Bradford Smith (left) working with Danielle Lanphere (right) during a conversation club meeting at the Gebbie Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic. He and other individuals who use Alternative Augmentative Communication to help express themselves gather weekly to build community and expand their communication abilities.

“At each meeting, members share stories, thoughts and plans while participating in engaging and fun activities,” says Hammerle. “This allows them to grow the complexity of their language, increase efficiency with AAC use, and develop a sense of community and support through interaction with other individuals utilizing AAC.”

Michael Theobald (right) uses a Smartbox Gridpad speech-generating device to communicate with others at a conversation club meeting.

Practical Experience

Meetings revolve around a specific theme, and participants take part in various related activities, including games, trivia and guided discussions. Some recent group exercises have included filling out a March Madness bracket, participating in ���ϲ����� history trivia and planning a cross-country road trip.

Each session is planned and facilitated by graduate students, with oversight from Hammerle and other faculty. Through this experience, students acquire transferable skills that will benefit their careers as speech-language pathologists after graduation. They learn how to:

• Use different types of high-tech alternative augmentative communication devices;
• Assist group members with programming and troubleshooting; and
• Operate various software used by each participant.

Alongside these practical skills, students also build relational competencies through their interactions with group members, allowing them to see AAC users as individuals rather than just focusing on their devices.

“By spending a semester in the group, they form great relationships with the AAC users that can help inform their empathy and clinical care in the field,” says Hammerle.

Spreading AAC Awareness

To help educate the public about Alternative Augmentative Communication, several organizations came together in 2007 to designate October as AAC Awareness Month. It marks a time to celebrate individuals who utilize AAC for communication and create supportive communities for AAC users. Each October, members of the conversation club create outreach initiatives to express their unique perspectives, and this year they produced a news article. According to Hammerle, the goal was to help make the public aware of what AAC is, provide tips for communicating with AAC users and express what AAC means to them.

Below are excerpts from the team’s news article, lightly edited for length and clarity:

The Significance of AAC Awareness Month

This month encourages advocacy, education and understanding, helping to raise awareness about the diverse methods of communication available. By promoting AAC, we aim to empower users, foster connections and enhance inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to express themselves and be heard.

By raising awareness, we can break down barriers and misconceptions surrounding communication challenges, empowering individuals to express themselves fully. AAC awareness encourages empathy, patience and support from friends, family and the community, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those who rely on these tools. As we advocate for AAC, we promote not only the right to communicate but also the celebration of diverse perspectives, reminding us that every individual’s voice matters.

The Advantages of AAC for its Users

Mike, an AAC user who comes to the Gebbie Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic for conversation club, says that AAC serves as a vital means of communication for him, as it helps him “get the thoughts out of [his] head. I don’t want them going into the ether.”

Shannon, another member of the conversation club, says that while some people may use AAC occasionally, for others, “it’s a lifeline to the rest of the world so we aren’t so encapsulated in our own heads with our own thoughts.”

Tips for Effective Communication with AAC Users

Brad, a member of the conversation club, says that AAC is “unpredictable technology. They want to work when they want to work.” Shannon added, “just because I use this to speak doesn’t mean I don’t understand what you say and do.” Brad says that AAC is akin to learning a foreign language, and often, the user may be the only person in their family fluent in this form of communication, highlighting the need for patience and empathy from those around them.

The group notes, “We want people communicating with AAC users to know that the process can be time-consuming.” Mike says, “Just give [us] time to speak. It may take a while, but [we] may have something important to say.”

The group notes that everyone deserves to have the time they need to express themselves fully, so patience is key. Rushing the conversation can lead to missed opportunities for deeper understanding, so allowing for that extra time can make all the difference in fostering genuine communication.

If you use AAC and would like to find out more about the conversation club or learn about the clinic’s other services, visit the website or contact them at gebbie@syr.edu.

PEACE, Inc.

is a nonprofit, community-based organization that serves nearly 10,000 clients in ���ϲ�����, Onondaga County and portions of Oswego County. Its mission is to help people in the community realize their potential for becoming self-sufficient.

Give-A-Holiday

This program offers individuals and groups the opportunity to brighten up the holidays for families in need by supplying gifts during the holiday season through either a gift basket or a monetary donation. ���ϲ����� employees can . PEACE, Inc. will pick up baskets on campus on Monday, Dec. 16 from 9 to 10 a.m. and from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. If you’re unable to drop off your gifts on campus, we invite you to visit the PEACE, Inc. Eastwood Community Center during the following times:

• • Friday, Dec. 13: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 16: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monetary donations can also be made online on the��.

For more information or questions, please contact PEACE, Inc. at 315.634.3740 or��giveaholiday@peace-caa.org.

United Way of Central New York

is an innovative and collaborative local nonprofit organization that drives solutions to the most pressing human service community needs of Central New York.

��CNY Care Package Project

• The drive is now underway. Last year, this project collected enough donations to create 850 care packages. United Way needs your help to reach its 2024 goal of 1,000 care packages for people in need in our community. You can get involved by purchasing and donating personal care items at ���ϲ�����-area Wegmans stores, via an Amazon wish list or by making a monetary donation at .

Salvation Army

��is a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting human needs without discrimination and encouraging and empowering those in need to reach their full potential. Each year, The Salvation Army of ���ϲ����� helps provide Christmas food and toys to nearly 10,000 people with the help of dozens of community partners.

Holiday Programs

• : Each year, more than 1,200 teens receive a gift at The Salvation Army’s Christmas Bureau. You can help by donating a gift for a teen (ages 13-18) that ensures everyone can experience the magic of the holidays. To support this goal, The Hayner Hoyt Corporation has generously agreed to match all donations up to $25,000.
• : Now through Christmas Eve, there are 24 Red Kettle locations across Onondaga County. Want to help ring the bell? Sign up now as an individual or as a group at .
• Monetary donations can also be made online through .

For additional information or questions, please contact Deanna Delmonico at 315.479.1162 or��deanna.delmonico@use.salvationarmy.org.

InterFaith Works

is a nonprofit organization that provides services to address the needs of people who are vulnerable, low-income, targets of oppression and refugees who arrive through the federal refugee resettlement programs, fleeing war, political repression and famine. InterFaith Works also strives to address the needs of the frail or elderly, those in prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes, and to address hunger and housing needs.

Gift Basket Initiative

This fiscal year, InterFaith Works has resettled 1,015 refugees. Through the initiative, donors are asked to create a gift basket that will be given to families they serve. Some gift ideas for the baskets include:

• Gift cards: $20 or more to Walmart, Target or Tops;
• Food items: Honey, jam, crackers, hot chocolate, sweets, chocolates, candies, tea, cookies or graham crackers;
• Warm items: Gender-neutral scarves/hats, warm socks/gloves or throw blankets;
• Personal/household items: Disposable razors, lotion, shaving cream, key chains, water bottles, laundry baskets, detergent, cutting boards, dish towels or towel sets;
• Fun items: Board games, cards or new toys.

This can be used to document the items being donated and should be included with the basket. All baskets must be delivered to the InterFaith Works offices (located at 1010 James Street, ���ϲ�����, NY 13203) by Friday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m. For more information, contact Rhonda Butler at 315.449.3552 ext. 127 or rbutler@ifwcny.org.

SU News reached out to some of the chaplains at to ask about gratitude—what gratitude means in their faith tradition; why gratitude is important in our lives and how it can be expressed to others. Learn more about their perspectives on gratitude.

Rabbi Ethan Bair—Jewish Chaplain

Jews are all about gratitude! Yehudim, “Jews” in Hebrew, has the same shoresh or “root” as ��ǻ岹’a��, gratitude. We are called “those who are grateful.” We have so much to be grateful for throughout Jewish history and memory.

Rabbi Ethan Bair

We start every day all year with prayers and songs of gratitude to God and Shabbat is a day of rest on which we reflect on all that matters most and our gratitude: spending time with friends and family, practicing Judaism and protecting a day of rest for ourselves and our community in a hectic, capitalist world. The first prayer we say each morning as we get out of bed is “Modeh Ani Lefanecha”—“I thank you”—”for restoring my soul to me with compassion and for “Your faithfulness, God!” On Shabbat dinner tables everywhere, family members often share what they’re most grateful for from the past week.

Gratitude is in our bones and defines who we are as a people.

Sensei JoAnn Cooke, Buddhist Chaplain

Sensei JoAnn Cooke

In Buddhist practice, we try to be aware of what we call “the Three Poisons:” greed, anger and delusions. They are called the three poisons because they are the root of all of our suffering.

To end all suffering, we must wake up to our involvement with these poisons. When we express our��gratitude, we transform those poisons. We cut through greed by not wanting more but being satisfied with what we have. We cut through anger, being grateful to our adversaries and the challenges they provide for opening our hearts.�� We cut through delusion about who we are and what matters.

No matter what the circumstances are, it is impossible to be suffering when you are grateful.

Imam Amir Durić—Muslim Chaplain

Imam Amir Durić

In Islam, gratitude starts with recognizing the countless blessings we enjoy every day and not taking them for granted. Two Arabic terms,��hamd��and��shukr,��refer to expressing��gratitude��and praise.��Hamd��is about praising God Almighty, while��shukr��is about thanking our Creator for what He gives and expressing gratitude to others. We use the phrase “Alhamdulillah“—”All praise is due to God” frequently in gratitude when someone asks us how we are doing, when we wake up healthy, when something good happens, after meals, in each unit of daily prayers, and so on. The first verse of the Qur’an starts with the phrase “Alhamdulillah,”��highlighting the importance of gratitude. In other words, it is not just a feeling but an essential form of worship.

Gratitude is essential because it keeps our hearts connected to the source of all goodness and brings our attention to things we already possess. Rather than being desperate about something we don’t have, gratitude brings joy through appreciating and celebrating what we already have in our lives. Gratitude also fosters humility by acknowledging that we are not self-sufficient but depend on our Creator and the kindness of others around us. Gratefulness transforms our perspective and builds a positive mindset, making us more patient and resilient in challenging times.

We can express gratitude through small acts of kindness, helping others, sharing our resources, kind words, sincere thanks, smiles, praying and supplicating for those who have benefited us, and spreading good wherever we can.

Sanjay Mathur—Hindu Chaplain

Sanjay Mathur

Gratitude is difficult to define. It has been conceptualized as an emotion, an attitude, a moral virtue, a habit, a personality trait and a coping response. Gratitude is a sacred obligation (duty) that every Hindu is supposed to fulfill during their lifetime. This means appreciation for family, ancestors, cultural values, appreciation for God, appreciation for knowledge, skills and talents and appreciation for ecosystem. Gratitude is the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself; it is a general state of thankfulness and/or appreciation.

Taking the time to feel gratitude may improve your emotional wellbeing by helping you cope with stress. It can help you learn to recognize the good things in your life despite our challenges. A good practice is to reflect on the good things that have happened. It can be as simple as enjoying a hot mug of coffee. It can also mean being grateful for a close friend’s compassionate support. Allowing yourself a moment to enjoy that you had the positive experience, no matter what negatives may exist in your life, lets positive feelings of gratitude bubble up. When we are grateful, we acknowledge the sacrifices of others and step up to make sacrifices when we are called to do so.

Simply giving thanks affects everything—the way we feel, think and act. This reminds us of all the things we have in life rather than focusing on what we lack.

Sophia Perez—Christian Protestant Assistant Chaplain, Non-Denominational

Sophia Perez

In my faith tradition, gratitude means taking a moment to pause and to thank God for what He has done for our lives. We often put praise and worship into practice to express to God how grateful we are for this gift of undeserving love.

Gratitude is important because we often live our lives in the fast lane; we wake up, go to work, sleep and do it again the next day. However, when we take a moment to be grateful and pause and give thanks to God, our friends or our family and all that they have done for us, it can often bring joy and encouragement into our lives, and motivation to do better and be better.

Gratitude can be expressed to others by simple things such as words of gratitude and/or a hug to a friend who has done something special for us or has lent us a hand in time of need. We can also be ready to help whenever our friend needs our assistance later in the future. Showing gratitude because someone has done something special for you can also be passed on to strangers whom you have not interacted with such as sharing a smile, holding the door, volunteering at a food pantry, etc.

Rev. Jee Hae Song—Christian Protestant Chaplain, United Methodist

Rev. Jee Hae Song

Every year when the holiday season for Christians is about to begin, we encounter the day of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving lends itself to helping us name the many ways we are blessed, focusing on the source of all blessings.

Where can we find gratitude? In the United Methodist tradition, it is often encouraged to read one of the Creation Psalms on Thanksgiving Day. These Psalms remind us that all that we enjoy, all that we are blessed of, and all that we are thankful for are attributed to God who provides all. And this Creator loves us and blesses us. This theology is best embodied, as we Christians believe, in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

We are thankful to God when we know that all we have and are blessed with is from the Creator of the Universe.

Father Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv.—Catholic Chaplain

Father Gerry Waterman

One of the Catholic Church’s favorite saints, St. Francis of Assisi, said that gratitude is the most perfect prayer since all we have is a gift from our loving God. Pope Francis said that gratitude can make the world a better place and that it can transmit hope. Gratitude can help us grow in charity, which according to St. Paul is the greatest virtue. Practicing gratitude can allow us to discover true Christian joy!

Gratitude can easily be expressed to others by acknowledging and thanking them for their presence in your life and for the difference they make in your world! Sometimes a smile does it most simply. I like to write (in cursive) thank you notes to share my gratitude.

I’d say what is clear to me, and I wanted folks to be clear that are in the Senate, is that the two clear changes that are coming is consolidation is continuing. It’s largely driven by media and where the money is, but conference realignment and consolidating into smaller numbers of schools that are receiving large amounts of revenue is continuing to occur.And if you want to compete at the highest level in intercollegiate sports, it’s going to cost a lot more money. What’s undecided and what’s really up for grabs is where that money is coming from, who it’s spent on and how it’s going to be spent. Those are issues that if this was just a professional sport league would be decided by the owners and the managers and the commissioners. That’s largely where this discussion has been occurring at colleges so far. But there are stakeholders that need to be at the table in that discussion, and those are the students themselves, and not just the student-athletes, but the students who come to college partly for this as part of the experience. It has to be the faculty that are responsible for teaching and curriculum related to these students. And a little more, it has to be the presidents owning up to responsibility for these decisions.

I’ve been trying to get that to happen, to get ���ϲ����� to be at the table nationally for these discussions and here, to get all the University stakeholders at the table. I’m thrilled about this discussion and the involvement of this committee and these issues going forward. I have strong views on a lot of the questions that have been raised, including the role of collective bargaining going forward, including Title IX, including other things. But it’s not just my decision; it’s not the athletic director’s decision; it’s not athletics’ decision—on ��whether to impose a student fee, for example. It’s a more general discussion, and this is just the beginning of that discussion, but it’s going to be fairly active all year. That’s pretty much all I can say at the moment about the uncertainty.

I can give three other quick updates and then take questions. On benefits, open enrollment ended. WellNow has reached an agreement with Excellus, so that urgent care provider is now in network. Negotiation is still going on with FamilyCare Medical Group and St. Joseph’s Health. So we’ll keep you informed as that goes forward. I’m still hopeful that those agreements will happen by Jan. 1.

I do want to let people know that we are transitioning the management of the bookstore, University Campus Store, to Barnes & Noble, and that includes books and course materials. As part of that transition, Associate Provost for Academic Programs Julie Hasenwinkel and Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer John Papazoglou have created and convened and are leading a Textbook Affordability Working Group. That’s formed in response to student concerns, including from the Student Association, about the high cost of textbooks and the lack of advanced notice on what textbooks are required in particular courses. The group’s goals include getting faculty to disclose their textbook requirements before students register for classes if possible, giving students more time to seek affordable options like used books or rentals, exploring options for supporting faculty to select lower cost textbooks and streamlining the textbook adoption process. This has been requested by the students multiple times, including the Student Association leadership. The group is going to share its recommendations once it concludes his work and will be reported out in some way through the Senate.

And the last thing to say is, with all the changes in athletics, I’d also like to notice that some of our teams are having good success, including in football and basketball. And, I hope women’s basketball again tonight. We are opening formally for the first time to the public, the Miron Victory Court for the football game on Saturday. It is a new event space that stretches the length of the space between the Barnes Center and the JMA Wireless Dome. This is a fairly large space that is useful for all kinds of things, indoor tailgating, student events, public events, job fairs. It opens both into the Barnes Center and into the JMA Dome so it can be an adjunct space to either one or both, or neither. If you think of it as a space that could be used for all sorts of things, including things that have currently been restricted to using the Goldstein Auditorium because of size. It has good acoustics and good technology. I thank everybody in Campus Planning, Design and Construction, in Advancement, everybody, who helped get that open, and I encourage you to take a look at it this weekend and buy tickets for the Connecticut game.

Egyptologist Mark Lehner presented the Phanstiel Lecture, “The People Who Built the Pyramids—How We Know,” earlier this month in Maxwell Auditorium. (Photos by Chuck Wainwright)

For Egyptologist Mark Lehner, who has researched the monuments and environs of the Giza Plateau for decades, his question for most of his career has not been about how they were built but rather who crafted these enduring wonders.

