for professional careers in business and industry. He currently is co-chair of the New York Hall of Science.

Donofrio is a member of numerous technical and science honor societies. He is a fellow of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the U.K.-based Royal Academy of Engineering and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1967, and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from SU’s L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science in 1971.

David G. Edelstein ’78, of Evanston, Ill., is vice president of supply chain management project management at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. Edelstein joined Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics in 2007 and has been responsible for leading the development of advanced information and e-business systems to support the company’s worldwide organization.

Previously, he was senior vice president of regulatory affairs, quality systems, health, safety��and environment, and CIO for Dade Behring. Prior to joining Dade Behring, Edelstein was vice president of information management and productivity, responsible for financial and supply chain systems at Bristol-Myers Squibb. He also held various positions in information technology for IBM.

For SU, Edelstein serves on the Dean’s Council and Campaign Leadership Council at the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science. He has recently established an undergraduate scholarship in the L.C. Smith College, from which he received a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He also has served as an affiliate professor at L.C. Smith College and guest lectures on the topics of complex integration projects and health care and information technology.

He earned an M.B.A. from Baruch College-the City University of New York.

Christine E. Larsen G’84 is the head of operations for Retail Financial Services (RFS) at JPMorgan Chase in New York City. RFS is one of the largest U.S. providers of banking and lending, employing over 145,000 people.

Prior to this, she held a variety of corporate operations and technology leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase, including chief operating officer of its Treasury and Security Services business, head of Banking Operations and Technology and its Enterprise Program Management organization. In these roles, Larsen was instrumental in driving major projects, reorganizations and transformations. Among other accomplishments, she successfully led the complex integration of Bear Stearns and Washington Mutual following their mergers with JPMorgan Chase.

Previously, at Smith Barney her leadership roles included heading Citigroup’s Global Operations for Corporate and Investment Banking. She also managed global client delivery for the Global Transaction Services business. Larsen’s career began in 1984 at Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company.

An active supporter of education initiatives, Larsen has led JPMorgan Chase’s collaboration with SU, developing the first ever cross-disciplinary curriculum to train students for large-scale computing in global enterprises. She was a founding member of Citigroup’s Global Transaction Services Women’s Council, which provides educational and on-the-job programs to help women succeed.

Larsen graduated with distinction from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and completed her master’s degree in library science at SU’s School of Information Studies, as a University Fellow.

Samuel G. Nappi, of Pompey, N.Y., is the founder and chairman of Alliance Energy Group, LLC, which he founded in 1994. Alliance Energy specializes in producing energy in a safe, reliable and efficient manner while simultaneously maintaining a high level of environmental stewardship.

As an entrepreneur with an interest in civil rights, social justice and the environment, Nappi has focused his efforts on building companies and working with organizations that attempt to better the human condition. He created World Harmony Productions to serve as a bridge between commerce and the arts. World Harmony develops films, plays and musicals with a social consciousness.

Nappi serves on the board of directors of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, as senior adviser to Martin Luther King III. The center was established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King as the official, living memorial dedicated to the advancement of the legacy of her husband.��Nappi also serves as a member of the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C. on the National Security Initiative Corporate Advisory Board, the Strategic Public Diplomacy Project, and the Leaders’ Council.��

At SU, Nappi has strongly supported the College of Law’s Cold Case Justice Initiative, which seeks justice for racially motivated Civil Rights-era murders. Additionally, he has collaborated with SU’s visual arts,��the College of Law, The College of Arts and Sciences, ���ϲ����� Stage and University College.

Mark A. Neporent L’82, of New York City, is chief operating officer, general counsel and senior managing director��for Cerberus Capital Management,��since 1998.

A private equity company, Cerberus reports $24 billion under management. Neporent, together with Cerberus’ CEO, CFO and CAO, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the firm and is a member of the firm’s investment committee, compensation committee, valuation committee and risk/compliance committee. In addition to his role as COO, general counsel and senior managing director, Neporent is in charge of the firm’s media relations and is a member of the board of directors of Cerberus Operations and Advisory Co., LLC. Neporent joined the firm from Schulte Roth & Zabel, where he was a bankruptcy partner in its business reorganization and finance group, and represented Cerberus in its acquisition of Chrysler.��

He is a former trustee of the Association of Bankruptcy Professionals and served on the committee on bankruptcy and corporate reorganization for the Association of the Bar of the City of New York.

For SU, Neporent��serves on��the College of Law Board of Advisors and has lectured in the College of Law Continuing Legal Education Program.

In addition to earning a J.D. from ���ϲ����� College of Law, Neporent earned a bachelor’s degree from Lehigh University.

Reinaldo Pascual ’85, of Atlanta, is a partner at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP in the corporate practice with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and securities, private equity and investment management. A native of Puerto Rico, Pascual works primarily in the United States, but also has had substantial engagements in Latin America, where he effectively combines his language skills and deep understanding of the culture and business environment with his substantial transactional experience.

