From left: Juan Medina, Laura Salazar and Pablo Sequero of salazarsequeromedina

School of Architecture faculty member Pablo Sequero’s firm, , has been named to the newest cohort of winners in the biennial , one of North America’s most prestigious awards for young practitioners.

“An open call for designers with a story to tell,â€� the 2025 competition asked entrants to interrogate “Plot,” this year’s theme, by mapping out the throughlines that shape their work and examining how architecture engages with plot, whether as “land, drawing or scheme.â€�

Like , this year’s theme was developed by the Young Architects + Designers Committee, a rotating group comprising previous winners. For the latest cycle, the committee included Rayshad Dorsey, Liz Gálvez and Miles Gertler. Joining them on the competition jury were Behnaz Assadi, Mario Gooden, Jia Yi Gu and William O’Brien Jr.

In its prompt, the committee asked designers to plot it all out: “Every building has its lore, and plots are known to thicken. Which dramas are shaping architecture’s arc today? The truth may be stranger than fiction. Despite the best-laid plans, design so often deals in circumstance. That is, while architects may endeavor to write their own stories, projects always present twists. … We invite young designers to chronicle that which bookends their practices and to demonstrate plot’s persistent role as main character.�

The Outdoor Room, Pavilion at the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism (2023), Seoul, South Korea (with Frank Barkow)

This year’s League Prize theme programming will be explored through a hybrid onsite and online model. A three-part online lecture series will be held at midday on Wednesdays, starting in June. Each lecture will feature presentations from two of the winners followed by a moderated discussion and Q&A session. Salazar, Sequero and Medina will present on June 11 at 12:30 p.m. ET; is required. Winners will also create installations of their work either onsite in their respective locations or in entirely digital formats, all of which will be presented in an online exhibition on .

“Congratulations to Pablo and his firm on this remarkable accomplishment,� says Michael Speaks, dean of the School of Architecture. “The exceptionally talented designers and educators at salazarsequeromedina are at the forefront of contemporary architecture. Their innovative approach blends civic engagement, sustainability and repurposed materials to create projects that bridge cultural, environmental and social contexts.�

Now in its 44th edition, the portfolio-based competition is open to architects and designers less than 10 years out of a bachelor’s or master’s degree program and has represented an important career milestone for several generations of designers. The program exemplifies the League’s longstanding commitment to identifying and nurturing the development of talented young architects and designers. To learn more about past winners, visit archleague.org/leagueprize.

Greenhouse for plants and humans (2023), El Carmen, Peru

About salazarsequeromedina

is a collaborative architecture practice founded in 2020 and led by Laura Salazar, Pablo Sequero and Juan Medina. Their projects in Peru, Spain, South Korea and the U.S. focus on civic works engaging diverse communities and geographical contexts. The practice addresses the environmental impact of building and aims to establish a sensitive dialogue with what is found. Their work considers the transmutability of building function and the role of open-ended structures as two vectors capable of reconciling building practice with the challenges of our time.

In 2024, the practice was shortlisted for the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (U.S.), as well as named finalists at the XIII Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism (Peru), ARQUIA/Próxima Festival for Emerging Practices (Spain) and the COAM Awards (Madrid). The work of salazarsequeromedina has been exhibited at the 4th Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism (2023) and the Oslo Triennale (2022), and has been published in The Architectural Review, Arquitectura Viva, Revista PLOT, Revista Casas and Space Magazine, among others.

Laura Salazar holds a master of architecture degree from Princeton University’s School of Architecture. She is an assistant professor of architecture at Pratt Institute and has previously taught at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s School of Architecture and Montana State University.

Pablo Sequero holds a master of architecture degree from the Technical University of Madrid (ETSAM) and is a licensed architect in Spain. He is currently a at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s School of Architecture and a visiting professor at PUCP Pontificia Universidad Católica de Lima, in Peru. Sequero has previously taught at Cornell AAP and Montana State University.

Juan Medina is a Ph.D. candidate at the Technical University of Madrid (ETSAM). He is currently a professor of practice at Tulane University and has taught previously at the ETSAM.

The number of school districts considering banning cell phones during the school day is on the rise nationwide.

At least eight states have banned smartphones in public school classrooms, while 28 states (including New York) have proposed a ban on student smartphone usage. Other states are exploring a variety of ways to limit cell phone usage.

Proponents argue that students need to have their undivided attention focused on classroom lessons; parents feel strongly about being able to contact their child in an emergency.

Matthew Mulvaney

, associate professor and department chair of human development and family science in the , looks at the impact of cell phone use on children as a researcher and also has firsthand knowledge as the parent of a 14-year-old.

“I’ve always been interested in this field and this research of looking at mobile technology and how it might impact kids, especially now with my daughter being immersed in the world of cell phones and social media,� says Mulvaney, a parenting researcher whose focus is on how parents and families support optimal child development.

Sabrina Butler

, an assistant teaching professor in the counseling and human services department in the and a licensed mental health counselor, looks at process addictions (including cell phone usage) in children and adolescents and recognizing when behaviors become problematic.

Butler sees both sides of the debate and suggests ways to find the balance.

“Parents have a legitimate concern about the safety of their child, and it would be difficult to enforce no cell phones in schools,� says Butler, whose research focuses primarily on process addictions in children and adolescents. “Plus, a lot of kids use tablets or Chromebooks in the classroom. We can’t just take technology completely out of the classroom. How do we ensure they’re not distracted by social media or games while they’re supposed to be learning?�

Mulvaney and Butler sat down with SU News to discuss cell phone bans and limits in schools and what steps can be taken to help children liberate themselves from their phones.

What are your thoughts on limiting the use of cell phones in school and the impact of cell phone use on adolescent development?

Sabrina Butler: Coming from a harm reduction lens, we want to put limits and boundaries on cell phone usage. And while there isn’t research that necessarily supports that cell phone usage is causing depression and anxiety, what we do know is that our cell phones are like other addictions out there. If you have individuals that are already experiencing anxiety, depression or self-esteem issues, being on your phone and on social media is going to exacerbate that.

Matthew Mulvaney: Kids functioned for a very long time in schools without cell phones. More people are starting to be concerned about cell phone use. Parents see the changes their kids are going through and they want them to not be so tied up with their phones.

There’s a psychologist, Jean Twenge, who published a book in 2017 that showed the impact of cell phone usage and social media on this generation. Around the age of 11, 12 or 13, children, particularly girls, experience this mental health cliff where their well-being drops off suddenly, and how much time they spend on their phones and on social media is closely correlated and negatively associated with their mental health.

How is being on your cell phone a process addiction?

Butler: Process addictions hack and utilize the same brain mechanisms as other addictions, like nicotine. With cell phones and social media, we’re pairing these positive emotions with external stimuli, which is the behavior. That’s where it can become problematic, wiring those two things [phones and social media] together that make me feel good or less stressed. It’s that feeling that we’re getting addicted to and we’re associating with that behavior.

How young is too young for a child to get a cell phone? To be active on social media?

Mulvaney: The later you can wait, the better. Kids will say not having one cuts them off from their social networks and that all their friends have phones, but there are few developmental benefits to having one early on. As for social media, researcher Jonathan Haidt studies the impact of social media on adolescent mental health, and he suggests 16 for starting off on social media.

What can we do to help alleviate the addictive impact of cell phones?

Mulvaney: I see a lot of parallels with cigarette smoking. Smoking was commonplace when I was growing up, but smoking cigarettes has basically gone away from the adolescent experience because of how bad it was for our kids. It took a collective understanding, a collective will to say, “we’re not going to have spaces for kids to smoke.â€�

I think schools will adopt a phone-free policy from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and that will have a significant impact on changing the expectations of being on your phone all the time. If we come to this shared understanding that being on your phone all the time is really bad, we can make changes in the same way we did with smoking.

Butler: It goes back to limits and an age barrier. Some parents take away phones at night because they don’t want their child up all night on their phone. Others turn off the Wi-Fi after a certain point. Those parental control measures are really helpful because they lead into how we monitor usage among children.

We need to get back to engaging with each other, having family dinner without looking at our phones. Getting children active through activities and sports are great because they get kids out playing, interacting and connecting with their peers.

Stephanie Waterman

The first Onondagan student to earn a Ph.D. in Education at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and co-creator of the , teaches courses in the OISE’s higher education program and coordinates the student development/student services program stream.

Supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Waterman’s research addresses Indigenous college student experiences, as well as university supports for all college students, Indigenous methodologies and geographies and critical theories. Her current research asks how do First Nations/Native American student affairs units work and how do they intersect with non-Indigenous units on campuses?

With her colleagues Heather J. Shotton, Natalie R. Youngbull, and Shelly C. Lowe, Waterman is co-editor most recently of “Developments Beyond the Asterisk: New Scholarship and Frameworks for Understanding Native Students in Higher Education.”

In a 2019 interview for “,” Waterman notes that personal experiences and research frame her work: “We all learn in our own way and bring our own ‘story’ or ‘history’ to the institution.â€� Indigenous and other marginalized people who have been wronged bring various aspects of those histories with them, Waterman says, but settlers also share that history and bring their history with them: “I open every class with a discussion of assumptions and perspectives because we are often not aware of our biases and assumptions that impact our practice and learning.â€�

Waterman is the recipient of the Mike Charleston Award for Distinguished Contributions to Research in Indigenous Education (AERA Indigenous Peoples of the Americas); the Robert H. Shaffer Award for Outstanding Contribution to Higher Education (NASPA Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education); and the Council for Ethnic Participation Mildred García Award for Exemplary Scholarship: Senior Scholar Award (Association for the Study of Higher Education).

In addition to her Ph.D. from the School of Education, Waterman holds a master of arts degree in liberal studies from SUNY Empire State College (2002) and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s College of Arts and Sciences (1983).

The University’s top teaching assistants were recognized by the Graduate School with the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award.

The important work and contributions of teaching assistants were recognized yesterday at a ceremony hosted by the .

The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award is given to teaching assistants who have demonstrated excellence in the role through activities such as classroom teaching, laboratory or studio instruction, leading recitation or discussion sections or assisting senior faculty members with high-enrollment courses.

“Teaching assistants are vital to the undergraduate experience,� says Graduate School Dean Peter Vanable. “They bring energy and important insights to their academic disciplines and are dedicated to the students with whom they work. I thank this year’s award winners for their contributions to the University’s academic mission.�

The 2025 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awardees, representing the top 3.5% of the TA workforce, are:

• Agathe Baggieri, languages, literatures and linguistics, College of Arts and Sciences
• Karisa Bridgelal, writing studies, rhetoric and composition, College of Arts and Sciences
• Caroline Capuano, physics, College of Arts and Sciences
• Yu-Wei Chang, psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
• Jing Cheng, mechanical and aerospace engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Gargi De, civil and environmental engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• AyÅŸenur DeÄŸer, political science, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Julie Harnett, teaching and curriculum, School of Education
• Tori-Ann Haywood, sociology, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Elise Hegarty, languages, literatures and linguistics, College of Arts and Sciences
• Elana Israel, mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences
• Benjamin Kaufman, mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences
• Harneet Kaur, social science, College of Arts and Sciences
• Pyeonghwa Kim, information science and technology, School of Information Studies
• Hannah Kimbrell, mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences
• Amanda Kingston, cultural foundations of education, School of Information Studies
• Connor Knowlan, communication and rhetorical studies, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Megan Koch, earth and environmental sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
• Elise Krespan, biology, College of Arts and Sciences
• Gabriella Larson, psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
• Adarsh Raghuram, geography and the environment, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Abhishek Samlodia, physics, College of Arts and Sciences
• Hector I. Sanchez, history, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Victor Sholl, philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences
• Nathalie Uwamahoro, electrical engineering and computer science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Josiah van Egdom, political science, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Ying Xu, human development and family science, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics

Awardees are nominated by their departments and must present a teaching portfolio as part of the review process.

Recipients of the 2025 Excellence in Graduate Education Faculty Recognition Award were honored by the Graduate School at a campus ceremony April 24.

Ten ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ faculty members were honored with the Excellence in Graduate Education Faculty Recognition Award at a campus ceremony April 24. The award, given annually by the , honors professors who have had a significant impact on graduate education through teaching, service and research or creative activities.

This year’s awardees, chosen by an interdisciplinary committee of graduate students, are the following:

• , associate professor of communications, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
• , assistant professor of human development and family science, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
• , assistant professor of exercise science, Falk College
• , associate professor of sociology, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• , professor of mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences
• , assistant professor of biology, College of Arts and Sciences
• , associate professor and associate chair of psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
• , mechanical and aerospace engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• , assistant professor of marriage and family therapy, Falk College
• , professor of higher education, School of Education

“We know that talented faculty members are the cornerstone of a quality graduate education,� says Peter Vanable, dean of the Graduate School. “This awards program gives us an opportunity to hear directly from our students, as well as from faculty, staff and alumni, about which professors have had a significant positive influence on their studies. We are delighted to recognize these ten individuals for their dedication and contributions to the University.�

• Bird Library
  • Monday, April 28-Thursday, May 8:ÌýBird Library will be open 24 hours a day

The Libraries is also offering the following at Bird Library during finals:

• Monday, April 28: Donuts with the Dean on the first floor from 4 to 5 p.m.
• Monday, April 28-Tuesday, May 6: Positivity station on the first floor where students can pick up study goody bags containing notes of encouragement, candy, coloring pages and snacks.
• Tuesday, April 29: Reading Day in the Libraries Wellness Room (Room 114) from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Students can participate in coloring, Zen boards, guided meditation, chair massage pillows and board games.
• As a reminder, the Libraries’ also have two MindSpa available for reservations, in addition to various .

This year’s recipients are:

• Jeffrey Adams, English,
• Akshay, computer and information science and engineering,
• Erika Arias, political science,
• Seok Wun (Shiila) Au Yong, cultural foundations of education,
• Bruce Baigrie, geography, Maxwell School
• Erin Bisesti, sociology, Maxwell School
• Eric Cochran, mathematics, Arts and Sciences
• Xiaoyu Fu, human development and family science,
• Jessica Fundalinski, teaching and curriculum, School of Education
• Michael Kelly, geography, Maxwell School
• Shanel Khaliq, sociology, Maxwell School
• Hyojeong Kim, public administration, Maxwell School
• Minseok Kim, philosophy, Arts and Sciences
• Amanda Kingston, cultural foundations of education, School of Education
• Elise Krespan, biology, Arts and Sciences
• Akit Kumar, information science and technology,
• Sanggu Lee, philosophy, Arts and Sciences
• Jinfen Li, information science and technology, Information Studies
• Tyler Logie, earth and environmental sciences, Arts and Sciences
• Abigail Long, composition and cultural rhetoric, Arts and Sciences
• Desiree Martin, mathematics, Arts and Sciences
• Fasika Melese, instructional design, development and evaluation, School of Education
• Arda Ozyenginer, English, Arts and Sciences
• Henry Potts-Rubin, mathematics, Arts and Sciences
• Samuel Santiago, English, Arts and Sciences
• Dustin Satterfield, sociology, Maxwell School
• Mahder Serekberhan, political science, Maxwell School
• Paige Spencer, religion, Arts and Sciences
• Elina (Ruiqi) Sun, social psychology, Arts and Sciences
• Benjamin Valen, social psychology, Arts and Sciences
• Jenna Walmer, social psychology, Arts and Sciences

The Student Library Advisory Board is an opportunity for students to share their ideas, needs and feedback to improve the Libraries’ services, resources, spaces and programming. Members will participate in user experience activities during once-a-month Friday meetings and will serve as ambassadors for the Libraries among their peers.

Members will also gain leadership and skill-building experience, including in areas of information literacy, communication, civic responsibility, research and creative thinking, while helping to improve the Libraries through fun and interactive engagement. Applicants can anticipate a commitment of approximately 3 hours per month. Current library student employees are ineligible to participate.

The Student Library Advisory Board is supported, in part, through a collaboration with . Those with questions can contact sscott17@syr.edu.

Members of the campus community should be advised that temporary road closures will take place between 9 a.m. and noon on the day of the race. Centro shuttles and ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ trolleys will also be delayed during that time, affecting travel to and from South Campus, and also to and from the Nancy Cantor Warehouse.

Runners will enter the University area from East Colvin Street by the John A. Lally Athletics Complex, necessitating road closures along Comstock Avenue. They will turn right on University Place through Thornden Park, exiting the park down Madison Street, and then turning right on South Crouse Avenue and left onto East Genesee Street.

Race organizers ask neighbors to proceed with caution and allow for additional travel time to your destination if they are traveling near the routes. Organizers also encourage community members to cheer on the race participants and join in the fun at the finish line in Clinton Square.

Visit for details and full maps of the course.

The 2025 Winston Fisher cohort at AlphaSights, an information services company, in midtown Manhattan.

With so many career possibilities open to them, how can students explore which fits their interests? The Ìýoffers a variety of programming to facilitate career exploration and readiness, such asÌý.

Over spring break, a group of 17 A&S | Maxwell undergraduates had the chance to experience one of those immersion trips: the annual Winston Fisher Seminar in New York City, which allows undergraduate students from all majors across the and the to explore how their liberal arts education can be leveraged into a wide variety of careers in the business world.

Founded in 2006 by Fisher Brothers partner, AREA15 CEO, Dean’s Advisory Board member and Trustee Winston Fisher ’96, the weeklong Winston Fisher Seminar allowsÌýstudents to spend time developing and presenting business plans, touring different employers and gaining critical networking experience with recruiters and alumni.

During this year’s immersion, participants visited several high-profile organizations, including Penguin Random House, Major League Baseball, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Morgan Stanley, iHeartMedia and more.