“I was simply asking where are all the people? Where’s the settlement? What would it tell us about their lives if we could dig into it with scientific archaeology?” said Lehner, who presented the Phanstiel Lecture, “The People Who Built the Pyramids—How We Know,”��earlier this month in Maxwell Auditorium.

To get to those answers, “I realized that I had to turn my back to the pyramids and look beyond them, around them, to understand the pyramids themselves,” Lehner said. “Because if you don’t understand the elementary structures of everyday life of a people, of a culture, you don’t understand their monuments.”

A distinguished archeologist and founder and president of Ancient Egypt Research Associates (AERA), Lehner has over 40 years of experience studying Egypt’s ancient history. Founded in 1985, the AERA expanded the research on the infrastructure of the pyramid builders, revealing insights into the life of the ancient workforce.

Lehner’s work includes such groundbreaking projects as mapping the Great Sphinx and leading the Giza Plateau Mapping project, an initiative that unearths and studies Old Kingdom settlements.

Sponsored by the , Lehner’s visit was one of the ’ centennial events.

“It’s a particular honor to be here celebrating 100 years of the Maxwell School, and I realize that we’re way, way deep into time here compared to a lot of studies here at the Maxwell School, and I’m just wondering if this deep dive into early, early civilization history might serve as some kind of notice about what is citizenship, what is public affairs, what was it 4,500 years ago?” Lehner said. “What does citizenship mean in these very, very early periods? And for that matter, was there even such a thing as public versus private?”

Lost City of the Pyramids

Presenting photos and diagrams of the Giza Plateau and its famous sites, Lehner spoke about his discoveries in the Lost City of the Pyramids, a site south of the Sphinx that the AERA team began excavating in 1988. The site, near a stone wall known as Heit el-Ghurab (or “Wall of the Crow”), yielded a find of an ancient urban settlement that served those building the great pyramids 4,500 years ago.

Below the sands, workers exposed the architectural footprint of a labor organization, Lehner said. They found small houses, streets, bakeries, a royal administrative building and a complex of galleries that would have housed the workers.

Egyptologist Mark Lehner presented the Phanstiel Lecture, “The People Who Built the Pyramids—How We Know,”��earlier this month in Maxwell Auditorium.

Animal bones, ancient plants and chips of stone tools—these tiny fragments, which they found through the meticulous sieving process—revealed everyday life.

“We had evidence from the ancient bone that up to several thousand people were eating meat every day, prime beef,” Lehner said. “So we came up with the barracks hypothesis. The idea that people in the provinces were pulsed through the gallery complex during periods of obligatory labor.”

They also discovered wares and remnants of materials that would have been brought in from other parts of Africa and the Middle East.

Their findings and hypotheses have been substantiated by an important discovery in the desert caves at Wadi al-Jarf near the Red Sea. Fellow archeologist Pierre Tallet and his colleagues found the world’s oldest inscribed papyri, written accounts by the people who built the pyramids.

Lehner and Tallet collaborated to connect the writings with the physical remnants. “This is just one example of the evidence we used to reconstruct the pyramid builders’ floodplain and waterways,” Lehner said. “We think they actually dredged these harbors and waterways to the depths of the main trunk channel of the Nile, a Western Nile branch to bring water as close as possible to the foot of the Giza Plateau.”

Training the Next Generation of Archeologists

Lehner discussed another important aspect of AERA: training Egyptian archeologists to continue this important work. With funding from private sources and the U.S. Agency for International Development, AERA has trained 350 scholars over 19 years.

“We became one of the largest deployments in Egyptian archeology, and these students have gone on to become major officials and directors within the Ministry of Antiquities,” Lehner said.

Following Lehner’s lecture, Maxwell School Dean David M. Van Slyke recognized the archeologist’s work and how his research “shines a light” on those who contributed to these monumental achievements but are often overlooked.

“Dr. Lehner uncovers not only the physical infrastructure that sustained these great undertakings but also the values, daily lives and ingenuity of the ancient workforce that powered them,” Van Slyke said. “The builder city stands as a tribute to these individuals and reminds us that behind every monumental structure are stories of human resilience and creativity.”

Egyptologist Mark Lehner presented the Phanstiel Lecture, “The People Who Built the Pyramids—How We Know,”��earlier this month in Maxwell Auditorium.

The competition will take place on April 3, 2025, and offers a unique platform for students and teams to propose their ideas for combating the spread of inaccurate or misleading health information among college students. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their strategies in front of a distinguished panel of judges, including experts in public health, media and business innovation.

“We are living in an era where misinformation can have serious, even life-threatening consequences,” says Alexandra Punch, director of the Lerner Center. “This competition is not just about raising awareness but driving real, actionable ideas and solutions that can be implemented on a community or even national scale.”

Submissions for the upcoming competition will be judged based on four key criteria: creativity, feasibility, impact potential and scalability. The top team will be awarded cash prizes, mentorship opportunities and access to valuable resources to further refine and implement their project. Finalists will also gain the opportunity to connect with influential stakeholders in the fields of public health and entrepreneurship, opening doors for potential partnerships and ongoing support.

The Lerner Center and Blackstone LaunchPad are hosting information sessions for prospective participants. The next session will be , and will provide detailed guidance on the competition, offering tips on crafting an effective pitch and outlining the submission process.

The Social Impact Pitch Competition, which aims to attract both students and professionals, will focus this year on combating misinformation—an issue that has gained prominence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as misleading health narratives have proliferated on social media and other platforms. The competition seeks to inspire innovative solutions to the growing public health challenge.

For those interested in more information or to sign up for updates, visit the Lerner Center’s or attend one of the upcoming information sessions.

Through a new initiative called Lender Global, each year one of the University’s abroad centers will be designated as the Lender Global Partner. In addition, three research fellowships will be awarded to students studying at that location.

Lender Global begins in Spring 2025 at with a focus on social and environmental justice. The student fellows will examine the themes of biodiversity and the rights of nature; climate justice for people of the global majority; and meaningful engagement with ethical travel.

Lender Center Director says the extension of the Lender Center’s social justice initiative via the ���ϲ����� Abroad platform makes sense because most social justice issues exist beyond the United States. “This initiative aligns with the University’s goals of preparing students to be responsible global citizens and addressing the social and scientific issues that affect people everywhere. It helps raise awareness that social justice issues don’t begin and end at a country’s borders and that solutions can come from innovative thinkers and dedicated researchers anywhere in the world.”

Assistant Provost and ���ϲ����� Abroad Executive Director says, “We are pleased to partner with the Lender Center on this innovative concept that enhances our current programming and supports experiential learning, innovative research and human thriving. It’s an excellent way for students to include unique research opportunities while they study abroad.” ��

Climate Research

Students will be mentored and guided in their research by , an environmental activist-academic who is ���ϲ����� Abroad’s London-based community engagement specialist, and Maggie Sardino ’23, a graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and a Marshall Scholar. The fellows will be affiliated with ���ϲ����� London’s Environment, Sustainability and Policy learning community, which allows students to take classes, live, intern, volunteer and engage in other activities alongside peers with similar interests.

In addition to working on their research and participating in the learning community, fellows will also collaboratively develop communication tools for future ���ϲ����� Abroad students about how to be mindful of their ecological footprint and meaningfully engage with ethical travel, according to Farnum.

Spring 2024 students in the ���ϲ����� Abroad London center program visit the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Wales as part of their examination of sustainable energy transitions and environmental heritage. (Photo by ���ϲ����� London staff)

Farnum says London is an ideal location to study how major cities can creatively solve sustainability challenges. “London regularly ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 Sustainable Cities, is home to many of the world’s greenest buildings and is technically classified as a forest given its extensive green spaces, which comprise 47% of the city’s area. That’s why London makes a wonderful ‘living lab’ for this topic and why the London center provides a natural home for environmental, sustainability and policy studies.”

Troy Gordon, ���ϲ����� Abroad director of global teaching and learning, says the social and environmental justice program is one of the ���ϲ����� London center’s strengths. That focus comprises about 15% of the center’s curriculum—including a pre-semester traveling seminar on sustainability in Scandinavia, a course on climate change and environmental activism and a studio-based course on urban sustainability, in addition to its Learning Community for Environment, Sustainability and Policy. Students are also able to engage and learn in an exciting, green urban environment where social and environmental justice is a focal point and a true strength of the center, he says.

Students enrolled in the Spring 2025 London abroad program will be invited to apply for the fellowship.

Fall 2023 students from a geography course on environmental racism in the ���ϲ����� London program volunteer at Calthorpe Community Garden. It is a green space in the heart of London supporting food security and cultural connection for migrant populations. (Photo by ���ϲ����� London staff)

Lender Center Support

The Lender Center for Social Justice, made possible by a gift from , seeks to foster proactive, innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to social justice issues of equity and inclusion. The Lender Global program is designed to prompt development of novel approaches and creative solutions to global challenges while considering the needs and capacities of the partner program and its host community, Phillips says.

���ϲ����� Abroad shares many of the Lender Center’s values and commitments, according to Wilkens. Consistently ranked among top study abroad programs in the U.S., ���ϲ����� Abroad has a long history of meaningful community engagement, experiential learning and cultural exchange around the world. Quality academic experiences across professional and liberal arts disciplines are offered at six overseas centers in Florence, London, Madrid, Santiago (Chile), Strasbourg (France) and through a program in Central Europe.

Phillips and Wilkens say ���ϲ����� Santiago will likely be designated as the 2025-26 Lender Global Partner, which would enable students to do research in English, Spanish or both languages.

Requests received after Jan. 10 will be processed in the order they were received and are not guaranteed to be available by the first week of classes. Reserve requests can include library materials, items to be purchased or faculty’s personal copies. Course reserves are an excellent way to provide students with affordable and accessible course materials.

Libraries’ Collection Materials

For that require the Libraries to purchase a new item not currently in the collection, the Libraries will purchase the eBook version when available. This allows more students to use course material at the same time and provides students with easier access.

Faculty requesting a print copy in course reserves should indicate that in the notes section of the form. The Libraries may require four to six weeks to purchase and receive new physical items. All physical course reserve items will only be available at Bird Library. Please note that the Libraries does not offer course reserves for electronic articles from professional journals.

Faculty Personal Copies

Personal copies of materials on course reserve for student access should also be submitted through the Libraries’ . For faculty requesting that personal copies be picked up from faculty department offices, email reserves@syr.edu with faculty name, course number and number of items/books to be picked up in the email.

Accessible Files

As you compile the resources you will be putting on reserve this coming semester, please remember that these resources may need to be in a format that is accessible for students who need to use screen readers or text-to-speech software to access these resources. If you need an accessible file, please indicate that in the notes section on the or email reserve@syr.edu.

For more information about course reserves, visit the .

Transportation

has announced reduced campus shuttle services during the Thanksgiving break.��Safety escort services are available from 8 p.m.-6 a.m. from Nov. 23-Dec. 1 by using the .

For those students looking for help reaching their destinations over the break, Student Engagement provides roundtrip buses to select cities on the East Coast. The cities include: New York City; Boston, Massachusetts; Washington, D.C.; White Plains, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Rockaway, New Jersey. Bus tickets are $110 and seats are still available. Visit the for more information.

The University also provides complimentary roundtrip transportation to the ���ϲ����� Hancock International Airport and the Regional Transportation Center (for buses and trains). Buses will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, with pickup from Goldstein Student Center (South Campus), College Place and the Brewster/Boland/Brockway Complex. On Sunday, Dec. 1, buses will provide return transportation from the ���ϲ����� Airport/Regional Transportation Center from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Campus Dining

Many campus dining options will be closed or operate at limited hours over the break.��To see the hours of operation for all locations, ��. Here are some options for where to eat on campus each day.

• Saturday, Nov. 23
  • Sadler Dining Center, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 24
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 25
  • Dunkin’, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Gerry’s Café, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Life Sciences Café, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
  • Halal Shack, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Tavola 44, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 26
  • Dunkin’, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Gerry’s Café, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Life Sciences Café, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
  • Halal Shack, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Tavola 44, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 27
  • Dunkin’, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Gerry’s Café, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Life Sciences Café, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
  • Halal Shack, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Tavola 44, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 28
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 29
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 30
  • Sadler Dining Center, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • Orange Dining Center, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 1
  • Brockway Dining Center, Ernie Davis Dining Center, Graham Dining Center, Orange Dining Center, Sadler Dining Center and Shaw Dining Center, all open standard hours.
  • Starbucks (West Campus), 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Dunkin’, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Greens and Grains, noon-11 p.m.
  • Otto’s Juice Box (Goldstein), noon-11 p.m.
  • Starbucks (Goldstein), noon-8 p.m.
  • CoreLife Eatery, 1-7 p.m.
  • Halal Shack, 1-7 p.m.
  • Original Orange, 4-11 p.m.
  • Southbound, 4-11 p.m.
  • Tomato Wheel, 4-11 p.m.

Barnes Center at The Arch

Barnes Center at The Arch hours for health care, mental health, recreation and other facilities over Thanksgiving break are available on the��.

Reminder: Call 315.443.8000 for 24-Hour Support

Students experiencing a mental health crisis, seeking support for sexual assault or relationship violence, or needing urgent medical consultation can receive free, confidential services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 315.443.8000. Routine consultations should hold until the next business day.

Libraries

The hours for ���ϲ����� Libraries facilities are as follows:

• Saturday, Nov. 23
  • Bird Library, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 24
  • Bird Library, noon-8 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 25
  • Bird Library, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Carnegie Library, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Law Library, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • King + King Architecture Library, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 26
  • Bird Library, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Carnegie Library, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Law Library, 8 a.m.-5 p.m
  • King + King Architecture Library, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 27
  • Bird Library, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Carnegie Library, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Law Library, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 28-Friday, Nov. 29
  • No libraries open
• Saturday, Nov. 30
  • Bird Library, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 1
  • Bird Library, opens at 10 a.m.
  • Carnegie Library, noon-8 p.m.

Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety is available to the campus community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The department can be reached at 315.443.2224 or by dialing 711 from any campus phone.

This story was written by Student Experience communications intern Chloe Langerman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

The application deadline for the 2025-26 Remembrance Scholarship cohort is Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.

The Remembrance Scholarship is one of the highest honors a ���ϲ����� student can receive. Those selected are chosen on the basis of leadership, creativity, thoughtful academic inquiry and community impact, including through service to the military, ROTC, first responder, student government, campus clubs or other community organizations.

The 35 rising seniors chosen are each awarded a $5,000 Remembrance Scholarship, and are charged with helping to educate the campus community about the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988.

Scholars are expected to undertake meaningful service and to promote initiatives to combat hatred and extremism.��Through education, all 270 lost in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, especially our 35 students, are remembered and honored. The motto of the Remembrance Scholars is “Look Back and Act Forward.”

Who Can Apply?

Any ���ϲ����� undergraduate student who is in good academic standing and will graduate in either December 2025, May 2026 or summer 2026 is eligible to apply. Students self-nominate for this scholarship. This award is not tied to financial need.

Information Sessions

Information sessions will be held on the following dates and times:

• Thursday, Dec. 5, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Room 104, Whitman School of Management
• Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 4 to 5 p.m. on (registration required)

At each session, current Remembrance Scholars will provide an overview of their experience, from the application stage to their participation in Remembrance Week.

To request accommodations for the information sessions, contact Melissa Welshans at mlwelsha@syr.edu.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.

Questions may be directed to remember@syr.edu.

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

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

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

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

Check out how the two days went:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 three hours per month. Current library student employees are ineligible to participate.

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

The Department of Public Safety accepts their Advanced Accreditation during the Fall 2024 CALEA Conference. Pictured from left: CALEA Commissioner Marlon Lynch, DPS Director of Administration Donna Adams, Associate VP and Chief of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Craig A. Stone, DPS Accreditation Manager and Detective Chris Wood and CALEA Executive Director W. Craig Hartley, Jr. (Photo courtesy of CALEA)

The number one priority of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is keeping the campus community safe. This is accomplished through adhearing to public safety standards set forth by the and the . DPS obtained both the IACLEA accreditation in 2015 and CALEA accreditation in 2020 and is pleased to announce being granted advanced accreditation by CALEA.

In April 2022, Craig A. Stone, associate vice president and chief of campus safety and emergency management services, directed DPS staff to work together to seek advanced accreditation knowing that this would not only enhance the delivery of public safety services but also build trust within the campus community. Advanced accreditation surpasses standard accreditation by requiring the DPS to meet an even more comprehensive set of rigorous standards. This level of accreditation is a testament to DPS’s dedication to adopting and following best recognized practices, maintaining high levels of professionalism, and ensuring that its operations are aligned with the most up-to-date and effective law enforcement methodologies.

“We appreciate the annual external file reviews, and the independent on-site assessment conducted by CALEA to verify our compliance with advanced accreditation,” says Chief Stone. “Obtaining advanced accreditation is a voluntary process, which we welcomed as an opportunity to demonstrate the highest level of public safety service in our commitment to keeping the campus community safe.”

