Livia McQuade (center) with U.S. wheelchair rugby team members Joe Delagrave and Sara Adam. The team won a silver medal in Paris, and Adam became the first woman to compete on the U.S. wheelchair rugby team at the Paralympics.

For sport management major Livia McQuade ’25, the path from the to Paris for the Paralympic Games went like this:

After learning about an internship opportunity with the (OSG) on the Careers webpage, McQuade reached out to Internship Placement Coordinator for more information. OSG is a management and marketing agency that provides top sponsorship opportunities and marketing strategies for Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Through Perez, McQuade learned that recent sport management graduates Elena Randolph ’24 and Jacob Bennett ’24 strongly endorsed OSG after both had interviewed with the organization and Bennett worked there as an athlete relations intern. From there, McQuade discovered that OSG’s Director of Athlete Relations ’16 was a sport management alumna and “connecting with her jumpstarted this experience from the first interview all the way to the Paralympics,” McQuade says.

“I preach that the Falk College is better known as the ‘College of Opportunity’ and this internship is the purest reflection of that,” McQuade says.

Thanks to her Falk connections and stellar academic background, McQuade spent this past summer with OSG in Loveland, Colorado. McQuade, the executive vice president of the in the Falk College and co-chair of the club’s 2024 , says she wants to work with the Olympic and Paralympic Movement following graduation and this internship has been an invaluable step in that process.

We asked McQuade to describe her experience working for OSG at the Paralympic Games in Paris and here’s what she wrote:

Livia McQuade (left) with Olympus Sports Group Director of Athlete Relations Jessica Leonard ’16. They’re standing in front of the Arc de Triomphe with the Agitos (the Paralympics logo) displayed on the Arc for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games (similar to the Olympic Rings on the Eiffel Tower).

“Over the summer and into this fall semester, I have been an athlete relations intern with Olympus Sports Group. I worked under OSG Founder and President and former U.S. speed skater Ian Beck and ���ϲ����� alumna Jessica Leonard, and much of my internship was centered around the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Through the summer months and while four of our Olympic swimmers were competing in Paris, I worked on the backend reviewing and supporting contract negotiations for athlete partnerships, preparing athletes’ speaking outlines, updating athlete websites and project managing the upcoming book release for one of our most prominent athletes (Jessica Long).

“At the beginning of September, I took a hiatus from my classes in Falk to attend the Paralympics with OSG’s incredible leadership team and nine of our competing athletes. Our roles on the ground in Paris were largely dedicated to celebrating our athletes at their events; we cheered for Jessica Long in para swimming, Sarah Adam and Joe Delagrave in wheelchair rugby, Noah Malone and Susannah Scaroni in para track and field, Dennis Connors and Jamie Whitmore in para-cycling and Steve Serio and Trey Jenifer in wheelchair basketball. All while proudly decked out in USA apparel!

“All other responsibilities centered around any of our athletes’ media or speaking appearances. This included trips to Team USA House, Bridgestone House and Toyota House, as well as a luncheon with Bank of America and International Paralympic Committee Board members. Of all the places and moments we witnessed, the one that sticks with me the most is attending para swimming: Seeing the notorious Olympic/Paralympic-sized pool, being in a packed arena, and just being in that atmosphere was an ‘I made it’ moment for me.

“I am incredibly grateful and fortunate to work with Ian and Jessica at OSG. For the remainder of the fall semester, I am continuing to work with OSG in a limited role with the addition of our newly hired intern and capstonee sport management major (and ���ϲ����� track and field hurdler) Kirstyn Schechter ’25. While Kirstyn takes over the responsibilities I held this summer, I will focus mostly on coordinating media opportunities and schedules for the release of Jessica Long’s new book, “,” set to publish on Oct. 1!”

Interested in a career in the sport industry? Visit the webpage to learn more about academic programs, experiential learning, and career opportunities.

The OVMA created this award to remove barriers that often prevent student veterans from accessing internships, one of the most effective pathways to post-graduation employment. The award, which is needs-based, covers the cost of one internship credit hour, travel and living expenses, or both, with a maximum award of $5,000 per student. It’s part of the ongoing efforts by ���ϲ����� to support student veterans and ensure their success in the job market.

“Student veterans often face the difficult choice between pursuing full-time summer studies or finding seasonal work to meet their financial needs,” says Jennifer Pluta, director of Veterans Career Services with the OVMA. “It’s challenging to focus on securing internships when financial concerns are pressing. Since its launch, the Internship Award has successfully helped 24 of our student veterans gain valuable job experience, giving them a significant advantage in the job market.”

According to the University’s , more than 650,000 veterans nationwide are currently pursuing higher education, often with one primary goal in mind: finding employment afterward. While veterans highlight finding employment after their military transition as a top priority, connecting with employers can sometimes be challenging. Initiatives like the OVMA’s Internship Award are crucial in bridging this gap, providing student veterans with opportunities to gain practical experience and build networks that will support their career goals.

At ���ϲ�����, students across all schools, colleges and degree levels have access to resources that help them find and secure internships in their chosen fields. However, student veterans, who often juggle complex schedules, family commitments and financial responsibilities, can find it particularly challenging to participate in internships. The OVMA’s Internship Award helps alleviate these challenges by providing financial support, enabling student veterans to focus on gaining valuable professional experience without the added burden of financial strain.

“Since its start, the internship award program has grown tremendously, providing invaluable opportunities for our student veterans to gain real-world experience and advance their careers,” says Ron Novack, OVMA’s executive director. “We are committed to expanding this program even further, reaching more student veterans and building strong partnerships with organizations that recognize and value the exceptional skills and dedication that veterans bring to the workforce.”

This year, military-connected students secured internships across a diverse range of industries, with many gaining experience in government agencies and tech companies. From working on policy initiatives and supporting service members through government roles to contributing to innovative projects in the tech sector, these students gained invaluable experience that will serve them well in their future careers.

Read more about three of the recipients and their unique experiences below.

Laurie N. Coffey G’25, U.S. Navy Veteran

Laurie Coffey

Laurie N. Coffey, a U.S. Navy veteran with over 20 years of service, is now a second-year law student in the . This summer, she interned with the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, where she gained valuable experience in public service law. Unlike the previous summer, when financial demands led her to take a highly paid corporate internship, this year was different.