“Connecting with the students throughout the week, hearing their business plans and learning about their aspirations is truly one of the highlights of my year,� Fisher says. “As a firm believer in the power of a liberal arts education, I’m excited to see where their journeys take them and the impact they’ll have on the world.�

“There’s no substitute for the first-hand knowledge and experience Winston’s seminar provides. In addition to gaining insight into the professional world and entrepreneurship, students build lasting relationships with peers and accomplished members of our alumni community,� says , director of employer and alumni engagement.

Check out these other photos from the 2025 Winston Fisher Seminar:

Students kick off the 2025 Winston Fisher Seminar with benefactor Winston Fisher ’96 at Fisher Brothers.

Students hear from an alumni panel led by policy studies alumna Kate Abogado ’20 at Deloitte.

Psychology and forensic science major Seth Cohen ’25 speaks with Charlamagne tha God on the set of The Breakfast Club.

The bottom portion of the sculpins’ pectoral fin helps them grip onto surfaces and even walk. (Photo by Emily Kane)

On a wave-battered rock in the Northern Pacific Ocean, a fish called the sculpin grips the surface firmly to maintain stability in its harsh environment. Unlike sea urchins, which use their glue-secreting tube feet to adhere to their surroundings, sculpins manage to grip without a specialized adhesive organ like tube feet or the suction cups of octopuses.

So, why is this significant and why are scientists so keen to understand it? Marine organisms thriving in high-energy environments serve as excellent natural models for designing more efficient and effective human-engineered devices, such as robots, grippers and adhesives. Improved adhesives could have wide-ranging impacts, from enhancing medical devices to creating tires with better road grip.

New research has uncovered a surprising microscopic feature on the fins of sculpins, potentially aiding their ability to grip their surroundings. (Photo by Emily Kane)

A team of researchers from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette who specialize in functional morphology—how the shape and structure of an organism helps it function—recently uncovered a new and surprising traction trait in sculpins. They found microscopic features on their fins, potentially allowing them to adhere strongly to surfaces underwater to fight currents and waves. Their results were published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

“In order to prevent being swept away, these sculpins need another way to keep themselves in position,â€� says Emily Kane, professor of biology at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette who co-authored the study with Austin Garner, a biology professor in the at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. “One feature that sets this group apart is the modification of their pectoral fins such that the bottom portion has reduced webbing that allows the fin rays to poke out further than the fin. They can use these for holding onto rocks or other substrates, but some species have further modifications that allow for walking and sensory functions.â€�

Previous research has shown that sculpins use hydrodynamic mechanisms—like having a small, streamlined body and using their fins to create negative lift—to maintain balance and grip. Additionally, physical mechanisms, such as gripping the substrate with flexible fin rays on the bottom part of the fin (similar to having fingers), have been described. This study documents a new surface texture, suggesting that these bottom fin rays might also create friction or adhesion at a microscopic level, enhancing their grip even further.

Kane and her team first discovered these features during fieldwork in summer 2022 in Friday Harbor, Washington. While observing fins at a microscopic level using a scanning electron microscope, she immediately recognized the similarity between the sculpins’ features and the fine hairs on gecko feet. She then reached out to Garner, who is an expert in animal adhesion and attachment.

“My lab is interested in how animals interface with surfaces in their environment during both stationary and locomotory behaviors, particularly in those organisms that take advantage of adhesive or frictional interactions using specialized attachment organs,â€� says Garner, who is also a member of the at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, where researchers collaborate to develop and design smart materials to address global challenges. “Using a very similar framework to studies I have conducted in lizards and sea urchins, we worked together to design and execute this study.â€�

The team focused on traits such as density, area and length to outline the texture of the skin on the fin rays.

“We compared these measures to values in other animals with similar features that are known to produce a friction gripping force, like having sandpaper on the fins,� says Kane. “There are some similarities in sculpins that make us think they could be doing something similar.�

Garner notes that their work is the first description of these microstructures on the fin rays of sculpins. “We not only described the form and configuration of these structures in this work but also generated testable hypotheses that serve as strong intellectual foundations for us to continue probing in our future work on this topic,� he says.

So, what will this forthcoming research involve, and could studying these structures lead to the development of new bio-inspired adhesives for societal use?

Garner suggests that the form and function of sculpin fins could be effectively integrated into bio-inspired robots or grippers for underwater navigation and exploration. As the research progresses, their team anticipates that understanding the microstructures on sculpin fins will offer new possibilities for designing synthetic attachment devices that can attach securely yet detach easily, even underwater.

Who knows, maybe one day an underwater robot with sculpin-inspired grippers will be exploring the ocean depths and making waves in the world of bio-inspired technology.

In response, the University’s Center for International Services is actively supporting the affected students. The center is coordinating closely with the Office of Academic Affairs and the students’ academic programs to ensure continuity in their education. Two of the three students remain on track to graduate as scheduled, and efforts are ongoing to assist the third student in maintaining their academic progress.

The University understands this news may be concerning for international members of our community and has been in direct communication with international students as well as international faculty and staff. As the situation continues to evolve, the University will provide updates as appropriate and urges anyone with questions or concerns to reach out to Juan Tavares, director of the Center for International Services, at jtavares@syr.edu or 315.443.5833.ÌýÌýÌý ÌýÌý

Maloney joined ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ in 2024. His research focuses on the connections between quantum information theory, field theory, statistical mechanics and quantum gravity.

Chancellor Kent Syverud, Dr. Ruth Chen, Alexander Maloney, Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost Lois Agnew and A&S Dean Behzad Mortazavi pose for a group photo following Maloney’s installation as Kathy and Stan Walters Endowed Professor of Quantum Science.

The Walters Endowed Professorship was established through a $2.5 million gift from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Board of Trustees Chair Emeritus and her husband, Stan ’72, as part of the Faculty Excellence Program supporting the recruitment and retention of high-caliber faculty.

Speakers at the installation ceremony included Interim Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer , A&S Dean and Chancellor . Maloney also spoke after receiving his medallion.

“This endowed professorship represents a bold investment in the future of discovery, and the College of Arts and Sciences is proud to be home to both this research and Professor Maloney,� Mortazavi said. “Through his groundbreaking work, he is helping to unlock some of the most profound mysteries of nature—work that not only deepens our understanding of the cosmos but also holds transformative potential for fields as diverse as computing, cryptography and medicine.�

Maloney’s distinguished career includes serving as James McGill Professor of Physics and Sir William Macdonald Chair in Physics at McGill University, where he received the John David Jackson Award for teaching excellence. His previous positions include membership at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton and research associate at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. A 2013 Simons Fellow in Theoretical Physics, Maloney earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University and both his M.S. in mathematics and B.S. in physics from Stanford University.

At ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, Maloney will grow teaching and research in quantum science while providing students with opportunities to advance understanding of nature and design next-generation quantum technologies.

“This initiative ensures that a ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ education remains within reach for every talented and driven student—regardless of financial circumstances,â€� says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ has a long history of being a university welcoming to all. The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Promise will continue this legacy for the next generation of students so the best and brightest students can choose to be Orange and thrive here.â€�

How the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Promise Match Works

At the heart of The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Promise is a transformative $10 million matching initiative that empowers donors to enhance their impact and deepen their commitment to student success. Fueled by two generous unrestricted estate gifts, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ will offer a 1:2 match for contributions supporting scholarship endowments. Eligible gifts include contributions of $100,000 or more that establish new endowed scholarships, and $50,000 or more to enhance and sustain existing ones. This forward-thinking program not only reinforces the University’s long-term dedication to access and affordability but also positions ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ as a national leader in expanding student opportunity.

Meeting the Moment—and the Need

Today, 78% of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ students receive some form of financial aid. In recent years, the University has reduced the average student debt burden by more than 10%. To build on this progress and meet the financial and academic needs of today’s students, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is increasing its commitment to growing and sustaining permanent funding sources in perpetuity. Tracy Barlok, senior vice president and chief advancement officer, says scholarships offer just that—lasting support that grows over time through investment and continued giving.

“This initiative is critically important because it allows us to attract and retain students who strengthen our academic excellence and elevate our entire community,â€� says Barlok. “We’re inviting our alumni and donors to be part of something transformational—to pay it forward to help future generations of students pursue a ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ education and thrive—both as students and as future Orange alumni.â€�

About ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ

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

Corri Zoli

“Corri is an amazing thinker and has a great strategic mind. She has the ability to integrate various perspectives into a coherent agenda for the future. The Lender Center is fortunate to have her joining our team,� says center director .

Zoli joins , associate professor of management in the , who was named Lender Center senior research associate in Fall 2022. They will work together with Phillips to bring existing research to culmination, maximize impact and find new research opportunities focused on social justice.

Zoli is also an affiliated faculty member withÌýthe . Her research and teaching focus on U.S. military veterans and national and international security, with an emphasis on law and policy challenges, problems of new technologies in warfare and the role of cross-cultural dynamics in conflicts and humanitarian efforts.

“I’m thrilled to be appointed as a research associate at the Lender Center and to be working with Kendall, Kira and our many dedicated colleagues who have made the Lender Center’s mission of interdisciplinary, community-engaged research a priority,” Zoli says.

Glenn Wright congratulates Three Minute Thesis competition winner Jayda Felder.

, a doctoral student in social psychology at the ,Ìýwon the competition with her presentation, “.â€� She received 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 and a one-year membership in the , the professional organization of her choice.

“The cliché is that academic research is both impenetrable and pointless,� says Glenn Wright, executive director of professional and career development at the Graduate School. “The 3MT really challenges graduate students to tackle that perception head-on, explaining quickly and clearly what their research is and why it makes a difference. That’s a great skill when engaging the public, and highly useful in academia, too.�

The other 3MT contestants were:

• Nimisha Krishnan (Ph.D., physics, ): “How Cells Move Cargo: Learning from Nature’s Tiny Transport Systemâ€�
• Bramsh Khan (Ph.D., social science, Maxwell School): “Politics of Gendered Infrastructure Violence in Balochistan, Pakistanâ€�
• Mary Theresa Pagan (Ph.D., sociology, Maxwell School): “Older Recent Widows and Physical Activity: A Qualitative Investigation of the Roles of Care Work and Social Supportâ€�
• Sarah Nahar (Ph.D., religion, Arts and Sciences): “Closing the Poop Loop: An Everyday Way to Heal the Planetâ€�
• Ratnakshi Mandal (Ph.D., chemical engineering, ): “Decoding Alzheimer’s: Putting Together the Puzzle of Memory Lossâ€�
• Abigail Helen Long (Ph.D., composition and cultural rhetoric, Arts and Sciences) “‘Stuck’ Together: Identifying Writing Teachers’ Access Needsâ€�
• Nghia Le Ba Thai (Ph.D., bioengineering, Engineering and Computer Science): “PorousX: A Novel Artificial Matrix for Treating Chronic Woundsâ€�
• Paul Sagoe (Ph.D., biomedical engineering, Engineering and Computer Science): “Small but Mighty: Therapeutic Nanoparticles, the Tiny Heroes Fighting Arthritisâ€�
• Qingyang Liu (Ph.D., human development and family science, ): “When and Where to Invest: Early Material Hardship and Children’s Self-Regulation.â€�

Three-Minute Thesis participants share details about their research and creative work in a compelling way—within a three-minute time limit.

Wright moderated the event. Judges were Matthew Carr, chief financial officer at Manlius Pebble Hill School; Davoud Mozhdehi, associate professor of chemistry at the College of Arts and Sciences; and Sylvia Sierra, associate professor of communication and rhetorical studies in the .

was first developed at the University of Queensland in Australia and is now held at colleges and universities around the world.

Rebekah Lewis

“I am thrilled to begin the director position and look forward to collaborating with center staff and faculty affiliates to expand its crucial work,” says Lewis, who has more than 15 years of experience in health and higher education settings.

In her previous role at the Ottawa University Heart Institute, Lewis provided program evaluation and qualitative research expertise for a variety of women’s cardiovascular disease prevention projects at the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre. Her current evaluation research focuses on improving primary prevention of cardiovascular disease among high-risk women. She received a master of public health from Boston University School of Public Health in 2001.

“We are pleased to welcome Rebekah Lewis to the Lerner Center as its new director,� says , Lerner Chair in Public Health Promotion and Population Health, director of the and professor of sociology. “Rebekah brings a wealth of expertise in health education, program evaluation and research. Her forward-thinking orientation and ideas for program development align perfectly with the Lerner Center’s mission.�

The Lerner Center was established in 2011 with an endowment from Sidney Lerner ’53, a marketing executive and public health advocate, and his wife, Helaine. Its mission is to improve population and community health through research, education, advocacy and programming focused on the social and structural determinants of health and health disparities. It supports numerous programs, assistantships and training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, including the popular DeStress for Success course, an undergraduate social impact competition and internships.

The center recently announced that it will host national Healthy Monday programming, a signature public health campaign that aims to reduce the risk of chronic disease by offering prompts about healthier habits. Hosting the national Healthy Monday campaign was made possible by an organizational restructuring and a $2.52 million gift to the Lerner Center and ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s Forever Orange Campaign by Helaine Lerner in 2023.

Story by Michael Kelly

The Brooklyn, New York, native has called Central New York home for more than 40 years. Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in Fayetteville, New York, the 1960s-era Craftsman house he shares with his wife, daughter and their cat “Spice� not only features many attractive upgrades in aesthetics and design, but most importantly cuts back on their climate footprint with every improvement plan and project.

“I think what probably got me on the path was I believe in science,â€� says Wirth, co-founder of the group. “I’m trying to remove or reduce our consumption of fossil fuels in the house.â€�

Wirth keeps energy efficiency at the center of his home upgrades, generating his own renewable energy with rooftop solar panels, and getting his hot water on demand through an updated tankless water heater. His sustainability goals led him to make one of his biggest home upgrades yet—adding an air-sourced heat pump to his natural gas furnace, creating a hybrid heating and cooling system that runs much more efficiently.

“I think once you go to an electric heat pump, you’d never think about doing a gas furnace again,â€� says Wirth.

Professor Ian Shapiro demonstrates the functionality of a heat pump system.

Getting more people to consider heat pumps for their homes and businesses has been a mission point for , professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the associate director of Building Science and Community Programs at the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems. He launched his mechanical engineering career more than three decades ago with designing heat pumps.

Systems That Heat and Cool

While the word heat can lead people to limit the technology to only its warming effect, these systems work to both heat and cool structures.

Shapiro says heat pumps work by moving heat from the outdoor air to the indoor space, similar to how a refrigerator moves heat from the inside to the outside. The heating and cooling system uses electricity to move heat rather than generating it directly. Even on a cold Central New York day with an outdoor temperature below freezing, the pump can effectively pull warm air from the outdoors to heat the inside of a home or building.

“That free outdoor heat is renewable,” Shapiro says. “And much of the electricity is carbon free from sources such as hydroelectricity and solar. If New York state meets its goals by 2040, it will all be clean electricity.”

Residence as a Living Lab

Wirth opened his home to Shapiro’s graduate mechanical engineering students as a “living labâ€� to execute research questions and learn directly from homeowners about the real-world implications of heat pump technology. The collaboration has proven fruitful for researchers and Wirth. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ researchers were able to identify ways to make his heat pump and home more efficient, and the hands-on work will help students in their professional fields.

“ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ has been an ideal place to study heat pump performance in cold climates and older homes,â€� says mechanical and aerospace engineering Ph.D. student, Sameeraa Soltanian-Zadeh ’26. “These field studies help bridge the gap between lab-tested efficiency and real-world performance.â€�

“As more buildings transition from traditional fossil fuel heating systems to heat pumps, improving their operational efficiency will be crucial,� says Ji Zhou ’28, another Ph.D. student in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, who plans to work in a heat pump research lab post-graduation.

, with requirements for all new buildings to use electric heat and appliances by 2026 and all existing buildings by 2030. Shapiro estimates there are more than 100,000 heat pumps currently in use in New York state. He anticipates more growth in the years to come as fossil-fuel powered energy becomes more expensive.

For homeowners like Wirth, finding ways to cut down on carbon consumption and reduce greenhouse gases is a personal mission now powering his home and his life.

“For me to recommend to other people to do things without doing them myself, I just can’t do it,â€� says Wirth. “It would feel hollow. I need to walk the talk.â€�

Video captured, edited and produced by Amy Manley, senior multimedia producer

As a recognized student organization (RSO), University Union (UU) is the official programming board of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ university. Entirely student run, the RSO works to source and host campus entertainment, including Block Darty and Block Party.

“Serving as president this year has been one of the most rewarding experiences,â€� says Naimah Rahman ’25, University Union president. “The whole year leads up to Block Party and Block Darty, which feels like our Super Bowl. To be a part of a ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ tradition that students look forward to every year is an immense honor. Our team works tirelessly all year to make sure we put on an event that the student body will resonate with. I am honored to lead an incredible team of people that make this happen!â€�

Block Darty

Activities on the Quad from 1-5 p.m. are free for ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) students. There will be food trucks, inflatables, activities and more.

“Our events are tailored for the students that come to them, so every activation, brand and activity has been thought out,� says Rhylee Hudson ’27, collaborations director of University Union. “Organizing Block Darty has been something amazing. I’ve never dreamed that I could’ve loved planning events this much. It is so rewarding to see people interested in our event and that makes the planning all worth it.�

Block Darty will also feature an outdoor concert with live music from artists Sun Room, Alex Vaughn and Padma.

“There aren’t many opportunities for college creatives to showcase their work on large scales,� says Emma Barbosa ’25, design director for Block Party and Block Darty. “Through these events, I’ve gotten the chance to see my work displayed throughout campus and it’s a gratifying feeling seeing the campus community interact with it.�

Block Party

The Block Party Concert lineup will be headlined by two-time Grammy nominated rapper Latto with support from Role Model.