During its assessment, DPS demonstrated compliance with CALEA’s advanced standards, addressing the requirements with minimal issues. Throughout the process, the department consistently met the stringent criteria set by CALEA, showcasing its commitment to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, accountability and operational excellence.

“Obtaining advanced law enforcement accreditation from CALEA demonstrates the commitment the ���ϲ����� Department of Public Safety has for enhancing its operational efficiency, accountability and professionalism,” says Detective Christopher Wood, accreditation manager. “This accreditation provides opportunities for ongoing training and development, improving overall performance and helping to maintain a safe and secure campus environment.”

Through advanced accreditation, DPS has improved its operational capabilities that are designed to address the challenges of campus safety. This includes more innovative training programs for officers, better relationships with our law enforcement partners and the establishment of more robust risk management and crime analysis. These improvements enable the department to respond more effectively to emergencies, manage risks effectively and provide a greater level of security for the campus community.

DPS achieving advanced accreditation with CALEA represents a significant milestone in our commitment to excellence and highlights the department’s critical role as a partner in maintaining a safe and supportive campus, contributing to ���ϲ�����’s broader mission of ensuring a safe and secure living, learning and working environment in partnership with those it serves.

Photo courtesy of stock.adobe.com

Staying in Central New York for Thanksgiving break? Check out our guide for exciting activities and the best spots to order Thanksgiving take-out if you’d rather skip the cooking.

Local Takeout Options

Want to skip all the meal preparation? Many local restaurants are offering delicious takeout options for the holiday, but don’t wait, get your orders in ahead of time.

• (Orders due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22)
• (Orders due by Friday, Nov. 22)
• (Orders are first come, first serve, once form is completed, someone will contact you to confirm)
• (take out available on Nov. 28 from 1-4 p.m.)
• , Onondaga Blvd location (Orders due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25)
• (Orders due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26)
• ��(Orders due 48 hours in advance, Wednesday and Thursday pick-up options available)

Fun Activities for All

If you’re looking for something fun and festive to do to kick off the holidays, this list of activities has something for everyone.

Photo courtesy of Critz Farms’ Facebook page

Address: 3232 Rippleton Rd.- State Route 13 South, Cazenovia
When: Friday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Open for Christmas tree and wreath sales including cut-your-own trees complete with wagon rides and full service baling and tie-down. Don’t forget to stop by the cafe, gift shop and tap room while you are there!

Address: Clinton Square, 161 Genesee St., ���ϲ�������
When: Friday, Nov. 29, 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: The celebration will include the lighting of the 42-foot tree in the heart of downtown ���ϲ����� and performances by local musicians.

Photo courtesy of CNY Regional Market’s Facebook page

Address: CNY Regional Market, 2100 Park St., ���ϲ�����
When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Celebrate local artisans and producers while discovering a wide variety of fresh produce, handmade crafts and unique gifts just in time for the holiday season.

Photo courtesy of Lights on the Lake’s Facebook page

Address: 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool
When: Now through Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
Admission: Tickets range from $10-$20 per carload and are to be
Details: Lights on the Lake is a two-mile long drive-thru show featuring hundreds of holiday displays with over 600,000 lights! Sections include a larger-than life Land of Oz, a twinkling fantasy forest, holiday traditions, a fairy tale magic grand finale and more! Over 40,000 vehicles drive through the show each season, making Lights on the Lake one of Central New York’s favorite holiday traditions. Enjoy your favorite sounds of the season during your visit by tuning in to Sunny 102.1, the official radio station of Lights on the Lake.

Photo courtesy of The Wild Animal Park’s Facebook page

Location: 351 S. Clinton St., ���ϲ�����
When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 3-9 p.m.
Admission: $5, tickets can be��
Details: SKY Armory makes small business Saturday shopping easy when they bring together 70+ of Central New York’s artisans and makers under one roof for an evening of entertainment, food, drinks and shopping.

Location: 201 East Washington St., ���ϲ�����
When: Sunday, Dec. 1, 1-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Experience festive music, yummy treats and handmade gifts for all.

Photo courtesy of skaneateles.com

Location: 7621 Lakeport Rd., Chittenango
When: Now through Jan. 1, 2025 (dates vary, check the )
Admission: $16.99-$19.99 per person, pay at the door when you arrive
Details: Come take a walk through The Wild and see the animals who can tolerate the cold along with beautiful festive lighting displays.

Location: Village of Skaneateles
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 30-Dec. 24, including Fri, Nov. 29, from noon-4 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 24, from noon-2:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Get into the holiday spirit with roasted chestnuts, theater, caroling, pictures with Father Christmas and more at Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles.

The celebration seeks to honor the life and legacy of individuals who exemplify the spirit, life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. yet have not received widespread recognition or been previously honored for their efforts. These individuals represent a direct expression of ���ϲ�����’s commitment to fostering and supporting a university welcoming to all.

If you know an individual who should be honored and celebrated, please consider for recognition at the 2025 celebration. Nominations must be a minimum of 250 words and a maximum��of 500 words. The nomination should be a written explanation of how the nominee embodies Dr. King’s legacy, and what makes them an Unsung Hero. ��included ���ϲ����� community members, and ���ϲ����� faculty, students and staff.

Nominations may be made in any of the following categories:

• youth/teen from Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cayuga or Cortland counties
• adult from Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cayuga or Cortland counties
• currently enrolled student at ���ϲ����� or SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)
• faculty or staff from ���ϲ����� or SUNY ESF

Nominations are due by Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The 2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will take place on Jan. 26, 2025, in the JMA Wireless Dome. Further information will be announced in the coming weeks at .

Questions regarding the Unsung Hero Awards can be directed to Hendricks Chapel at chapel@syr.edu.

Seyvion Scott

Seyvion Scott joined ���ϲ����� Libraries this fall as the student engagement librarian in Learning and Academic Engagement. In this role, Scott will lead user experience and student engagement activities and provide reference, instruction and outreach services.

Prior to joining the Libraries, Scott served as the first-year experience librarian at Monroe Community College in Rochester and Medaille University Library in Buffalo.

Scott received her master’s degree in information science with a concentration in library and information services from the University at Albany (SUNY Albany) and her bachelor’s degree in African and African American Studies from the University of Rochester.

Then he shared that when he poses that question in his classes, hardly anyone raises their hand. When he calls on students, they inevitably describe the feeling they have when around family or when doing something they like, he said.

Brooks tells them: “‘That’s beautiful. That’s lovely. That’s wrong!’”

New York Times bestselling author and former Maxwell professor Arthur C. Brooks discussed the secrets of happiness at an event held on Oct. 30 in the National Veterans Resource Center.

“And it’s good news that it’s wrong,” he explained. “Because if you’re looking for a feeling to get your happiness, you’re going after a vapor. You’re consigning your happiness to forces out of your control. You’re going to go to bed at night saying, boy I sure hope I feel happy tomorrow. And point of fact, that’s how a lot of people live.”

Brooks’ talk, “How to Get Happier in an Unhappy World,” was held in the K.G. Tan Auditorium in the National Veterans Resource Center on Oct. 30. It was hosted by the Maxwell School and sponsored by the D’Aniello Family Foundation, the Louis A. Bantle Chair in Business-Government Policy and the Howard G. and S. Louise Phanstiel Chair in Leadership.

Brooks taught at Maxwell from 2001 to 2009. In addition to serving on the faculty at Harvard, he writes the popular weekly “How to Build a Life” column for The Atlantic and he is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of 13 books, including “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier” (Penguin Random House, 2023), co-authored with Oprah Winfrey.

Brooks’ focus on the scientific study of happiness began as he ended his time as the president of the American Enterprise Institute, a think tank in Washington, D.C. His Harvard class on the subject typically has a waiting list of several hundred students.

“It’s the most oversubscribed elective at the business school,” Brooks told the ���ϲ����� audience, “which is weird, when you think about it. I mean, it’s a business curriculum and I’m teaching about happiness.”

But Brooks contends it’s popular because he is teaching students the business of their lives.

“I reinforce the idea that their lives are an entrepreneurial endeavor and they’re the founders,” said Brooks. “They’re the people who are building this incredible enterprise. The fortune they’re trying to accumulate is in love and happiness, and that’s what I want to help them get better at.”

So, what are the secrets to happiness?

“What we know in this field, based on both behavioral science and neuroscience, is that the happiest people have in both balance and abundance three things,” Brooks said. “They are enjoyment, satisfaction and meaning. Those are the three parts to happiness. You want to be a happier person? Those are things to pursue.”

Brooks spoke in depth about each of the three and how individuals can work to improve the ingredients of happiness in their own lives. He also shared his four pillars for happiness: Faith, family, friendship and work. Faith, he explained, doesn’t require religion, but can also come from something as simple as taking in a beautiful moment in nature.

Brooks’ lecture ended a daylong visit that included lunch with Maxwell and Arts and Sciences leadership scholars, as well as meetings with faculty, staff and University leaders.

“It was such a pleasure to have Arthur back on campus, to not only speak to this audience, but to interact with our students and see many old friends,” said Maxwell Dean David M. Van Slyke. “His insights into achieving happiness are helping people around the globe, and I am hopeful everyone who heard his remarks and spent time with him learned something about this important subject and about themselves.”

Brooks’ work on happiness can be found at .

To support individuals on our campus and in the community, the University is hosting Operation Orange Warmup to collect winter coats. The collection to assist students in need is happening on campus now through Friday, Dec. 6.

“There is a greater need for warm coats on this campus now more than ever before and no one should go without during the winter months,”��says Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the��College of Engineering and Computer Science, who helped establish the Operation Orange Warmup initiative. “Through the work of many campus units, we are helping to ensure those in need are prepared for the cold with a winter coat, and we are proud to partner with InterFaith Works to also assist those in the broader ���ϲ����� community.”

Ways to Donate

Donations can be made several different ways:

• First, happening now through Friday, Nov. 22, students can donate in their residence halls. Collection bins are available in Ernie Davis, Milton, Orange, Day and Brewster, Boland and Brockway halls.
• Next, on Saturday, Nov. 30, when the football team takes on Miami in the JMA Wireless Dome, attendees can bring coats with them to the game. Donation bins will be placed strategically around the JMA Dome at gates A, B, C, D, E, F, M and N.
• Finally, from Monday, Dec. 2, through Friday, Dec. 6, collection bins will be available at Hendricks Chapel, the Schine Student Center on North Campus, Goldstein Student Center on South Campus and the Nancy Cantor Warehouse.

Members of the JMA Dome staff will manage the laundering of the donations before they are given out. Additionally, all children’s coats that are collected will be donated to Interfaith Works.

Volunteer Opportunities

Students looking to volunteer can get involved with Operation Orange Warmup. Volunteers are needed for the following:

• Monitoring collections during the coat drive at the football game on Nov. 30
• Sorting coats at the Schine Student Center
• Administering the selection of coats at the Schine Student Center

For more information and to register to volunteer, students can .

Coat Selection Event

Students in need of a coat can for the coat selection event on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in The Underground at the Schine Student Center.

Through the generosity of Orange fans and the entire ���ϲ����� community, we can share the warmth with those in need this winter!

Entirely student-run, the event will be hybrid, with bidding opening online via Classy Live on Dec. 8 and continuing in-person on Dec. 10, as the Orange men’s basketball team takes on Albany in the JMA Wireless Dome. Online bidding will close at 8 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

A member of the Sport Management Club greets customers at the Charity Sports Auction

The Rescue Mission strives to put “Love into Action” through providing emergency shelter,
clothing and three meals a day every day of the year in Onondaga County. Services including spiritual care, access to mental health professionals, substance abuse programming and physical health services.

“Hearing about all of the great things the Rescue Mission does solidified my determination to
help those in need here at home,” says Paige Haines, director of events and community
engagement at the Rescue Mission.

Over the past 19 years, the auction has raised over $713,000 for central New York nonprofit organizations. Featured items this year include a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar signed playing card, a guitar signed by Sting, a Carmelo Anthony signed ���ϲ����� jersey, and much more.

To further the auction’s mission of community impact, this year’s auction title sponsor Apex Entertainment. Apex’s support underscores the commitment to making a meaningful difference in the CNY community.

Visit us at www.sucharitysportsauction.com or follow us on Twitter (@SPM_Auction) and
Instagram (@SPM_Auction) for the most up-to-date event information.

This story was submitted by students in the Sport Management Club.

“This year, we invite everyone to make ���ϲ����� Stage a part of your holiday celebration,” says Robert Hupp, ���ϲ����� Stage’s artistic director. “Stage’s production of ‘Cinderella’ is a magical treat for the young and the young at heart. We’re eager to share our new production with Central New York; we promise you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.”

Originally premiering as a live television program in 1957 with Julie Andrews in the title role, “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” is a magical celebration that proves dreams come true, if only we dare to wish. This “enchanted” version of the beloved musical is based on the 1997 television film, featuring Brandy as the would-be princess and Whitney Houston as her fairy godmother, and boasts a cast of 30 spectacular performers made up of Broadway veterans, professional actors from around the country and students from the Department of Drama.

“This version of ‘Cinderella’ is absolutely joyous and feels fresh and accessible for a modern audience of all ages,” says director Melissa Rain Anderson. “The heart of the story centers on the possibility of making a dream come true and the will to do something incredible with it. This classic fairytale charms with enchanted animals, soaring love songs and hilarious characters to entertain. Come see how we transform a plain pumpkin into a glimmering carriage and dancing mice into four regal horses with magical surprises along the way.”

Returning to ���ϲ����� Stage after appearing in last season’s “A Christmas Carol,” Department of Drama junior Madison Manning plays the title role in this fantastical and dazzling storybook come-to-life. The cast also features Trisha Jeffrey as Fairy Godmother, Darell Morris Jr. as Prince Christopher, Ann Arvia as Stepmother, David Lowenstein (“A Christmas Carol,” “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”) as King Maximillian, Celia Madeoy (“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” “Elf the Musical”) as Queen Constantina, Blake Segal (“Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express,” “Our Town”) as Lionel and Department of Drama seniors Sydney Carmona, Adeera Harris and Zach Asnis as Joy, Grace and Charles the Cat, respectively.

The design team for “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” features many names familiar to ���ϲ����� Stage audiences, including sets by Kimberly Powers (“A Christmas Carol,” “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”), costumes by Ryan J. Moller (“Matilda The Musical”), wigs by Bobbie Zlotnik (“Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express,” “Tender Rain”), lighting by Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz (“A Christmas Carol,” “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”), sound by ���ϲ����� Stage resident sound designer Jacqueline R. Herter and projections by David Murakami.

Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (book and lyrics) were amongst the most celebrated songwriters of their time, with works that helped shape not only musical theatre as an artform, but popular culture writ large. Their first show, “Oklahoma!” in 1943, changed the landscape of contemporary operetta, and ushered in a golden age of American musicals, defined in part by their landmark works including “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I” and “The Sound of Music.” Their adaptation of “Cinderella” premiered in 1957, and was their only musical written specifically for television audiences. The show was re-staged in 1965 for broadcast with Lesley Ann Warren in the title role, and again in 1997, notably featuring a multiracial cast. “Cinderella” premiered on Broadway in 2013, with an updated score and book. Oscar Hammerstein died in 1960 at the age of 65; Richard Rodgers survived his writing partner by nearly 20 years, passing away at the age of 77 in 1979. Today, their musicals are perennially produced in theatres large and small, seen on television screens around the world and enjoyed by audiences, young and old, who re-discover their timeless stories anew.

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 ���ϲ�����Stage.org, by phone at 315.443.3275 or in person at the ���ϲ����� Stage Box Office. Pay-What-You-Will performances are Nov. 22–Dec. 1 inclusive; Prologue conversations, three pre-show discussions that take place one-hour before curtain on Dec. 1, 7 and 19; the Post-show Talkback will take place on Sunday, Dec. 15 after the 7:30 p.m. performance. ���ϲ����� Stage has its open-captioned performances scheduled for Dec. 4, 15 and Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m., as well as an audio-described performance on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. The Sensory Friendly/Relaxed performance is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 4 at 2 p.m.

���ϲ����� Stage is pleased to announce the addition of Trivia Night, a new event for the 2024-25 season. Free for ticket holders, Trivia Night invites audiences to go head-to-head for a chance to win exciting ���ϲ����� Stage prizes, in a friendly competition hosted by “Jeopardy!” champion Dillon Hupp. Trivia Night will be held on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are required to participate. Pre-registration at ���ϲ�����stage.org is recommended.

The collections include:

As the has observed in “A Guide to Documenting Latino/Hispanic History and Culture in New York State,” “Historical information is inadequately represented in the documentation of broad areas of Hispanic culture, including the fine arts, popular music and dance forms, and folk and traditional arts.” ��Information pertaining to Hispanic businesses as well as the social, political and religious organizations of the community is also limited, and the historical record has poorly reflected Latine experiences related to immigration, discrimination and access to services.