“Receiving the scholarship allowed me to take a position that was unpaid and in public service,” Coffey says. “Having a family, mortgage, and going to school has financial demands that pushed me into a highly paid corporate internship last summer. The scholarship allowed me to pursue something more aligned with my passions and hopes to work in the advocacy arena.”

Curtis Cline ’25, U.S. Army Veteran

Curtis Cline

Curtis Cline, a senior majoring in aerospace engineering at the , is a U.S. Army veteran who completed three combat tours. During his service, he held such roles as crew chief, overhaul maintenance technician and downed aircraft recovery program manager. This summer, he interned at the Griffiss Institute, where he immersed himself in collaborative aerospace research.

“A lesson I gained during my internship is the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Working alongside experts in various fields, I learned how to effectively communicate complex ideas, integrate diverse perspectives and contribute to a collaborative research environment,” Cline says. “This experience has equipped me with enhanced problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of how different disciplines converge in aerospace research.”

Marriler Wilson G’25, U.S. Air Force Veteran

Marriler Wilson

Marriler Wilson is a graduate student in the , pursuing a master’s in public administration and international relations.  Willson served in the Air Force National Guard, focusing on security forces and base defense, while also serving as a traffic enforcer with the New York Police Department. This summer, Wilson interned at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in the Office of Congressional Public Affairs.

“One particularly memorable experience occurred on the second day of my internship when I had the unique opportunity to visit Capitol Hill. I observed a general counsel from my congressional and public affairs unit articulate the significance of MCC’s work,” says Wilson. “The counsel eloquently explained how MCC’s mission aligns with the interests of both political parties and how the corporation’s initiatives serve as a vital conduit for international cooperation and development.”

The OVMA Internship Award application period is open from September to May 31. For more details and to apply, visit . For more details about the award, reach out to Jennifer Pluta at jrpluta@syr.edu.

Story by Lissette Caceres

Over the summer, sport management major Camila Malda ’25 (far left) interned with the Chicago Red Stars while sport analytics major Adelaide Gilley ’25 (far right) interned with the Houston Astros.

Adelaide Gilley, a senior in the Falk College’s program, already has an extensive resume of on-campus experiences. She is co-head of player performance for the ���ϲ����� men’s basketball team, vice president of membership for the Sport Management Club and co-chair of the club’s , to name a few. Now, she can add baseball operations intern for the to the growing list.

Adelaide Gilley

Gilley says a connection she made at a in Philadelphia that she attended through the Falk College last September helped her get the internship with the Astros for summer 2024. As a Houston native, Gilley says it was a dream come true to work for her hometown team.

Camila Malda, a senior in Falk’s , is originally from Mexico City, Mexico. She spent her summer as a corporate partnerships intern for the of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Camila Malda

Her tasks included helping to organize and carry out the Red Stars’ Pride Night and a special game night at Chicago’s iconic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. The Wrigley Field game set a record for the highest attendance at a NWSL match with 35,038 spectators.

Malda says a fellow Red Stars intern in ticket sales is also a Falk College student, reinforcing a lesson she has heard from her professors: “You’re going to end up working with or under someone from ���ϲ�����.”

We spoke with both Gilley and Malda while they were in the middle of their internships this summer. The below videos highlight their experiences working with professional sports organizations.

The award typically provides students with $1,500-$6,000 to assist with internship-related travel, accommodations, required materials or living expenses.

Applying for the 2023-24 Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Award

This year’s application process closes on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. In addition to being responsible for self-securing internships, students interested in applying are also required to secure a faculty or staff sponsor letter, complete a Handshake application, and complete the Clements Internship Award Qualtrics Survey by the application deadline. Visit the for complete details.

Alekhya Rajasekaran ’25 Puts Health Care Career Into Focus

Alekhya Rajasekaran

The Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Award cultivated an opportunity for Alekhya Rajasekaran ’25, a junior studying , to immerse herself in a monthlong internship in India’s Puducherry Aravind Eye Hospital and the Tamil Naduc community.

“From the people to the language, the food and more, I gained a more worldly perspective on not just health care but on true culture. I understand my heritage on a deeper level now and made unforgettable memories during every moment of my internship,” Rajasekaran says. “Listening to patients’ concerns was eye-opening and taught me an incredible amount about how different each patient’s personal background and situation can be, especially in an area with great patient background diversity like Southern India.”

Rajasekaran (right) used the Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Award to immerse herself in a monthlong internship in India’s Aravind Eye Hospital.

Rajasekaran’s time was spent scaling foundational career experiences within routine ophthalmology care to surgeries, witnessing a high volume of patient care to strengthening one-on-one relationships. In support of underserved villages, Rajasekaran’s favorite memory was assisting in a rural eye camp, hosting about 400 free basic screenings daily. As needed and free of charge, patients received both busing back to the main hospital and surgery.

“Aravind’s commitment to rural health is inspiring and taught me the importance of efficiency, allocating resources, and delegation in the implementation of health care in areas without easy access,” Rajasekaran says.

Alekhya Rajasekaran (front center) helped with a hospital study evaluating glaucoma patients’ perceptions of telemedicine.

Rajasekaran also participated in a hospital study evaluating glaucoma patients’ perceptions of telemedicine and how the Aravind Eye Hospital vision centers utilized telemedicine. The team is working to publish its findings in the future.

“Witnessing the study come to life when seeing my questionnaire asked to patients, and even writing the paper, has been an unreal experience. This work can help the hospital better understand patients’ predispositions towards telemedicine so they can better improve vision centers and perhaps implement telemedicine in other areas of the hospital as well. In addition, telemedicine can help catch patients with glaucoma earlier on so that they can receive the treatment they need. The knowledge gained through this study can be used for a variety of reasons, but improving the patient experience to increase access to medicine is always at the core,” Rajasekaran says.

For questions, , email ���ϲ����� Career Services or call 315.443.3616. Students are also encouraged to learn more about the , scheduled to open applications on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2023.

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

Mueller, who plans to graduate in spring 2024, interned with the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies this summer to work on its  project. The independent, nonprofit organization is working to predict the next outbreak before it happens by using artificial intelligence and big data to protect human health.