Breakout Queen of Da Souf rapper Latto has been making a name for herself since she was 8 and hasn’t stopped since. In the past three years, the 24-year-old released her project Queen of Da Souf, her album 777 and loose singles while continuing to elevate and garner accolade after accolade. Big Latto’s ‘got that real big energy’ and shows no signs of stopping.

Role Model’s been in love. He was so in love he wrote his entire debut album, Rx, about it. But not all romances last forever, and the 27-year-old’s grieving of that same relationship is at the center of his sophomore album, Kansas Anymore. As rough as it was to ride that roller coaster of heartbreak and homesickness, Role Model feels these are the greatest songs he’s made yet.

Tickets are required and the JMA Wireless Dome opens at 7 p.m.

• ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and SUNY ESF: Tickets are $20 for students, faculty and staff with valid University I.D. and email address. Students can purchase a maximum of two tickets and at time of purchase they will be loaded on to their account.
• General Public: Tickets for the general public are on sale via . Tickets will start in the 200-level reserved area and continue to the 300-level if needed.

Tickets will also be available for purchase in the Box Office throughout the duration of the event on Friday, April 25, 2025.

For questions, or to request accommodations, contact University Union vice president, Enoca Shin ’25, at uuvicepresident@gmail.com by 5 p.m., on Wednesday, April 23, for Block Party and Thursday, April 24, for Block Darty.

Luiza Owuor

The program helps students like Owuor become involved with research efforts early on in their academic careers, and for Owuor, the experience, especially a presentation from and Professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering , ignited her passion for biochemical engineering.

Once Owuor officially embarked on her journey in the , she wanted to contribute to the , which strives to improve treatments for individuals living with an injury or disease. Through experimental and computational approaches, lab researchers study and apply mechanobiology in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

“I remember being especially drawn to Dr. Henderson’s presentation, and his work really sparked my interest in this field,� says Owuor, president of the Society of Women Engineers and a mentor with Catalyst Scholars, a new program for first-generation students.

“Being involved in his lab has been one of the most defining parts of my academic journey. I’ve co-authored two published papers through BioInspired [which examines complex biological systems], and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see our research make a real contribution to the field,� Owuor says. “I’ve built a strong, family-like bond with my lab members and that sense of support and collaboration has made the experience truly special.�

Owuor, a native of Kisumu, Kenya, was recently named as a 2025-26 ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Remembrance Scholar. She sat down with SU News to discuss her passion for biomedical engineering, her career goals, the important role of mentoring and how her time on campus has fueled her holistic development.

What sparked your interest in biomedical engineering and the STEM field?

I’ve always wanted to be part of the health care space, but not necessarily on the front lines. Biomedical engineering drew me in because it offers a way to make a real impact from behind the scenes, whether that’s through designing medical devices, developing therapeutic technologies or conducting research that leads to breakthroughs.

Once I got involved in research at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, I saw how engineering could be used to solve complex biological problems, and that solidified my passion for this field. I love that I get to blend innovation with purpose every day.

What are your career goals and ambitions?

To become a medical scientist and contribute to the development of innovative therapies that improve patient outcomes. I’m especially interested in translational research, taking discoveries from the lab and turning them into real solutions for people. Pursuing a Ph.D. is part of that path, and I hope to work at the intersection of research and innovation to help address some of the biggest challenges in health care.

What role has mentoring played in your development?

Mentorship has shaped so much of my growth. From research mentors in the to peer leaders in student organizations like the Society of Women Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), I’ve been guided and supported by people who believed in my potential. Mentoring others—whether through Academic Excellence Workshops or Catalyst Scholar mentoring—feels like a full-circle moment. It’s my way of paying it forward.

How has your time at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ helped fuel your development?

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ has been instrumental in my growth—academically, professionally and personally. Through leadership roles like serving as president of the Society of Women Engineers and alumni relations chair for NSBE, I’ve developed strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.

The (SOURCE) program has been a major support system, funding my research projects and giving me the platform to present my work. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ has also connected me with the resources and guidance I needed to secure meaningful internships, including one for this upcoming summer. On top of that, my classes have equipped me with technical lab skills and data analysis that will directly apply to my field and my future career goals.

Father Gerry writes: “What a sad day for the holy Roman Catholic Church, and indeed for the whole world… the passing into eternity of our beloved Holy Father Pope Francis! A Jesuit by profession, but a Franciscan at heart (he chose his name Francis after St Francis of Assisi) he was a kind and gentle giant as he advocated for the poor and the disenfranchised, the migrants, and for our planet and environment (Laudato Si). He was an agent of change and fought tirelessly for a more inclusive Catholic Church (“who am I to judge?â€�). In my opinion, he was the epitome of Jesus himself, especially as he told us, his priests, that we should “smell like our sheep,â€� meaning that our work is with and among the people, not behind desks. Like Jesus, he modeled that exact behavior, visiting prisons, washing the feet of the poorest of the poor, caring for he least among us. There are some big shoes to fill in the Vatican, for the Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Church. Come, Holy Spirit, we seek your guidance, wisdom, and power as we move forward into the future!”

Brian Konkol writes: “The passing of Pope Francis marks the loss of a global leader whose example transcends borders and beliefs. Through his Jesuit commitment to finding God in all things, he reminded the Catholic community and beyond that love for others is a shared and sacred responsibility. While historians will surely debate his legacy, the bold voice and humble presence of Pope Francis will surely be missed, and the influence of his devout life will endure.�

The University has an abundance of disciplines that can relate to a career and technical education (CTE) pathway and provide a meaningful experience for an intern. If you think your team is a good fit for a summer intern, please reach out to Jake Losowski, the University’s associate director of community engagement, at jjlosow@syr.edu. The deadline to apply is May 1.

Intern Moo Loe Htoo worked at the SENSES Project last summer, where students can learn about music production, podcasting and more.

Now in its fifth year, the SU Summer Internship Program offers the opportunity for rising high school seniors from the SCSD’s CTE program or Say Yes scholarship programs to engage in a six-week work opportunity on campus to gain valuable hands-on experience working closely with University employees in their chosen field. The goal of the program is to give local students real-world job experience before their high school graduation. Summer internship experiences have led students to both higher education and the workplace, and interns have completed the program with a better understanding of what their future career might look like.

Having an SCSD summer intern working with you can also be rewarding for your team. “Although it’s important to expose young people to the opportunities that exist in our organization, it is equally important and fulfilling to provide our staff with the chance to feel valued and energized by impacting young people in a positive way,� says Mike Hartnett, patrol commander in the Department of Public Safety.

The University’s Office of Community Engagement works with the school district to align the experience with the students’ goals and interests. Summer interns come to campus well-equipped with knowledge and skills from the classroom as well as hands-on learning opportunities and are eager to learn from qualified professionals.

The CTE program works to empower all students to build technical, academic and professional leadership skills for college and career success. Students take courses in a specific CTE pathway that allows them to obtain work-based learning experiences and master skills that prepare them for employment or secondary education after finishing school. Some CTE programs that could align with opportunities on campus include:

The Summer Internship Program has had many successful internship placements throughout the course of the program, including the Barnes Center at the Arch (Health Professions learning pathway) the Department of Public Safety (Law Enforcement learning pathway) and Facilities Services (Construction Technology, Electrical Trades, Manufacturing and Welding learning pathways). These placement sites have been successful thanks to the employees working with the interns who have acted as career coaches, engaging with the students, guiding them through the experience and teaching them the skills of the job.

Summer interns from the Say Yes scholarship program have also had positive work experiences on campus; their positions are more general and range from administrative support to summer youth program counselors.

Students wearing garments from SOLACE Collective’s new line of clothing for neurodivergent individuals.

Carolyn Fernandes ’25 remembers walking out of an interview for a design internship that she ended up not getting. She wondered if fidgeting with her nails—a common, repetitive expression of her nervous energy every day—was misconstrued as a sign of not paying attention and a reason for her not getting the position.

Carolyn Fernandes

Fernandes is part of the 20% of people worldwide who are neurodivergent and live with neurological differences like autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, bipolar disorder and social anxiety.

Stories like the one above motivated Fernandes and fellow students Lucas d’Oelsnitz ’25, Aphrodite Gioulekas ’25 and Aidan Turner ’25 to create , which aims to provide everyone, especially neurodivergent individuals, with comfortable garments that alleviate anxiety, increase confidence and reduce distractions by providing opportunities for fidgeting discreetly or openly.

“People like me need to fidget to cope and feel comfortable, so I started researching ways clothing could be made to help neurodiverse people like myself feel more comfortable,� Fernandes says.

After an inspiring conversation with Linda Dickerson Hartsock—the retired founder and executive director of —and after taking an class focused on inclusive product design, Turner came up with the idea for SOLACE “to meet the needs of a huge portion of the population that is currently underserved,� says Turner.

Going All-In to Solve an Important Social Issue

Aidan Turner

In October, Turner set about assembling what he proudly refers to as his team of Avengers to turn concept into reality. As part of the group, Turner, a fifth-year architecture student in the , recruited Fernandes, who is studying industrial design in the (VPA) and Spanish and environmental geoscience in the ; d’Oelsnitz, who is studying finance and entrepreneurship in the ; Gioulekas, a fashion design major in VPA; Maria-Camila Molina ’25, a fashion design major in VPA; Christine Ianniello ’25, a biology major in Arts and Sciences; Bobby Anzaldua ’25, an economics major in the ; Bella Tabak ’25, a magazine, news and digital journalism in the ; and FrancineÌýTongol ’24, a communications design major in VPA.

Lucas d’Oelsnitz

After sharing their personal experiences with uncomfortable clothing with each other, Turner pitched creating the neurodivergent clothing line. The project’s potential impact immediately resonated with d’Oelsnitz. At Whitman, d’Oelsnitz does a lot of idea pitching but always struggles to control his fidgeting. After one of his first pitches before his peers, d’Oelsnitz nearly passed out because, unable to rely on his usual coping mechanisms like playing with his rings, he felt anxious and light-headed.

“Realizing this is something I would wear motivated me to go all-in on this project because this is not just a clothing brand; it’s solving an important social issue,â€� says d’Oelsnitz, who has ADHD and bouts of anxiety.

Meeting the Unique Needs of Neurodiverse Individuals

The team set out to collect data on how SOLACE could better meet the needs of neurodiverse individuals, beginning with a wardrobe analysis and personal interviews to determine what types of clothing neurodivergent people liked or didn’t like—including textures and how a garment feels.

Lucas d’Oelsnitz (right) discusses SOLACE Collective’s line of clothing with a student during one of 10 on-campus events where students could try on the clothes and provide feedback.

For the next step, Fernandes conducted a survey of 430 people ages 5 to 91 and discovered that 95% of respondents, including 97% of neurodiverse people, experienced discomfort from their clothing.

Incorporating the feedback and relying on sketches, Turner created a visual design brief that served as the blueprint for the first line of clothing, and Fernandes and others on the team used sewing machines to create prototypes from fabric samples collected from their closets and local thrift shops.

Currently there are four prototypes consisting of a matching sweatshirt or hoodie and sweatpants of assorted colors, fabrics and designs:

• Concealed fidgeting: A sweatsuit featuring textured cargo pockets with hidden interior fabrics for discreet sensory engagement
• Participatory fidgeting: A distressed, double-layered top and bottom set with tactile cutouts for visible fidgeting—turning a need into a confident form of self-expression
• Airy and light: A minimal-stitched, ultra-breathable sweat set built for those sensitive to seams and pressure, offering a loose and calming fit
• Clasp cuffs: A crewneck set with subtly exposed, adjustable elastic cuffs that let wearers control tightness for customized comfort

The clothes are tagless (product details and cleaning instructions are screen-printed on the outside), with many of the items providing its wearer a sense of grounded-ness thanks to the use of heavy fabric, while others rely on light and airy fabrics.

“Our product line serves to confirm to a lot of neurodivergent people that what they’re doing is okay and that they can be normal,� says Fernandes, who serves as SOLACE’s industrial designer. “And it’s not just neurodivergent people that want this clothing. If everyone is wearing it, then no one is going to feel like they’re sticking out like a sore thumb while they fidget.�

Aidan Turner (far right) talks with students during one of SOLACE Collective’s on-campus feedback events.

Transforming Vision into Reality

“We try to achieve a grounded feeling while providing warmth and the reassurance that you’re safe. We’re trying to find a sustainable way to produce items of clothing for everyone, no matter how your neurodiversity presents,â€� says d’Oelsnitz, SOLACE’s project coordinator.

The group has received more than $32,000 in startup investment money through entrepreneurial competitions held on campus and through grants, including theÌý2025 School of Information Studies’ Raymond von Dran Fund for Student Entrepreneurship iPrize competition. Earlier this semester, they held 10 events on campus for students to try on the clothes and provide feedback.

After running a marketing campaign, including the launch of a website and social media channels, they hope to start accepting pre-orders in late June, with items being distributed to customers by the end of the summer. Knowing how well-received their casual prototypes have been, Turner, Fernandes and d’Oelsnitz next want to expand into business casual clothing.

“I have a passion for designing fashion, for retail and for entrepreneurship, and I was introduced to the lack of solutions that exist for neurodivergent individuals,� says Turner, SOLACE’s team coordinator. “There are a lot of opportunities for us to give this overlooked community reassurance and warmth through our clothing, and I’m proud of what this wonderful team has accomplished so far.�

Members of the campus community learn about the SOLACE Collective’s line of clothing for neurodivergent individuals.

Emma Bellai

After completing an “Intro to Artificial Intelligence (AI)� course in the (ECS), Emma Bellai ’25 was eager to apply everything she learned in class to her internship with Verizon. Joining the Global Network and Technology team as an AI intern, the timing was perfect, as the AI boom in recent years opened exciting opportunities for exploration in this field.

“One class is all it takes to make the difference and that’s what happened to me,� says Bellai, a computer science student.

In just 10 weeks, Bellai explored how prompt engineering and personas are used in AI chatbots and her background in AI research was a huge help. Prompt engineering involves writing instructions that guide AI chatbots to respond to questions or complete tasks. Personas guide the chatbot’s tone of voice or the way the chatbot speaks. Using specific personas are a great way to make AI chatbots sound more human, which helps personalize their responses.

“The chatbot would talk differently to a CEO than it would to a software engineer,� says Bellai. “The main focus of my work was seeing how to optimize personas for different people. To see the results of my work and having an application on the website that I worked on was very rewarding.�

A typical day at the office involved researching the latest developments in AI, preparing presentations on new concepts she was learning and communicating with her team and personal mentor. Interns were encouraged to engage with others in the company through coffee chats, and Bellai had the opportunity to speak with many employees, including senior leadership and the CEO.

“They wanted to hear from young voices and AI applications from my perspective,� says Bellai. “I got to speak with the CEO at least two or three times, which is great because I feel like at other companies, you don’t get that opportunity.�

Interning with Verizon connected Bellai with the company’s extensive network of professionals, including ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ alumni. She also had an opportunity to share her experiences and insights during a live stream to the entire company. Bellai’s hard work and enthusiasm for her role paid off, as she was offered a full-time position and will return to Verizon after graduation.

“If you have a really great professor that makes you genuinely care about the topic you’re learning about, it can make such a big difference down the line,� says Bellai. “ECS gave me the confidence to go into the internship and I felt like I was put in a good position to thrive.�

Gisela von Dran, widow of Raymond von Dran, served as a judge and handed out RvD iPrize awards.

Winners of the 2025 School of Information Studies’ (iSchool) Raymond von Dran (RvD) Fund for Student Entrepreneurship iPrize competition and the Hunter Brooks Watson (HBW) Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award were announced on April 10 at the Blackstone LaunchPad in Bird Library. The award competition highlights the University’s entrepreneurial focus. Each team received a $2,000 award.

Raymond von Dran, who served as dean of the School of Information Studies from 1995 until his passing in 2007, was a longtime academic, entrepreneur and staunch supporter of student innovation.

The 2025 RvD iPrize winners are the following:

• SipSafe, founded by Lindy Elizabeth Truitt ’25 (College of Visual and Performing Arts) and Anjaneya Sanjay Padwal G’25 (School of Information Studies)
• Diabetech, founded by Tosin Alabi G’25 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management)
• InstaHelp, founded by Mirco Sascha Kunz G’26 (Whitman School)
• Game, founded by Carena Gianna Colo G’25 (Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs)
• SOLACE, founded by Carolyn Fernandes G’25 (College of Visual and Performing Arts)
• Pari Beauty, founded by Aarna Taparia ’27 (School of Architecture)
• WW Productions, founded by James Oliver Welch G’28 (College of Visual and Performing Arts) and Reid Willar G’27 (College of Visual and Performing Arts)
• Palmarati, founded by Tommy Brown G’28 (S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and School of Information Studies) and Oscar Rune Goranson G’28 (Whitman School)
• RYZYN, founded by Celes Buffard ’27 (School of Information Studies)
• BetaKola, founded by Alie Savane ’25 (College of Arts and Sciences)

The Hunter Brooks Watson Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award began in 2018 through the Hunter Brooks Watson Memorial Fund and is awarded to students who best exemplify “The Spirit of Entrepreneurship.â€� Prizes honor the memory of Hunter Brooks Watson, a ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ student who died tragically in a distracted driving accident. The 2025 HBW Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award Winners are the following:

• Carolina Aguayo-Pla ’27 (Whitman School and School of Information Studies)
• Waqar Hussain ’25 (Whitman School)
• Isabella Carter G’26 (Newhouse School) and Ava Lubkemann G’26 (College of Engineering and Computer Science)
• Ziekariba Nonr Diallo G’28 (School of Information Studies)
• Jase M Malloy ’25 (School of Information Studies)

During a recent visit to Falk College, Women Leaders in Sports CEO Patti Phillips (back row, middle with red jacket) met with ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ students from Falk College and the Newhouse School.