These nine digital collections will begin to remedy the documentation gap relating to the ���ϲ����� Latine community, supporting further work and study in the fields of anthropology, sociology, art, history and Latine studies. La Casita maintains both its physical and digital objects and collections with support from the Libraries, the , the and in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, as well as from community partners including the , the and other colleges and educational institutions in the region.

“The collaboration between La Casita, ���ϲ����� Libraries, CLRC and the NY Heritage Digital Collections is a wonderful, combined effort that benefits all parties and the greater community, ensuring that these important resources are preserved and discovered by scholars, researchers and community members,” says Elisa Dekaney, associate provost for strategic initiatives.

��includes over 400,000 digitized books, manuscripts, maps, letters, photographs and memorabilia. New York Heritage provides access to stories spanning the history of New York, with contributions from over 430 libraries, museums, archives and other community organizations.

“It is very exciting to see one of La Casita’s long-term goals, to make our Cultural Memory Archive accessible online, finally become a reality,” says Tere Paniagua ’82, executive director of the University’s Office of Cultural Engagement for the Hispanic Community. “This is a project developed by La Casita’s Bilingual Library, one that we have been working on for over a decade. Many graduate students from the University’s have contributed to the project, and now that the platform was created for these first nine collections, we welcome more students to take on the task of building new online collections.”

Déirdre Joyce, head of digital stewardship and the Digital Library, added that “the Digital Library Program supports library, campus and community partnerships that find creative ways to publish and express their unique, local digital output to wider digital audiences. In this case, we were delighted to leverage the Libraries’ membership with CLRC on behalf of La Casita, thereby making this content–and�� and the stories of this diverse, ���ϲ����� community–broadly discoverable in New York Heritage. We look forward to continuing this important collaboration.”

“From the beginning of this process, my priority has been developing and implementing a plan that repositions and strengthens the human dynamics academic programs, research and communitywide impact,” says Lois Agnew, interim vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer. “This repositioning elevates our human dynamics programs, fosters stronger collaborations across colleges, advances faculty scholarship and better serves our students and the communities we serve.”

In June, task force members began assessing the current state of the human dynamics disciplines, both on campus and at peer institutions, aggregating feedback from key stakeholders and compiling recommendations for how these programs can be positioned for success and growth in the future. As part of the go-forward plan:

• Marriage and family therapy will merge with human development and family science and become one department within the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Public health will join the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
• Social work will be housed in the School of Education.

These changes, informed in large part by task force recommendations, are designed to enhance the academic and community impact of these programs, grow enrollment, drive research excellence and strengthen the University’s long-standing commitment to preparing professionals to thrive in human, health and social services. They will go into effect July 1, 2025.

“I am grateful to the members of the task force for their thorough, thoughtful and strategic recommendations. I also extend my appreciation to the many students, faculty and staff who provided feedback along the way—through surveys, engagement sessions and other opportunities for submitting input. Their participation in this process and candid feedback were invaluable,” says Provost Agnew.

Today’s news follows an April announcement that the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics will become the Falk College of Sport, the first standalone college on an R1 campus that specifically focuses on sport through a holistic academic lens. As part of the Falk transformation, the University convened the Human Dynamics Task Force, co-chaired by Rachel Razza, associate dean for human dynamics, and Peter Vanable, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School. The task force, which consisted of human dynamics faculty representatives elected from each department, staff and community partners, delivered a final report to the provost last month.

“This work required a commitment to collaboration, a willingness to engage in challenging but necessary dialogue and a shared focus on the immediate and long-term future of the human dynamics academic disciplines,” says Vanable. “Associate Dean Razza and I are grateful to our fellow task force members for their time, dedication and outstanding work. We also appreciate the provost’s commitment to upholding the spirit of our recommendations and look forward to seeing these programs thrive in the future.”

Razza says, “���ϲ����� has long been a leader in interdisciplinary education. The task force agreed that taking a reimagined approach to the human dynamics programs furthers our mission to provide students with a robust, future-focused education that emphasizes both theory and practice. I believe all members of the human dynamics community—students, faculty, staff and Central New York partners—benefit from this important realignment.”

Students currently enrolled in these programs will transition to their new schools and colleges effective July 1, 2025. Students enrolling in these programs in fall 2025 will matriculate into the school or college housing their academic program.

Robert J. Miron ’59�� and his wife, Diane, lead the ribbon cutting with Chancellor Kent Syverud as Miron Victory Court welcomes its first guests.

On Friday, Nov. 8, members of the ���ϲ����� community gathered to celebrate the dedication of Miron Victory Court, a new dynamic campus space that physically connects two of the University’s most visited campus facilities—the JMA Wireless Dome and the Barnes Center at The Arch. Named for Life Trustee Robert “Bob” J. Miron ’59 and his wife, Diane, Miron Victory Court is a living testament to their dedication to the University and their support of the Forever Orange Campaign.

“Bob and Diane Miron’s generosity brought this amazing new event space to life,” said Chancellor Kent Syverud. “The Miron Victory Court is the latest example of how transformational gifts through the Forever Orange Campaign create new opportunities for our Orange community to come together. Whether we’re welcoming fans for an indoor tailgate, celebrating an important University milestone or hosting a communitywide event, this will be a place to engage, connect and celebrate for generations to come.”

Miron Victory Court

The enclosed pedestrian concourse is part of the University’s multi-million-dollar project that reimagined and transformed the JMA Wireless Dome experience. Miron Victory Court expands and redefines the JMA Dome’s footprint and will provide a more seamless navigational experience between the Barnes Center and the JMA Dome.

During his remarks, Bob Miron said he was “blown away by the whole thing” [Miron Victory Court] and extended his deep appreciation to the Chancellor; Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer; and several fellow trustees for their support of this vision.

“It’s pretty impressive to see this space in person,” said Bob Miron. “We’ve always had the philosophy, Diane and I, of wanting to give back, and to give back while you can appreciate and see the value of doing it. ���ϲ����� is where I grew up so it’s been a pleasure for us to enjoy the fruits of our philanthropy.”

The Mirons have supported many academic programs, University priorities and athletic initiatives over the years through service and philanthropy. The Diane and Bob Miron Fund for Academic Success supports academic and student success initiatives within the ���ϲ����� Libraries, including entrepreneurship efforts like the Blackstone LaunchPad, student services, technology enhancements and the creation and maintenance of student spaces. The Miron Learning Commons on the first floor of Bird Library was dedicated in their honor in 2022.

Members of the University community gathered to celebrate the dedication of Miron Victory Court.

Prior to his retirement, Bob Miron served as chairman and CEO of Advance/Newhouse Communications, where he oversaw the company’s cable television interests. Diane Miron serves on the Libraries Advisory Board. She is a graduate of Kean (then Newark State) College and holds a degree in elementary education and an honorary doctorate degree. Diane taught elementary school for 25 years, then became a teacher advisor on using technology and cable television in the classroom. The Mirons’ daughter, Nomi Bergman, was elected to the University’s Board of Trustees in May and installed on Thursday, Nov. 7—continuing the Miron family’s service to the University.

At the dedication event, several other generous donors were recognized for their support of Miron Victory Court and the JMA Dome transformation, including Trustee Clifford J. Ensley ’69, ’70, G’71 and his wife, Susan; Trustee Edward J. Pettinella G’76, P’09 and his family; and the State of New York.

About ���ϲ�����

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

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

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

Douglas Present

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

is one of three postdoctoral fellows who are involved in the center’s examination of the in America. That initiative explores the gap’s causes and consequences and aims to create effective solutions to counter it through social collaborations that help dismantle the root causes of racial wealth disparities.

Before coming to ���ϲ�����, Christophe was a research fellow focused on this area at the at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Before that, she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance and business administration from Florida Memorial University and a Ph.D. in management from Morgan State University.

We sat down with Christophe to hear about her interest in understanding the critical stages of entrepreneurial journeys, the psychological factors and resource needs that drive entrepreneurial success and the dynamics between individual entrepreneurs and social institutions.

What is involved?

• Completing online surveys or a phone interview to screen eligibility
• A speech pathology assessment to fully determine study eligibility (~90 minutes)
• A session to assess the participant’s response to teaching strategies (~50 minutes)
• Sixteen (16) free 60-minute sessions using a treatment called speech motor chaining. Sessions will be delivered by a qualified speech-language pathologist. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to complete either two visits per week for eight weeks, or one week of intensive treatment and the remaining sessions within the next three weeks
• Completing additional surveys and progress monitoring recordings
• Total duration of the study is about 11 weeks

Who can take part?

• Children ages 9-17 who have difficulty pronouncing the “R” or “S” sound (or both) relative to peers who speak the child’s same dialect of American English
• Speak English as their first language
• Have normal hearing
• No oral or facial structural issues, voice disorders, brain injury or developmental disorders

Where will the study take place?

Participants can be seen at ���ϲ����� or in their homes if they live within 20 miles of one of our research speech-language pathologists. We have multiple speech-language pathologists throughout New York state.

Cost

• There is no cost to families. Families will be compensated for their participation with an Amazon, Target or Walmart gift card (up to $105) if all visits are fully completed.

Contact

For more information, or if you are interested in the study:

• Email: SpeechProductionLab@syr.edu
• Phone: 315.443.1351
• Web: https://speechproductionlab.syr.edu/

JB Scurlock G’25, office coordinator at Hendricks Chapel and graduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences

Gary and Dave from Facilities Services stopped by Hendricks Chapel to switch out the air filters and while they were there, they were given “be kind.” shirts.

When the communications team at Hendricks Chapel came together to consider what message they wanted to highlight on their promotional items, a simple and powerful message rose to the top: be kind. The message—and the giveaways—have taken off among students and the entire University community.

“With there being so many different religious and spiritual traditions represented at Hendricks, we needed an idea that would resonate broadly, such as kindness,” says Dara Harper, communications manager at Hendricks Chapel. This is where the “be kind.” campaign was launched.

The design was intentional. All lower-case letters, finished with a period. “It helps put things into perspective,” Harper says. The Hendricks Chapel logo is also included on the items, yet the “be kind.” message takes center stage.

Student Involvement

Harper has several students who work with her as part of the communications team at Hendricks Chapel, and all have played vital roles in spreading the word about this campaign. “It serves as a little reminder throughout the day to check on yourself and the ones around you,” says Fe Kligerman ’26, a communications design student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. “Having that sticker on your person or seeing it around campus always brings a smile to my face as it brings us together through this shared goal.”

The campaign has been taking kindness across campus since the beginning of the year and has been resoundingly successful. Thousands of T-shirts, stickers and keychains have already been distributed, with more on order. “Whenever I find someone on campus that is wearing a ‘be kind.’ shirt from afar it feels so cool,” says Asil Bascal ’25, a biotechnology major in the College of Arts and Sciences and student employee of Hendricks Chapel.

Hendricks Chapel student communications team (from left): Fe Kligerman ’26, Asil Bascal ’25 and Micah Greenberg ’26

World Kindness Day

Lucy Gonzalez ’27, Hendricks Chapel hospitality associate and Newhouse student

Want your chance to be part of this powerful message? Hendricks Chapel will be giving away T-shirts and more from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in front of the chapel in honor of World Kindness Day. If you can’t make it to campus then, Hendricks Chapel is often tabling at various events around campus with their merchandise.

In honor of World Kindness Day, here are some ways to offer some kindness, including some suggestions from the staff at Hendricks Chapel:

• Smile and say hello.—Bianca Caiella Breed, operations specialist
• Ask someone how they are doing.��Then, pause and take two minutes to truly listen.—Alex Snow, director of events
• Give a compliment, whether it is to a friend, family member, neighbor or complete stranger. Additionally, relay an overheard compliment.
• Be present and be an open ear and heart.—Kaleya Scott, engagement coordinator
  

  Max Jimenez G’25 sports his “be kind.” sticker on his scooter!

• Say hello to each person you meet.—Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, associate dean
• Strike up a conversation with someone who’s standing alone.
• Learn people’s names and commit their names to memory for when you see them again.—Dara Harper, communications manager
• Hang a sign on a bulletin board that says “Take What You Need” with tear-off tabs at the bottom for love, hope, faith and courage.
• Resolve to refrain from negative self-talk (you deserve your kindness too!).

While reflecting on the upcoming World Kindness Day, Harper shared, “just remember, as many others have said, in a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

The new partnership is a result of months of work overseen by the University’s Purchasing department. Staff there had long desired to offer an easy, centralized solution to University departments looking to buy licensed, branded apparel or giveaways for campus events in bulk.

Expanding the University’s pre-existing relationship with Dupli was an easy solution, but Dupli needed a partner who could produce apparel (T-shirts, polos, hoodies, hats) and provide popular branded giveaway items—like pens, backpacks, and sunglasses. Enter the .

The foundation operates , which was started to create sustainability for the Good Life Foundation and its programming efforts, including training for children and teens in the City of ���ϲ�����, and providing a viable avenue for generating income for high-risk, high-poverty youths. GL Imprinting specializes in apparel and promotional items, embroidery, and graphic design and offers a variety of shirts, polos, button-ups and hoodies, all cleared by the University’s and pre-approved by the branding team in the Marketing division.

Buying Local

As GL Imprinting is based in downtown ���ϲ�����, there’s one more benefit to University purchasers: placing an order helps each department meet its Buy Local spending goals for the year.

“It’s really a clear-cut positive for University departments,” says Vince Patriarco, executive director of purchasing. “All of these products are on brand, preapproved by trademark licensing, and available through a system that you’re already using. Helping to meet departmental Buy Local spending goals is just an added benefit.”

Purchasing staff was able to look through years of purchasing trends to give Dupli and Good Life a short list of products that they could initially offer—popular items that University departments were purchasing over and over again from external vendors.

How to Order

Dupli added the Good Life products to its existing online storefront available through the eProcurement system. Purchases can be made directly through the internal Dupli catalog, by clicking the “eProcurement” tile on MySlice. Those without eProcurement access can view the “Order My Gear” storefront at .

The University’s purchasing department anticipates that this new partnership will increase the ease of ordering for purchasers. They expect order and delivery timelines to be quicker through Dupli, compared to ordering from an e-commerce supplier.

Departments looking to purchase the new products can place their orders via eProcurement. Those needing assistance can contact Betsy McInerney, manager of print vendor services, at eamciner@syr.edu.

On Friday, Nov. 15 from 11�� a.m. to 2 p.m., officers from DPS and SPD will be at the Hookway Athletic Field lot, 1799 E. Colvin St., to distribute steering wheel locks to both ���ϲ����� community members and ���ϲ����� residents. The steering wheel locks are free of charge.

“This event reflects our commitment to taking proactive measures in crime prevention and community engagement. Through this initiative, we hope to arm vehicle owners with an additional layer of protection to reduce the likelihood of theft,” says DPS Commander James McLellan.

“These steering wheel locks serve as a visible and effective deterrent to potential car thieves. The ���ϲ����� Police Department is dedicated to working with state and local partners like DPS to promote awareness about vehicle security,” says SPD Sergeant Tom Blake.

During his recent visit to Falk College, sports marketing expert Brandon Steiner (center) visited with sport management students. From left to right, Dashiell Geller, John Mastrangelo, Griffin Goldberg, Grey Gutfreund, Steiner, alumnus Andrew Amell, Erin Moore, Livia McQuade, and Tynan Weathers.

When you combine a great storyteller with a lifetime of great stories, you get . . . Brandon Steiner.

Steiner, who graduated from the University in 1981 and served as founder and chairman of Steiner Sports Marketing and Memorabilia for more than 30 years, visited the earlier this fall to speak with students from the Falk College’s Department of Sport Management. Steiner is chair of Falk’s .

From his humble beginnings growing up in a low-income neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, to working his way through ���ϲ�����, to the creation of Steiner Sports Marketing and Memorabilia, and to the formation of his current companies, and , Steiner had plenty of colorful stories and business advice to share with the students.

Steiner first met with students from two sport management classes: Assistant Teaching Professor ’ Principles of Sport Management class and David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management ’s Managing the Sports Organization class. Following the classes, Steiner had lunch with eight current sport management students (and one alumnus).

We asked two of those eight students, Erin Moore and Tynan Weathers, to discuss their experience with Steiner. Here’s what they wrote:

During Brandon Steiner’s meeting with sport management students, his “discussion on both the NIL space and women’s sports brought in real world cases of how he viewed issues and solutions,” Tynan Weathers says.

Erin Moore ’25, sport management major, emerging sport enterprise minor

“When given the opportunity to attend a lunch with Brandon Steiner, I couldn’t pass it up! From the moment he walked through the door, his passion for the sports industry was undeniable. Listening to his stories about working with New York Yankees legends like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera was incredible and they showcased his passion for building personal relationships with clients and consistently delivering beyond expectations.

“It was also inspiring to hear how he’s mentoring younger players, like current Yankees infielder Oswaldo Cabrera, to help them develop not just on the field but in their careers beyond it. During the lunch, he stressed the importance of going the extra mile, thinking outside the box, and developing strong relationships—values that have been key to his success in the industry. Overall, I’m incredibly grateful to Mr. Steiner for taking the time to share his insights with us and to Falk College for offering such a unique opportunity.”