He is a director of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, is a trustee of the Atlanta History Center and is an Atlanta Advisory Board member of Accion USA, a leading microfinance organization.������

Pascual was a co-founder of United Americas Bank, the first Hispanic-owned bank in Georgia, and has served on many boards, including the Atlanta Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Hemisphere, Inc.,��the private/public entity that directed Atlanta’s Free Trade of the Americas initiative.

For SU, Pascual is a key partner as the University establishes higher visibility and a stronger presence in Atlanta. He received a Chancellor’s Citation for Distinguished Service in Law in 2002.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from The College of Arts and Sciences, and a J.D. from Creighton University.

Brian D. Spector ’78, of Livingston, N.J., is senior partner in the law firm of Spector & Ehrenworth. Spector has been practicing law in the Northern New Jersey area for more than 28 years. In 1993, he and his partner founded Spector & Ehrenworth, P.C., now a five-lawyer, AV-rated firm that specializes in commercial litigation, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, commercial transactions, real estate and casino regulatory law.

Spector has also served as the secretary for the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey District X Fee Arbitration Committee.

For SU, Spector led the re-establishment of the Alumni Club of Northern New Jersey and served as its president. In 2005, he was elected to the SU Alumni Association Board of Directors, and most recently was named president-elect. He will��begin his term as��president in July.

He is currently an alumni representative with the Office of Admissions, and is a past member of the Metro NY Regional Council, and Parents Office National Board.��For his efforts, he received the “Distinguished Alumni Award” from the Office of Admissions.

Spector earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in marketing management from the Whitman School of Management, where he later established the Brian D. Spector Family Endowed Scholarship. He has been a guest lecturer at Whitman and recently served as faculty for an AICPA Workshop for forensic accountants. He earned a J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law.

According to Standard & Poor’s, SU’s ‘A+’ rating continues to reflect its view of ���ϲ�����’s “comprehensive and diverse programming, stable to growing enrollment and very good demand.”��In addition S&P cited “good financial management practices,” “ongoing good financial resource levels” and a “historically low debt service level.”��

��“I am pleased by the improved outlook and its positive reflection of the University’s financial profile,” says Louis G. Marcoccia, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Orange Central 2011, which was initially scheduled to take place in September, offers something for everyone, from sporting events to art exhibits to academic programs. The November date will allow alumni, students and families to be on campus to cheer on the Orange as the football team takes on the Big East’s University of South Florida in a nationally televised ESPN game on Nov. 11—only the second-ever Friday night game at the Carrier Dome.

With the team in the national spotlight, Orange Central will provide an energized crowd at the Carrier Dome to support Coach Doug Marrone and the student-athletes as they build on last season’s success and their inaugural Pinstripe Bowl victory.

For more information on Orange Central 2011 continue to check ��or email sualumni@syr.edu.

Abbott, a leading expert in the field of sustainability science and policy, currently serves as the associate director for environment of the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President.��Her appointment will be effective July 1.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Chancellor Cantor and Provost Spina to help SU build a premier program to advance the field of sustainability science, its applications and its policy implications,” says Abbott.��“Working with faculty, students and the wider community across the domains of scholarship and practice, I believe we can develop exemplary models of sustainability for the University, the region, the nation and beyond.”

“Appointing Shere Abbott to this dual role underlines SU’s commitment to being a leader in sustainability in American higher education,” says SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor.��“SU long has been a generator of leading scholarship on sustainability, and as early signatories to the Presidents Climate Commitment we put a stake in the ground for campus sustainability practices.��Shere is superbly qualified, and extremely well-positioned, to build on this strong foundation, especially as sustainability must be integrated more deeply not only into every discipline, but into our everyday lives.”

In her current position with the Executive Office of the President, Abbott manages a portfolio of science and technology policy that ranges from energy and climate change to environmental quality and sustainability. President Obama appointed her to the position and she was confirmed by the Senate in April 2009.

“Shere Abbott will play a pivotal role in moving SU to the next level of excellence in sustainability scholarship and practice.��There are few people in the nation—indeed the world—who have Shere’s extraordinary background in both cultivating scholarship and formulating and implementing policy across the broad domain of sustainability,” says Spina. “With her leadership, we will forge new connections across SU’s many academic and operational sustainability efforts, making a whole that is much greater than the sum of its parts. I know Shere looks forward to working closely with our faculty and staff across multiple units to advance our excellence in the environmental and sustainability domains.”

Prior to her current appointment, Abbott served as the director of the Center for Science and Practice of Sustainability in the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost at the University of Texas at Austin, and as a faculty member of the College of Liberal Arts. Previously, she served as chief international officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Prior to that appointment, over a 17-year period at the National Academies’ National Research Council, she served as executive director of the Board on Sustainable Development, the director of international organization programs for the Office of International Affairs, and the director of the Polar Research Board of the National Academies’ National Research Council. Abbott also served as assistant scientific program director of the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission.