One of the many benefits of the new partnership between the nationally recognized and the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics is the mentorship that Women Leaders in Sports executives are providing to Falk students.

That benefit was on full display recently in Falk College, where Women Leaders in Sports Chief Executive Officer and Chief Strategy and Operating Officer met with Falk students for a networking and professional development session and hosted a lunch meeting with students from Falk and the .

We asked Falk College students Emily Gilbert, Lexi Katz and Allison Vims to share what they learned from Phillips and Turner at the lunch session, and here’s what they wrote:

Emily Gilbert ’27 (sport management major, political science minor)

“Meeting with Christina and Patti was a wonderful experience, and learning more about their professional journeys and how they got to where they are now was eye-opening. It was inspiring to hear how Patti started as a coach with mostly male mentors and that pushed her to want to create an environment where women had other women to lean on.

“I asked Patti why she was coming to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and how the new partnership would be beneficial for female students, and her reply resonated with me. She said their organization is a hub for women to meet other women and learn valuable skills that will help grow their careers.

“Patti also explained how they will tell us the truth about the industry. She said that getting into the industry is not easy and sometimes putting in the work is not enough. There will be times that you will get overlooked, but the Women Leaders in Sports organization is there to help lift us. They will provide us with opportunities to grow, learn and adapt to make us the best candidates so that organizations will have no choice but to hire us.�

Emily Gilbert is the community outreach and fundraising chair for the Women in Sports and Events Club (WISE), vice president of community service for the Sport Management Club and vice president of philanthropy for the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

Lexi Katz ’27 (sport management major, Spanish minor)

“I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with Patti Phillips and Christina Turner and they shared valuable insights on how to be a successful woman in sports and break into the competitive industry.ÌýI enjoyed hearing their networking and interviewing tips such as making a good first impression, how to follow up and stay connected to build your network, what questions to avoid in an interview, and how women can support each other in different organizations.

Sport management major Lexi Katz (in striped sweater) says she hopes “more students learn about the partnership (with Women Leaders in Sports) and use their network to find other opportunities.�

“One valuable conversation we had was about how important it is to have a growth mindset. If you want to grow and progress in the industry, you need to try new things and push yourself while also being detailed and taking pride in doing the small things.

“We also discussed the partnership between Falk and Women Leaders in Sports and I mentioned how grateful we are to have a dean like Jeremy Jordan, who recognizes the lack of support women have in sports and encourages us to get our foot in any way we can. I hope more students in Falk learn about the partnership, take advantage of it and use their network to find other opportunities. I love all that Patti, Christina, and Women Leaders in Sports are doing, and I am so happy to be part of it.�

Lexi Katz is the communications chair for the Women In Sports and Events Club (WISE), a member of the Sport Management Club and a two-year member of the inventory team for the Sport Management Club’s Sport Charity Auction.

Allison Vims ’27 (sport management major, double minor in business and Spanish)

“My table’s discussion was led by Patti Phillips, who asked us each to individually share our goals and leadership aspirations. Patti made the time to get to know us as individuals and encouraged us to figure out ways that she could help us.

“Over our lunch, my fellow attendees and I began to share stories of our hardships and success stories in the industry. Patti listened first, then broke down scenarios and different ways to attack each situation to ensure that we would keep our seats at the table. The Women Leaders in Sports team ended the lunch with the advice to keep leading, because we, as students, are the future of the sport industry. I left the lunch feeling a sense of empowerment.

“Prior to this lunch, I knew that the partnership would make Falk College stand out from other sport management programs, but I didn’t see how students would be involved. However, being able to ask the CEO her opinions and having the opportunity to share my input as a student leader helped me see how the partnership will benefit students. The future is promising with such an incredible team of leaders backing us! Thank you to both Women Leaders and Falk College for giving me the opportunity to be a leader.

Allison Vilms is president of the Women in Sports and Events Club (WISE) and vice president of programming for the Sport Management Club.

Pioneering Partnership

, the partnership between Women Leaders in Sports and Falk College and was inspired after ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s Women in Leadership Initiative hosted Women Leaders in Sports CEO Patti Phillips on campus in March 2024 for a series of meetings and presentations.

The partnership creates mentoring, learning, fellowship, internship and membership opportunities for Falk students, provides access to professional memberships to Falk faculty and supports faculty attendance at significant events such as the Women Leaders in Sports National Convention. In October, a contingent of Falk College students, faculty and staff attended the Women Leaders in Sports 2024 National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.

As part of the collaboration, Phillips serves as special advisor to Falk College Dean Jeremy Jordan and an “executive in residenceâ€� at Falk. The partnership also calls for an exchange of relevant ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ research and co-creates a Women Leaders in Sports Fellowship.

The Whitman Entrepreneurship MBA was also ranked No. 29. These specialty rankings are based solely on ratings by business school deans and directors of Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited MBA programs from the list of schools surveyed. They were asked to nominate up to 15 programs for excellence in each area listed.

Whitman’s MBA program is currently ranked closely with the University of Miami, University of Maryland, Tulane University, FordhamÌýUniversityÌýand others.

Half of the ranking formula evaluated institutions on the successful job attainment and earnings outcomes of the graduating students. The other half is a combination of academic achievement metrics of entering students and overall program quality assessments of other business school leadership and corporate recruiters. The rankings assess academic quality and graduate success—factors that are universally important to prospective students, according to Robert Morse, chief data strategist at U.S. News & World Report.

Data was collected in fall 2024 and early 2025. U.S. News surveyed 508 institutions with master’s level business programs in the U.S. accredited by AACSB International. Eligible schools reported on their full-time in-person programs—as defined by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) guidelines. A total of 337 business schools responded and U.S. News ranked the top 133 business schools with eligible programs. ÌýThis year for the first time, U.S. News used collected data on both the old GMAT test and the new GMAT test that was introduced in fall 2023.

“Whitman is once again proving that we are a school on the rise. This latest achievement for our MBA program showing our highest ranking in over 25 years acts as another proof point that the work we are doing is making a difference. Our investments into our programming and emphasizing student placement success—something that is central to our students’ decisions to pursue an MBA—are paying off. This is a strong testament on the accomplishments of our team and the trajectory of our MBA program,� says Interim Dean Alex McKelvie.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see Whitman rise to No. 54 in the U.S. News & World Report rankings for our residential MBA program—our highest in decades. Rankings aren’t everything, but they do matter to prospective students making one of the biggest decisions of their lives. This recognition reinforces what we already know: a Whitman MBA offers strong career outcomes, meaningful connections and long-term value. It’s a great time to be part of this community,� says Mary Collier, executive director of graduate admissions and student recruitment.

See full list of U.S. News graduate business school rankings:

For more information on the methodology:

Thirty-five students have been chosen as the 2025-26 ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Remembrance Scholars.

The scholarships, now in their 36th year, were founded as a tribute to—and means of remembering—the students studying in London and Florence through ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ who were killed in the Dec. 21, 1988, bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Those students were among the 270 people who perished in the bombing. The scholarships are funded through an endowment supported by gifts from alumni, friends, parents and corporations.

Significant support for the Remembrance Scholarships has been provided by Jean Thompson ’66 and ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Life Trustee Richard L. Thompson G’67 in memory of Jean Taylor Phelan Terry ’43 and John F. Phelan, Jean Thompson’s parents; by Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus Steven Barnes ’82 and Deborah Barnes; by The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Association of Zeta Psi in memory of Alexander Lowenstein; and by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation.

Selection Process

Remembrance Scholars are chosen in their junior year through a competitive selection process. Applicants submitted an essay and a reflective response in multimedia, artistic, musical or written format as part of a comprehensive application. The application evaluation committee is composed of University faculty and staff and current Remembrance Scholars. The $5,000 scholarships are awarded on the basis of community impact, leadership, creativity and thoughtful academic inquiry.

“Remembrance Scholars, through their academic achievements, leadership and contributions to the campus and local communities, exemplify what a ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ education has to offer and represent the promise of the students for whom these scholarships are named,â€� says Lois Agnew, vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer. “We are proud to recognize their accomplishments.â€�

The Remembrance Scholars plan the Remembrance activities held at the University each year, and the cohort will be recognized during a convocation in the fall.

The 2025-26 Remembrance Scholars, their hometowns, majors and schools and colleges are the following:

• Ellie Allen of Newton, Massachusetts, a citizenship and civic engagement major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, a policy studies major in the Maxwell School and College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Jacqueline Arbogast of Warwick, New York, a television, radio and film major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications;
• Rohan Bangalore of Sterling, Virginia, a policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a law, society and policy major in the Maxwell School;
• Caiyan Bass of Aurora, Colorado, a communication sciences and disorders major in A&S;
• Michael Capous of Wantagh, New York, a nutrition science major (pre-med track) in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics;
• Belinda Chan of Brooklyn, New York, a social work major in the Falk College;
• Tommy DaSilva of Newark, Delaware, a public health major in the Falk College; a policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S, and a citizenship and civic engagement major in the Maxwell School;
• Nick Dekaney of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, New York, a broadcast and digital journalism major in the Newhouse School;
• Ava Downey of Newport Beach, California, a linguistics major in A&S, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Leah Farrell of New Milford, Connecticut, a citizenship and civic engagement major in the Maxwell School and policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Abbey Fitzpatrick of Pacific Grove, California, a history and political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S;
• Olivia Fried of Clinton Corners, New York, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S and magazine, news and digital journalism major in the Newhouse School;
• Tanishka Gajula of Chicago, Illinois, a biology major (pre-med track) in A&S;
• Olutoyin Green, of Long Island, New York, a health humanities and political philosophy major in A&S, a law, society and policy major in the Maxwell School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Alani Henderson of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, New York, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a law, society and policy major the Maxwell School;
• Nico Horning of El Dorado Hills, California, a broadcast and digital journalism major in the Newhouse School;
• Wafiq Khondkar of New Hyde Park, New York, a biotechnology and philosophy major in A&S and member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Edward Lu of Robbinsville, New Jersey, a music composition major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA);
• Joy Mao, of Cary, North Carolina, a policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S, a television, radio and film major in the Newhouse School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Valeria Martinez-Gutierrez of Laredo, Texas, a geography and sociology major in the Maxwell School and A&S; an environment, sustainability and policy major in the Maxwell School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• German Nolivos of Miami, Florida, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a public relations major in the Newhouse School;
• Luiza Owour of Kisumu, Kenya, a biomedical engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS);
• Marc Pantano of Newington, Connecticut, a marketing and supply chain management major in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management;
• Annaliese Pillitteri of Babylon, New York, a film major in VPA;
• Savion Pollard of Queens, New York, an electrical engineering major in ECS and a U.S. Navy veteran;
• Zachary Setzkorn of Overland Park, Kansas, a geography and history major in the Maxwell School and A&S, a social studies education major in the Maxwell School and School of Education, and member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Ethan Shavelson of Parkland, Florida, an acting major in VPA;
• Taylor Stubitsch of Arlington Heights, Illinois, a biochemistry and forensic science major in A&S and member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Candace Tabb of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, a civil engineering major in ECS;
• Nathan Torabi, of Visalia, California, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S; a citizenship and civic engagement and law, society and policy major in the Maxwell School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Jacquelyn Trotman of Edison, New Jersey, a retail management major in the Whitman School, an advertising major (creative track) in the Newhouse School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Anya Von Wolff of San Francisco, California, a fashion design major in VPA;
• Logan Wagner of Great Falls, Virginia, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S, an environmental sustainability and policy major in the Maxwell School and a history of music and cultures major in A&S;
• Gillian Weltman of Rochester, New York, a communications sciences and disorders and neuroscience major in A&S; and
• Ethan Yankey of Roseau, Dominica, a design studies major in VPA.

Pictured from left to right are Morteza Moradi, Younes Ra’di and Pardha Sourya Nayani.

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Professor Younes Ra’di and doctoral students Morteza Moradi and Pardha Sourya Nayani received the Best Electromagnetics Paper Award at the 19th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP) for their paper titled “Approaching Fundamental Limits on Bandwidth-To-Thickness Ratio for Electrically Thin Absorbers Through Dispersion Engineering.� The conference was held in Stockholm, Sweden from March 30th through April 3rd.

“It is a great honor to receive the Best Electromagnetic Paper Award among more than 1,300 papers submitted from around the world at such a prestigious conference,� says Ra’di. “Huge congratulations to my brilliant students, Pardha Sourya Nayani and Morteza Moradi, for their exceptional work and dedication that made this achievement possible.�

EuCAP is one of the largest and most significant antennas and propagation conferences, attracting more than 1,700 participants from academia and industry and more than 50 industrial exhibitors from across the world. The conference is sponsored by the European Association on Antennas and Propagation.

Oren and Ruth nest in the southern archway on the east side of Lyman Hall. (Photos courtesy of Anne Marie Higgins ’76, G’90)

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is the proud home to multiple generations of red-tailed hawks who continue a remarkable lineage of these majestic birds on campus.

Three hawk families—all descendants of the original mated pair SU-Sue and Otto—have established separate but adjacent territories around the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ campus. Together, the families continue the legacy of their predecessors, who raised 28 chicks from 2012 through 2022. As the raptors have garnered a devoted following in the local community and beyond, with bird enthusiasts, students, faculty and alumni eagerly tracking their nesting activities and and social media updates, their resilience offers the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ campus a powerful demonstration of nature’s adaptation in an urban environment.

Following the tragic loss of the beloved pair SU-Sue and Otto to avian influenza in January 2023, their descendants have returned to carry on their family lines. This year, curious viewers may observe two of the three couples through newly installed cameras. Since 2017, several SU hawk nest cameras have been ’76, G’90 in loving memory of her husband, the Honorable Thomas W. Higgins Jr. The couple were passionate bird watchers who particularly admired red-tailed hawks.

Oren, a 2020 offspring of SU-Sue and Otto, returned to campus in March 2023 with his mate Ruth. The pair initially built a nest in a ginkgo tree and successfully raised two chicks in 2024 after the third chick died in the nest of an unknown cause. The pair relocated this year to one of SU-Sue and Otto’s former nesting sites on the southern archway on the east side of Lyman Hall.

Oren is named in honor of Oren Lyons, an All-American lacrosse player and one of the first Native Americans to attend ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. Ruth is named after ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ alumna Ruth Johnson Colvin, founder of Literacy Volunteers of America and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.

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Another pair, Cliff and Ensley, have established themselves on campus light towers. Ensley, a 2016 progeny of SU-Sue and Otto, has been with Cliff since 2021 after losing her first mate. The couple initially nested in a tree near campus, raising two chicks in 2022 and three in 2023. After their nest fell when a branch broke, they relocated to a light tower on campus in 2024 where they successfully raised three more chicks.

This year, the mates have built a new nest on a different light tower. Ensley completed her clutch for the season with eggs laid on March 30 and April 2.

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Sarah and Jesse

Sarah, who hatched in 2020 and is Oren’s sibling, was spotted at her parents’ favorite perches shortly after their passing in January 2023. By February, she had attracted a mate named Jesse. Though they built a nest in a tree on the east side of campus that year, they did not produce any chicks. In 2024, the hawks moved to a tree off-campus and raised two chicks. They returned to the same nest this year and both are incubating. Time will tell how many chicks they’ll have in 2025.

Sarah is named in honor of Dr. Sarah Loguen, the first African American physician to graduate from the University’s College of Medicine in 1876. Jesse’s name honors Dr. Jesse Truesdell Peck, a ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ founder in 1870 and the first chair of the Board of Trustees.

• North Campus
  • DellPlain Hall loading dock
  • Sadler Hall parking lot (next to dumpsters)
• South Campus
  • Carriage House: 161 Farm Acre Road

Accepted items include:

• Small kitchen items and appliances (microwaves, toasters, blenders, TVs, lamps, silverware, pots and pans, and vacuums)
• Gently used/new clothing
• Gently used/new shoes
• Non-perishable food items only on South Campus. If you have unopened refrigerated items you would like to donate, please bring them to 161 Farm Acre Road during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Items NOT accepted include:

• Bedding (This includes pillows, mattress toppers, comforters, and sheets.)
• Visibly distressed or damaged clothing
• Broken items or appliances
• Books and school supplies
• Opened food

All items will benefit local organizations and nonprofits, including the Boys & Girls Club, YWCA, Rescue Mission, Catholic Charities, Dunbar Center and others.

Sustainability Management is in need of volunteers to oversee the storage locations while donations are being accepted. Shifts are in two-hour increments and students can receive credit for service-learning or community engagement hours. Volunteers are asked to . If you have any questions, please email sustain@syr.edu.

The “Picturing the Pandemic” exhibition can be found in the first floor foyer of Maxwell Hall until May 15.

For the next month the Maxwell School’s Qualitative Data Repository (QDR) will help us remember this time by hosting a traveling version of an exhibition titled “Picturing the Pandemic: Images from the Pandemic Journaling Project.”

The exhibition is drawn from a collection of images and audio files contributed to the Pandemic Journaling Project (PJP), which was started in May 2020 by a team of researchers from the University of Connecticut and Brown University. Their goal was to create an online archive of COVID-19 stories, described as a “grassroots collaborative ethnography.� By May 2022, over 1,800 people from 55 countries had shared nearly 27,000 online journal entries of text, images and audio—including almost 3,000 photos.