Tynan Weathers ’25, sport management major, food studies/business minors

“Talking with Brandon Steiner was certainly an enlightening experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories he detailed to us with subjects ranging from Derek Jeter to Oswaldo Cabrera. Mr. Steiner has a passion for the sports industry as well as a major passion for ���ϲ����� and specifically the sport management program. His discussion on both the NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) space and women’s sports brought in real world cases of how he viewed issues and solutions.

“However, my favorite portion of the discussion is the fact that he seemed genuinely interested in our backgrounds, as he asked questions to learn more about who we are and our areas of interest moving forward. A major piece of advice I took away is the importance of being able to dedicate time and make sacrifices that others aren’t willing to make. That’s what puts you ahead of your competition.”

Steiner Student Support Fund

Last academic year, Steiner worked with the Falk College advancement team and Department of Sport Management to create the Brandon S. Steiner Sport Management Student Support Fund that “supports health, housing, education and overall well-being of ���ϲ����� undergraduate students enrolled in the Department of Sport Management in Falk College.”

The Steiner Student Support Fund awards support for a single academic year, and students can apply for funds by completing . A student can’t be awarded funding more than twice.

In addition to the Steiner Student Support Fund, there are other opportunities and awards available to students in the Falk College. Please visit the page on the Falk website for more information on how to apply.

The results help to gain a comprehensive understanding of responding students’ experiences related to and awareness of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and sexual harassment.

“The results of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Survey provide important insights that inform and guide programs, services and awareness efforts in preventing, educating and responding to interpersonal violence. We appreciate the time students took to complete the survey as their feedback is critical to our collective work in continuing to foster a safe and supportive campus climate for all,” says task force co-chairs Sheriah Dixon, dean of students, and Kelly Chandler-Olcott, dean of the School of Education.

The survey administered in spring 2024 garnered a 22.7% response rate from a stratified random sample of nearly 6,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students. While this response rate was lower than the 2022 survey, the number of respondents was nearly the same because of the larger sample size in 2024. Students, faculty and staff can access the full results of the survey by logging into MySlice and selecting the Student Resources or Employee Resources tile, respectively.

Key findings and takeaways from the students who responded to the 2024 survey include the following:

• Nearly 80% said they knew where they could get help if they or a friend were sexually assaulted, harassed, abused or stalked.
• Nearly 80% said they had a general understanding of ���ϲ�����’s procedures for addressing sexual and relationship violence.
• Nearly 70% had a general understanding of the role of the University’s Title IX coordinator.
• Slightly less than 8% reported having experienced some form of non-consensual sexual contact (sexual assault) during their time at ���ϲ�����.
• 6% indicated that they had experienced relationship abuse during their time as a student at ���ϲ�����. These behaviors included physical violence, threats, verbal abuse and coercive behavior.

Support and Resources

Students impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and harassment can receive confidential counseling, advocacy and support, as well as discuss reporting options, with a member of the at the Barnes Center at The Arch 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The SRVR Team can be reached by calling 315.443.8000. For 24/7 confidential support and advocacy off campus, students may contact , an independent nonprofit organization, at 315.468.3260.

Reporting options include:

• Title IX: call 315.443.0211; visit 005 Steele Hall; or email titleix@syr.edu.
• Department of Public Safety: call 315.443.2224; call or send a message via the Orange Safe app; 711 from any campus phone; #78 on your cell; or visit 005 Sims Hall.
• ���ϲ����� Police Department: call 315.435.3016.
• New York State Police: call 1.844.845.7269.
• Anonymous ���ϲ����� Reporting: .

Education, Awareness and Prevention Programs

Students, faculty and staff interested in getting involved in sexual and relationship violence prevention efforts on campus or seeking to learn more about sexual and relationship violence, can visit the following resources for additional information:

• Participate in training opportunities offered by University offices and student organizations.
• Participate in .

For more information about resources, support, reporting and involvement opportunities, visit the and the website.

Applications for students interested in studying abroad during the Fall 2025 semester open on Nov. 15 at 9 a.m. EST. (Photo by Ross Oscar Knight)

It’s almost time to apply for fall 2025 study abroad programs. Learn more about what students can expect during a fall semester abroad.

Exclusive Fall-Only Programs

The fall semester provides unique study abroad opportunities for students in various academic disciplines and degree plans. Programs like Exploring Central Europe, Engineering in Strasbourg and Spanish Immersion in Santiago are specifically designed for the fall semester. Filled with immersive learning experiences, built-in program travel and unique courses, the fall is an ideal time to explore opportunities abroad.

The fall semester provides unique study abroad opportunities for students in a variety of different academic disciplines and degree plans.

Around the globe, many ���ϲ����� Abroad programs fit into unique degree paths. Drama majors and computer science students can enhance their skills in ��through program tracks that align with their major.

Second- or third-year students on a pre-health track or studying biology, biochemistry or chemistry are encouraged to explore , with a range of STEM-based courses and extracurricular activities. Second-year engineering students can set their sights on a semester abroad in ��while taking classes at INSA, a top-rated engineering university in France.

, embarking on its tenth year as a ���ϲ����� study abroad program, is exclusively offered in the fall. Based in Wroclaw, Poland, students join a traveling learning community based in the heart of Central Europe and travel to Prague, Berlin and other nearby cities throughout the semester. Students act as action researchers and investigate sites tied to World War II, the Holocaust and Soviet totalitarian rule, studying politics, international relations, history, human rights and atrocity studies.

In the fall, the offers a full Spanish immersion semester with courses in Spanish taken at local Chilean universities. With an optional pre-semester program in Buenos Aires, Argentina, students can experience the vibrant Argentine political culture before beginning the semester in Santiago. Buenos Aries offers breathtaking views of Patagonia, Chilean coastlines and urban cities, and an opportunity to explore the rich Latin American culture.

The Benefits of Fall Study Abroad

The fall semester is an opportune time to take advantage of study abroad opportunities. Due to more flexibility with fall programs, students are more likely to be accepted into their preferred program and housing arrangement, and there are numerous available specifically for fall programs, including Fall-Only Supplemental Aid up to 10%.

Studying abroad in Europe in the fall also offers students the chance to experience once-in-a-lifetime events like the Christmas/Holiday markets in Strasbourg and Poland, local festivals, political events and more.

The Student Perspective

Sophia Moore ‘25 says the fall semester she spent studying abroad at the Santiago Center was “life-changing” and filled with new friendships, cultures and connections.

Sophia Moore ’25, who is studying television, radio and film in the while minoring in Spanish, spent the Fall 2023 semester in Santiago, Chile. Interested in improving her Spanish and learning about Chilean culture, Moore entered the semester with an open mind and was eager to learn more about Latin American culture while absorbing the Spanish language around her.

From embarking on the program’s iconic Signature Seminar in Buenos Aires to meeting new friends and classmates, Moore’s semester abroad got off to a good start. “Buenos Aires, Santiago, and all the other locations I visited while abroad were some of the most stunning, culturally rich places I’ve ever visited, and that in itself was enough to excite me for the semester,” Moore says.

While studying at local universities, friendships were formed in culturally enriching courses. With travel to Patagonia, Cusco, Peru and Montevideo, Moore’s semester was filled with new cities, new friendships, new cultures and new connections. “My semester in Santiago was life-changing. The city itself is modern, clean and well-connected. I look back fondly on my mornings spent commuting to school and feeling like a local,” Moore says.

Preparing to Study Abroad

Fall 2025 program applications open on Friday, Nov. 15 at 9 a.m. EST and can be found on the . The application deadline for most programs is March 15, 2025, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. All students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as some programs have limited space. For specific deadlines, students should refer to each program’s application page.

For more information about fall programs, students can with an international program advisor or make a general advising appointment to explore multiple options. Advising appointments take place virtually or at the ���ϲ����� Abroad satellite office, located on the lower level of Bird Library in room 002.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are invited to “Holidays at Hendricks” on Sunday, Dec. 8 in Hendricks Chapel. New this year, tickets are required to reserve your individual seat.

���ϲ����� invites students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to “” on Sunday, Dec. 8 in Hendricks Chapel, to experience one of the most popular concerts of the calendar year. New this year, due to the concert’s growing popularity and limited seating in the Chapel, to reserve your seats for the free, in-person concert, tickets are required for Holidays at Hendricks and will be made available beginning on Monday, Nov. 18 at noon EST.

The two in-person performances will take place on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel, while the recorded virtual concert will premiere on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. EST.

New and Important In-Person Concert Ticket Details

• Complimentary tickets for the in-person Holidays at Hendricks shows can be ordered from the , beginning at noon EST on Nov. 18;
• All guests will be invited to reserve specific seats in Hendricks Chapel;
• Through this new digital platform, guests will be prompted to create an account, select individual seats and then receive their digital tickets. While tickets will not be made available until Nov. 18, guests can create an account at any time through the Student Box Office online.

Virtual Concert Registration Details

• Registration for the Thursday, Dec. 19, world premiere virtual concert will also be available on Nov. 18 at noon EST;
• Registration is required to receive the link to the YouTube premiere;
• Visit the .

An ongoing tradition hosted by ��and the����in the��, “Holidays at Hendricks” celebrates the sounds of the season and is anchored by the����and its director��, professor of applied music and performance and assistant director of choral activities in the Setnor School.

The student-centered concert features performances from:

• ���ϲ����� Symphony Orchestra, directed by James Tapia, associate professor of applied music and performance in the Setnor School;
• The international award-winning ���ϲ����� Singers, under the direction of John Warren, professor of applied music and performance and director of choral activities in the Setnor School, and Concert Choir, under the direction of Wendy Moy, dual assistant professor of music education in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the ;
• Student organists and University organist Anne Laver on the Hendricks Chapel organ;
• ���ϲ�����’s big band, the Morton Schiff Jazz Ensemble, directed by John Coggiola, associate professor and chair of music education in the Setnor School and the School of Education;
• The World Premiere of “Gloria in Excelsis” from Christmas Cantata, by Peppie Calvar.

Some musical selections for 2024 include “A Christmas Festival,” by Leroy Anderson, “Winter,” by Antonio Vivaldi, a setting of “Joy to the World,” arranged by Taylor Scott Davis and many more.

is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis in Irving Garage, Hillside Lot and the College Place lot. Those who require accessible parking or would like more information about the event may call Hendricks Chapel at 315.443.2901 or email��chapel@syr.edu.

Communication Access Realtime Translation, American Sign Language interpretation and AIRA will be provided at the in-person concerts. Captioning will be provided at the virtual concert. Doors to Hendricks Chapel will open 30 minutes prior to each concert start time.

For more information, visit��. Hendricks Chapel will also post regular updates about the event through its��,����and����pages.

The University community is asked to plan for any purchases they may need to make prior to the closings.

• Campus Store and Market (Located in Schine Student Center)
  • Store will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 12, reopening Monday, Nov. 18.
• Slocum Art and Supply Store (Located in Slocum Hall)
  • Store will be closed Friday, Nov. 15, reopening Monday, Nov. 18.
• The Orange Shop (JMA Wireless Dome)
  • The shop will remain open during all games.
• Campus Store Website: syrcampusstore.com
  • The Campus Store website will be down for maintenance between Monday, Nov. 11, and Monday, Nov. 18. A new website (with a new URL) will launch soon after.

Following its partnership with BNC, the Campus Store will offer an expanded product assortment and enhanced customer experience in the campus locations and online through dynamic, personalized web and mobile experiences. Changes will roll out throughout the remainder of the fall semester and will continue into spring 2025.

Robert ’86 and Kathryn Taishoff

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

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

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

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

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

Strengthening Programming

The Taishoff Family Foundation has contributed several million dollars over the years to strengthen CDI, the Taishoff Center and InclusiveU, providing resources for programmatic growth. “They’ve achieved all their goals in the last five-year plan and that set the stage for the next five-year plan,” says Taishoff, who hopes his new gift will be leveraged to bring in new donor support. The next five-year plan seeks to grow enrollment by 25% and offer new experiences for students with intellectual disability.

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

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

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

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

Going Beyond

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

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

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

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

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

About ���ϲ�����

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

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

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

More information is available on the����to help answer any questions. If faculty and staff have any additional questions about Open Enrollment or benefits, please contact��HR Shared Services��at 315.443.4042.

Involvement with the CRB began when the previous law student representative, Omnia Shedid L’24, sought a successor. Intrigued by the CRB’s role in reviewing complaints about��the conduct of Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers, Oliver stepped into the position, driven by a passion for justice and equality.

As vice chair of the CRB, she emphasizes the importance of student input in maintaining campus safety. “Having a student in the vice chair position allows the student body to be more involved in decision-making,” Oliver says. “The goal is to enhance the relationship between DPS and the student population by ensuring student voices are heard in policy and procedure discussions.”

Oliver also aims to raise awareness about the CRB’s role on campus. “The CRB is a valuable asset to students, but it’s sometimes underutilized because people don’t know what we do,” Oliver says. By increasing visibility, she hopes to encourage more students and DPS members to utilize the CRB for appeals, ensuring their concerns are addressed.

History of the CRB

The CRB was created following an independent review of DPS by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in 2020-21. It is responsible for:

• reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct;
• reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings;
• reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and
• issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

CRB Membership

Since last fall, the CRB has added new members, including:

• Fatoumata Barry ’27, undergraduate student,��College of Arts and Sciences
• Avva Boroujerdi ’25, undergraduate student, Whitman School of Management
• Rosemary Martin ’26, undergraduate student,��College of Arts and Sciences
• Lindsey Oliver��(vice chair),��graduate student,��College of Law
• Christina Papaleo, learning and development specialist,��Office of Diversity and Inclusion
• Andrea Persin, assistant dean of budget, finance and administration,��College of Arts and Sciences
• Lynnie Westafer, graduate student, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
• Tanya Williamson, assistant vice president, Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Additionally, several members are still completing their term from last year, including:

• La’Kesa Allen, community standards coordinator, Community Standards
• Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, associate dean, Hendricks Chapel
• Mary Kiernan, associate teaching professor, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics (chair)
• Maria Pettolina, professor of practice, Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute, College of Arts and Sciences

The CRB has also engaged two highly experienced consultants to advise on its work. Bethaida “Bea” González, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, is senior advisor to the CRB; and Melvin “Tony” Perez, former chief of public safety for Monroe Community College, serves as its expert law enforcement consultant.

For more information,����or contact the CRB directly by email to��CRB@syr.edu.

There is no action required on the part of users to update their licensing. Immediate benefits of this change will include:

Advanced Analytics and Insights:��With the A5 license, users will have access to advanced analytics tools such as Power BI Pro, which can help create detailed reports, visualize data and gain deeper insights. These tools are designed to foster informed decision-making and improve productivity.

Improved Communication and Collaboration:��The A5 license includes advanced communications functionality in Microsoft Teams including dial-in conferencing for all meetings. This will enhance users’ ability to communicate and collaborate with colleagues, students and external partners, whether on campus or remotely.

Enhanced Security:��The A5 license includes advanced security features that are not available in the A3 license. These features include advanced threat protection, information protection and identity management capabilities. This means better protection against cyber threats, data breaches and unauthorized access, ensuring that our University’s data and your personal information are more secure.

Comprehensive Compliance Solutions:��The A5 license provides advanced compliance solutions that help ensure our University meets regulatory requirements. This includes tools for data loss prevention, eDiscovery and advanced auditing capabilities. These features will help maintain compliance with various regulations and protect sensitive information.

If you have questions about this or any other technology-related topic, please contact the ITS Service Center at��help@syr.edu��or 315.443.2677.

Students present research at SOURCE Explore 2024

The program takes place on Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 7 and Feb. 14, with the final presentation on Feb. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. All cohorts, except “Mapping Stories, Making Change with ���ϲ����� Community Geography” take place from 2 to 4 p.m. The Community Geography cohort will meet on Fridays from noon to 2 p.m.

The six SOURCE Explore programs being offered are:

• “Mapping Stories, Making Change with ���ϲ����� Community Geography:” Learn how maps help us visualize and share pressing stories like the impacts of climate change, the global pandemic, housing inequalities and ongoing racial injustice (among many more).
• “Analyzing Media and Popular Culture Through a Social Justice Lens with Newhouse’s CODE^SHIFT Lab:” Learn how to examine media texts (such as news stories, social media posts, movies, TV shows, music videos or advertisements) from a social justice lens to become more mindful media users.
• “Culture Clubs: Researching Communities of Interest:” Explore traces of human culture, activity and ideas through archival materials like photographs, scrapbooks and diaries, homemade fliers and pamphlets, notes and ephemera to better understand what constitutes “community” from mainstream offshoots to counterculture and subculture groups, to organizations of extreme niche interest. This cohort will be offered through the Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center.
• “3D Printing and Advanced Manufacturing*:” Learn how to utilize computer aided design (CAD) and 3D printers in academic research for precise modeling and rapid prototyping of complex structures.
• “Discovering Connections: Using Graph Theory to Solve Real-World Network Challenges*:” Learn how to model networks as graphs and apply key concepts like shortest paths, network flows and connectivity to explore how mathematical models can help solve real problems.
• “Exploring the Building Blocks of Life*:” Learn how DNA, the building block of life, is a key component of life science research through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), a common laboratory technique that amplifies DNA sequences of interest.