Katya Mueller

“I was excited to learn about the internship and knew I had to apply,” says Mueller, who was selected after a highly competitive application and external review process. The internship is aimed at helping graduate students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups gain experience in data librarianship and related skills, such as using Python, RStudio, Tableau and more. The paid internships offer students opportunities to work with real-life data and scenarios while working with a mentor.

“I was looking for some good experiences over the summer to expose myself to other areas of librarianship,” says Mueller. “Data librarianship is gaining lots of attention as of late, and the field has been rapidly growing. I wanted to learn more about data librarianship: What does it mean? What kind of responsibilities do they have? What kind of skills do you need to become one?”

Through her work with the Cary Institute, Mueller looked specifically at a dataset that compiled global alphavirus case studies in mammals. Alphaviruses include such diseases as Sindibis, Chikungunya, Mayaro and more.

“My responsibility over the summer was to finish compiling the latitude and longitude coordinates to visualize the data in map form, as well as utilize various RStudio packages to explore the dataset and identify trends,” she says. “Alphaviruses as a whole are understudied, despite their wide geographical distribution. This only further highlights the importance of understanding alphaviruses, not only their impact on humans but on animals as well.”

Class Opened Her Eyes

During her first year in ���ϲ�����’s MLIS program, Mueller took a course taught by ���ϲ����� Humanities Librarian Patrick Williams. The class has stuck with her ever since.

“The course about digital humanities and library work opened my eyes to the many possible careers within librarianship,” says Mueller. “Our discussions went past the academic and into real-world scenarios—looking at the ethics of data usage and the importance of properly representing information to the masses.”

The class was a general introduction to an array of methods, including text analysis, electronic literature, spatial analysis and visualization and their applications to libraries and other related settings.

For her final project in the class, she decided to take on a small data curation project and collected information about ancient Roman and Greek libraries, such as time built, patrons, location, geographical coordinates, events of interest, etc. She then created visualizations based on that data.

Employment on Her Mind

With graduation approaching next year, Mueller says employment has been on her mind. She plans to apply to academic libraries’ residency programs that are designed to expose recent MLIS graduates to different departments within the library.

Residencies typically last two to three years and give students valuable firsthand experience and opportunities to try different roles.

“I still have a lot to learn within the field of librarianship, as there are so many different types of library jobs that exist,” she says. “I believe a residency would be extremely beneficial as I continue to navigate this extremely broad field.” Mueller wants to work in a research capacity that helps students, faculty, researchers and others reach their goals.

“I have seen so many incredible social justice projects that stemmed from the library, shedding light on important and often uncomfortable history,” says Mueller.

One that comes to mind for her is the University of Minnesota’s , which visualizes and identifies racial clauses that were inserted into property deeds, exposing a history of structural racism.

“Learning about such a project, I felt a sense of empowerment,” says Mueller. “Librarians, historians, geographers and community activists all came together to do community-centered work. Not only are they educating and raising awareness of history, but they are supporting the work of reparations and making their maps and data available for use by all.”

No matter what kind of work she takes on after graduation, Mueller says she has a vision for how she hopes to impact others.

“Most importantly, I want to stay connected with the community I serve, leveraging the library and its resources for social justice,” she says.

Surviving the end of an academic year can be a challenging exercise for students. With their final assignments and exams completed, no one would blame these students for wanting to recharge their batteries and take a long, relaxing summer vacation.

But for many, once the rigors of the academic year have been completed, a new challenge takes its place during the summer: landing a competitive and impactful internship that can put them on the path to a fulfilling career once they graduate.

Three current students—Tianyi Zheng ’25, Bakary Darboe ’25 and Gift Onyenkwere ’25—discussed how their summer internships will set them up for lifelong career success, the valuable lessons they learned on the job and how they feel energized to pursue their professional goals after their internships.

Tianyi Zheng ’25, Bakary Darboe ’25 and Gift Onyenkwere ’25 participated in summer internships that each one of them feels will set them up for lifelong career success.

Tianyi Zheng ’25

Tianyi Zheng ’25

Zheng is a senior in the who plans on becoming both an independent architect and a farmer when she graduates. For her internship, Zheng traveled to Fukushima, Japan, which in 2011 experienced a 9.0-magnitude earthquake, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in the country.

Zheng says a community of scientists, architects and artists formed in the village following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Zheng’s internship—which was fully funded thanks to the Office of Central Career Services and its —served as the perfect compliment to the architectural theories and ideas she’s been studying at ���ϲ�����.

“I transitioned from being a student to a member of society, as various real-world factors were presented, such as finances, materials and structure. These factors imbue the designer with a greater sense of vitality and uncertainty. In school, I envision society through books and lectures, while in the real world, the richness of reality helps me construct a new intellectual realm. The combination of university studies and this internship nurtures my ideals through the intertwining of theory and practice,” Zheng says.

Company: Korogaro Association, an architecture office established by architect Kengo Sato in the Otama Village in Fukushima, Japan. Korogaro coexists with the landscape and the community, drawing inspiration from the land, the farmers and daily life. Its projects range from artworks to public buildings.

How will this internship help you achieve your career goals? “Architects can come in a variety of forms. There are architects who focus on urban scales in cities or who are involved in rural development in the countryside … My questions are: What kind of architect do I want to be? How can I become like that? These two questions became clearer after the internship in Japan.”

Most important lessons learned: “Learning advice and skills from others has served as inspirational guides for my future. The person who has influenced me the most is my boss, Kengo Sato. His architectural practice, rural lifestyle and personal charisma as a leader have shown me another dimension of what an architect can be. At the same time, being able to participate in every process of each project has shown me the direction and steps needed to become an independent architect.”

Bakary Darboe ’25

Bakary Darboe ’25

Darboe is on the pre-law track as a in the . Upon graduation, Darboe plans to earn a law degree. His career ambitions include becoming a lawyer, an entrepreneur, an international businessman, a real estate investor and a philanthropist.

“The more of an asset you can prove to be, the more likely those positive impacts will come back full circle. What can I do to help should always linger in your mind when meeting people instead of, ‘What can this person do for me?’” Darboe says when asked about the most important lesson he learned from his internship.

Company: Vornado Realty Trust, a publicly traded real estate investment trust that owns and manages Class A commercial properties across North America.

Responsibilities: Routing invoices to the assistant property manager for approval to process payment to various vendors; learning about the company’s leases, contracts and the different languages, amendments and clauses contained in various documents.