Maxwell is the seventh stop for “Picturing the Pandemic,” following exhibitions in Heidelberg, Mexico City and Toronto, as well as Hartford, Connecticut, where the show was first launched in 2022.Ìý The from phase one of the wider PJP early in 2024, making it a natural stop for the traveling exhibition. The exhibition can be found in the first floor foyer of Maxwell Hall until May 15.

The kickoff of the exhibition included a panel discussion featuring PJP co-founders Associate Professor Sarah S. Willen of the University of Connecticut and Associate Professor Katherine A. Mason of Brown University, as well as University Professor Amy Fairchild and Maxwell Associate Dean for Research Shana Gadarian. The talk was moderated by Sebastian Karcher, associate director of QDR.

The full PJP data maintained by QDR is currently available for use and re-use by researchers. Though, to protect privacy, access requires prior approval, with requests submitted from the dataset’s page on theÌý. A significant subset of more than 2,000 entries are also publicly available for searching and browsing by anyone on theÌý.

Connor McNeil, left, holds the U.S. flag with a fellow solider just after conducting a mission in which they fended off a mock attack on snowmobiles and skis.

A student in the master of arts in international relations program in the recently returned from a unique training exercise that brought together U.S. and Canadian troops in the Arctic.

Connor McNeil participated in Guerrier Nordique (Nordic Warrior) 25 as a member of the Vermont Army National Guard. He joined troops from the Virginia National Guard, 75th Ranger Regiment, Marine Mountain Warfare Training Center and 10th Mountain Division while partnering with the Canadian Arctic Response Company Group, which hosts and organizes the event.

Over the course of three weeks in March, participants skied more than 20 miles across the frozen Lake Saint-Jean, hauling gear on pulk sleds, and ran recon missions, mock platoon attacks and other tactical operations—all while facing blowing snow and temperatures as low as -25°F.

“Despite the conditions, the training was amazing. We were able to interact with our Canadian counterparts who were delighted to teach us the institutional knowledge they had gained from decades of training in these harsh environments,� says McNeil. “From snowmobiling and skiing to setting up Arctic tents and fixing stoves, we learned exactly what it would take to sustain ourselves in the field. Conversely, we were able to share with them our tactics and operating procedures.�

McNeil says the experience was a good complement to his studies, which he began in August 2024. He said climate change and economic interests will continue to drive human activities in the Arctic, threatening Indigenous communities, wildlife and diplomatic stability.

“As a byproduct of these changes, the demand for highly capable response groups from Arctic stakeholder nations will also increase,� McNeil says. “Multinational military training exercises in the Arctic are amazing opportunities to collaborate with partner nations who are concerned about the preservation and security of the region. This common ground created a two-way exchange for every soldier to teach, learn and share what they have learned and hope to learn about the Arctic. This is the gold standard of developing collaboration between nations.�

McNeil is especially interested in the Asia-Pacific region and a career in international trade and finance. “I hope to also leverage my military connections and develop international military partnerships between the U.S. and foreign nations,â€� McNeil says. “I know Maxwell is the launching platform for these aspirations and I know I made the right choice by coming to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. We have world-class practitioners and subject matter experts in the Maxwell School that have truly challenged my abilities.â€�

The annual 5K event features a and is a great opportunity to bond with your coworkers, enjoy some friendly competition and promote wellness among faculty and staff.

“In 2022 and 2023, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ earned the distinction of having the largest team at the event among the dozens of local companies that participate,â€� says Molly Morgan, associate director, of health and wellness for faculty and staff. “This year, we are looking to regain that title with an incredible showing of our faculty and staff. We encourage employees of all abilities and fitness levels to come out for an evening of fun, movement, socializing and meeting new people from across the University!â€�

Participants gather for a group photo at the 2024 ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ WorkForce Run.

Registration Details

• Fee: $21.50 (the University subsidizes the remaining fee)
• Deadline to join the team: Tuesday, May 6
• Includes: Unisex performance-blend ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ team T-shirt, official race T-shirt and a complimentary Mediterranean buffet
• Link:

T-shirt/Bib Pick-Up

• Monday, June 9, from 2 to 5 p.m., 621 Skytop Road, Suite 1112
• Tuesday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to noon, 228 Schine Student Center

Help Spread the Word!

To help recruit additional colleagues from your office or department, download and print this year’s WorkForce Run flyer [PDF] and hang it around your workspace.

The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ WorkForce Run is for of the University; however friends and family are welcome to join by registering as an individual participant, paying the full race fee of $55 and picking up their own race packet.

Parking is available at NBT Bank Stadium and shuttle bus service is provided. The has detailed parking information and answers to frequently asked questions.

The event is also a fundraiser, with this year’s event benefiting , a nonprofit that provides a temporary home for families with seriously ill children who travel to the region for medical care.

To learn more, visit the or email wellness@syr.edu with any questions.

Lois Agnew, vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer, was the emcee for the afternoon.

The One University Awards, an annual event to honor members of the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ community who are making a difference through academics, scholarship, creative work and dedicated service, was held April 11 in Hendricks Chapel.

Some scenes from the event:

The Hendricks Chapel Choir performed “I Was Glad” under the direction of graduate student conductor Ben O’Connell. (Photos by Amy Manley)

Mace Bearer Bea González prepares to pass the charter mace to incoming Mace Bearer Samuel Clemence, professor emeritus in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Chancellor Kent Syverud offered opening remarks.

Incoming Mace Bearer Samuel Clemence is pictured during the ceremony.

Emma Klein, a member of the women’s soccer team, was one of three honored with the Student-Athlete Award.

James “Jimmy” Taylor Jr., a staff member in Facilities Services, was honored for 50 years of service.

Bill Coplin, Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor for Teaching Excellence and professor of policy studies in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, acknowledges congratulations from the audience upon the announcement of his 55 years of service to the University.

Craig Tucker, director of Higher Education Opportunity Program and Trio Student Support Services programs, receives the Enduring Values Award.

Howard G. Adams G’79 (center), founder and president of H.G. Adams & Associates Inc., and an alumnus of the School of Education, received the Tolley Medal from Chancellor Syverud (left) and Kelly Chandler-Olcott, dean of the School of Education.

Qingyang Liu, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Human Development and Family Science in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, received the Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence in Student Research (graduate).

Emma Karp, operations assistant in Campus Dining and Catering, received the Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and University Initiatives (support staff).

James Clark, professor and program coordinator for theater management in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, received the Chancellor’s Citation Lifetime Achievement Award.

Cydney Johnson, deputy county executive for physical services for Onondaga County and the University’s former vice president for community engagement and government relations, received the Chancellor’s Medal from Chancellor Syverud.

Bill Coplin, Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor for Teaching Excellence and professor of policy studies in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, received the Chancellor’s Medal from Chancellor Syverud.

Students (from left) Yifan “Ivan” Shen, Mason Romero, Joshua Garvin, Jennifer LaMonica and Ryan Myers led the alma mater to conclude the program.

Ryan Monarch

The Moynihan Award is given annually in recognition of an outstanding record of teaching, research and service. It was established eponymously in 1985 by then-U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who was also a former member of Maxwell’s junior faculty from 1959 to 1961.

Monarch joined Maxwell in August 2021 after serving as principal economist for the international finance division of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2021. He received a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Michigan in 2014.

Monarch studies U.S.-China trade, buyer-supplier relationships in international trade and how the recent tariff war affects U.S. exports and supply chains. His research has been published in the Journal of International Economics–the top journal in international economics–and multiple other top-tier economics journals, such as the Review of Economics and Statistics, the Journal of the European Economic Association and American Economics Journal: Applied Economics. He has also written numerous policy reports. His work has been sponsored by the National Bureau of Economic Research and has been cited by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg, The Economist and Reuters.

In recent months, Monarch has been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, the South China Morning Post, the New York Post, Spectrum TV, National Public Radio, The Motley Fool and other outlets for his expertise on ongoing events in international trade policy, and he served as a panelist for the Maxwell School event “Trump’s Tariffs: Issues and Implications� held on April 9.

The Moynihan Award recipient was chosen by a committee of faculty comprised of Leonard Lopoo, Andrew Cohen and Emily Thorson. In a nomination letter submitted by Lopoo, they noted that Monarch is “an expert in international trade� who has “made important contributions to the ‘buyer-supplier matching’ topic.�

“His course evaluations are outstanding,� wrote Lopoo, associate dean, chair and professor of public administration and international affairs. “Students frequently commented on how Professor Monarch makes complicated topics easy to understand� and enjoyable to learn.�

Lopoo also noted Monarch’s “important service to the Maxwell School,� serving on the international trade search committee and serving as director of the Trade, Development and Political Economy Workshop.

This story was written by Michael Kelly

In ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ for a radio event, baseball legend Darryl Strawberry visited Falk College to meet with students before returning to New York City.

As a teenager growing up in South Central Los Angeles, Darryl Strawberry taped a sign on his bedroom door saying that he was going to be a Major League Baseball player one day.

At first, he didn’t really believe it. But as he told a group of Falk College students in late March, he looked at that piece of paper every day and started to believe.

“You have to build yourself up and say that is me; that’s how you push through those fears and anxiety,� Strawberry said. “Every time I walked in or out of that room and looked at that door, I said, “That’s going to me. I’m going to make it.’’’

Indeed, Strawberry did become a major league star and won the World Series with the New York Mets in 1986 and three times with the New York Yankees (1996, 1998-99). But Strawberry’s message to the students wasn’t just about overcoming obstacles to get where you want to go, it was about how to avoid pitfalls so you can stay there.

“Believe me, part of the journey on the road to where we want to go isn’t always a smooth road,� Strawberry said. “That’s why you have to remember who you are, and the ones that win in this business (the sport industry) are the ones who have real character.�

Strawberry was in ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ to attend an ESPN Radio event with Brandon Steiner, the chair of Falk College’s . Before hopping on a plane back to New York City, Steiner and Strawberry visited Falk College to meet with students and answer their questions for about an hour.

Brandon Steiner (left), chair of Falk College’s Sport Management Advisory Council, has known Darryl Strawberry for more than 40 years and brought Strawberry to Falk College.

Steiner, who graduated from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ in 1981 and served as founder and chairman of Steiner Sports Marketing and Memorabilia for more than 30 years, is now running ÌýandÌý and has worked with Strawberry in various roles since the mid-1980s, when Strawberry was one of baseball’s brightest young stars with the Mets.

“I’ve known this guy for 40 years and he was one of the most talented ballplayers I’ve ever seen,� Steiner told the students. “But I’ll tell you, he’s a better person than a ballplayer, and it’s good for you to hear from him and understand that life’s going to present a bunch of ups and downs.�

The Mets made Strawberry the No. 1 pick in the June 1980 amateur draft, and Strawberry turned down a scholarship offer from Oklahoma State University to sign with the Mets for what was then a record $200,000 bonus. He was assigned to the lowest level of the minor leagues in Kingsport, Tennessee–about as far away from South Central LA as you’re going to get.

“I didn’t like it there, and I kept telling my mom, ‘I don’t think this is for me,’’’ said Strawberry, who was 18 at the time. “But I learned from my mom what I told my kids when they played sports in college: Quitting is not an option. If you push through the adversity you’re going through, you’ll get to the other side.�

Strawberry reached the other side, and for several years it was glorious as he won the National League’s Rookie of the Year Award in 1983, led the Mets to the 1986 World Series title, and appeared in eight consecutive All-Star Games. Following the 1990 season, Strawberry became a free agent and returned home when he signed a five-year, $22.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

But the personal problems that plagued Strawberry in New York followed him to Los Angeles. He was bothered by injuries, his performance declined and the Dodgers released him in May 1994 after he failed to show up for a game. He signed with the San Francisco Giants, but at the start of the 1995 season he was suspended after testing positive for cocaine.

“You can be talented, but you can also be stupid,� Strawberry said. “I was a real fool, and I had a bunch of fools following me. Guess where I’m going? Nowhere.�

Strawberry’s rollercoaster career continued with the Yankees as he showed flashes of his former brilliance and was a key member of the 1998 championship team with 24 home runs in 101 games. But during the playoffs that year, Strawberry disclosed that he was diagnosed with colon cancer, and after receiving treatment he was suspended for drug use again in 1999 and 2000, effectively ending his career.

Following baseball, Strawberry became an ordained minister who founded with his wife, Tracy. He now travels the country spreading the messages that he shared with Falk College students.

“I wanted to stop by and encourage you guys because I want you to win this thing called life,� Strawberry said. “You’re smart, you’re bright, your IQs are off the chart; use what you have been given and be great at who you are.�

Falk College students often have the opportunity to engage with all-star guests like Strawberry, , running legend , Falk College benefactor , the first female NBA-certified player agent. Visit the Falk CollegeÌýwebsite to learn more about academic programs, career opportunities, and experiential learning in Falk’s .

Tyler Gentry ’25 (right), who received funds from the Internship Funding Award, and a coworker in the Vevo office space in Los Angeles

Annually, offers the Internship Funding Award, which provides financial assistance to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ sophomores and juniors throughout summer internship experiences. The award covers the cost of credit or travel and living expenses. Internships can be either paid or unpaid for students to be eligible to receive the award. Other eligibility requirements include the following.

• The applicant has not previously received the Internship Funding Award.
• The internship is an external summer position.
• The internship is supervised by a professional who can help the student explore opportunities that link theory with practice in the field of the student’s interest.
• The applicant’s profile is updated and complete.

Applications for the Internship Funding Award are due June 10, 2025. The following highlighted students received the Internship Funding Award in 2024.

Making Global Connections

Gabrielle Harrison ’25 spent her summer as a consumer public relations intern at FINN Partners in London, England. In this position, Harrison was immersed in the PR world and worked on projects for clients around the world. “I had the chance to contribute to meaningful campaigns, from media relations to event planning, and learned a great deal about the industry from my incredibly talented colleagues on the consumer team,� says Harrison.

The FINN Partners office in London (Photo by Gabrielle Harrison ’25)

Harrison says that future applicants should be thorough and specific about how they would benefit from the award. “Preparation is essential, so take time to craft a compelling narrative that showcases your passion and how this experience will benefit both you and your community.�

Contributing to the Entertainment Industry

Tyler Gentry ’25 spent his summer in Los Angeles, California, as a music and talent intern at Vevo. The Internship Funding Award allowed him to experience the city and work with leading artists in the music industry. “My internship gave me the opportunity to create studio performance videos for artists such as Dasha, The Warning, Wolftyla, Chanel Tres and many more!�

Gentry says that it was a difficult process to figure out the financial logistics of his internship, but he says it’s important for students to stay determined. “Be passionate about what you want and how you will obtain it. My passion and determination helped me stay focused on creating a realistic plan for me to make the internship happen,� says Gentry.

Securing Jobs Post-Graduation

Through the support of the Internship Funding Award, Madison Deak ’25 interned last summer at Goldman Sachs Ayco in Cohoes, New York. Her experience included networking opportunities with financial professionals and immersion in the world of wealth management. “After an amazing summer I’m excited to be returning full-time to Goldmans Family Office post-grad,� says Deak.

Deak says an essential part of finding an internship is to stay open-minded; it took her over a year after she started applying to land an offer. “As long as you’re doing the right things: applying, interviewing and continuing to be involved in your academics, you will find something. It may just take time. You will end up where you’re meant to be.�

For complete information and application details, visit the on the Career Services website. Contact Erin Smith at ejsmit06@syr.edu with any questions.

Story by Student Experience communications intern Chloe Langerman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Community engagement. Reciprocal learning. Service to others through volunteering.

Those were the principles behind the creation of the in 1994 under the direction of then-ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Chancellor Kenneth Shaw and his wife, Mary Ann, who also served as the associate of the Chancellor.

The Shaw Center represented Kenneth and Mary Ann’s promise to the University and Central New York community that student learning would hold the highest priority on campus, promoting volunteer service as a fundamental component of the student experience.

For 30 years, the Shaw Center has proudly served as the University’s hub for academic community engagement. By giving back to nonprofits and organizations around ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ through service learning and volunteering, the campus community engages in the high impact practice of experiential learning.

Claire Ceccoli

When senior Claire Ceccoli ’25 learned that there were children who didn’t have a bed to sleep on at night, she chaired the annual bed-building project that benefits the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Through efforts she spearheaded the last two years, 132 beds have been built and donated to children in need.

“We want to help the community, and we’re also learning from them. It’s a two-way street, doing this work with that reciprocal learning mindset,â€� says Claire Ceccoli ’25, a Shaw Center leadership intern who is studying public relations in the and psychology in the .

Derek Wallace

Derek Wallace ’00 was in the first group of tutors in the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ City School District during the summer before his sophomore year. He eventually took over as Literacy Corps student manager, planting the managerial and entrepreneurial skills that inspired him to become CEO of Golden Fork Media and founder of the children’s book series and brand, “Kalamata’s Kitchen,â€� a multimedia property that uses the power of food to help children get excited to experience all that their world has to offer them.

“It’s hard to imagine what I would be doing or where I would be if I wasn’t given those opportunities to do well, do good and create change in the community under the mentorship of [Shaw Center Associate Vice President and Director] Pam Heintz,â€� says Wallace, who earned dual degrees in policy studies from the and public relations from the Newhouse School.

On April 21, the and ahead of the event, Wallace and Ceccoli discuss how their involvement with the Shaw Center transformed them into leaders in their communities.

Check outÌý featuring Ceccoli and Wallace. A transcript [PDF]Ìýis also available.

What drew you to the Shaw Center?

Wallace: I wanted to do impactful things, and the Shaw Center felt like that’s exactly what we were trying to do. There was an innovative vision for how we would leverage the skillset of the students in a way that wasn’t just learning in a classroom. It was applied learning and skills applications outside of the classroom that not only benefited our careers as students but also built bridges to the community.