The three STEM Explore programs* are offered in partnership with the����program; students meeting the LSAMP����are strongly encouraged to apply.

Of the SOURCE Explore experience in spring 2024, one student shared that they learned “how to be more open-minded and adaptable when doing research,” including “how to navigate looking at archival, first-hand sources.” The student explained, “I didn’t have much experience with this prior, as I mainly used online databases and second-hand sources to complete projects. This led me to a third skill that I developed, which was how to narrow down my search and ask relevant questions.”

Interested students should by Dec. 5.

Kathrine Switzer, who has been at the forefront of change in women’s sports for more than 50 years, spent a recent afternoon speaking with students in the Sport Management “Race, Gender and Diversity in Sport Organizations” classes.

When Kathrine Switzer ’68, G’72, H’18 famously became the first woman to officially run in the Boston Marathon in 1967, women in the United States could not apply for, yet alone own, their own credit cards.

In fact, women weren’t allowed to own credit cards until 1974, when the enabled women and minorities to obtain credit cards and loans. That was a critical time for women in America, and Switzer continued the athletic and social revolution she started in 1967 by winning the New York City Marathon in 1974.

“In the 2024 New York City Marathon (on Nov. 3), there will be 52,000 runners and 27,000 will be women, and you can bet that all 27,000 have their own credit cards and will spend millions of dollars in New York City,” Switzer told students during a recent visit to the .

Kathrine Switzer will be the featured guest on an upcoming ’Cuse Conversations podcast with host John Boccacino. The podcast was recorded in the Falk College podcast room and is scheduled to air in early December.

Switzer, an emeritus member of the Falk College , visited ���ϲ����� and Falk College Oct. 24 for a variety of reasons, including a discussion with ���ϲ����� Libraries’ about creating a collection of Switzer’s artifacts related to her career and women in running. Switzer discusses this collection, her time at ���ϲ�����, her Boston Marathon experience and more in an entertaining ’Cuse Conversations podcast scheduled for early December.

At Falk, Switzer spent the afternoon speaking with students in the sport management “Race, Gender and Diversity in Sport Organizations” classes taught by , assistant professor of sport management.��From breaking barriers in the Boston Marathon to becoming the driving force behind the inclusion of the women’s marathon in the Olympics starting in 1984, Switzer has been at the forefront of change in women’s sports, and she encouraged the students to “let your mind run wild” when thinking of the impact they can make.

“Look at the format of the (2024) Olympic Games in Paris and the events that took place there,” she said. “Whoever heard of half of these (sports), but they’re inspiring and viable. You have so many things you can get involved in and get creative with.

“Things may not be easy,” she added. “You’re going to hit a lot of brick walls, people may laugh at you, but stick with it, finish the job, and try to create something wonderful–and you will.”

Switzer has never stopped running–she is the first woman to run a marathon 50 years after her first one –and she has never stopped advocating for the inclusion of women in sports. In 2017, Switzer launched as a global nonprofit organization to empower and unite women through the creation of local running clubs, educational programs, communication platforms and social running events.

The number 261 is a nod to her bib number in the 1967 Boston Marathon that the race director tried to take from her. Switzer’s boyfriend, who was running along with her, pushed the director to the side and Switzer finished the race. Like Switzer on that day in Boston, 261 Fearless is focused on women’s empowerment and putting one foot in front of the other to finish the race.

“If you want to lift a woman up, show her how to run,” Switzer said. “We look at all the modern women out there running and there’s thousands and thousands of them, but there are also so many women across the world who are isolated or restricted by religious convention, or social convention, or social mores.”

Since its inception, 261 Fearless has trained and mentored over 500 coaches who have worked with nearly 7,000 women in 14 countries and five continents through education programs and women-only running clubs.

“After getting the women’s marathon in the Olympics Games, I thought that was great for women who can train and compete in a race. But what about those women under a burqa in Afghanistan or enslaved in their home with domestic abuse, how are we going to reach them?” Switzer said. “That’s what inspired us to create 261 Fearless.”

Brooke Siket ’25

“Suddenly, that old bib number became a number that meant fearless in the face of adversity,” she added. “From the worst things, come the best things. If something is wrong, there’s an opportunity to change it.”

At this year’s New York City Marathon–the 50^th anniversary of Switzer’s win in the event–261 Fearless created The Fearless 50, a team of 50 runners who are passionate about supporting women and understand the transformative power of running. As part of this initiative, The Fearless 50 hosted a fundraising brunch on Nov. 2. Falk College was a proud sponsor of that event, and Switzer was the featured speaker. The Falk College logo was also be featured on the bibs worn by The Fearless 50 runners.

Brooke Siket ’25, a sport management major in Falk and marketing minor in the , was one of the volunteers who worked at The Fearless 50’s events. Siket, who currently works as a facilities and game management intern for ���ϲ����� Athletics, was notified of this opportunity with The Fearless 50 through Internship Placement Coordinator and was offered the internship after an interview with Kim Chaffee, 261 Fearless’ administration and communications manager.

“I was invited to attend all their weekend events, including a panel with Peloton, a panel with Kathrine Switzer, the brunch to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her victory at the New York City Marathon and a cheer zone between Peloton and 261,” said Siket, who is a Falk College peer advisor and ambassador and a member of the team and the and (WISE) clubs.

“I am looking forward to marathon weekend as I will be able to interact with other volunteers, Kathrine Switzer and others,’’ Siket said before heading to New York City.

During the weekend, Switzer repeated various versions of the inspiring message that she gave to Falk College students during her visit when one asked about the best piece of advice Switzer had for them.

“Show up! Nothing happens when you stay at home,” Switzer told the students. “What’s out there may be scary, but you have to face it and that’s what opportunity is. When the world won’t give it you, you have to go out and get it.”

In 2018, Switzer delivered the Commencement address at ���ϲ����� and was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree. To learn more about Switzer’s history and ongoing advocacy work, visit her website.

The event, “Lender Conversation in Los Angeles: Seeking Racial Equity in the Entertainment Industry,” was hosted by the and was held at the NeueHouse Hollywood. It was attended by about 100 Southern California-area alumni, entertainment industry leaders and other invited guests.

Moderating the panel was journalist and TV host ’99, an alumna of the (VPA) and its Communication and Rhetorical Studies program. Nottingham has worked as a reporter covering national and international breaking news, entertainment and politics. She was joined by four alumni panelists:

• ’88, president of domestic marketing at Universal Pictures and previous president of domestic theatrical marketing for Sony Pictures Entertainment. Caines is an alumnus of the Newhouse School of Public Communications and an instructor in the school’s Newhouse LA program
• ’85, an Emmy-nominated writer for film and television and a VPA alumnus
• ’07, an actress, writer and producer who graduated from VPA. She is known for her recent comedic role on the hit NBC sitcom “A.P. Bio”
• ’20, an associate attorney in the entertainment transactions group at Mitchell Silberberg & Krupp, LLP. She earned her undergraduate degree from VPA’s Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries.

, Lender Center director, says the conversation “provided valuable insights into how racial inequity continues to exist within the entertainment industry, as well as offering promising paths towards reducing these barriers. We hope to use what we’ve learned here to help craft new paths towards closing the racial wealth gap in other industries.”

The Los Angeles event was the fourth in a series of conversations hosted by the Lender Center to bring experts and thought leaders together to improve understanding of and present ideas to help mitigate the racial wealth gap’s community impacts. Those events and other research initiatives are made possible by a $2.7 million grant from MetLife Foundation. The funding has also supported three research symposia, three postdoctoral scholars and 15 faculty grants for research on the topic.

“Lender Center’s work with support from MetLife Foundation generated important new thought leadership, boosted awareness of racial wealth equity issues and created valuable new partnerships with key institutions and organizations,” says Phillips. “We have discovered many new possibilities for addressing how the wealth gap affects communities, and those ideas have provided worthwhile new understandings.”

These photos show highlights of the event.

Lender Center for Social Justice Director Kendall Phillips, far left, who is also a professor in the Communication and Rhetorical Studies program at VPA, introduces the conversation panelists, all entertainment industry executives and alumni of the University. From left are Danielle Nottingham ’99, Lyric Lewis ’97, Rob Edwards ’85, Bryse Thornwell ’20 and Dwight Caines ’88.

The event drew 100 guests, including numerous alumni and entertainment-�� industry guests. Panelist Dwight Caines ’88, at left, speaks with David Oh G ’00, ’07, now an associate professor of communications at the Newhouse School of Public Communications; and Joan Adler, G’76, assistant vice president of regional programs at the University’s Los Angeles center.

Jason Poles ’99, the University’s director of advancement for the Southwest region, speaks with fellow alumnus and basketball team player Antonio “Scoop” Jardine G’12.

Tari Wariebi ’10, enjoys a reception conversation. The alumnus graduated with dual majors in communication and rhetorical studies from the College of Visual and Performing Arts and writing and rhetoric in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The panel provided opportunities for attendees to hear directly from entertainment leaders about their experiences with the racial wealth gap in that industry. Rob Edwards ’85, left, an Emmy-nominated writer and an adjunct instructor for the Newhouse School of Public Communications, spoke with this guest.

Jason Poles, ’99, left, the University’s advancement director for the Southwest region, chats with alumni attendees Christina Ledo ’11, center, an international relations major at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs; and Tiffany Bender-Abdallah ’11, a communication and rhetorical studies major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

The Los Angeles event brought together faculty, staff, entertainment industry panelists and alumni. Kendall Phillips, Lender Center director, at left, and David Oh G’00, ’07, second from left, an associate professor for the Newhouse School of Public Communications, met with Anna Proulx, Visual and Performing Arts program director for the ���ϲ����� Los Angeles semester program, and right, Allison Gold ’15, a College of Visual and Performing Arts graduate.

Tyler Gentry ’25, a ���ϲ����� student in the ��Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries, spoke during the question segment of the evening’s event. Seated behind him is Tiffany Bender-Abdallah ’11.

Posing for a finale photo on the stage as the event concluded are, from left, Leonard Garner Jr., Kendall Phillips, panel moderator Danielle Nottingham and panel members Lyric Lewis, Rob Edwards, Bryse Thornwell and Dwight Caines.

The ���ϲ����� Marching Band performs on the steps of Hendricks Chapel during Orange Central Weekend. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving)

The University welcomed about 1,300 alumni, friends and their families back to campus over the weekend to celebrate our community, our incredible spirit and Orange pride during Orange Central Homecoming Weekend 2024.

The campus came alive with excitement, memories and plenty of good times, including watching the football team pull out a thrilling 38-31 win in overtime against Virginia Tech.

Check out some of the photos below from the weekend’s activities. For more fun photos, browse the Orange Central photo album on the��.

Members of the Orange community pose for a photo with Otto at the Homecoming Alumni Breakfast. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving)

Attendees enjoying a home-cooked meal during the Homecoming Alumni Breakfast. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving)

During the SU Arts Fair and Brunch, participants demonstrated their rhythm on the drums. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving)

(From left to right): Alpha Chi Omega sisters Suzanne Hewett ’94, Rhonda Bergeron ’94, P’26, Shannon Von Vassel ’94 and Kim Tromba ’94 are all smiles as they reunite at Orange Central! (Photo courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving)

Orange alumni and student entrepreneurs listen to a panel discussion during the Orange Tank Business Pitch Competition. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving)

An attendee participates in a flight simulation during the Be a Pilot and Test Out the Flight Simulator with the SU ROTC Air Force Cadets program. (Photo by Liam Kennedy ’26)

Orange Central attendees show off their school spirit in front of the Hall of Languages. (Photo courtesy of the ���ϲ����� Facebook page)

During the “Destroy All Monsters” Exhibit Tour, attendees learned how fandom and participatory culture developed from the pre-Internet era to present day. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving)

Participants in the SU Arts Fair and Brunch. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving)

Forever Orange Friday was a fun and family-friendly evening on the Quad. Check out the JMA Wireless Dome lit up in Orange! (Photo courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving)

Head coach Fran Brown (center) leading the Orange football team onto the field for Saturday’s Orange Central game vs. Virginia Tech. ���ϲ����� would rally from down 21-3 to earn a 38-31 win inside the JMA Wireless Dome. (Photo courtesy of the )

This new method is faster and easier, ensuring that potential threats are quickly flagged for our information security team to address. By making it simpler to report suspicious emails, we can better protect our campus community from phishing attacks.

For step-by-step instructions on how to use the Report Message feature, please . If you have any questions, please contact the ITS Security Department at infosec@syr.edu.

This is the third time the workshop is being offered, thanks to generous support from the Libraries and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. Participants will receive a $500 stipend after successful completion. The workshop is limited to 10 faculty participants and by Dec. 1.

During the workshop, librarians will assist faculty in creating new or adapting existing assignments that will allow students to demonstrate their learning in a way that aligns with the ILTA rubric. The workshop is facilitated by Kelly Delevan, information literacy librarian, and John Stawarz, online learning librarian.

“This workshop was extremely helpful in getting me to re-think this assignment as well as other assignments in this course (and other classes). I plan to incorporate more components that emphasize critical reflection on processes of research and building skills in evaluation of research,” says Christopher Hanson, associate professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Faculty are encouraged to apply if they currently teach a course that has been approved for an ILTA tag, are considering adding the ILTA tag to a course that they teach or are interested in designing or redesigning an assignment that will enable their students to meet the learning outcomes as described in the ILTA rubric.

During the workshop, participants will:

• Revise or create an assignment or learning activity that can be assessed using the ILTA rubric
• Discover learning strategies and pedagogies that enable students to demonstrate their information literacy skills
• Interact with faculty members from outside their discipline to build community
• Learn how the Libraries can support them in enhancing their assignments to incorporate diverse resources
• Share their new/revised assignments to a ILTA assignment repository maintained by the Libraries
• Share what they learned with faculty in their respective departments

“The guide Kelly and John created with the rubric and resources for the ILTA competency was the most helpful aspect. I was able to incorporate the appropriate language into my course assignment and resources that address the ‘inclusivity’ item on the rubric,” says Sevinç Türkkan, assistant teaching professor of writing studies, rhetoric and composition in the College of Arts and Sciences.

For more information on the workshop, contact Delevan at kkdeleva@syr.edu.

Imam Amir Durić (left) and Rabbi Ethan Bair, chaplains at Hendricks Chapel, received national recognition as Interfaith America Innovation Fellows.

Imam Amir Durić and Rabbi Ethan Bair, chaplains at , model how friendship and understanding can transcend and transform adversity. Through the Jewish-Muslim Dialogue Fellowship they co-founded, Bair and Durić have helped the ���ϲ����� campus community unlock the potential of religious and spiritual diversity, and their shared efforts are receiving national recognition.

Rabbi Ethan Bair

Each year, , founded by and known as one of the nation’s premier interfaith organizations, chooses exemplary leaders as Interfaith Innovation Fellows. Out of over 200 applicants across the country, both Durić and Bair were chosen. The Fellowship awards grant funding to leaders with an inspirational vision for social change. Durić and Bair will network with cohort members, learn from one another’s projects, participate in a retreat geared toward professional development and work with mentors at Interfaith America. .

After Bair and Durić first met at a Hendricks Chapel retreat in 2022, they perceived potential not just for their friendship but for the opportunities to continue the interfaith work they both valued.

“Interfaith work has always been a priority for me,” says Bair. “Amir and I really only knew each other for a year before we created this Jewish-Muslim Dialogue Fellowship and applied for our first grant from Interfaith America. I’ve been an ordained rabbi for 15 years and have dedicated myself to interfaith work in every position I’ve held. What’s new is being able to work with an ordained Muslim imam who shares so many of my values. That is a blessing.”

Imam Amir Durić

Durić completed his undergraduate degree in Sarajevo, Bosnia, which is known for its religious and spiritual diversity. In one part of the city, you can locate a mosque, synagogue and cathedral all on one city block. However, when he attended the Hartford International University for Religion and Peace seminary in Connecticut, he observed interfaith dialogue in practice.

Durić remembered visiting campus when two friends (one Jewish, one Muslim) came to speak about a summer project. Their organization in California visited the Middle East to bring together Jews, Muslims and Christians. “I was like, wow, this is really powerful. They are investing time, and resources just to invite people to have a meal together,” Durić says. “So when Rabbi Bair joined ���ϲ�����, I felt we could team up, and that was really a blessing.”

A Friend for Virtue and Creating Connections for Students

According to Bair, in Jewish tradition there are teachings about finding a mentor, acquiring a friend and giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. “There are a few different versions of friends, and the top level is a friend for virtue. I feel like Amir and I are friends for virtue,” Bair says. “Our friendship helps us become better people. We talk about our values, our vision for our own chaplaincies and also for what we can do together.”