Abbott received her A.B. from Goucher College and her M.F.S. from Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.�� She is married to James Steinberg and they have two daughters, Jenna, age 9, and Emma, age 6.�� Steinberg currently serves as Deputy Secretary of State, and is also joining SU as dean of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and University Professor of Social Science, International Affairs and Law.

Steinberg is an internationally recognized expert in public affairs and foreign policy. Prior to serving as deputy secretary of state, he was dean of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas. He succeeds Mitchel Wallerstein, who last year became president of Baruch College. Senior Associate Dean Michael Wasylenko has been serving as the interim dean of the Maxwell School since July 2010.��

“I’m excited by the opportunity to work with Chancellor Cantor, Provost Spina and the outstanding faculty, staff and students of the Maxwell School,” says Steinberg.�� “For decades, the Maxwell School has been the gold standard for cutting-edge research, committed teaching and professional education in public service and the social sciences,��and I’m confident that together we can take Maxwell to new heights in innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to meeting the local, national and global challenges of the 21^st ����Գٳܰ���.”

“Jim Steinberg personifies engaged scholarship at the highest level,” says SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor. “Throughout his years in leadership roles across the branches of the federal government and at leading universities and think tanks, he has easily traversed the perceived boundaries between theory and practice in policy making—which makes him perfectly suited for ���ϲ�����, where boundary-breaking scholarship is our hallmark.”

Steinberg serves as the principal deputy to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Appointed by President Obama, he was sworn into office by Secretary Clinton in January 2009. Prior to his appointment in the Obama Administration, Steinberg served as dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs, a position he assumed on Jan. 1, 2006. He previously was vice president and director of foreign policy studies at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. (2001-2005), where he supervised a wide-ranging research program on U.S. foreign policy.

From 1996-2000, Steinberg served as deputy national security adviser to President Clinton. During that period, he also served as the president’s personal representative to the 1998 and 1999 G-8 summits. Prior to becoming deputy national security adviser, he served as director of the State Department’s policy planning staff (1994-1996), and as deputy assistant secretary for analysis in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (1993-1994).

“Jim is precisely the kind of candidate whom we hoped to attract to Maxwell,” says Spina. “As an outstanding interdisciplinary scholar and an exceptionally experienced practitioner of public policy and diplomacy, he embodies signature strengths across the breadth of the Maxwell School. He has exactly the right combination of vision, intellect, experience and acumen to lead one of the nation’s premiere schools.”

Steinberg also has been a senior analyst at RAND in Santa Monica, Calif. (1989-1993), and a senior fellow for U.S. strategic policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London (1985-1987). He served as Senator Edward Kennedy’s principal aide for the Senate Armed Services Committee (1983-1985); minority counsel, U.S. Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee (1981-1983); special assistant to the U.S. Assistant Attorney General (Civil Division) (1979-1980); law clerk to Judge David L. Bazelon, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (1978-1979); and special assistant to the assistant secretary for planning and evaluation, U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare (1977).�� He is also a member of the Washington, D.C., bar.

Steinberg is the author of and contributor to numerous books and articles on foreign policy and national security topics, including “Difficult Transitions: Foreign Policy Troubles at the Outset of Presidential Power, Protecting the Homeland 2006/2007” (Brookings Institution Press, 2008), and “An Ever Closer Union: European Integration and Its Implications for the Future of U.S.-European Relations” (Rand Publishing, 1995).

Steinberg received his B.A. from Harvard in 1973 and J.D. from Yale Law School in 1978.�� He is married to Sherburne “Shere” Abbott and they have two daughters, Jenna, age 9, and Emma, age 6. Abbott currently serves as associate director for environment of the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President. Abbott is also joining SU, as vice president for sustainability initiatives and University Professor of Sustainability Science & Policy.

���ϲ����� alumni David B. Falk and Rhonda S. Falk have committed $15 million to SU—one of the largest-ever single gifts to the University.

In honor of the Falks’ generosity and support of SU, the , and the College’s Falk Center for Sport Management throughout the years, the College will be renamed the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. In addition, the College—portions of which are housed in eight different campus buildings—will relocate to a new, central location to be created at MacNaughton and White halls, currently home to the College of Law. The move will occur once the College of Law relocates to Dineen Hall, a new building for which planning is under way.

David Falk, a 1972 graduate of , has long been recognized as one of the sports industry’s leading figures. He has represented many of the top players of all time in both the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL) and has negotiated record-breaking contracts for his clients. Over the past 30 years, Falk’s vision and innovative approach helped to shape the evolution of the business of sports.

“The greatest challenge in contemporary America is educating our future generations of leaders, scientists, inventors, doctors and innovators,” says David. “It is our fond hope that this commitment will take Scholarship in Action to a new level at SU by creating a college that fosters creativity across interdisciplinary departments, as well as engaging students and faculty in new experiential and entrepreneurial opportunities. Providing an environment that promotes these cutting-edge learning opportunities will enable ���ϲ����� to increase its momentum in transforming the student experience, and to reach beyond existing boundaries to attract the next generation of talented students who are destined to be difference makers in the world.”