Other important lessons learned: “The importance of relationships—that relationships should be a two-way street—and to be personable, always willing to learn. So long as you are willing to be a sponge and have that drive and tenacity, there are no shortage of individuals who are eager to teach you. I will apply such an attitude whenever I embark on a new venture.”

Favorite part of the internship: “During my 10 weeks with Vornado, they hosted weekly lunches for the interns with executives, and we heard about various individuals’ paths and their journeys to success. It was reinvigorating to learn there’s no set path or formula to succeeding. I never got the sense that these folks were doing these lunch and learns to get something in return. They took time out of their busy lives to give us guidance and wisdom on how to better thrive in real property. I, too, intend to give back to those who come after me.”

Gift Onyenkwere ’25

Gift Onyenkwere ’25

Onyenkwere is a junior majoring in supply chain management, retail management and marketing management in the . Once Onyenkwere graduates, she plans to work as a supply chain manager, specializing in areas related to inventory control and logistics. Onyenkwere is interested in becoming an area manager in the retail sector, overseeing multiple locations while contributing to efficient operations, and she aspires to become a marketing analyst, relying on data-driven insights to create effective marketing strategies that drive business growth.

“As part of my internship, I spearheaded the implementation of a comprehensive training program for a team of over 100 employees. This initiative resulted in a significant improvement in customer service scores, as validated by customer feedback surveys. Additionally, I successfully developed and executed promotional events that substantially increased foot traffic to the store, leading to a considerable boost in sales,” Onyenkwere says of how she made an impact on the store through her internship.

Company: UNIQLO USA, a prominent retail organization known for its innovative approach to fashion and a commitment to delivering high-quality apparel to customers.

Responsibilities: “As a store management intern, I contributed to the day-to-day operations of a UNIQLO store in Orlando, Florida. I had hands-on experience in tasks such as inventory management, stock replenishment, customer service and contributing to the overall store presentation. This practical experience not only broadened my skill set but also deepened my appreciation for the critical role that effective store management plays in creating a positive customer experience.”

Most important lessons learned: “I gained a comprehensive understanding of the collaborative efforts required to maintain the brand’s reputation for quality and innovation. I learned how each team member—from sales associates to managers—plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service and upholding the brand’s values. I received valuable hands-on experience, participated in team collaboration and learned about the customer-centric approach to retail, and the importance of time management, adaptability, attention to detail and problem-solving.”

Most valuable piece of advice: “Embrace learning and be proactive. Don’t be afraid to take the initiative to learn beyond your assigned tasks. Seek opportunities to gain exposure to different aspects of the company or your industry. Ask questions, engage with professionals and demonstrate your eagerness to contribute.”

���ϲ����� Chancellor and President Kent Syverud was among the Central New York leaders who welcomed President Joseph R. Biden Jr. L’68; federal, state and local officials; and Micron leadership at a community event at Onondaga Community College this afternoon. President Biden, wearing a pin with both the American flag and the Orange block S flag on his suit coat, told a standing room crowd that the Micron investment is one of the most significant ever made in American history.

“This is going to ensure that the future is made in America. This is one of the bright spots around the country, and it should give us a sense of optimism and hope about who we are as a nation. … I’ve never been more optimistic in my life about America’s future. … We have entrepreneurs and people who know what they’re doing to lead us to a whole new era. I hope you feel what I feel standing here today: pride, pride in what we can do when we do it together,” the proud Orange alumnus added.

This unprecedented investment in the Central New York community presents a series of exciting opportunities for ���ϲ����� to contribute to these efforts to advance American innovation and ensure economic and national security. These initiatives include the following:

• Establishing ���ϲ�����’s Future-Ready Workforce Innovation Consortium at the College of Professional Studies. Together with the Central New York business community, trade unions, community colleges and other four-year institutions in New York State and beyond, Micron and ���ϲ����� will implement a multi-dimensional and inclusive approach to workforce development, upskilling and professional retention. The Workforce Innovation Consortium will foster an ecosystem for skills training, academic and partnership programs designed to support Micron’s workforce and talent development strategy.
• Leveraging the intellectual property and thought leadership of ���ϲ�����’s D’Aniello Institute for Veteran and Military Families (IVMF) to support Micron’s efforts to hire more than 1,500 veterans in the region over the next two decades. The IVMF will support veteran skill development for advanced manufacturing jobs and transitions into Micron and other industry roles.
• Partnering with Micron to enable ���ϲ����� to support new, diverse faculty whose research and teaching will train the workforce of the future through its Future Professors Fellowship Program. The program will focus on the quantum and chips cluster at ���ϲ�����, which is designed to enhance capacity for cutting-edge research in these domains. It will do so by adding world-class faculty, establishing facilities that serve as cutting-edge research labs, enabling experiential learning and attracting a large and diverse set of students at different stages of their educational careers to study engineering and science.
• Creating a Micron internship program designed to prepare students for full-time positions as engineers, scientists and other critical roles in the semiconductor industry. Recruitment will focus heavily on veterans and students from traditionally underrepresented communities. To initiate this program, Micron announced at today’s event that it has selected Savion Pollard ’25 as the first Micron intern hire from the ���ϲ����� veteran community. Pollard is a student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and a U.S. Navy veteran.

During an event today, Chancellor Kent Syverud stressed the importance of ���ϲ����� and the Central New York community coming together to work nimbly and efficiently to help Micron succeed.

Speaking to the audience inside the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College, Chancellor Syverud stressed the importance of ���ϲ����� and the CNY community coming together to work nimbly and efficiently to help Micron succeed with this investment, promising that the University community will “do our part in this work” to “assure Micron’s success and the growth of this community.”

“In partnership with Micron, our team is rolling up our sleeves and getting to work,” says Chancellor Syverud. “Already, we have several initiatives underway. These include the creation of the ���ϲ����� Future-Ready Workforce Innovation Consortium, efforts to ramp up Micron’s hiring of veterans and the further investment in the Future Professors Fellowship Program. Individually, these are great opportunities for our university and our community. Combined, they represent transformative and innovative ways to reimagine and reshape how we prepare the next generation of leaders, innovators, and disruptors.”