Bair and Durić’s friendship extends into their work as chaplains in various ways. As chaplains serving minority religious groups, the pair have a unique opportunity to create more understanding between their respective communities. Bair notes that their partnership and fellowship are focused on creating intentional space between two communities that rarely meet each other. “There are so many unique similarities between Jews and Muslims, such as dietary rules and holidays that follow the lunar calendar,” Bair says. “And, of course, there are differences as well.”

What’s Next?

The imam and rabbi have already implemented the Jewish-Muslim Dialogue Fellowship, which has created support and understanding during an undoubtedly challenging year for their students. Now, the two are seeking to create a Living Learning Community (LLC) where Muslim and Jewish students can live communally in a residence hall. They hope the LLC will build the foundation for shared communities, lasting friendships, understanding and imagination.

Durić and Bair will travel to Chicago for a retreat with the other Interfaith Innovation Fellows in mid-November. In addition to the work they’ll be doing with their Interfaith America cohort, they’ll be working on their second round of Jewish-Muslim Dialogue Fellowships and creating opportunities for their students to build relationships and support their communities through kindness and service.

Both Bair and Durić are grateful for their experience at Hendricks Chapel and the support they receive from both the Chapel and ���ϲ�����. “When we enter spaces that are not Hendricks Chapel, I recognize how challenging it is what we’re doing. And yet, I am very comfortable here and I feel so much support for the kind of work and relationships that we build. The entire team of Hendricks is supportive and it’s an example of helping across the boundaries of religion, of worldviews, of race, of whatever we can think of,” Durić says. “Hendricks Chapel is an example of how it looks when we elevate ourselves and go beyond those boundaries that often limit what we can do.”

���ϲ����� Libraries is seeking feedback from campus users on new electronic resources for possible inclusion in its collections throughout November.

On-campus users are asked to visit the explore the resources under consideration and provide feedback via the embedded form on that page. Any insight on how well the proposed resource works, the quality and relevance of information contained within the resource and how it might be useful will be helpful in the Libraries’ evaluation. Access is limited to members of the ���ϲ����� community and is offered in accordance with the .

Trial resources have been selected by librarians, with a focus on responding to user requests and bringing new types of tools and content to campus for review. This year’s trials include collections related to African history and culture, public health, social work, social justice, data science, foundational business skills and decolonizing research. Additional tools on trial allow for users to interact with content in new ways via Artificial Intelligence powered search and text and data analysis.

���ϲ����� Libraries develops collections in a broad, interdisciplinary, and systematic way to support the teaching, research and creative needs of the campus. Our strategy focuses on three tracks:

• building a core collection through the acquisition of large e-resource packages in multiple disciplines;
• fostering a responsive collection through fulfilling direct requests from faculty and students; and
• curating a specialized collection through the expertise of our subject liaison librarians who work directly with users and anticipate the teaching and research needs of the university.

This approach allows the Libraries to meet individual needs and plan for future needs while building the overall collection.

To suggest a title to explore in the future, please contact your or use the form. For questions about the trial period, contact Anne Rauh, head of collections and research services.

For employees wishing to advance their careers in higher education administration, using the to pay for a School of Education is a great choice for professional development.

This program enables students to develop their skills in student affairs, while offering a broad understanding of higher education systems, policies, professional organizations, faculty and staff culture, and student learning and development. Typically, the program takes two years of full-time study, or it can be completed part time while the student continues to work on campus.

Shelby Bergen

But what is it like to both work full time and take this degree program? We interviewed three of the program’s recent graduates to ask how they juggled work and study, why they decided the program was right for them, and how it has benefited their higher education careers.

Shelby Bergen G’23 signed up for the program while an administrative assistant in the College of Law; currently, she is a career advisor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Like Bergen, Carly Signor ’14, G’21 was employed by the College of Law when she entered the master’s program, as program coordinator and communications manager of the New York State Science and Technology Law Center. Now working in the Office of Admissions, Signor recently was promoted to associate director of admissions.

Sarah Tomlinson G’23 began her University career as a temporary office coordinator before moving to the College of Professional Studies’ English Language Institute. After graduating from the Higher Education program, she joined ���ϲ����� Abroad in March, where she now works as senior international program advisor.

1. Why did you decide to take the Higher/Postsecondary Education master’s degree program, using your Remitted Tuition benefit?

Shelby Bergen (SB): I like to think I center equity and justice in what I do, so the Higher Education program seemed to be a culmination of all the things I’m passionate about.

Carly Signor

Carly Signor (CS): I have such a passion for learning and believe in the value of continued education. The opportunity to pursue this program for free was too good to pass up, especially as I was changing careers and seeking to gain knowledge that would help me succeed in the field of higher education.

Sarah Tomlinson (ST): I started my career at ���ϲ����� in 2018 and knew within a few months that higher education was the career I wanted. In my previous role at the College of Professional Studies, they emphasized the importance of continuing your education and encouraged employees to seek out opportunities through the Remitted Tuition benefit. When I found the Higher Education program, I knew it would be a perfect to continue to grow my knowledge and passion for the field.

2. How were you able to fit the degree’s coursework and practicum around your full-time work?

SB: If you want complete transparency, it was a bit stressful! Luckily, I had supervisors that valued professional development and this program valued the “non-traditional” student experience by offering flexible class arrangements.

CS: It was definitely challenging, I’m not going to lie, but a little hard work goes a long way. I dedicated time in the evenings and weekends to complete homework. My practicum—you only have to do one as a full-time staff member—was in Athletics, which provided many opportunities for night and weekend hours. My practicum supervisor—Michelle Giordano ’11, G’15, who is also a Higher Education master’s alumna—was incredibly understanding and supportive of the balance I needed to maintain.

Sarah Tomlinson

ST: Having a full-time job while being in a master’s program is not easy; however, the program really allows for flexibility for part-time students. Most courses are once a week, starting at 4 p.m. The professors work with students to ensure that their schedules meet their needs. Plus, my practicum was a perfect fit for me. At the Stevenson Educational Center for Student Athletes, I met with students outside work hours, and my supervisor allowed me to work on projects during weekends or evenings. Overall, the Higher Education program helps its students every step of the way.

3. What aspect of the program stood out to you?

SB: It sounds nerdy but the literature and classroom structure! We collaborated on assignments and projects a lot, so it was cool to unpack topics in so many unique ways.

CS: The practicum and other hands-on experience, plus research opportunities, mentorship and campus connections.

ST: The ease of being able to build my schedule around my full-time job. Professor worked with me to ensure that my course plan fit well with my job, including my practicum. Also, the program was very applicable to my career. Being able to take what I learned the night before and apply it next day to my responsibilities demonstrates the tangible knowledge that I acquired. I use what I learned every day in my job.

4. How did receiving the Higher Education master’s degree benefit your career?

SB: I started as a part-time temp and didn’t really know what path to take professionally. However, this degree not only built my community but afforded me many professional opportunities, including my current role!

CS: In a very literal sense, this degree program connected me with my current supervisor—I received a job offer on the very day I graduated. The campus connections I made were invaluable. Additionally, it turned me into a self-proclaimed “data nerd,” and I apply the research skills I learned in my everyday work, enabling me multiple opportunities to present at national conferences.

ST: I use the theories, models and presentation skills gained from the program in my work. Having an understanding of how universities work and run is deeply beneficial when developing new goals, procedures and processes. Also, the network I built through the program has been great.

5. What advice would you have for a University colleague thinking of taking the Higher Education master’s while continuing to work?

SB: If you’ve been out of the educational game for a while it can feel intimidating to go back. But know your life experiences are what make you valuable in a program like this. You are worthy of the spaces you’re in.

CS: Just do it! The time flies by, and the benefits are so worth it. As a University employee, you’ll find a supportive community and a sense of camaraderie with many Higher Education alums ready to help you along the way—including myself. Take advantage of this opportunity to advance your education and career!

ST: Do it! It may seem daunting at first to be able to juggle a job and a degree program, but it is truly built with part-time students in mind. It is a very supportive community and provides foundational knowledge about higher education. Time management is definitely important though!

“Native American Heritage Month is an amazing opportunity for those that want to learn more about Indigenous culture,” says Darrin White, Native Student Program coordinator. “There will be events throughout the month that express culture, heritage and traditions. While the month is important, it is not the only chance for people to learn. Throughout the year, our Indigenous students practice and carry our teachings with them daily.”

This year’s monthlong celebration will kick off with an event on Friday, Nov. 1, from 3 to 4:30 at 113 Euclid Ave. The space at 113 Euclid Ave. serves as a gathering place for Native students and for those who are interested in exploring Native American culture and history. Kalhaku McLester, a member of the Oneida Nation and a mechanical engineering student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, will lead a discussion on the Native Thanksgiving Address. Tours of 113 Euclid and light refreshments will be available.

Event highlights include the following. A complete list is available on the .

• Tuesday, Nov. 4, 4 to 6 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 8, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 10, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov, 12, 5:30-7 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 20, 5-7 p.m.

Five students will soon begin a two-year research project examining the potential social justice and public health impacts of living in neighborhoods that have experienced the historical discriminatory practice of redlining. That is a practice where, for decades, financial institutions designated certain neighborhoods—primarily Black ones—as poor credit risks, making it difficult for residents there to own homes or improve their properties.

The students, recently named 2024-26 Lender Center for Social Justice student fellows, will work with Miriam Mutambudzi, assistant professor of public health in the , who is .

They are:

• Tomiwa (“Tommy”) DaSilva ’26, dual major in public health in the Falk College��and policy studies and citizenship and civic engagement in the
• Adara (“Darla”) Hobbs ’22 G ‘26, a graduate student in Pan African studies in the (A&S)
• Jamea Johnson ’25, a psychology major in A&S
• Sabrina Lussier ’26, a triple major in geography, citizenship and civic engagement, and environmental sustainability and policy in the Maxwell School
• Shreya Potluri ’27, an architecture major in the

DaSilva, from Newark, Delaware, is interested in promoting health equity through health promotion policies and community-based practices. On campus, he has been involved in the Student Association of Public Health Education and Connect 315. In the community, DaSilva has interned with the YWCA of ���ϲ����� and Onondaga County, ACR Health and the City of ���ϲ����� Department of Neighborhood and Business Development.

Hobbs, of ���ϲ�����, earned a bachelor’s degree in��communication and rhetorical studies from the . She has worked for more than a decade with the ���ϲ����� City School District as a teaching assistant, art teacher and as a diversity, equity and belonging building lead.��Hobbs is currently researching the historical and contemporary impacts of redlining on ���ϲ�����’s Black and Latino communities.

Her project, “The Past, Present and Future: An Overview of Redlining in the City of ���ϲ�����,” examines the legacy of residential redlining and resident displacement from the 15th Ward and the ongoing I-81 viaduct project. She also contributed to the development of themes and aesthetic elements for the Barner-McDuffie house, the University’s first Black student center.

Johnson, from Grand Prairie, Texas, has extensive experience in public service, entrepreneurship and community engagement. She is a Congressional intern for New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, working on legislative research, policy development and constituent service. She’s also founder and chief executive officer of Black Girls Garden, an organization that teaches young Black girls and women in low-income living situations to grow their own food to combat food insecurity and poor nutrition.

She took first place in the 2023 Blackstone LaunchPad Small Business Pitch Contest for that startup and also received the 2023 Black Honor Society’s Community Service Leadership Award. On campus, she is Residence Hall Association president and a member of the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble.

Lussier, from the Washington, D.C., area, is an honors student and Maxwell Leadership Scholar. She is a STOP Bias peer educator, a resident advisor for the MORE in Leadership Living Learning Community and has spent the past year working for the ���ϲ����� Neighborhood and Business Development Office.

Her research and academic interests focus on how urban planning intersects with community engagement, social justice and sustainability. Her citizenship capstone and honors thesis looks at the effect of freeway demolition on marginalized communities, focusing on ���ϲ�����’s East Adams neighborhood near I-81 in the historic 15th ward.

Potluri, of Frisco, Texas, is interested in research pertaining to social justice, urban planning and housing. She has researched student learning environments, minority students’ experiences and accessibility to community spaces and facilities in the ���ϲ����� community, along with how architecture is connected to social justice.

Potluri says she wants to determine how architecture can be used to provide people with opportunities and the agency to combat the consequences of redlining.

Miriam Mutambudzi

Mutambudzi’s project examines how Black adults who reside in what have been historically redlined neighborhoods can experience a disadvantaged occupational life course and subsequent health consequences. She says that while redlining began in the 1930s, it has resulted in decades of urban decay and poverty for those neighborhoods that has left a legacy of social and economic disadvantage that continues today.

In addition to Mutambudzi’s role as an assistant professor of public health, she is also a faculty affiliate of the , and at the Maxwell School.

All week:

• Sign your graduating class’s first-generation banner at the Intercultural Collective in the Schine Student Center. The banner will be displayed during graduation season. Participants can also get free first-generation stickers.
• A poster display, “Exploring the First-Generation ���ϲ����� Experience,” featuring campus community members, will be on exhibit on the first floor of Bird Library. Learn about the history of the first-generation identity in higher education, the diverse definitions of “first-generation” and inspiring profiles of current first-generation campus members. A library research guide will offer a wide array of books and resources by and for first-generation individuals, covering themes such as cultural education, memoirs, celebrations and wellness.

Monday, Nov. 4

• • A workshop on “Crafting Your Pitch” will be offered by Career Services and the Kessler Scholars Program from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in Room 104 of the Tolley Humanities Building. The workshop is tailored to the needs of first-generation students, with a special emphasis on undergraduate students. Participants will discover, practice and leave with branding and elevator pitch techniques to support their career journeys.
  • “,” will be held from 4-6 p.m. in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, 114 Bird Library. A diverse panel of faculty, staff, students and alumni will share their unique experiences, challenges and advice in navigating college and the professional environments. The discussion and Q&A session will include how to gather support and resources,

Tuesday, Nov. 5

• The Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS), located on the lower level of Bird Library, will hold an open house from 3:30-5:30 p.m. for first-generation students to explore the variety of individual and group academic support services available.

Wednesday, Nov. 6

• Affinity and networking pop-up space for first-generation students, faculty and staff will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Intercultural Collective office in the Schine Student Center. Meet fellow first-generation peers, share your experiences, sign your class banner and enjoy some light refreshments while building a supportive community.
• “Thriving as a First-Generation Professional: Navigating the Workforce with Confidence,” a trauma-informed workshop designed to empower first-generation college students as they prepare to enter the professional workforce, will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. in 103 Huntington Hall. Participants will explore practical strategies for overcoming challenges unique to first-generation professionals, such as navigating workplace dynamics, developing self-advocacy and managing financial independence.

• A on “Building Your Professional Network” will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Learn how to unlock life-changing conversations, mentorships, internships and jobs. Connect with members of the vast Orange community. Open to all undergraduate students, regardless of school/college affiliation.

Thursday, Nov. 7

• An open house will be held in 208 Bowne Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for participants to learn about research, fellowship and other resources and opportunities available for first-generation students with the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA), ���ϲ����� Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE), Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) and the Lender Center for Social Justice.

Friday, Nov. 8

• A First-Generation Resource Fair will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Jacquet Commons in Huntington Hall. The fair will feature information from�� SOURCE, ���ϲ����� Abroad, Blackstone Launchpad, the McNair Scholars Program, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and more.
• A First-Generation Celebration featuring “Living Between Two Worlds” with Tianna Faye Soto will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the��Jacquet Commons in Huntington Hall. Soto will focus on empowering first-generation students to explore their identities, celebrate intersectionality and highlight the unique strength each person holds.

The National First-Generation College Celebration is celebrated annually on Nov. 8 to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The act provides equal opportunity for those from low-income and minority backgrounds. The legislation created grants and loan programs, invested in higher education institutions and started the Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) to facilitate the academic success of first-generation college students.

First-Generation College Celebration Week events are made possible by the collaboration and generous contributions of multiple individuals, offices and units on campus that believe in elevating and celebrating our first-generation community of students, faculty and staff.

New Student Programs maintains the for those who self-identify as first-generation college students. The list serves a visual representation of faculty and staff dedication to helping current first-generation college students build their personal success networks and their eagerness to help grow a campus of support. Students are encouraged to connect with faculty and staff members who can share their personal journeys, insight and support throughout this unique student experience.

Jackie Anderson (right) receives the College Educator of the Year award from James VanDusen, current TACNY president. (Photo courtesy of TACNY)

Three faculty members from the (ECS) were among the honorees recognized at the (TACNY)’s 24th Annual Celebration of Technology Awards banquet recently.

Jackie Anderson, associate teaching professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, received TACNY’s College Educator of the Year award in recognition of her student-centered approach to teaching and mentoring. At ECS, Anderson also directs the Industrial Assessment Center and is director for the engineering management graduate degree program.

, associate teaching professor of , was presented with the STEM Outreach/Individual award.