Founding supporters of the Department of Sport Management at SU, the Falks expand their commitment to the College’s entire academic curriculum with this naming gift, creating opportunities that support a mission rich in teaching, research, scholarship, practice and service, complemented by cross-disciplinary collaboration among SU’s other schools and colleges and with other collaborators locally and nationally.

The Falks’ special connection to SU spans four decades and two generations, beginning when David and his wife, the former Rhonda Frank ‘74, met as SU students. In 2010, the Falks’ daughter, Jocelyn, graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. They credit their purposeful commitment to education to David’s mother, Pearl, who was a public school teacher. In her honor, the Falks established the Pearl W. Falk Endowed Chancellor’s Scholarship in 1998 to assist SU students from public schools in the Washington, D.C. area, marking the beginning of the Falks’ ongoing partnership with the University.

“We feel extremely fortunate that we are able to make this commitment to ���ϲ�����, a place that has played such a significant and very special role in our lives,” says Rhonda. “It is our hope that this gift will provide current and future students even greater opportunities than David and I enjoyed—not just as students but in the years that follow as part of a very proud, successful and supportive alumni community.”

“This transformative gift reflects not only David and Rhonda’s generosity as philanthropists, but their thoughtfulness and vision as deeply engaged donors,” says SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor. “They are keenly attuned to the rapid evolution and increasing intersections of the academic fields in the College. We’re enormously grateful for this signature gift, which embraces Scholarship in Action by catalyzing cross-disciplinary collaboration across the College, from sport management, social work and public health to nutrition, marriage and family therapy, food studies and child and family studies.”

David is a founding member of the ���ϲ����� Advisory Board of Washington, D.C., and was awarded the George Arents Pioneer Medal in 1998. He was elected to SU’s Board of Trustees in 2008 and serves on its Advancement & External Affairs, and Student Affairs committees, and currently chairs the College’s Sport Management Advisory Council.

The gift, which represents an important milestone in the University’s current $1 billion capital campaign, builds on the Falks’ philanthropic leadership with the College. In 2008, the Falks provided support to establish the David B. Falk Center for Sport Management. The following year, the David B. Falk Professor of Sport Management was endowed to recruit nationally recognized faculty to enhance the research, academic and experiential learning components of the program.

Most recently, the Falk Center has combined the expertise and leadership of faculty members from SU’s College of Human Ecology, , and the to create unique interdisciplinary courses, projects and research. These collaborative efforts currently focus on creating a model interdisciplinary master’s degree in sport venue and event management.

“David is a true visionary whose commitment to academics as a path to success has been demonstrated repeatedly in his role as a University trustee and as chair of our Sport Management Advisory Board,” says Diane Lyden Murphy, dean of the College of Human Ecology. “He has watched closely as the College of Human Ecology has evolved, and he believes in and embraces our ultimate mission to be socially responsible and engage social justice through change to make a tangible difference. Rhonda and David’s extraordinary gift, which represents the most funding ever received at ���ϲ����� for academic programs within human services, guarantees for the first time in our college’s history a single unified physical space. We are most grateful for the Falks’ ongoing support and look forward to the power of enhanced collaboration they have made possible.”

David Falk’s career began with ProServ in 1974–representing professional athletes–where he rose to vice chairman. He subsequently formed Falk Associates Management Enterprises (FAME) in 1992 to provide specialized representation services to an elite clientele of NBA superstars. Among his accomplishments, Falk negotiated the highest contract in NBA league history for Patrick Ewing of the New York Knicks, sports’ first $100 million contract in 1996 for Alonzo Mourning and Michael Jordan’s groundbreaking deal with Nike, in the process coining the phrase “Air Jordan.” David’s career also includes serving as executive producer of several films, including “Space Jam” and “On Hallowed Ground.” In 1998, Falk sold FAME to SFX Entertainment, serving on the company’s board of directors and in the office of chairman. In January 2007, Falk re-launched FAME and now serves as CEO.

He lectures at universities around the country and serves on the board of advisors at The George Washington University Law School. Falk also has served as chairman of the annual Sports-a-Thon to benefit the Leukemia Society of America and currently sits on the board of directors of the Congressional Award Foundation. He is a founder and principal in Pokeware, a digital alternative advertising company.

The Campaign for ���ϲ�����

The Falks’ gift supports “cross-connections,” one of the five major priorities of The Campaign for ���ϲ�����. Cross-connections are initiatives that span the borders between disciplines, between academia and the marketplace, and between college and community, providing students with unique and valuable life lessons. With a goal of $1 billion, The Campaign for ���ϲ����� is the most ambitious fundraising effort in SU’s history. More information about the campaign is available online at .