Micron’s investment will create 50,000 new jobs in this region, including 9,000 high-paying jobs directly with Micron. It involves $500 million in community and workforce development, focusing on assisting traditionally underrepresented and disadvantaged populations while training or retraining workers in our community. Micron’s historic investment was made possible by the passage of New York’s Green CHIPS legislation and the bipartisan federal CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law in August by President Biden to increase the country’s production of semiconductors while fueling efforts to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Site preparation is set to begin next year, with construction starting in 2024 and production in volume beginning after 2025.

But his mother, Bolanle Onikosi, found out about the dance from Joshuasville’s younger brother and persuaded Tobi to go.

“When I asked him, he said he didn’t want to bother me about the money (for the dance), but no, he just didn’t want to mingle,” Onikosi says, laughing. “When he came back, he was really excited. Being sociable was something he picked up because he wasn’t that kind of kid.”

Indeed, that would be the last time Joshuasville would need a push into anything. As he grew older, there wasn’t an internship he wouldn’t apply for, an opportunity to help others he wouldn’t take on, or a challenge to improve his skills that he wouldn’t accept.

In grade school, Tobi Joshuasville was a shy child. “Being sociable was something he picked up because he wasn’t that kind of kid,” says his mother, Bolanle Onikosi.

At times working and going to school 22 hours a day, Joshuasville realized his dream of attending ���ϲ����� as a graduate student in the (SVEM) program in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. He graduated from ���ϲ����� this past spring and is now a postgraduate intern with the NCAA, an extension of a spring internship when he worked for the NCAA’s men’s basketball championship staff.

In that role, one of Joshuasville’s many duties was handing the 2022 championship trophy to University of Kansas coach Bill Self. That presentation ended the NCAA Tournament, which is also known as the “Big Dance.”

When it comes to dances, Joshuasville has come a long way.

“My idol is (basketball legend) Kobe Bryant, and even if he knew something was going to be difficult, he was going to find a way to see it through and make sure it came out in his favor, no matter what,” Joshuasville says. “That’s something I take into account when I do anything.

“If I’m supposed to be at work at 8 o’clock, I’m coming at least 15 minutes early. I’m doing things that probably nobody else wants to do. If I can’t sleep, I can’t sleep, I’ll find some time to sleep later on,” he adds. “If you want to be successful, you have to sacrifice some things and that’s what I’ve learned.”

‘Make Her Smile’

Joshuasville learned about sacrifice from his mother, who moved her family from Lagos, Nigeria, to the United States for “better pastures” when Joshuasville was 18 months old and Onikosi was pregnant with her second of three boys. They initially moved to Queens in New York City before settling outside of Philadelphia in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, where Onikosi found a job as a bank teller and worked other jobs to help make ends meet (she now works in risk management for WSFS Bank).

“I made an investment in myself going to school and I want to make sure that it pays off because my mom sacrificed so much and put so many things on the line for me,” Joshuasville says. “I want to be successful and continue to make her smile.”

Joshuasville is a huge basketball fan and watching ���ϲ�����’s run to the 2016 Final Four cemented the Orange as his favorite team. He wanted to attend ���ϲ����� following high school, but his grades weren’t strong enough, so he enrolled at Delaware County Community College in Media, Pennsylvania.

From there, he transferred to in nearby Rosemont, Pennsylvania, in large part because a friend who was playing basketball at Rosemont encouraged Joshuasville to try out for the team. Joshuasville had been cut from his high school team for four years and didn’t make the team at Rosemont on his first try, but in a sign of what was to come for him at Rosemont he became the team’s first-ever walk-on player in his second year at the school.

In the fall of 2018, Joshuasville was taking a sport management class taught by Professor Christine Hagedorn, who made her students aware of an internship that was available in the Rosemont athletic department. Joshuasville says his “eyes lit up” and he eagerly volunteered for the internship because he wanted to find out if a career in sports was for him.

It was.

‘Let Me Try That’

With Hagedorn as his advisor, Joshuasville continued to learn about other internships and eventually landed his next one with the Villanova University athletic department from August through December 2019. And in January 2020, he was one of about 400 students–out of thousands of applicants–who were selected to participate in the NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program for minority student-athletes in Anaheim, California.

Tobi Joshuasville (right) and his teammates from Rosemont College created “Operation Smile” to benefit cancer patients at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Next to his mother, Joshuasville says Hagedorn has been the biggest influence in his life. He sat in her office for hours and asked questions as they brainstormed any opportunity–from volunteering to internships to fellowships–that would put Joshuasville in a position to gain skills and knowledge.

“I offer these opportunities to every student in the class, but he’s the one that always said yes, let me try that,” Hagedorn says. “Tobi applied for things that were real stretches, but what’s the worst that can happen? They can say no, but enough people said yes.”

While he was interning at Villanova from 5 a.m. to noon, Joshuasville was a full-time student working toward his sport management degree, playing on the basketball team, and working at Insomnia Cookies until 1 or 2 a.m. every day. He says there were nights he wouldn’t sleep at all, or sleep in a chair so he wouldn’t fall into a deep sleep.

Through it all, Joshuasville found time to create what he called “Operation Smile” to benefit cancer patients at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The mission, he says, was to make the children smile by collecting hand-written notes of encouragement from current and former Rosemont basketball players; deliver stickers, water bottles and other souvenirs from Rosemont to the children; and raise money for the hospital. Joshuasville did his part by raising $1,000 through the sale of his sneakers (“I’m a big sneaker guy,” he says).

Not surprisingly, Joshuasville was awarded the 2021 Patti K. McClatchy Award that is presented to the Rosemont student who shows the upmost spirit and courage.

“Tobi’s not trying to do things for himself to be great at something. Everything he does he’s trying to do to help people along the way,” Hagedorn says. “Sports is a vehicle for which he can do what his heart is being called to do, which is to be of service and bring smiles and ease suffering for others because that’s what’s really important to him.”

‘Hysterically Happy’

On a snowy day in the winter of 2021, Joshuasville called Hagedorn to see if she was in her office, but she was heading to a meeting across campus. As she went outside, Hagedorn spotted Joshuasville racing through the snow in shorts and a T-shirt, waving his phone.

He had applied to ���ϲ����� for graduate school and the emailed answer was on his phone, but he was too nervous to open it. He handed the phone to Hagedorn, who read the email and told Joshuasville he had been accepted. They both started crying tears of joy, and Joshuasville called his mother.