Doug Yung (right) was presented with the STEM Outreach-Individual honor by Howie Hollander, TACNY president emeritus. (Photo courtesy of TACNY)

The award cited his passionate advocacy for STEM education and his focus on creating inclusive, engaging learning environments for underrepresented youth in Central New York. Yung also serves as program director for the ECS biomedical engineering undergraduate program.

, emeritus professor of , received TACNY’s Lifetime Achievement award. The organization said it chose Chin based on his vast and sophisticated research in computer security, systems assurance and formal verification that has spurred advancement locally and worldwide.

Shiu-Kai Chin (right) receives TACNY’s Lifetime Achievement award from Howie Hollander, TACNY president emeritus. (Photo courtesy of TACNY)

In announcing the award, the organization said it is “honored to recognize Dr. Chin not only for his extensive technological contributions and innovations, but also for his dedication to and impact on education and on human endeavors at large.”

At ���ϲ�����, Chin has been recognized as a Provost Faculty Fellow, a Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor for Teaching Excellence, and recently was awarded the Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Contributions to the University’s Academic Programs.

Keynote speaker for the TACNY banquet was��, ECS professor��of mechanical and aerospace engineering and Executive Director of the University’s (CoE). He spoke on the topic, “Managing Indoor Air Quality at Multiple Scales–from Urban to Personal Microenvironments.”

TACNY is a not-for-profit organization that has served the Central New York community since 1903. It says its is to facilitate community awareness, appreciation, and education of technology and to collaborate with like-minded organizations across Central New York.

According to the organization, the HEIBO Member of the Year exemplifies the HEIBO mission: Being committed to developing and advancing the knowledge, skills, best practices and network of professionals who provide financial, operational and business leadership for global higher education.

Shukhrat Aminov

Aminov joined the HEIBO Steering Committee this year.

“His (Shukhrat’s) insights, experience and leadership quickly proved invaluable to a group focused on shaping HEIBO’s vision for the next 5 to 10 years. As the incoming co-chair of the HEIBO Steering Committee, we are excited about the direction he will help guide this volunteer-led organization,” says��Missy Peterson, director of finance and operations for global programs and strategy alliance at the University of Minnesota.

In his role at ���ϲ�����, Aminov oversees all non-academic operational activities for ���ϲ����� Abroad and its centers abroad. He supports centers in the following areas: budget/finance; human resources; IT/data; legal; facilities; agreements and other operational areas. Additionally, Aminov is a member of the ���ϲ����� Abroad Enrollment Management Committee and the ���ϲ����� Abroad leadership team.

Aminov possessed more than a decade of operations management experience prior to his time with ���ϲ����� Abroad, including��budget management, administration, strategy development and implementation, project management and asset management. He has also completed the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

Prior to joining ���ϲ����� Abroad, Aminov served as the regional chief operating officer for the Western and Central New York regions of the American Red Cross, where he oversaw all administrative and business functions for a team that provided humanitarian services for a population of more than four million people. He has managed complex humanitarian aid operations in post-tsunami Indonesia and humanitarian efforts in Post-9/11 Northern Afghanistan.

Founded in 2014, is an educational association that supports higher education international business professionals who are passionate about quality education. Its��membership consists of over 100 financial professionals representing higher education institutions and global providers from across the country.��HEIBO strives to work in collaboration with surrounding international education and higher education business networks.

John E. Breyer

Breyer was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2001, co-chaired the Budget Committee from 2003-2006 and was a life trustee participant on the Board Finance Committee. He was a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council at ECS and the Atlanta Regional Council.

His deep connection to the University began when he moved to Central New York to pursue a career with General Electric. For nearly three decades, Breyer worked for this Fortune 500 company’s underseas business division and rose to serve eventually as general manager of the entire underseas systems business. He took graduate courses at ECS and became the company’s representative for GE Corporate-sponsored programs on campus. Several of his employees were adjuncts in the college, and he appointed a member of his human resources department to initiate a program to help support minority students in engineering.

“We feel strongly that all citizens should support education, and we wanted to do something that would make a difference for many years to come,” said Breyer when it was announced that he and his wife bestowed a $1.1 million faculty endowment gift to establish the John E. and Patricia A. Breyer Professorship in Electrical Engineering to attract world-class faculty specifically to the electrical engineering program, and advance excellence in engineering research and teaching. The couple also established an endowed scholarship fund to support deserving students.

“John was such an ardent supporter of the College of Engineering and Computer Science and ���ϲ�����,” says J. Cole Smith, dean of the . “He and his family have made a tremendous impact in supporting our students and our research enterprise. I will miss him and will be forever grateful for the generous and sincere way John helped advance the aspirations of so many people in ECS.”

Breyer himself earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1961, after serving in the United States Navy as an enlisted soldier and continuing in the Navy Reserve. Described as a lifelong learner by his family, Breyer graduated from GE’s rigorous Advanced Engineering and General Management Programs. He was recognized as an innovator and leader in multiple fields related to communication, signal intelligence and antenna measurement.

Breyer joined Scientific-Atlanta Inc. in 1989 as the company senior vice president and president of two divisions before ascending to become president and chief executive officer of MI Technologies, a company he founded along with other investors. He continued to lead in these roles as the company expanded and merged to become NSI-MI Technologies, a high-tech company that develops and manufactures testing and measurement systems, equipment and products used to test communications, radar, satellite, wireless and EMC/EMI systems. He retired in 2021 at the age of 86.

Breyer’s connection to ���ϲ����� was personal and professional. His daughter, Deborah Knoblock ’88, G’90, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the School of Education and is chair of the School of Education’s Advisory Board. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia, his daughters Deborah and Tamara, and three grandchildren. The family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to benefit ECS or the School of Education or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation that serves veterans and first responders.

James-Christian Blockwood

Blockwood has taught Maxwell students in the nation’s capital since 2022 and served as executive vice president at the Partnership for Public Service. He also previously served in the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs.

Blockwood will succeed Terry Gerton, the Academy’s longest-serving leader.

“In our search for our next president and CEO, the board of the Academy was looking for a combination of broad and deep experience in public administration, outstanding leadership skills, and a demonstrated commitment to the Academy’s unique role and mission,” says Janet A. Weiss, Academy board chair. “Terry Gerton has been an extraordinary leader for the Academy and in James-Christian Blockwood we have identified a leader we believe will build on Terry’s legacy, the reputation of the Academy and our capacities for the future.”

As one of only two congressionally chartered institutions of its kind, the Academy has a mandate to advance the field of public administration and provide nonpartisan expertise to Congress and the next presidential administration.

The Academy has 1,000 fellows from all levels of government, academia and the private sector. Fellows include public managers and scholars, business executives, current and former cabinet officers, members of Congress, governors, state legislators and diplomats. Among them is .

Van Slyke said Blockwood advances the field of public administration through his work with the University. “He helps students and executive professionals hone critical skills and prepares the next generation to be the future leaders our country needs,” Van Slyke says, adding that his course on strategic foresight is a valuable experiential learning opportunity for students and builds on his strong reputation in strategy, management and public affairs. “He is very well-equipped to lead an organization focused on advancing the practice of public administration.”

Blockwood says it is a “privilege to have the confidence of the board of directors to lead the Academy into its next era—especially with the Academy’s 60th and our nation’s 250th anniversaries as milestones ahead.”

The EBAC reports to the University’s Administrative Benefits Committee, in collaboration with the Human Resources leadership team. The council is chaired by Tom Dennison, professor of practice emeritus, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and is composed of faculty and staff, who are selected by or with direct consultation with the University Senate.

Over the past year, the EBAC focused on building its understanding of the University’s benefits program and was instrumental in providing feedback on and support of important issues, including the recommendation for a more equitable and transparent retirement plan fee model and the evaluation of the dental program for faculty and staff.

To support the review of the University’s dental program, which was led by Human Resources leadership and included an independent analysis by a nationally recognized employee benefits consulting firm, the council conducted a dental benefit survey sent to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff in the spring to gather meaningful feedback. With the council’s support, the University will offer a new plan for 2025 with the largest dental provider network in Central New York that offers lower costs for employees and expanded coverage, including orthodontia.

As the EBAC relies on input from faculty and staff, council members will hold during Open Enrollment to meet with faculty and staff to receive feedback on the University’s benefits program.

These are scheduled for the following dates:

• Thursday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Schine Student Center, Room 137
• Friday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 621 Skytop Office Building, Room 1051

The EBAC will continue to meet throughout the year to address benefit needs of faculty and staff. As part of its work, the council will reach out to the University community to identify and address concerns and issues.

Council members are the following:

• Tom Dennison, professor of practice emeritus, Maxwell School
• Darlene Carelli, executive assistant, College of Professional Studies
• Dan Cutler, director, Academic Programs
• Matt Huber, professor, Maxwell School
• Holly Kingdeski, administrative assistant, Enrollment Management
• Eric Kingson, professor emeritus, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics (concluded his tenure on the council this fall)
• Kofi Okyere, professor of practice, Whitman School of Management
• John O’Reilly, truck equipment operator, Campus Facilities
• Amanda Johnson Sanguiliano, associate director, Institutional Effectiveness
• Bram Stone, assistant director, Student Engagement
• Lynne Vincent, department chair and associate director, Whitman School
• Doug Yung, associate teaching professor, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Maloney, a researcher who investigates fundamental questions in theoretical physics and quantum information theory, comes to ���ϲ����� from in Montreal.

Alexander Maloney

“I am delighted by the opportunity to work with the outstanding students and faculty at ���ϲ����� to help push the forefront of research in quantum science,” Maloney says.

The Walters Endowed Professorship was established by a $2.5 million gift from ���ϲ����� Board of Trustees Chair Emeritus Kathy Walters ’73 and her husband, Stan ’72. Their gift was made as part of the , which supports the recruitment and retention of high-caliber faculty.

“The commitment of the Walters family has allowed us to recruit a world-class leader for ���ϲ�����’s quantum science program,” says , vice president for research. “Professor Maloney will bring together outstanding faculty from the and the and provide new opportunities for our students to engage in cutting-edge research.”

Maloney’s research focuses on connections between quantum information theory, field theory, statistical mechanics and quantum gravity.

“Over the last century, advances in our understanding of the quantum world have underlain some of the most important scientific and technical advances that have changed both our society and our understanding of the universe,” Maloney says. “This includes deep questions ranging from elementary particle physics and black holes to materials science and engineering. Many of the most exciting current directions lie at the intersection of quantum science and information theory, where a new field of science is being created that may have profound implications, both for our understanding of fundamental physics and for the construction of quantum computers and precision devices.”

A&S Dean Behzad Mortazavi notes that health care is another area of promise in quantum information science. “For example, we can imagine the potential for much earlier detection of diseases like cancer through quantum sensing, and the creation of highly personalized, more effective treatments for those diseases based on analysis of massive amounts of DNA data,” he says. “With Professor Maloney bringing his internationally recognized expertise to join the other top researchers in A&S physics, we are excited to be on the leading edge of this frontier.”

Maloney’s previous positions include James McGill Professor of Physics and Sir William Macdonald Chair in Physics at McGill University, where he was honored with the John David Jackson Award for excellence in teaching. He was a member of the in Princeton, New Jersey, and a research associate at the . He was selected as a Simons Fellow in Theoretical Physics in 2013. He earned a Ph.D. in physics from Harvard University and an M.Sc. in mathematics and B.Sc. in physics from Stanford University.

At ���ϲ�����, Maloney will work with four new researchers—now being recruited by the University with support from and —who will grow teaching and research in quantum science, providing opportunities for students to advance understanding of nature and design the next generation of quantum technologies.

Open Enrollment is the one time of year when eligible employees can reflect on their benefit options, connect with the variety of available resources to help make the best decisions to meet their needs and enroll for the coming year.

Visit the�� to learn more about the University’s benefits for 2025 and the resources available to help you make decisions for next year.

Questions about Open Enrollment, benefits or the enrollment process? Contact��HR Shared Services��at 315.443.4042.

Carrie Brown

To help you process the experience, Carrie ��Brown, director of counseling, , recommends starting with recognizing what you’re going through.

“Having awareness and naming the experience and feelings is often a good first step. As well as normalizing the experience,” Brown says. Feel that discomfort but also explore your new situation and meet with new people—and focus on thoughts as to why you embarked on this new adventure.

In this Q&A with SU News, Brown shares how you can recognize the signs of being homesick, how to work through those feelings and how friends and family can offer support.

What are the signs that might appear in students who are feeling homesick?

Signs can manifest physically, cognitively and emotionally and often are tied together. Physical signs might include disrupted sleep, lack/change in appetite, lowered immune responses, GI issues, headaches, dizziness, fatigue and general feelings of being unwell. Cognitively, the individual might find themselves consumed with thoughts of returning home, being pessimistic about their new environment or having difficulty concentrating. Emotionally, the person might find themselves having a low mood, being tearful or having feelings of hopelessness. Additionally, they might experience increased levels of anxiety, including nervousness, worry, being jittery, irritability and wanting to withdraw.

Is it very common for students to go through this? What do you tell students about those feelings of homesickness?

Experiences of homesickness are very common and usually occur more often in students who are leaving home for the first time but can happen whenever our routines become completely disrupted for extended periods of time. Research has indicated that upwards of 70% of first-year students experience some symptoms/signs of homesickness, which if not addressed could potentially lead to adjustment difficulties.

Attitude and perspective toward the new experience and environment can have a critical impact. For example, anticipating being homesick can sometimes lend itself to a self-fulling mindset. A person’s ability to sit with the discomfort and explore the unfamiliar, including new situations and engaging with new people can be helpful. Additionally, focusing on thoughts such as why one chose this University can be a good way of offsetting a more negative mindset.

What are ways to help overcome homesickness?

• Seek support by talking with family, friends and professors and building new social relationships.
• Look for ways to recreate things from home that you miss in your new environment.
• Get active and continue to engage in self-care such as paying attention to sleep, nutrition and exercise.
• Create a routine and leave your residence hall. Look for opportunities to get involved with things you enjoy and are passionate about such as joining a University club or committee.
• Avoid the temptation to return home often and/or stay in your room.
• Try to avoid too much social comparison and set realistic expectations. Know that you are not alone in these feelings and that many people can resolve them.

How can families and friends support students who might be homesick?

Families and friends should be open to talking about what the student is experiencing and listen with empathy and normalize the experience. They should also talk about how the student might develop a routine, get involved on campus and how they might find things they enjoy in their new environment. Normalize the time it takes to make deeper relationships and help set realistic expectations. Avoid being quick to have them come home too often and encourage them to get involved on campus and branch out to meet new people.

Who should students reach out to if those feelings don’t go away after a certain period?

Certainly, homesickness over a duration can lead to additional anxiety and depressed mood. In the event that someone notices that homesickness is impacting their daily life and they are not making connections and/or withdrawing from opportunities and isolating they should reach out to a professional such as for support. is another helpful resource that can offer support as well, especially if academics are being impacted.

Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser (left) presenting FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam with a CED Award. (Photo courtesy of CED Distinguished Leadership Awards)

The Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board, awarded Raj Subramaniam G’89, president and chief executive of FedEx, with a 2024 CED Distinguished Leadership Award for Business Stewardship and Corporate Citizenship. The ceremony took place on Oct. 9, in New York City.

The CED Distinguished Leadership Awards honor leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to corporate citizenship, business stewardship and advancing public policy in the nation’s interests.

The 2024 awards pay special tribute to business leaders and their companies who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in challenging times. These include advancing equal opportunity during a time of national economic uncertainty, building a more civil and just society, and upholding a rules-based international order.

“The US continues to face economic and geopolitical uncertainty. This year’s distinguished honorees have demonstrated steadfast, innovative leadership amid these transformational times, working tirelessly to advance policies and practices that benefit our nation’s well-being,” says Lori Esposito Murray, former president of CED. “They embody the best of business stewardship and corporate responsibility, and truly epitomize CED’s vision of integrity in business leadership. By recognizing these exemplary leaders and companies, CED aims to inspire other leaders across the public and private sectors to follow in their footsteps.”

“Raj is a visionary leader on an international scale,” says J. Cole Smith, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. “He has been at the forefront of transformational change and next-generation problem solving. It is wonderful to see him recognized with such a prestigious award.”

Subramaniam is the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of FedEx Corporation. Over the last 50 years, FedEx has built a well-connected network linking 220 countries and territories around the world. FedEx was also responsible for delivering the COVID-19 vaccine worldwide.

With more than 30 years of industry experience at FedEx, one of the world’s largest transportation companies, Subramaniam’s forward-thinking, innovative ways have helped revolutionize the transportation and logistics industry.

Subramaniam earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering from ���ϲ����� in 1989.

The other recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Leadership Awards for Business Stewardship and Corporate Citizenship included:

• Nikesh Arora, CEO and Chairman, Palo Alto Networks
• Jenny Johnson, president and CEO, Franklin Templeton
• Robert��F. Smith, founder, chairman and CEO, Vista Equity Partners
• Julie Sweet, chair and CEO, Accenture
• Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO, Chobani, and founder, Tent Partnership for Refugees