As a result of this investment performance, gifts to the endowment, and the transfer of��the University’s long-term fixed income investments during the fiscal year, the total market value of the University’s endowment increased by 29 percent to��$849.2 million.

These numbers were included in the recently released NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments report. To view more about information about the University’s endowment, visit .

This action will be formally announced later today at an event hosted by the Chancellor and Board of Trustees. It comes as Shaw has completed his service as a University Professor at the Whitman School of Management and as he and his wife, Mary Anne, leave the ���ϲ����� area to relocate to the Midwest to be closer to their family. Traditionally, SU has honored its former chancellors by permanently placing their names on significant campus landmarks or buildings.��

“Buzz Shaw’s achievements laid the groundwork for all that we’re doing today, from our strategic investments in signature academic programs and the facilities to house them, to signature engagements with our community,” says Chancellor Cantor.�� “To recognize his expansive impact and its centrality to SU—now and into the future—we thought it would be fitting to dedicate the space at the very heart of the University, the central place that connects academic life, student life and athletics, to Buzz.”����

To recognize this honor, pole banners have been installed around the Quad, and planning for a permanent marker, anticipated to be in the area near Hendricks Chapel, is under way.��

Shaw, the University’s 10th chancellor, completed 13 years in that office, retiring in August 2004. Among his major contributions, he led the University through the most comprehensive restructuring process in its history during the early 1990s, while simultaneously implementing initiatives that would improve every facet of campus life. Distinguishing SU as a “student-centered research university,” Shaw’s leadership contributed to a transformed student learning environment with improved facilities, technology and services throughout campus, along with a strong emphasis on teaching and research.��

Shaw’s accomplishments won admiration and recognition throughout higher education.��In 2004, he was honored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE ) District II with its Chief Executive Leadership award, and was recognized by CASE as one of the nation’s top entrepreneurial presidents.��

During his tenure, Shaw served as chair of the Commissioner’s Advisory Council on Higher Education for the New York State Education Department, and on the New York State Governor’s Commission on Education Reform; served on the boards of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Council on Independent Colleges and Universities and the American Council on Education; and, locally, served as chairman of the board of the Metropolitan Development Association of ���ϲ����� and Central New York, among other board positions.��

Shaw also played an active leadership role with the NCAA, chairing the Basketball Issues Committee and the Division I Board of Directors.��

The recipient of eight honorary degrees, he is author of “The Successful President: ‘Buzzwords’ on Leadership” (American Council on Education/Oryx Press, 1999), “The Intentional Leader” (���ϲ����� Press, 2005) and “The Intentional Leader-2009 Supplement” (���ϲ����� Press, 2009), in addition to more than 40 articles and book chapters on leadership and issues in higher education.��

SU’s Quadrangle, commonly known as “the Quad,” is an open green space bounded by Hendricks Chapel, Link Hall, Carnegie Library, Hinds Hall and Huntington Beard Crouse Hall. Designed to be accessible, safe and attractive, it is used extensively by members of the University community and their guests.��The Quad is part of a centuries-old tradition in higher education: the provision of a peaceful, open-air area for both thoughtful contemplation and social interaction. SU’s Quad has been part of the campus since the University’s founding in 1870. Once known as the oval and used for football games, it is now the University’s “crossroads” and is the site of many fond memories for generations of alumni, as well as enjoyment for current students.

���ϲ����� today announced a partnership to advance the use of biofuels by the U.S. armed forces as an alternative energy source.�� The effort involves entrepreneurs John Fox ’92 and Wayne Arden, who have proposed producing biodiesel in Afghanistan as a means to achieve multiple benefits, including reducing risks to American troops and building a new, sustainable economy in the country.����

With energy demands growing at home bases, along with many global deployments creating logistical challenges, the Department of Defense (DOD) is working to increase the use of renewable energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuel resources and to achieve ‘net zero energy’ (NZE) throughout the military. The Arden-Fox report “Producing and Using Biodiesel in Afghanistan” analyzed latest off-the-shelf solutions that could be implemented to produce biodiesel in Afghanistan that will reduce casualties as well as create new industry for building a stable nation.��

The creation of this new partnership will allow for piloting of the recommendations included in the report and documentation of the economical viability of the proposal.��

The paper’s inspiration came from the commitment by President Obama to speed up the deployment of 30,000 troops to Afghanistan in 2009 and his announcement of the expected start of troop withdrawal from the country starting in July 2011.����

“We recognize the extensive research and effort that has been put into developing these recommendations,” says Gina Lee-Glauser, vice president for research at ���ϲ�����. “We believe that these recommendations have the potential to reduce U.S. casualties and lessen the military’s dependence on petroleum. In the coming weeks, we will be partnering with John Fox and Wayne Arden to evaluate a parallel implementation at one or more U.S. military bases. The purpose of this partnership is to pilot the recommendations and document the economical viability of the proposal. This parallel implementation will help the DOD make further progress in making military bases in the U.S. Net Zero Installations.”����

“SU faculty members have a broad spectrum of expertise that will help foster this partnership. For instance, understanding plant molecular biology holds the key to the development and sustainable harvesting of biodiesel crops, while innovative process design and integration are critical in achieving cost-effective production” says Radhakrishna Sureshkumar, professor and department chair of biomedical and chemical engineering in SU’s .��

“���ϲ�����’s expertise relating to biofuel science and engineering can make a significant contribution to the industry by advancing the state of the art of feedstock cultivation and production technology,” says Fox, co-author of the report. “Their work is relevant to military bases in New York state and across the country.”������

“The U.S. must increasingly turn to renewable energy sources to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” says Arden, the other co-author of the report. “���ϲ�����’s commitment to biofuel research and development is very encouraging, and could benefit the military both overseas and here at home.”��

In the report, Arden and Fox highlight the five key benefits associated with producing and using biodiesel in Afghanistan:��

• Reduce casualties—A significant percentage of U.S. casualties stem from protecting fuel convoys. The construction of a single, medium-sized biodiesel plant would reduce casualties by four to five soldiers per year.
• Free up troops for other assignments—By reducing the number of fuel convoys needed, an estimated 120 soldiers each year can be freed up for more critical assignments.
• Save money—The substitution of biodiesel produced locally in Afghanistan for the importing of expensive petroleum diesel has the potential to save millions or billions of dollars a year. Using $400 per gallon as the Fully Burdened Cost of Fuel (FBCF), a figure the DOD provided Congress in October 2009, the military would save $3.7 billion annually on fuel costs. However, even if the FBCF is only $41 per gallon, the plant has a one-year payback. In the second year of operation the plant would save $90 million and fuel would cost $33.50 per gallon.
• Challenge the opium trade—Reducing the influence of the opium trade is one of the most difficult challenges in Afghanistan. The biodiesel plant, allowing agricultural specialists to persuade farmers to switch from growing poppy to safflower, could reduce the cultivation of poppy up to 50 percent.This reduction would deny opium revenues to the Taliban, challenge criminal networks and lower the incidence of corruption related to the drug trade.
• Create a new industry for Afghanistan —If the first plant is successful in supplying biodiesel to the U.S. military, other plants may be built, further stimulating agriculture in Afghanistan and creating jobs. These plants may be focused on the domestic fuel market, countering the drain that importing petroleum has on Afghanistan’s fragile economy. An export market is also possible since neighboring countries import large quantities of oil.����������������

The report also recommends that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) fund a study to analyze the creation of an Afghanistan commodities exchange. A commodities exchange would bring greater visibility to Afghanistan biodiesel crops, and more generally would strengthen the critical agricultural sector and Afghanistan’s nascent mining sector.��

Arden and Fox’s recommendations have already gained support from Bill Holmberg, chairman of Biomass Coordinating Council, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE)–Lt. Col. USMC (Ret.); and Gary Katz, co-founder, president and CEO of��International Securities Exchange.��

A full copy of the paper can be downloaded by visiting .����

Fox is a graduate of SU’s and earned an M.B.A. from Columbia University. Arden is a graduate of Dartmouth College and has an M.B.A. and master’s degree from Columbia University. More biographical information about Fox and Arden can be found at .

To more effectively serve the University’s external agendas, the new division will strategically unify into one single team the central administrative personnel and resources in the areas of communications and marketing, development, alumni relations, admissions marketing and external relations, which are currently assigned across a variety of units.

This consolidation will allow the University to more strategically employ the resources it currently devotes to these areas and determine where duplication and overlap exist. Unifying these efforts will also more strategically cultivate support for , raise SU’s visibility and reputation, strengthen the University’s geographical reach in an increasingly competitive student recruitment environment, and find opportunities to create new partnerships and programs locally, nationally and globally.

The Division of Advancement and External Affairs will be led by Thomas Walsh. Walsh, currently senior vice president for institutional advancement, has been named by the Chancellor and the University’s Board of Trustees as the new executive vice president for advancement and external affairs. With this appointment, Walsh will join Vice Chancellor and Provost Eric F. Spina and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Louis G. Marcoccia as the core executive team to the Chancellor. ��

“This change recognizes that the boundaries in all of these areas―public affairs, admissions marketing, development, engagement and alumni relations―are porous,” says Chancellor Cantor. “Everyone brings their own expertise to the table, but all are dependent on each other to do their jobs in the most effective way. At the same time, we are in an environment in which we have asked administrative units to take reductions and are doing everything we can to provide more aid to students. This is an opportunity to continue to advance in a very disciplined way by combining similar functions into a single unit and finding duplication both in the core missions and the administrative operations in these critical areas. Tom is the perfect person to lead this new consolidated division.”