“The day he got admitted to ���ϲ����� was the happiest day of his life,” Onikosi says. “Oh my gosh, the phone call was like, ‘Mom, you won’t believe it.’ He couldn’t speak he was so excited and shaking. I’ve never seen him that hysterically happy.”

Tobi Joshuasville says he enjoys working on charity events such as the “Future’s Lax Bash” at ���ϲ����� because “I feel like you should always have time to do something for someone else.”

As he had done at Rosemont, Joshuasville made the most of his year at ���ϲ�����. Although he would later fulfill his practicum requirement with the NCAA in the spring, Joshuasville spent a great deal of his time at ���ϲ����� working for the athletic department as an athletic facilities and event operations graduate intern.

In that role, Joshuasville assisted the planning of the ACC Field Hockey Championship and College Hockey America Championship, and was involved in game management for field hockey, tennis, men’s soccer, and men’s lacrosse.

“From day one, Tobi has been an active participant in the SVEM program,” says Jeff Pauline, an associate professor of sport management who served as director of the SVEM master’s program from 2016 until recently. “He has a passion for working in the sport industry and this is very apparent as he seeks out internships and in his work ethic.”

As part of SVEM program, the graduate students are required to organize a charity event and this past spring they hosted the “Future’s Lax Bash” at the JMA Wireless Dome. More than 100 female youth lacrosse players from local clubs participated in activities on the Dome turf and the event raised $5,000 to benefit , an organization dedicated to finding a cure for the neuromuscular disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The students chose that charity because of the University’s relationship with local businessman Jimmer Szatkowski, who owns two Chick-fil-A restaurants in the ���ϲ����� area and is an ardent supporter of ���ϲ����� women’s lacrosse. Knowing Szatkowski likes Vans sneakers, the students purchased a pair of white Vans for him and asked all the young lacrosse players and their parents to sign their names in red “so it looked like a Chick-fil-A sneaker,” Joshuasville says.

“I feel like you should always have time to do something for someone else,” Joshuasville says. “I know how I grew up with people actually believing in me, and I think why not give that belief, that faith, to other people.”

‘Stay Determined and Stay Motivated’

In December 2021, Joshuasville learned he had received the NCAA internship that he had applied for in September. And in late March, he flew to New Orleans in advance of the Final Four and assisted with a variety of events, including tours and meetings for future Final Four hosts, basketball committee alumni meetings, basketball committee family hospitality events, and the championship trophy presentation.

As an intern for the NCAA men’s basketball championship staff, Tobi Joshuasville attended the 2022 Final Four in New Orleans and presented the championship trophy to Kansas coach Bill Self.

As a postgraduate intern for the NCAA, Joshuasville is now working from the national office in Indianapolis, Indiana, where his next projects include the 2024 Final Four logo launch in Phoenix later this year and a Final Four student-athlete family brunch that the NCAA will host at the 2023 Final Four in Houston.

While he’s in Indiana, Joshuasville is hoping to land a job with the NBA to get a feel for what it’s like to work for a professional team. He also intends to go back to school to get a sports law degree. And to help realize his ultimate dream of working for Kobe Bryant’s former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, Joshuasville is planning to take an NCAA professional development trip to Los Angeles before his internship ends.

In the little spare time he might have, Joshuasville is continuing a podcast he started in July 2020 amid the pandemic and social unrest following the murder of George Floyd. He calls the podcast .

“I saw that people were on edge, and I wanted to speak on how everyone should keep a positive mindset, stay determined, and stay motivated,” Joshuasville says. “Bad things are only temporary; you need to stay strong and fight through it.”

Clearly, Joshuasville has practiced what he preaches. Through his positive attitude and determination, he has worked himself into the center of the dance floor of life.

“He is a good son, a good brother, a good friend,” says his mother, Onikosi. “He’s really worked so hard to get where he is today, and I hope and pray he’s able to live a good life and achieve his dreams.”

As internship coordinator for the residential master’s degree program, Sliker places students in internships; creates internship opportunities with community agencies; supervises students who provide counseling to individuals, couples and families in the at Peck Hall; teaches courses in the department; and supervises transgender and gender diverse support groups through the Gender Expansive Support Team (GEST) created by associate professor .

“I love the work that I’m doing, it’s near and dear to my heart, and it affects me professionally and personally–both individually and with the people I love and care about,” says Sliker. “I’ve got a lot of passion for our transgender expansive team and there’s a huge need in our community for working with trans and gender diverse people.”

Sliker’s job, which they started in November, also brings them back home to ���ϲ�����. A ���ϲ����� native who attended West Genesee High School, they selected the Marriage and Family Therapy Department’s master’s program because of Coolhart and GEST. Sliker graduated in 2014 after going to school part-time while working full-time at ACR Health as director of the , which provides a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth, their families and allies.

Tyler Cashion Sliker is the internship coordinator for the residential master’s degree program in the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Following graduation, Sliker worked at in ���ϲ����� as a therapist for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and they developed Vera House’s first LGBTQ survivor group specifically for LGBTQ-identified survivors of domestic and sexual violence. They also became a site supervisor for the interns from the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program who were placed at Vera House.

In their brief time with the MFT Department, Sliker has made an enormous impact by initiating the transgender and gender diverse support groups and creating new internship opportunities with organizations such as Family Matters, Helio Health, IView, NuStep, Family & Children’s Services of Ithaca, and SUNY Oswego.

“Tyler joined our team full time in the fall of 2021, just as the MFT program was in a state of expansion,” says , clinical director of the Couple and Family Therapy Center.

“We brought in the largest-ever class of residential master’s students and did not have enough internships in the community to make matches. Due to Tyler’s diligence and connections within the Central New York area, we were able to cultivate placements and provide opportunities for the students in this cohort.”

“I appreciate the way Tyler jumped in and worked so hard to meet both student and department needs,” Schimpff adds. “Tyler also took initiative to develop support groups for transgender and gender questioning individuals. It was quite successful from the very beginning and met such an important need in the community.”

In this conversation, Sliker explains more about their role as internship coordinator, the importance of the support groups, and the partnerships they’re forming in the community:

Q: Tell us about your role and day-to-day duties.

Silker: “My job is facilitating placement for students out in the community and I develop relationships with a lot of different community placement sites, such as private practices, community agencies, and community clinics. Placing students there and supporting students throughout their placement is the bulk of what I do.