Ceccoli: What drew me to the Shaw Center was the people. Every intern and staff member is so passionate about the work they’re doing. My whole life, I’ve been interested in mission-driven work and nonprofit work. Having an office at the University that’s committed to these initiatives and getting students into the community, I don’t think I could have found a better or more natural fit.

What activities did you organize with the Shaw Center?

Claire Ceccoli (second from left) poses with two volunteers who helped build beds for Central New York children in need.

Ceccoli: As president of the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Volunteer Organization, we’ve partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an incredible nonprofit organization, to build beds for children in the community. The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ chapter has delivered 6,000 beds within our area. They always wanted to do a bed build on campus with our students, so I pitched this idea and the staff at the Shaw Center were so supportive. The leader I’ve become today is largely a result of my experiences at the Shaw Center.

Wallace: As a Literacy Corps tutor, I worked in an inclusive kindergarten classroom, reading to children with autism and getting them excited about literacy. I wound up taking over as the student manager, which was one of the best leadership experiences I ever had. Along with my classmate, Chad Duhon, we launched Shooting for A’s, an athletic and academic program that invited fifth and sixth graders to come to campus, meet some of their athlete heroes and learn civics lessons. We also launched a service and experiential learning program, Balancing the Books, in partnership with the Whitman School.

As a Shaw Center volunteer, Derek Wallace (third from left) helped launched Shooting for A’s, an athletic and academic program that taught fifth and sixth graders civics lessons while introducing them to their athlete heroes.

How did the Shaw Center influence your career aspirations?

Derek Wallace relies on lessons learned as a Shaw Center volunteer to fuel his career as CEO of Golden Fork Media and founder of the children’s book series and brand, “Kalamata’s Kitchen.�

Wallace: My career started at the Shaw Center in children’s literacy, and now I’m the co-creator of a children’s book series. It’s a full circle moment for me. The passion I have for the work I do, what led me down this path were the values I learned and the lessons taught at the Shaw Center. Chancellor Shaw, Mary Ann Shaw, Pam Heintz and [Maxwell School] Professor Bill Coplin believed in my abilities to make a difference and they provided mentorship that put me on this path and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Ceccoli: I know this is the type of work I want to do for the rest of my life. This passion that I see in these community organizations and the change that is possible when people take their skills and step up for their community is something that I want to model for the rest of my life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Story by Mikayla Melo

Students have myriad opportunities to study the history of Chinese art in the course History of Art 300: Modern and Contemporary Chinese ArtÌýtaught by , a postdoctoral researcher in theÌý.

Yifan Li (standing), a postdoctoral researcher of art and music histories, speaks with students in his class, Modern and Contemporary Chinese Art. The group visited the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Art Museum to view a selection of China-related artworks.

Li’s courses on Chinese art and visual culture emphasize the artworks’ distinctive and intricate nature, influenced by exchanges, relationships and activities across national borders, as well as the innovative use of new image-making technologies.

A popular aspect of the class is the hands-on learning opportunities that allow students to examine objects from theÌý’s collections. During a visit in the spring semester, the class viewed a selection of woodcuts by the Chinese American artist Seong Moy (1921–2013). Woodcut is a printmaking technique where an image is carved into a block of wood, and the raised areas are inked and pressed onto paper to create a print.

One of the works examined by students was “Love on the Yangtse” (1951), a woodcut print by artist Seong Moy.

continues its 2024/25 season with celebrated actor and playwright Kate Hamill’s whirlwind adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility.â€� Directed by Jason O’Connell, “Sense and Sensibilityâ€� will run April 23-May 11 in the Archbold Theatre at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Stage, located at 820 E. Genesee St. in ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.

“Kate Hamill’s first play, her adaptation of Jane Austin’s ‘Sense and Sensibility,’ has been at the top of our season lists ever since we produced her version of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ a few years ago,â€� says Artistic Director Robert Hupp. “’Pride and Prejudice’ was a ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Stage fan favorite and now, with Jason O’Connell returning to direct ‘Sense and Sensibility,’ I know audiences are in for a special treat. I’ve loved this adaptation of ‘Sense and Sensibility’ ever since I saw it in New York City over ten years ago. Its over-the-top theatricality and humor, combined with its honest and heartfelt compassion and warmth, make it just the kind of theatrical experience we all need right now.â€�

“Sense and Sensibility� follows the Dashwood sisters—the pragmatic and practical Elinor, and the younger, romantically-minded Marianne—as they search for stability after the death of their father leaves them financially and socially unmoored in 18th-century England. While navigating the strict and strident niceties of their upper-class circles, the Dashwoods endure heartbreak, experience windfalls of love and fortune and dodge the never-ending gossip of the age.

Hamill, whose zippy adaptation of “Pride and Prejudiceâ€� played to rave reviews at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Stage in 2019, transforms “Sense and Sensibilityâ€� into an irreverent romp, giving Austen a playful update while preserving the wit and charm that has made the original such a beloved tale for more than 200 years.

“’Sense and Sensibility’ was my first play—written in 2013—and while it’s rare for me to go back to an older play, I simply could not resist joining this re-imagination for ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Stage, one of my favorite places to work, directed by my husband,â€� says Hamill. “This is an especially important play for me; not only is it an essential part of the beginning of my playwriting career, but Jason and I also fell in love while I was writing and developing this play, and it’s such a treat to bring his version to these audiences.â€�

O’Connell returns to direct after leading the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Stage production of Hamill’s “Pride and Prejudiceâ€� and performing in last season’s “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express.â€� He was also seen, with Hamill, in “Talley’s Follyâ€� and “The Play that Goes Wrong,â€� and as Salieri in “Amadeus,â€� directed by Robert Hupp. He originated the roles of Edward and Robert Ferrars in the off-Broadway run of “Sense and Sensibility,â€� alongside Hamill as Marianne.

“I am always thrilled to return to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Stage, an artistic home away from home if ever I’ve known one,â€� says O’Connell. “And I’m especially excited to revisit this first play of Kate’s and to show audiences all the things that I felt about her and her work, back when I was first caught up in the whirlwind of her particular brilliance. This production is something of a love letter to the beginnings of our journey together, full of love and laughter—and a touch of madness!â€�

Hamill, who earned the top spot on American Theatre Magazine’s list of Most-Produced Playwrights of the 2024-25 Season, returns to the Archbold Theatre in the cast of “Sense and Sensibility,â€� and is joined by Jamie Ann Romero as Elinor and Olivia AbiAssi as Marianne, with Gina Daniels (“Noises Offâ€�), Jeff Gonzalez (“Pride and Prejudice,â€� “Amadeusâ€�), Angie Janas (“Pride and Prejudice,â€� “The Play That Goes Wrongâ€�), James Ragen (“A Christmas Carolâ€�) and Blake Segal (“Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,â€� “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Expressâ€�) in a variety of roles. Rounding out the ensemble and making their ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Stage debuts are Amelia Gallagher, Salma Mahmoud, Keshav Moodliar, Chris Thorn and Maggie Weller.

The design team for “Sense and Sensibilityâ€� includes choreography by Steph Paul, sets by Brittany Vasta (“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grillâ€�), costumes by Raven Ong, lighting by Dawn Chiang (“King James,â€� “Dial M for Murderâ€�) and sound by ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Stage resident sound designer Jacqueline R. Herter, with dialect coaching by Holly Thuma (“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,â€� “Onceâ€�) and intimacy coordination by Yvonne Perry (“Dial M for Murderâ€�).

All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. while all matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30 with discounts available for students and groups. Tickets may be purchased online at , by phone at 315.443.3275 or in person at the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Stage Box Office. Pay-What-You-Will performances for “Sense and Sensibilityâ€� are April 23-27 inclusive; prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions that take place one hour before curtain, are on April 27, May 3 and 8; the Post-show Talkback will take place on Sunday, April 27, after the 7:30 p.m. performance.

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for April 30 and May 11 at 2 p.m. and May 6 and 10 at 7:30 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m. and an ASL interpreted performance on May 3 at 2 p.m. The Sensory Friendly/Relaxed performance of “Sense and Sensibilityâ€� is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m.

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Stage Trivia Night, a friendly competition hosted by “Jeopardy!â€� champion Dillon Hupp, will be held on Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are required to participate. Pre-registration at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈstage.org is recommended.

Support for the 24/25 season includes season sponsors the Slutzker Family Foundation, the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation and Advance Media New York. The community partner for “Sense and Sensibility� is Friends of the Central Library (FOCL).

Tao Wen

Fluoride in drinking water has become a highly charged topic in recent weeks. In March, Utah became the first state to the addition of fluoride to the state’s public water systems, a move praised by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. However, some health groups are raising the alarm. The American Dental Association for water fluoridation, saying a ban on the practice would hurt people, cost money and eventually harm the economy.

is an assistant professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s College of Arts and Sciences.Ìý His research specialities include water sustainability and the connection between energy, agriculture, urbanization and water quality. Professor Wen answered four questions about the use of fluoride in public drinking water, discussing how his research group studies water quality.

His responses can be quoted directly and he is available for interview.

Q: What are some general facts people should know about the use of fluoride in public water?

A: “In general, you don’t want too much or too little fluoride in drinking water including the water provided through the public water system. Too little fluoride in drinking water can cause tooth cavity. Fluoride is added to many public water systems in the U.S. to help prevent tooth decay. This practice, known as community water fluoridation, has been endorsed by numerous health organizations for its dental health benefits. Too much fluoride in drinking water can contribute to dental and skeletal fluorosis. It is important to note that not all drinking water systems are fluoridated. Fluoride in water can come from different sources. Generally, it can occur naturally, particularly in certain geological setting and/or originate from human sources.”

Q:What is considered a “safe� amount of fluoride? What are signs or indicators that there is an unsafe amount in a water source?

A: “The U.S. Public Health Service recommends an optimal fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/L to balance the benefits of cavity prevention with the risk of dental fluorosis—a cosmetic condition caused by excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets an enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4.0 mg/L to protect against skeletal fluorosis, a bone disease that can result from prolonged exposure to high fluoride levels. In addition, the EPA has a secondary (non-enforceable) standard of 2.0 mg/L to reduce the risk of dental fluorosis in children. The only accurate way to determine fluoride levels in water is through laboratory testing. Individuals can have their private well water tested or consult their local public water supplier for current water quality reports. In some cases, signs of fluoride exposure may include cosmetic changes in teeth, such as white streaks or mottling. A recent study (McMahon et al., 2020) identified several key factors that influence fluoride concentrations in groundwater: pH, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, well depth, water temperature, Ca/Na ratio, mean annual precipitation, and aquifer lithology. Understanding these factors can help infer potential fluoride levels in groundwater, particularly in regions where direct testing is not readily available.”

Q: In your own research, what do you study or look for as it relates to fluoride in your water samples?

A: “My research group broadly studies water quality in groundwater and surface water across urban, rural, and natural settings. In one of our recent studies (Nesheim et al., 2024), we monitored surface water quality in an urban watershed in the City of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ to assess the impact of various human infrastructures—including cemeteries—on solute concentrations. Fluoride was among several ions we tracked. Among the 286 stream water samples collected from February 2022 to January 2023, we did not observe any fluoride concentrations exceeding the EPA’s secondary standard of 2 mg/L. Although our primary focus was on nitrate, we found no significant increase in fluoride concentration downstream the cemetery. This suggests that burial decay products, which could potentially contribute fluoride, were not a dominant source in our study area. Instead, the data suggest that fluoride concentrations varied with river flow and may be influenced by natural (geogenic) sources among other possible sources.”

Q: In your academic opinion, why do you think there continues to be this focus on fluoride in drinking water?

A: “Fluoride remains a topic of public interest and debate for several reasons. First and foremost, it is one of the few substances intentionally added to drinking water for health benefits, which raises important discussions about informed consent and public health policy. Second, concerns about fluoride’s safety—especially at elevated levels in natural groundwater—persist in both rural areas that rely on unregulated private wells and urban regions served by public water systems. Third, as new research continues to emerge regarding fluoride’s sources and potential health effects, there is an ongoing need to reassess guidelines and educate the public. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the decision to add fluoride to drinking water should be region-specific and science-based. As highlighted in a recent study (McMahon et al., 2020), fluoride concentrations in groundwater vary significantly across the U.S. The study also found that, on a national scale, most groundwater has fluoride concentrations below 0.7 mg/L. Therefore, in many parts of the country, the greater public health concern—if fluoridation is not implemented—may be an increased risk of tooth decay.”

References:

1. Nesheim, S., Yu, Z., Tuttle, S., Klein, J., Wen, T., 2024. Assessing impacts of cemeteries on water quality in an urban headwater watershed with mixed human-built infrastructure. Hydrological Processes 38, e15128. https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.15128
2. McMahon, P.B., Brown, C.J., Johnson, T.D., Belitz, K., Lindsey, B.D., 2020. Fluoride occurrence in United States groundwater. Science of The Total Environment 732, 139217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139217

To get in touch with Professor Wen or to get more information, please contact:

Daryl Lovell
Associate Director of Media Relations
University Communications
MÌý315.380.0206
dalovell@syr.eduÌý|Ìý

Cadet leaders from the Army and Air Force ROTC Detachments stand before guests and reviewing officials prior to the 2025 Chancellor’s Review and Awards Ceremony. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

The annual tradition brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni and University stakeholders to recognize the accomplishments and success of cadets from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s Army and Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs.

The event is one of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s oldest traditions, originating in 1917 under the direction of then-Chancellor James R. Day. Among the cadets reviewed in that inaugural ceremony was future Chancellor William Pearson Tolley, who would later play a critical role in expanding access to higher education for veterans through his contributions to the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as the G.I. Bill.

This year’s ceremony featured a formal inspection of the troops by Chancellor Kent Syverud and the presentation of awards recognizing academic, leadership and civic excellence. Both University leadership and representatives from local Veteran Service Organizations were on hand to present awards to the deserving cadets.

U.S. Air Force ROTC cadets render salutes and present their detachment guidon during the 2025 Chancellor’s Review and Awards Ceremony (Photo by Charlie Poag)

“Every year the Army and Air Force ROTC cadets at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ make significant accomplishments and contributions which are important for us, as a campus community, to recognize and celebrate,â€� said retired U.S. Army Col. Ron Novack, executive director of the . “Some of these cadets are D1 athletes, others are heavily involved in civic and community projects on and off campus. They’re balancing an incredible workload and staying true to their commitment to become future commissioned officers in the U.S. military. If you look at the summary of accomplishments these cadets have made over the last year, it’s truly remarkable.â€�

Among the highest honors presented were the General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award and the Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award, given to top-performing cadets in the Army and Air Force ROTC respectively.

The General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award was presented to U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Andrew Lopane for demonstrating exceptional officer potential and leadership. Lopane is enrolled at where he studies landscape architecture, and has also volunteered with ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Ambulance, a student organization that responds to more than 1,500 medical emergencies each year.

“The Chancellor’s Review is a longstanding tradition that honors the dedication, leadership and achievements of Army and Air Force ROTC cadets, reinforcing the University’s deep connection to military service,â€� says U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Coyne, professor of military science at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and the commander of the Stalwart Battalion. “Through this event, cadets gain well-earned recognition for their hard work, motivation to excel, and a sense of pride in their commitment to serving the nation.â€�

The Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award was presented to U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet Charles Tang ’25 for exemplary performance and inspirational leadership. Tang, who is studying political science at the , was also named a Dottle Scholar in 2023, and credits his time at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ for shaping the person he is today.

Charles Tang ’25 receives a U.S. Air Force Officer’s Sword for being selected as the Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar during the 2025 Chancellor’s Review and Awards Ceremony. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

“Four years ago, I would not have ever imagined a career in the military. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and the AFROTC program have made me confident in my ability to lead as a future officer in the US Air Force,” says Tang. “I have taken great pleasure in working with my peers to train and mentor our younger cadets, and I am grateful for this unique opportunity ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ has provided me with.â€�

The ceremony closed with a Pass in Review, a military tradition symbolizing honor and respect, as the cadets marched in formation across the field in front of their families and university leaders.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Skarda, commander of Detachment 535, summed up the significance of the moment: “ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ doesn’t just talk about supporting ROTC—it has demonstrated that commitment for 108 years in a tradition that even predates the Air Force itself. For our cadets, this event is more than a ceremony; it’s a powerful moment of pride and recognition that will stay with them for a lifetime.â€�

To view a photo gallery of this year’s event, visit the .

Lauren Woodard

, assistant professor of anthropology, has received the Spring 2025 Association for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) First Book Subvention for her upcoming book on Russia’s migration policies on the Russia-China border.

Woodard’s book is titled “Ambiguous Inclusion: Migration and Race on the Russia-China Border” (University of Toronto Press, 2026). It draws on her 17 months of ethnographic fieldwork, including interviews and immersive participant observation in Moscow and Vladivostok, Russia, and Almaty, Kazakhstan, from 2014-17.

Further, it explores how those who immigrate to Russia through its Resettlement of Compatriots Program experience challenges adapting to life in the country, despite receiving expedited citizenship and state benefits. Migrants’ uneasiness, she argues, reflects racial hierarchies that are shaped by complex configurations of ethnicity, language and culture.

The ASEEES is a nonprofit scholarly society that supports teaching, research and publishing about Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia and Eastern Europe. It hosts an annual convention, book prizes and the Slavic Review—the leading peer-reviewed journal in the field. The first book subvention prize is awarded twice annually to three winners for individually authored books.