“All of these changes will help build upon the momentum that SU has been experiencing across the areas united under the new division,” Walsh says. “Beyond the efficiencies that we’re sure to gain from this realignment, we’re going to be better positioned to seize upon the enthusiasm among the SU family for Scholarship in Action, increase support for the campaign and translate the increasing attraction to this vision among constituencies across the country and around the world into concrete engagement.”

Kevin Quinn, currently vice president for public affairs, has been promoted to senior vice president for public affairs in recognition of the role he has taken in expanding visibility for SU and articulating the University’s vision. In this role, Quinn, who recently assumed leadership of the University’s government and community relations portfolio, will continue to report directly to the Chancellor on important communications and policy-shaping activities. The existing Public Affairs units will continue to report to Quinn, with a new reporting line to Walsh for these units. ����

“During the past several years, working together with Tom and his staff, Kevin has made great strides in developing a comprehensive strategy to tell the SU story to the world,” says Cantor. “We are fortunate to have his keen instincts and broad expertise in the area of public relations, communications and government affairs.”

“This new structure is exactly what we need to take our efforts to the next level,” Quinn says. “With Tom and his staff, we are creating one core team that will make us more effective and allow us to target our resources in the most strategic and efficient manner possible―all while creating new opportunities to raise the University’s visibility, reputation and resources.”

Recognizing how critical the student recruitment process is to the overall strength of the University, the new division will have a direct relationship with the Admissions Office. This will formalize the work the division’s communications and marketing staff are already doing with Admissions staff and result in a more integrated and effective marketing strategy. Continuing to report to Vice Chancellor and Provost Spina on the overall enrollment management portfolio, Don Saleh, vice president for enrollment management, will have a reporting line to Walsh in the area of admissions marketing.

“There are a lot of good opportunities for synergy here,” Saleh says. “The new structure will help to dramatically increase our recruitment presence in key regions by enhancing our visibility. It will also foster more unified marketing efforts and communication messages. Lastly, the newly organized division can help us better capitalize on existing University networks by providing access to interested alumni and contributing expert assistance in the area of event planning and management.”

The core focus of the new division is: public affairs; admissions marketing; development and The Campaign for ���ϲ�����; alumni affairs and engagement; and external affairs.

To ensure the campaign continues its strong positive momentum, Brian Sischo, currently associate vice president for development and campaign director, has been named vice president for development. In this role, all aspects of development will be centralized under Sischo’s leadership, ensuring that resources dedicated to these areas are utilized in the most strategic and effective manner possible.��

To ensure the University continues to galvanize alumni and communities of experts across the nation and world, and expand its programmatic engagement reach, Chuck Merrihew, currently associate vice president for engagement initiatives, has been named vice president for administration and engagement. Merrihew will oversee the implementation strategies of the division’s external activities and provide comprehensive administrative and budgetary support for the new division.

One of the University’s central geographies of opportunity has always been New York City, which is home to the second-largest concentration of SU alumni and remains a key portal for new resources and support. To expand and strengthen SU’s presence there, Ruth Kaplan, currently executive director of public affairs and marketing based at Lubin House, has been named vice president for external affairs. She will lead the full portfolio of external affairs in New York City.

���ϲ����� was chosen to host the meeting because of the University’s commitment to the critical issues of college awareness, access and affordability, and the ���ϲ����� community’s collective work on the initiative.

The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. in Goldstein Auditorium in the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center.

A limited number of general admission tickets will be available to SU and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students, faculty and staff on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Schine Box Office. Tickets are first-come/first-served and limited to one per person. A valid SU or SUNY-ESF I.D. must be presented in order to obtain a ticket.

Those attending Wednesday’s event are asked to be present and seated by 9:45 a.m. All guests will be subject to security screenings, and backpacks and large bags are prohibited.

“We are honored and excited to have this amazing opportunity to host our dear law school alumnus Vice President Joe Biden, and Secretaries Duncan and Geithner on our campus for a discussion of the important issues of college awareness, affordability and access,” says Chancellor Cantor. “All of Central New York should be proud that this opportunity was made possible because we are a national leader in addressing these critical issues right here in ���ϲ�����. The University’s and community’s work on the initiative is working to change the lives of 21,000 students and their families in every school in the district.”

“I am delighted that our College of Law graduate, Vice President Biden, is coming to ���ϲ����� with Secretaries Duncan and Geithner to have a conversation about the critical issues of education and the economy particularly as it effects those who are struggling to keep a foothold in the American Dream of economic security and educational opportunity for their families,” says SU College of Law Dean Hannah R. Arterian. “The Vice President demonstrates an understanding of the importance of these domestic issues to the broader issues of peace and security in the world, and it will be an honor to have him leading this important group of officials to our campus.”

About ���ϲ����� Say Yes to Education

���ϲ�����, Say Yes to Education Inc. (Say Yes) and the ���ϲ����� City School District (SCSD) have joined forces to develop and launch the unprecedented ���ϲ����� Say Yes to Education Program.