“In-house, I supervise students here in our clinic, and as part of that I oversee the supervision of our transgender support groups. We offer groups for adults who are trans or gender diverse, teens who are trans or gender diverse, and for the first time ever this past semester we offered a parent caregiver group for parents and caregivers of children who are trans or gender diverse.”

Q: How do students get involved in working with the transgender and gender diverse communities?

Silker: “They can participate in what’s called the Gender Expansive Support Team (GEST) and work alongside Deb (Coolhart), who is the lead and one of the clinical supervisors for GEST. My impact on that aspect of the program is the developing of those support groups for trans and gender diverse people.

“I’m trans myself, and that’s what informs my interest in this. Having been a trans person growing up in the Central New York community, we didn’t have any trans-specific or gender expansive-specific spaces in the community. So that’s where our clinic really meets a need in the community where there’s a gap.”

The Couple and Family Therapy Center, located just off campus in Peck Hall, offers individual, couple, family, and group therapy to the larger Central New York community, serving clients of all ages, identities, and demographics.

Q: Why are having those services so important to our community?

Silker: “Not only is the actual violence increasing toward trans people, but the political and legislative violence has also been increasing. These (support) groups have been needed all along, but they’re even more imperative lately. Our community has a number of local schools where queer and trans students have died by suicide, and while that should have never happened, it certainly shouldn’t be happening anymore, especially in 2022.

“One of the cool things about our groups is that they’ve been running virtually for most of the time and youth get to participate from all different areas of Central New York, so trans youth get to meet other trans youth that they would not normally cross paths with. If that trans youth is living in with a family in a community where they’re the only trans youth that they know, these groups are a great space to decrease that feeling of “wow, it’s not only me, but other people feel this, too.” These groups run for six or eight weeks and they provide a community where maybe they feel less alone and can talk about things that no one else would really understand what that experience is like.

“At the end of the group sessions, we provide information about community resources, in addition to ���ϲ�����’s resources. And they are welcome to participate in those groups again.”

Q: Tell us more about some of the community partners that you’re involved with.

Silker: “One of our community partners is the at ACR Health. (Q Center Family Peer Advocate) Karen Fuller has regular communication with me and our office coordinator (Anne Metzger-Wormuth) and we share information about what families the Q Center needs to refer to our clinic. The Q Center hosted a meet-and-greet for community partners to meet the staff and the people who work at the Q Center, so of course we relayed that to our students and we had a number of students who attended that event. So, the students who are working in the clinic as part of our program, they’re intentionally going to these opportunities and reaching out to community partners.

“A new partner is the (VLP) of CNY and we’re providing services for their team and working with them on serving transgender clients in a helpful and culturally informed way. Our students will also refer our clients to their program because trans clients will often need legal resources for a name change or gender marker change on an identity document.”

Q: Why is this job so meaningful to you?

Silker: “I love working with MFTs (Marriage and Family Therapy students) in the field, and whether it’s a non-profit or community health clinic or private practice, seeing all the different ways MFTs are doing therapy and working with people and families and couples and helping all those different relationships. I love seeing the diversity of what MFTs do in our Central New York community. And then, of course, watching that translate to the diversity of the learning opportunities for our students. Our students get to see such a wide range of things MFTs can do once they graduate, and that is really exciting to me.”

Internships at Falk College

In Falk, every undergraduate academic program includes an applied learning requirement, which means you will have career-relevant experiences before you enter the job market. Each department is staffed with dedicated, credentialed internship placement coordinators. Leveraging ���ϲ�����’s established connections with employers across the U.S., they will help you secure purposeful internship placements that align with your desired degree paths. Visit the to learn more about internship opportunities.

But this year, the students had trouble picking between the two School of Social work interns from Falk College: Ethan Smith or Alexander Nelson?

“The teens couldn’t decide on one of them, and they didn’t want to leave one out,” says Amy Crowley, The CanTeen’s youth services director.

So, with the encouragement and approval of Crowley and assistant youth services director Wes Sweetman, the teens selected Smith and Nelson–the first co-winners in the award’s 21-year history and the first time a college student intern had received the award that goes to a safe adult role model.

Ethan Smith (left) and Alexander Nelson receive STAR Awards from Amy Crowley, the CanTeen’s Youth Services Director. (Photo courtesy of The CanTeen)

The thought and care that the teens put into the award process showed the impression that Smith and Nelson left on the teens this school year.

“Ethan and Alex came in with open minds and open hearts and the willingness to learn from (the teens),” says Melanie Beacham G’16, The CanTeen’s social work field site instructor and a member of the Friends of The CanTeen fundraising board. “Ethan and Alex were there for the teens when they were needed in an unconditional way that the teens could feel, and it was palpable how much (Smith and Nelson) cared about them.”

For Smith and Nelson, the awards culminated a year of learning and growth and realizing the impact they can have on young lives.

“My reaction was pretty emotional,” Nelson says about receiving the award. “I felt as though it was a final piece of affirmation at the end of an already affirming process of development. I felt like I belonged in that space and that social work really is my path.”

Smith says he’ll never forget his last day at The CanTeen as the teens pleaded with him to stay and asked that he come back and visit them in the fall.

“Those statements showed they’re going to legitimately miss having me around,” Smith says. “They prove to me that I made an impact on their lives and they will remember me for how I have helped them and that means a lot.”

‘Opened the Doors’

is an after-school, drop-in teen center that offers free support, services and opportunities to eighth- through 12^th-grade students from the North ���ϲ����� Central School District. Located next to Cicero-North ���ϲ����� High School, The CanTeen provides food and snacks; activities such as pool, ping pong and video games; and field trips and camping experiences.

Crowley says The CanTeen previously had interns from ���ϲ����� and other local colleges, but this was the first time it hosted interns from the School of Social Work. , the School of Social Work’s internship coordinator, worked with The CanTeen to place Smith, a second-year master’s of social work student who graduated May 15, and Nelson, a first-year master’s of social work student who will graduate in 2023. Specifically, it was a concentration-level internship for Smith and a foundation-level internship for Nelson.

Smith and Nelson were both required to spend 500 hours at the center. Beacham says they “hit the ground running” and soon developed activities for the teens that led to more meaningful discussions with them.