Woodard’s research has been supported by the Wenner-Gren Dissertation Fellowship, Fulbright research grants to Russia and Kazakhstan, and the Social Science Research Council. She was also awarded the Title VIII Research Scholar fellowship by the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., in 2022 for her research on migration, race and belonging in Russia’s Far East. She received the International Relations Teaching Award for the 2022-23 academic year, which recognizes excellence in teaching and contributions to the international relations undergraduate program.

Woodard is a senior research associate in the Center for European Studies. She teaches courses on political anthropology, Eastern Europe, anthropological theory and global encounters.

Story by Michael Kelly

For a vast range of foods and other technologies, scientists have devised emulsifying agents which help stabilize mixtures. By incorporating small granular particles to certain foods, it can help prevent spoilage and extend shelf life, important for safeguarding our food supply. When added to chemical mixtures, emulsifying agents can reduce viscosity, making liquids such as petroleum easier to pump and transport through pipelines, potentially leading to energy savings.

Joseph Paulsen

Researchers are continually investigating new emulsifiers to improve the control of liquid-liquid mixtures. Recently, , a physics professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, collaborated with scientists from the and to make a surprising discovery.

They found that when magnetized particles are added to a simple oil-and-water “salad dressing,” the mixture consistently separates into patterns resembling the elegant curves of a Grecian urn immediately after being shaken. The team’s results, published in ,Ìýuncover a novel method of using magnetic particles to control liquid-liquid mixtures.

The study, led by UMass Amherst, began when UMass graduate student Anthony Raykh was experimenting in the lab. He added magnetized nickel particles to a batch of “salad dressing� instead of spices, which are normally what allow the oil and water in dressing to remain mixed. He chose magnetized particles because fluids containing them can be engineered to exhibit unique and useful properties. After shaking his mixture, Raykh was astonished to see it consistently form a pristine urn shape. Regardless of how many times or how vigorously he shook the mixture, the urn shape always reappeared.

The spices in salad dressing enable water and oil, which typically don’t mix, to combine through emulsification. Researchers have now discovered that adding magnetized nanoparticles to an oil-water mixture produces a completely different effect.

To help explain this shocking phenomenon, the UMass team invited in Paulsen from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, along with colleagues from Tufts, to conduct theoretical analysis and simulations. Paulsen, whose research focuses on soft condensed matter, explores the ways in which materials like liquids and soft solids bend, deform and mix—research which lent itself well to this study.

Typically, particles added to an oil-and-water mixture, such as spices, decrease the tension at the interface between the two liquids, allowing them to mix. But in a twist, the team found that particles that are magnetized strongly enough actually increase the interfacial tension, bending the boundary between oil and water into a graceful curve.

“We turned the nature of particle-decorated interfaces on its head,� says Paulsen. “Now, you can have an emulsion droplet that you can imagine controlling in a variety of ways with a magnetic field, but the droplet will nevertheless coalesce with other droplets — something that particle-coated droplets typically resist.�

Figure A graphically depicts individual nanoparticles of magnetized nickel that form a boundary between the water and oil. Figure B shows how the magnetized particles cause the oil and water to separate into a pattern resembling a Grecian urn immediately after being shaken. (Graphic courtesy of Anthony Raykh/UMass Amherst)

Their research on magnetic particles uncovered two surprising effects. First, the particles, being small magnets, form large networks with many holes due to magnetic interactions. These holes help droplets coated with the particles merge quickly into single oil and water portions. Second, the strong attraction between the magnetic particles increases the surface tension at the interface, further promoting droplet merging.

While there’s no application for this novel discovery yet, the team is excited to see how this never-before-seen state can influence the field of soft-matter physics.

“Liquid-liquid mixtures are ubiquitous in consumer products and industrial processes,” says Paulsen. “This discovery, which offers a new approach to managing these mixtures, could one day help produce better products with longer shelf lives or save energy in chemical transport and processing. I’m eager to see the future implications of this breakthrough.â€�

This research was funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Editor’s note: Portions of this article have been adapted from a .

“We are honored to be recognized for our work by peers at institutions of higher education dedicated to public service,� says Dean . “It is a challenging time for many with a commitment to effective public service, yet our mission remains clear: to prepare the next generation of leaders dedicated to improving their communities, strengthening democracy and leaving the world better than they found it.�

The Best Public Affairs Schools rankings are based solely on surveys of deans, directors and department chairs representing 268 master’s programs in public affairs and public administration. Each school is numerically ranked by peer school leadership on a 5-point scale, with the average score determining the school’s overall rank. Additionally, survey respondents can nominate up to 15 schools for excellence in 12 subspecialties, with the number of nominations determining each school’s position in the ranking.

U.S. News began ranking graduate programs in public affairs in 1995. Since then, the Maxwell School has been ranked No. 1 in every survey but one. In addition, the school remains highly ranked in 10 subspecialties:

• Environmental policy and management
• Health policy and management
• International global policy and administration
• Information and technology management
• Local government management
• Non-profit management
• Public finance and budgeting
• Public management and leadership
• Public policy analysis
• Social policy

“We are honored for this recognition and thankful to our peers,� says , associate dean, chair and professor of public administration and international affairs. “I believe it speaks to the tremendous research and teaching done by our faculty and the outstanding contributions to public affairs made by our many accomplished alums.�

Launched in 1924 as the School of American Citizenship by ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ alumnus George Holmes Maxwell, the school began with a graduate program in public administration, an undergraduate citizenship course and a weekly seminar in political science. Today the school is home to 12 academic departments and 15 interdisciplinary research centers and institutes, where students and scholars grapple with a range of issues, including environmental sustainability; autonomous systems policy; population health and aging; law and security; conflict resolution; democracy and journalism; global affairs; and regional studies.

Graduate by Hilton is a lifestyle brand made up of 35 hand-crafted hotels that reside in dynamic, university-anchored towns across the U.S. and U.K. Each hotel is created with a focus on local history and nostalgia—from the design touchpoints to the culinary experiences—capturing the unique spirit of each university and reflecting the cultures and traditions of the communities they are located within.

“Graduate is an ideal partner in helping us bring to life a distinctive and dynamic space that authentically represents the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ experience,” says Brett Padgett, senior vice president and chief financial officer. “This collaboration will create a vibrant hub for both our campus and the broader ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ community, offering a welcoming destination during key moments like Orange game days, reunions, graduations, campus visits and beyond. We’re thrilled to work together to build a space that reflects the unique spirit and character of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.”

“ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is the perfect partner as we continue the Graduate tradition of delivering collegiate-inspired hospitality to vibrant academic communities,â€� says Kevin Osterhaus, president, global lifestyle brands, Hilton. “Like the University, Graduate values lifelong learning and connection, and we are confident this hotel will become a beloved destination for visitors, locals and fans alike.â€�

The planned hotel will feature approximately 200 rooms, on-site parking, a full-service, three-meal restaurant and event space. A rooftop bar and lounge will offer stunning views of campus, creating a space for both hotel guests and members of the Central New York community to gather. The new hotel will be situated across from the University Avenue Garage, at the corner of University Avenue and Harrison Street.

“We are excited about the potential of this new hotel to enhance the overall experience for our campus community while providing a much-needed venue for visitors and events in the area,â€� says John Papazoglou, senior vice president and chief operations officer. “This development highlights how ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is advancing its strategic goals while contributing to the vibrancy of the City of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and Onondaga County.â€�

The University has engaged The Hardy Group to serve as project manager, with DLR Group selected as designer and LeChase serving as construction manager. The University is in the process of selecting a third-party operator for the hotel.

About ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ

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

About Graduate by Hilton

is a lifestyle brand of hand-crafted hotels that reside in dynamic university-anchored towns in the United States and United Kingdom. Each hotel brings stories and traditions to life through one-of-a-kind experiences, which authentically reflect the unique spirit of each community they are located within. Founded in 2014 by Adventurous Journeys (“AJ�) Capital Partners and acquired by Hilton in 2024, Graduate’s portfolio consists of 35 open hotels across the US and UK. Learn more about Graduate by Hilton at and follow the brand on .

The women’s club hockey team celebrates its first Amateur Athletic Union national championship in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jordan Boron ’25 loved to play ice hockey, but she came to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ in 2022 because its in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics is widely considered one of the best sport management programs in the country.

³§²â°ù²¹³¦³Ü²õ±ð’s team? Not so much.

But in Boron’s three winters on campus, the club team went from having only six players in the season before Boron arrived to going undefeated (20-0) and winning the in early March, with Boron as one of the team’s leading defensemen.

Turned out, Boron really could have it all at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.

“I am honored to be a part of this team and to be a part of how far it has come,� she says. “The team’s leadership has done incredible things to build out this program and our coaches, Christina Beam and Marty Sicilia, have been a huge part of that. This team is a group of deeply dedicated players that worked so hard to win that national title.

“That is what made this win so much better, the hard work that we all put into this team,� Boron says.

Jordan Boron (left) and Bryana Treon show off their national championship hats.

Boron is one of five Falk College students who played on ³§²â°ù²¹³¦³Ü²õ±ð’s first women’s club hockey national championship team. The others are Sarah Anderson ’28 (health and exercise science and premed), Sophie Lauzon ’26 (public health), Neve Padulo ’28 (exercise science) and Bryana Treon ’27 (social work).

Boron was on the ice when the buzzer sounded to end ³§²â°ù²¹³¦³Ü²õ±ð’s 4-2 win over the University of Tampa in the AAU Women’s National Championship game in Jacksonville, Florida. It was a moment she’ll never forget.

“During the last few minutes of the championship game our bench was going wild because the inevitable win was in sight,� she says. “All I was thinking was ‘I need to go hug Emma (goaltender Emmalyn Lacz) because she played so incredibly.’ The next thing I know, the whole team is on the ice, gloves and sticks thrown about and we are all screaming at the top of our lungs. We are national champions!�

‘We Had A Real Chance’

Growing up in Mount Airy, Maryland, Boron started playing hockey when she was 10. She played in youth leagues and in her senior year of high school was talented enough to play for the Tier 1 Washington Pride. In youth hockey in the United States, Tier 1 represents the highest level of competition and requires significant time and travel commitments.

Boron could have certainly tried to play hockey in college, but she focused her choice on academics and once she learned about the sport management program at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, she “knew this was where I wanted to go.â€� While touring campus and visiting the on South Campus, she met one of her future hockey teammates, Amanda Wheeler, who was working at the pro shop. They started talking about hockey, and Wheeler encouraged Boron to try out for the team if she came to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.

was founded in 2022 as a way to give club teams more structure and competitive opportunities. The league is comprised of three men’s divisions and one women’s division, and the divisions are split into regional conferences. For the women, the division includes 18 teams divided into College Hockey North and College Hockey South divisions.

The time commitment is significant—three practices a week and home and away games each weekend with the away games often involving hours of travel and some overnight stays. Guided by coaches Beam and Sicilia, the team steadily improved over the years and this past season went 14-0 before defeating Springfield and Paul Smith to win the College Hockey North.

Jordan Boron

In the national tournament in Jacksonville, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ defeated Springfield again before facing the Alabama Frozen Tide—the first team ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ played from the College Hockey South.

“The 10-2 win against Alabama was the moment for our team that made us feel like we had a real chance to win a national championship,� Boron says. “Seeing that we could win against a team that had previously beat Tampa, our next opponent, gave us the confidence boost we needed.�

‘The Moment Did Not Feel Real’

With a pool-play format, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ qualified for the national championship after defeating Alabama but still had to play Tampa, which had also won its first two games to qualify for the final. But while ³§²â°ù²¹³¦³Ü²õ±ð’s pool-play game against Tampa didn’t decide the national title, it did set the tone for the championship game that followed the next day.

“I would argue that this was one of the most important games of the tournament,� Boron says. “We needed to play that game just like we would the next day to win the title.

“After our 3-2 win in our first game against Tampa, our excitement continued to build, and everyone was locked in and set on winning the next day,� Boron adds. “We went on to win the championship game 4-2, playing and fighting even harder than the game prior.�

For Boron, who will be graduating early in December after completing her Capstone internship this fall, the championship put an exclamation point on her stellar athletic and academic experience at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. This season, she worked as a community relations intern for the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Crunch American Hockey League team, assisting with community-related projects such as honoring military members and auctioning autographed game-used memorabilia for fans during games. Previously, she had internships with the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Athletics communications team, the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the Premier Lacrosse League at the Championship Series in February.

Boron is a member of (WISE) in the Falk College, and for the past two years she was co-chair of the Donations Committee for the Sport Management Club’s Sports Charity Auction. The 20th annual auction in December raised $59,500 for the Rescue Mission of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, and the club has now raised more than $760,000 for local charities since 2005.

As she prepares to start her professional career, Boron says she would like to work in youth hockey development to make the sport she loves “more accessible to all.â€� Her hope for young players is that they all have an opportunity to experience what she felt on the ice in Jacksonville, where all the hard work and sacrifice paid off in a historic championship for ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ club hockey.

“It was incredible to share this moment with my teammates,� she says. “After the huddle dispersed, I found some of my closest friends on the team hugged them because the moment did not feel real. There is no one I would rather be on that ice with.�

To learn more about the women’s ice hockey club, follow the team on . If you’d like more information about the team or to try out, email suwomenshockey@gmail.com.

Samuel Gorovitz

is a ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ professor and a leading figure in the field of bioethics. He says that while this animal may be genetically connected to the dire wolf, no matter what the company does, the dire wolf will remain extinct.

“Only adult dire wolves can raise an authentic dire wolf, and there aren’t any of those. All talk of “de-extinction� is metaphorical and often misleading,� Gorovitz says. “That said, the company’s processes seem adequately respectful of ethical requirements. As their work proceeds, they are learning to refine the techniques and developing more sophisticated understandings of how such techniques of genetic manipulation succeed or fail. That’s a benefit independent of the particulars of the chosen species.�

As their work proceeds, they are learning to refine the techniques and developing more sophisticated understandings of how such techniques of genetic manipulation succeed or fail. That’s a benefit independent of the particulars of the chosen species.

Professor Gorovitz adds that there doesn’t seem to be significant ecological risk at this scale. “It’s unlikely that any of their work will lead to a “rewildingâ€� that repopulates an ecosystem with significant numbers of newly devised creatures – the obstacles to that are numerous and clear. There’s not likely any ecological risk from what they are doing, however. Hybrid and chimerical creatures abound naturally, and if an occasional new one were to be added no substantial harm is probable,” Gorovitz says.

To request interviews or get more information:

Chris Munoz
Media Relations Specialist
cjmunoz@syr.edu

The Student Experience division is honored to announce the selection of Chidera Olalere ’26 and Silke Pion ’26 as the Class of 2026 Senior Class Marshals. As the all-University representatives for their class, in this role they will help to recommend the Commencement speaker, offer insights and suggestions to the student experience, participate in campus events and conclude their service by leading the student procession during the 2026 Commencement ceremony.

“Leading with heart, purpose and unmistakable Orange pride, Chidera and Silke have made a lasting impact on our ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ community through their dedication to campus involvement, community service and academic excellence,â€� says Sheriah N. Dixon, associate vice president for theÌý, dean of students and chair of the selection committee. “As the Class of 2026 Senior Class Marshals, they embody the true spirit of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ—guiding us with vision, unity and distinction as we step boldly into the future.â€�

Chidera Olalere

Home is where you find community and belonging and for rising senior Chidera Olalere, her homes include Nigeria, North Yorkshire, England, and ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. Driven to immerse herself in learning experiences in and beyond the classroom, Olalere joined the Orange community as an international student and soon after, quickly began building a student experience unique to her passions, goals and academic pursuits.

“I have been introduced to opportunities that I would not have known existed otherwise and I have been given mentors in more spaces and fields than I could have imagined. The people at this University invest in you and as I have been thinking intently about how I want to close out my time at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, I knew I wanted to pay all this forward,â€� says Olalere in reflection of what motivated her to apply for Senior Class Marshal. “I am also excited to represent all my different experiences at the University, my background and hopefully show other students the value of being open to the opportunities around them and pursuing the things they are passionate about.â€�

Within the Olalere is pursuing dual majors in biochemistry and forensic science, with a minor in economics. Highlighted scholarly accomplishments include being a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program and a recipient of the Invest in Success and 1870 scholarships. Bridging what is learned in the classroom to future professional endeavors, Olalere has entered her second year as an undergraduate research intern within the Upstate Medical University Bourboulia Lab, working to identify potential new therapeutic agents for cancer therapy.

Driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact, Olalere is deeply involved in the campus community. She supports student success as a Stevenson Education Center tutor and cultivates community connections as a residence assistant. As a student leader she has consistently sought opportunities to support her peers. Additional highlights include serving as an Office of Academic Integrity student hearing panelist, a first-responder EMT on the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Ambulance team, as a college ministry worship leader and a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences.

“To me, being Orange has looked like inviting people into your life and loving them well. Whether the interaction is one minute or semester long, being Orange is being enthusiastic and supportive, and using what you have learned to help those coming up after you,â€� says Olalere. “The legacy I have found at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is one of joyful service and community and that is the same legacy I hope to leave behind.â€�

Silke Pion

As a California resident, contemplating leaving the West Coast for ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ was at first a daunting decision for Pion, a junior in the and pursuing bachelor’s degrees in political science, finance and business analytics. Soon after starting her first semester, it became clear that not only did she make the right choice by pursuing ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ but the opportunities for student success were limitless.

“I want my legacy to remain here at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and remind students who may second guess themselves that they are worthy of every opportunity in front of them. Before ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, I would have never applied for opportunities such as being a Senior Class Marshal—out of pure fear of rejection,â€� says Pion. “My time here has demonstrated that rejection is not the end of the world and often leads to some other unexpected surprises.â€�

As a recipient of the Chancellor’s and Invest in Success scholarships, in addition to being a member of the dean’s list, Renée Crown University Honors Program and the International Business Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma, Pion quickly dove into the student experience, facing uncertainty head-on and working to earn success both inside and outside of the classroom.