For more than 20 years, Say Yes has worked to demonstrate that the persistent and well-documented “achievement gap” between urban and suburban kids is not an accurate measure of students’ abilities or potential but is an “opportunity” or “access” gap. Say Yes has successfully bridged this gap at the level of a single school by implementing comprehensive and integrated support systems that address four major types of obstacles to post-secondary access for low-income students: academic, social-emotional, health and financial. Now the ���ϲ����� Say Yes to Education program is bringing this success to an entire school district—the first program of this scale in the nation.

At the heart of this pioneering program are two core components: 1) a K-12 comprehensive support program aligned with the key barriers to college access, and 2) the promise of free tuition, fees and books for all participants. Any SCSD student is eligible to participate in the Say Yes program as long as he/she completes high school and meets college entrance requirements. A partnership of 23 visionary private colleges and universities in the Northeast has committed its support to ���ϲ����� Say Yes with the offer of free college tuition. Graduating high school students may attend these institutions, along with any SUNY or CUNY college or university.

“In a world where we are all at risk of narrowing our vision, SU is intent on looking to the future,” says SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor. “Who are the students of the future, those enterprising men and women who will make a difference in the world? Who are the faculty of the future who will engage the most pressing issues of our day?”

Students of the future

As a strong indicator of SU’s affordability and student economic diversity, 27 percent of this year’s incoming students are Pell Grant-eligible, a widely accepted definition of students from low-income families. SU already has the highest percentage of Pell-eligible students among its private Association of American Universities (AAU) peers. The University also was ranked fourth in the nation in percent of Pell-eligible students among private institutions with endowments above $500 million, according to data from the Chronicle of Higher Education.

An aggressive financial aid strategy supported the successful efforts to recruit the entering class. For 2009, institutional financial aid was increased by 13 percent to $167 million, and the University utilized these resources to help increase affordability for a broader range of families than ever before. Specifically, the resources were targeted to ensure low-income students graduate with a more manageable debt, to increase aid to middle-income students and meet the full need of all students.

“���ϲ����� has long been a place of opportunity for enterprising students from all economic and social backgrounds,” says Cantor. “This year’s incoming class strongly builds on that legacy and continues to position us ahead of the curve in recruiting in the face of the documented national demographic shifts taking place. We know that the college student of the future increasingly will be from low- and middle-income families from diverse urban centers across the nation. I hear constantly from our alumni who are so proud that ���ϲ����� took a chance on them. SU’s history is that of an inclusive institution, from opening our doors to returning GIs after World War II, to today’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities. As we recruit now and in the future, we are playing to our traditional strength of being able to discern and tap the great potential of the diverse next generation.”

Innovators of the future

SU’s successful student recruitment campaign was matched by aggressive efforts to recruit new faculty members. This year, SU forged ahead with searches—both to fill vacancies and invest strategically in traditional and emerging areas of strength—to take advantage of the strong market for top-notch faculty talent. Attracting large pools of highly qualified applicants, the University recruited 98 new professors from leading universities across the United States and internationally, in every school and college, in areas ranging from information security to inclusive education, and architecture to physics. Several new arrivals have appointments that bridge fields and all of ���ϲ�����’s schools and colleges—appointments that support innovative, cross-cutting academic programs.

“We take the success we’re experiencing in recruiting faculty as strong recognition in the academic community for SU’s incredibly positive momentum,” says Vice Chancellor and Provost Eric F. Spina. “This incoming group of faculty that we’ve recruited is simply stellar. From promising young faculty beginning their careers, to scholars with endowed chairs, they’re positioned to make an immediate impact on the education of our students, create synergies across academic programs, and advance agendas for research and creative activities that make a real difference in the world.”

Unique opportunities to address pressing issues of the world

Cantor and Spina attribute that momentum to what they see as the resonance of SU’s vision, Scholarship in Action. They describe it as the University’s commitment to optimize educational and research opportunities for students and faculty by forging reciprocal and sustained partnerships with organizations and individuals from all sectors of the economy. The partners form “communities of experts” that collaborate to address pressing issues and challenges that are found locally, but also resonate globally. Areas of focus include environmental sustainability; achieving economic growth through home-grown entrepreneurship; rejuvenating cities by investing in the arts, technology and design; and remaking urban schools to educate the increasingly diverse students populating cities.

SU has a long tradition of welcoming students from all backgrounds, even when this has run counter to prevailing social currents. At its founding in 1870, the University admitted women to both undergraduate and graduate study long before many other institutions did either. In the 20^th century, it enrolled students from a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds—African Americans, Japanese Americans, Jews—at times when they were implicitly or explicitly excluded elsewhere. SU also transformed itself to meet the needs of veterans returning from World War II, tripling its student body overnight in response to President Harry Truman’s urgings to give back to those who defended the nation but who were received tepidly on many campuses.

“We can’t predict what the future will bring,” says Cantor, “but we’re excited that our messages seem to be resonating that SU will go the extra mile to provide support for students so they can prepare for the world in the world.”