Throughout her undergraduate career, Pion has immersed herself into a variety of student experiences focusing on professional development, leadership and community service. Within the campus community she has led Alpha Gamma Delta as the director of finance, served as a Martin J. Whitman School of Management Marshall House teaching assistant and Harrison House leader, as president and service chair for Challah for Hunger: A Project of MAZON, community service chair under ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Hillel and as a member of Beta Alpha Psi: Finance and Accounting Professional Fraternity.

When working to build a strong launchpad for the future, Pion prioritized finding personal success just as much as finding success for others within the communities she supports. Immersing herself in professional development within the greater global community, her experience includes being a junior analyst for The Orange Value Fund, LLC, policy analyst intern within the New York State Assembly Member Pamela Hunter’s district office, communications and community coordinator for the Kenya Immersion Experience and an active member of the Goodman IMPRESS Program and volunteer in the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ community.

“No opportunity or experience stands alone, instead, it’s the result of the hard work and commitment of others who came before. I want to continue the tradition of paying it forward and spread the message across campus.â€� Pion shares as she eagerly prepares for her final chapter as an undergraduate student and looks to how she can support future generations of students. “Although my time at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is quickly coming to an end, a piece of my heart will always be here. I want my legacy to remain here at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and remind the students who may second guess themselves that they are worthy of every opportunity in front of them.â€�

Isaac Arnold is exploring every side of the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ experience, engaging in cutting-edge plant biology research, developing entrepreneurial ventures and excelling on the ice rink in his free time.

With climate change and severe weather expected to intensify in the coming years, developing strategies for a resilient food supply is crucial.

This involves understanding and developing crops that can withstand pathogens that cause diseases, one of the key areas ofÌýÌýat the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S). Combining biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, economics, business and engineering, the biotechnology program is helping find practical solutions to solving the challenges facing our food supply, global health and the environment.

A&S students like Isaac Arnold ’26 are already finding numerous opportunities to address these important questions.

Making an Early Contribution

Arnold, originally from Halifax, a small city in Nova Scotia, Canada, had never heard of biotechnology before coming to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. Initially declaring as a biochemistry major, Arnold was intrigued by the cutting-edge aspect of biotech and its broad, practical applications after learning about the field of biotechnology from his biology professor and now mentor,Ìý.

Arnold (left) with Professor Ramesh Raina (third from right) and members of the lab group.

Since joining Professor Raina’s lab, Arnold recently co-authored a study in the journalÌý, which explored how a set of genes (GATA21 and GATA22) are involved in regulating pathogen defense response in a plant called Arabidopsis.

“Humans share much of their genome with plants, which is why a lot of research done in the plant biology sphere is also relevant medically,� says Arnold. “We study the effects of epigenetic modifications, which are essentially reversible changes to regulate gene expression. Our research focuses on disease resistance—specifically, identifying which genes in plants regulate resistance to disease, and understanding the trade-offs involved.�

In their recent publication, the team found that GATA21 and GATA22 proteins positively regulate defense against fungal pathogens while acting antagonistically against bacterial pathogens. By understanding the mechanisms regulating these processes, researchers can develop strategies for producing crop plants with enhanced resistance against pathogens.

A key contribution by Arnold to this study stems from his long-standing interest in computer coding. In addition to assisting with the scientific research and publication writing, he developed image analysis software used during the study.

“It was inspiring to work closely with such a smart and driven team. They taught me everything I needed to know, helping me understand exactly how to utilize my skill set,� he says. “I gained a lot of great mentors through this, made tons of connections and it was just an overall amazing experience.�

Raina, professor and executive director of the biotechnology program and co-author on the study, says that Arnold’s efforts have significantly enhanced the research output of his lab.

“In addition to making some very interesting scientific observations, Isaac’s coding enabled us to rapidly analyze large datasets,” says Raina. “His work not only contributed to our most recent publication but will also be instrumental in analyzing data for several upcoming manuscripts. Isaac is an incredibly intelligent, creative and resourceful student who consistently thinks outside the box.â€�

Finding Purpose at Pfizer

Beyond his research contributions at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, Arnold has enhanced his career readiness through internship and entrepreneurial opportunities tailored for biotechnology students. In the summer of 2024, he applied for and secured a position at Pfizer’s New York City office, working in the medical affairs department within the emerging markets sector—regions where Pfizer aims to expand its market presence.

“Being from a small city like Halifax, it was a great experience spending my summer living in Manhattan,� he says.

One of the aspects of the biotechnology major that excited Arnold was the opportunity to make a tangible difference to world health. To that end, his favorite project at Pfizer involved working with the Accord team to deliver much-needed vaccines to people in developing countries at cost (meaning without profit to Pfizer).

Leveraging his computer science expertise, he developed a database that integrates epidemiological publications (having to do with how diseases spread) from major sites into Pfizer’s internal system. This database can sort information by country or disease based on prompts and provide relevant details about the side effects of certain diseases, including considerations for patients with conditions like hemophilia or immunocompromised states.

“For a lot of the countries where there’s not a lot of publications, it’ll give you information from countries with similar demographics. I used a language model to summarize all the main facts into slide decks on command, so if you want South Sudan publications, you type in South Sudan COVID-19 immunocompromised and it would list the most recent and relevant epidemiological data through this database,â€� says Arnold.

Building on the success of that project, he also created an intern slide deck for Pfizer to provide new interns with essential tools and resources during their onboarding process.

“Being able to create those connections at a major company is unreal,â€� says Arnold. “Once they see that you care about what you’re doing and that you work hard, people really start to respect you.â€�

Leveraging his connections at Pfizer, Arnold arranged for a company representative to attend theÌýbiotechnology conferenceÌýat ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ on April 5. At the conference, industry leaders networked with students and shared insights into the latest advancements in biotechnology, innovative therapies and industry trends.

Arnold (left) with Graciela Morales, vice president, Pfizer Vaccines Lead, Emerging Markets at Pfizer’s headquarters in Manhattan

Swimming With the Funding ‘Sharks’

Pushing the boundaries of science and technology to lead to better health outcomes is a hallmark of the biotechnology field. Arnold and a group of his friends at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ have created a platform for students to promote their biotechnology innovations on the world stage.

The group recently foundedÌý, a startup incubator at the University aiming to bring together students from diverse fields to launch a new biotech startup each year and compete at theÌýÌýin Paris, which is attended by over 200 venture capital firms.

“Every single year we’ll pick a different project and work with students through all aspects from initial development, brainstorming, idea creation, to the actual wet bench science, which is pretty cutting-edge,â€� says Arnold.

While he can’t talk specifics about the products currently in development, due to confidentiality, he says they have some interesting projects in the medical device and genetics spheres. The goal of this initiative is to create a marketable biotechnology product that could be sold or introduced to the market. This prototype would be showcased at the iGem competition, where biotechnology projects are presented, primarily serving as a platform for investors. If a venture capital firm sees potential in the prototype, they might purchase the idea and scale it up to a market level.

“This initiative could create jobs for students and potentially lead to the formation of a new company,� says Arnold. “It offers significant opportunities both for career advancement and gaining real-life work experience.�

A Busy Schedule Paves the Way for Medical School

Arnold’s schedule, filled with internships, 22-credit semesters, research, startups and some hockey during his free time, sets the stage for his next ambition: tackling the challenges of medical school. What drives him? Passion.

“I truly love the work,� he says. “I love helping people. I love developing cutting edge technology and working on things that are super interesting and have real-life implications that can make the world a better place.�

By getting used to a busy schedule now, he anticipates managing the demands of medical school while continuing biotechnology entrepreneurial ventures.

“This is my way of unwinding. It’s how I take my mind off school,â€� he says. “I’ll always be deeply involved in the biotech industry, no matter where I end up. I love the research and the opportunities it can create for people.â€�

Patrick Ahearn (Photo by Randi Baird Photography)

Ahearn serves on the School of Architecture Advisory Board, is a ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ trustee and is a member of the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Boston Regional Council.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He has taught at the Boston Architectural College, the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, the Rhode Island School of Design, and ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s own School of Architecture.

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

All Libraries’ patrons with overdue circulation fines can reduce their fines by donating healthy, nonperishable food and hygiene items. Donations will be accepted at the circulation desks of Bird, Carnegie, Law, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and King + King Architecture Libraries. All collected items will be donated to the . Fine reductions exclude interlibrary loan and lost book fees. Contributions from people without current fines will also be accepted.

Fines will be reduced by 50 cents for single serve items, and $1 per item for toilet paper, rice, pasta, canned vegetables and beans and single serving oatmeal. Fines will be reduced by $2 per item for liquid soap,Ìý toothbrushes, canned fruit, canned meats/fish, canned soup, cereal, lip balm and pasta sauce. Fines will be reduced by $3 per item for baked beans, multi-packs of hot chocolate, multi-packs of oatmeal, peanut butter, ramen noodles, shampoo/conditioner, tea and toothpaste. Fines will be reduced by $4 for granola, jelly and lotion. And fines will be reduced by $5 for coffee and deodorant. Contributions should not be open or expired.

For more information about “Food for Fines,� contact Nick Olivieri at naolivie@syr.edu.

A master’s student in in the , he was the 2024 honorable mention for SNM’s Brian Israel/Sam Pellman Award.

Rolando Gomez

Gómez’s woodwind quintet, , will share the program with two string quartets: Orientalism, by Sami Seif, the 2024 winner of the Israel/Pellman Award, and Bodensee, by Maxim Dybal-Denysenko, the 2024 recipient of SNM’s New York State Federation of Music Clubs/Brian Israel Prize. All three composers will be on hand to introduce their pieces.

Both SNM awards recognize promising New York state composers studying for or embarking on professional music careers.

Tickets are $20 (general admission) and $15 (students and seniors). Students who are 18 years old and younger are free with valid college ID. For tickets and more information, visit SNM’s .

SNM Managing Director Carole Brzozowski ’81 says the concert has grown into a local springtime tradition. “It’s a celebration of emerging talent,� continues the former dean of the (VPA), in which the Setnor School is housed. “The Society for New Music is proud to take a leadership role in identifying and nurturing young, innovative composers.�

Capturing the SpiritÌý

The Juicy Kandy quintet premiered Sit and Play at the 2023 Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival at The Juilliard School. The performance marked Gómez’s New York City compositional debut.

Collaborating with world-class musicians exposed the Miami, Florida, native to innovative writing techniques. It also inspired him to capture the performers’ personalities in his music.

“Sit and Play is a virtuosic work that reflects my love for jazz, especially bebop,� says Gómez, who graduated from Oberlin Conservatory weeks before the premiere.

Conceived as a theme and variations, Sit and Play evolved into a suite of four contrasting character pieces. The music abounds in shared motives, syncopated grooves and polyphonic textures.

Gómez says the name of the piece is “playful and self-referential,� a nod to the way that jazz and Latine composers use titles to acknowledge the act of music making. “Sit and Play reflects the spirit of the music … and invites musicians to engage with the piece in a direct, intuitive way.�

The 10-minute work has four distinct movements: Jab and Stab, a syncopated exchange between oboe and the rest of the ensemble; Breathe and Sing, a melancholic bassoon solo dedicated to Gómez’s first music teacher—his father; Cut and Paste, a technical tour de force for French horn; and Riff and Run, a vibrant scherzo for flute recalling some of the piece’s earlier themes.

“Working with the Society for New Music is incredibly meaningful,� says Gómez, who recently presented the suite on his master’s recital. “SNM strengthens connections between the University and the professional word, allowing students like me to engage with performers and other composers at the highest level.�

Sit and Play is performed by Kate O’ Leary ’26, flute; Sydney Kincaid ’27, oboe; John Giordano ’26, clarinet; Lily Carpinone ’26, bassoon; and Ryan Hill ’27, French horn.

Expanding His Vocabulary

Gómez was in high school when he began scoring music for video games. A self-taught composer, he enrolled at Oberlin, majoring in composition and minoring in technology in music and related arts.

Working at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ with Natalie Draper—another SNM favorite who is an assistant professor of theory and composition in the Setnor School—has enabled Gómez to expand his musical vocabulary.

“It’s a fusion of traditional and modern styles,� says Brzozowski, noting Gómez’s modernist approach to American and Cuban forms.

Genre-blending is apparent in the program’s other works. Seif’s Orientalism is a meditation on identity and the passage of time, inspired by Edward Said’s landmark book. In turn, Dybal-Denysenko’s Bodensee is named for the lake near his family home in Austria—the same body of water that inspired composer Robert Schumann some 170 years earlier.

Seif is a doctoral fellow at the CUNY Graduate Center; Dybal-Denysenko, a 2024 graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Juilliard student Yuxuan Lin also is a 2024 Israel/Pellman honorable mention. Her entry—Can’t let it go, when it returns for solo cello—is slated for a future SNM program.

Brian Israel taught in the Setnor School from 1975 until his death in 1986. He was a prolific composer, conductor and pianist who befriended SNM co-founder Neva Pilgrim.

Sam Pellman was a Hamilton College music professor who served on the SNM board and chaired SNM’s Israel prize competition until his death in 2017.

Pilgrim was a one-time VPA professor and longtime community partner who died last year. In 1971, she helped found SNM, which has performed and commissioned a formidable body of work by up-and-coming composers. It is the only year-round new music organization in the region and is the oldest nonprofit of its kind in the state, outside of New York City.

Doctoral candidates received a certificate of recognition at the event March 28 at the National Veterans Resource Center (Photo by Chuck Wainwight)

“This is a major milestone on the path to a Ph.D.,� says Peter Vanable, dean of the Graduate School. “As these students now turn their attention fully to their dissertations, we wanted to take a moment to honor them for the many hours of hard work they have already invested in their doctoral education, and to cheer them on towards timely completion of their degree.�

The half-day event brought together doctoral candidates, advisors and academic leaders from across campus. Vanable offered opening remarks, after which certificates of recognition were presented to the candidates in attendance.

The event also included a series of breakout sessions on topics relevant to doctoral candidates.

Graduate School Dean Peter Vanable greeted guests ahead of the ceremony (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

Glenn Wright, executive director of professional and career development in the Graduate School, moderated a panel discussion on “Planning and Writing Your Dissertation.� Panelists were Heidi Hehnly, associate professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S); Yiling Lan, doctoral candidate in biology in A&S; Mary Beth Monroe, associate professor of biomedical and chemical engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS); and Nghia Le Ba Thai, doctoral candidate in biomedical and chemical engineering in ECS.

A panel discussion on “Humanities, Social Sciences and Other Fields� was moderated by Qingyang Liu, a graduate assistant in the Graduate School. Panelists were Jin Lei, associate dean for academic affairs and a professor in the School of Education; Fasika Melese, doctoral candidate in instructional design, development and evaluation in the School of Education; Patrick Berry, associate professor of writing studies, rhetoric and composition in A&S; and Zakery Munoz, doctoral candidate in composition and cultural rhetoric in A&S.

The Graduate School plans to hold the doctoral candidate recognition event annually.

Join Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness at the 6th annual on Friday, April 25, at 2 p.m. in the School of Education Commons in Huntington Hall. The celebration is open to the public.

The event will recognize and celebrate faculty and staff for their efforts to examine and enhance student learning and operational success. Awards will be given in five categories:

• Assessment Champion, recognizing campus community members who advocate for meaningful assessment to enrich the student learning experience and operational effectiveness.
• Outstanding Assessment, recognizing a distinguished academic program, co-curricular program/unit and functional unit for a robust assessment and action planning to support decision-making.
• Best Engagement Strategies, recognizing programs/units for engaging faculty, staff and students in the assessment process.
• Best Use of Results, recognizing an academic program, co-curricular program/unit and functional unit for using assessment results to inform decision-making.
• Collaborative Inquiry and Action, recognizing a program/unit that collaborates with others outside of their primary school/college/division to use the assessment process to enhance student learning and campus operations.

Posters highlighting the work of 2024 Assessment Leadership Institute participants and 2024-25 recipients of the Student Engagement in Assessment grant will also be showcased.

Light refreshments will be served. today!

The Hall of Languages lit up in teal for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

“Commemorating Sexual Assault Awareness Month on college campuses is essential to raising awareness, supporting survivors and fostering a culture of prevention,� says Leslie Skeffington, Barnes Center at The Arch assistant director for sexual and relationship violence prevention. “Our events are designed to build community among survivors and allies, offering spaces for connection, healing and solidarity as students navigate the final stretch of the semester.�

Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2025

Those seeking to show solidarity and support, alongside survivors, at any stage of their healing journey are invited to participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month events. Visit the Ìýfor a complete list of events and details.

Take Back The Night 2025

Each year, the University recognizes and participates in Take Back The Night, a global event that brings community members together to speak out about sexual violence, relationship violence and other forms of interpersonal violence. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, April 10, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the Panasci Lounge at the Schine Student Center.

“This year’s Take Back The Night continues the work of reimagining and recentering students in this long-standing annual event. We have a great group of students planning the event and have received strong support from the Student Association, fraternity and sorority organizations and registered student organizations on campus,� says Virginia Evans, Barnes Center at The Arch staff therapist and sexual and relationship violence coordinator.

“Highlights of this year’s event include student performances, a fashion show, community art projects and a Survivor Speak Out. We will close the evening with a collective healing activity. We look forward to honoring survivorship with our entire campus community on April 10, during Take Back The Night!” Evans says.

For more information or to request accommodations, please call the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000 or emailÌýBarnesCenter@syr.edu.