School of Social Work intern Alexander Nelson (center with gray T-shirt) participated in many games with students from The CanTeen, including this game of gaga ball. (Photo courtesy of The CanTeen)

“Those structured activities that both Ethan and Alex were able to plan and run opened the doors to building those initial relationships, which is the basis for building a supportive relationship as a social worker,” says Beacham, a supervising therapist who works for in ���ϲ�����. “The activities allowed for that initial rapport with the teens and helped them feel more comfortable around Ethan and Alex.”

Smith started group sessions called “Eating with Ethan,” where up to 15 teens would gather to snack on food they normally wouldn’t have at The CanTeen (ice cream, baked goods) and talk about serious topics such as anxiety, healthy relationships and grief.

“It was an opportunity for the kids to be themselves without the stress and worries of the world and where they could create a trusted relationship with an adult who wasn’t their parent, which is really important,” Smith says. “It’s just talking to kids and seeing what’s up with them and helping them work through any issues they might have.”

When the weather cooperated and the teens could be outside in the fall, Nelson played the game four square with them. In the winter, he coordinated several pool tournaments with the winners squaring off in a grand tournament for donated prizes that Nelson solicited from area businesses.

The tournaments and other activities helped Nelson become more comfortable with the teens, and in turn, helped them feel more comfortable confiding in Nelson.

“The most rewarding aspect of the internship was seeing that it’s possible to make a positive impact in their lives,” Nelson says. “Whenever they told me that I was important to them and helping them I found it incredibly affirming of my life path and journey into social work.”

‘An Incredible Experience’

Of course, the hours Smith and Nelson spent at The CanTeen were not all fun and games. Oftentimes the conversations ran deep, and the teens leaned on Smith and Nelson for support and advice during difficult times.

“This experience gave them a lot of time to understand what it’s like to work with young people and the issues they’re facing, especially coming out of the pandemic,” Crowley says.

Crowley says one of the turning points for Smith’s relationships with the teens came during an overnight “lock-in,” where they felt comfortable sharing personal information about serious topics. In one case, Smith’s initial conversations with a struggling teen helped the teen open up about a situation that required intervention and services.

The students from The CanTeen baked going-away cakes for Ethan Smith and Alexander Nelson, even adding the beard for Nelson’s cake! (Photo courtesy of The CanTeen)

“Building these relationships is a process, it’s not instantaneous,” Smith says. “But once it’s built, it’s the most incredible experience because these kids want to be around you, learn from you, and learn with you. I loved doing it.”

Nelson says he started to realize his influence on the teens during a monthly teen council meeting, where teen leaders would meet with the staff, Nelson and Smith to discuss programming at The CanTeen.

“One of the kids started talking about a sensitive subject that was very likely something they wouldn’t speak about in the presence of someone they didn’t trust,” Nelson says. “It also represented them opening up in a way that I hadn’t seen up until that point. It dawned on me at that moment that I had made it into a more inner circle of trust for them and that felt very good for me.”

Nelson, a ���ϲ����� native who received his undergraduate degree in social work, says he’ll want to complete his foundation-level internship next year before deciding on his career path. Smith, who’s from Frederick, Maryland, is moving to New York City, where he accepted a job working with children of all ages through the .

As Smith and Nelson establish their careers, The CanTeen staff is confident they will remain STARs to the people they counsel.

“Placements like ours (at The CanTeen) and in general allow interns to build those skills and become ready to go into the field,” Beacham says. “As a social worker myself, I’m more than excited to have Ethan and Alex join the field and be able to call themselves social workers.”

Interested in a career in social work? Visit the to learn more about its academic programs, experiential learning, and career opportunities. Visit to learn more its programs and how to support its mission.

Study abroad is one component of Edge certification.

Fostering career readiness is a hallmark of the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) | Maxwell School student experience. In fall 2021, A&S | Maxwell launched , a new certification program which allows students to strategically parlay their experiential learning into proof of career or graduate school readiness. By fulfilling at least two experiences from a list of co-curricular activities, including research, internships, study abroad and community engagement, students will become Edge-certified and gain a certificate of completion and a digital LinkedIn badge.

According to College of Arts and Sciences , the Edge certification signifies another way A&S | Maxwell is revolutionizing the student experience. “We are always looking to ensure that what we offer is contemporary, valuable and relevant. With Edge certification, we’re encouraging students to pursue multiple opportunities to complement their academic coursework, while at the same time helping them learn to articulate and demonstrate the value of those experiences to employers and graduate schools alike,” Ruhlandt says.

As Edge winds up its first year, we asked students why experiential learning is so important to them:

Building Career Skills Through Internships and Community Engagement

Maggie Sardino

Maggie Sardino, a junior majoring in  in Maxwell and  in A&S, notes that the Edge program presents a valuable opportunity for students to start their professional development—just by participating in this experiential learning. “What stands out most about the Edge program is its emphasis on reflection and professional development,” Sardino says. “By its nature, experiential learning requires students to be adaptable, innovative and creative. Edge encourages students to work on projects with real stakes and in constantly evolving environments.”

Since the summer of her freshman year, Sardino has taken part in an internship at the  in ���ϲ�����. The center offers programs addressing community concerns and encouraging understanding across racial, ethnic, religious and community groups. Sardino’s work there has focused on dialogue coordination, development and facilitation.

“I have learned how important collaboration is for sustainability,” Sardino says. “Cultivating strong partnerships and dialogue with other organizations and individuals ensures community investment and effective use of resources. Whether we are addressing societal issues through policy action or through creative expression, dialogue always has an important role. No matter which career path I decide to take, through my internship I have learned that prioritizing dialogue will be one of my primary goals.”

Solving Real Problems Through Student-Developed Research

Cheyene Muenzel

Undergraduate hands-on research is another integral part of Edge certification. In A&S | Maxwell, students are encouraged to engage in projects that not only interest them, but also help solve complex problems to help make the world healthier and more human. Cheyene Muenzel, a senior majoring in �����Ի���, says the problem-solving skills she developed in A&S are paving the way for a future in clinical research post-graduation.

Throughout the course of her studies at ���ϲ�����, Muenzel developed a dual interest in artificial intelligence and forensic pathology. She merged those concentrations into a research project where she investigated verbal autopsy (VA) and its use in public health. Verbal autopsy is a method for collecting personal and medical information about a deceased individual when there is an inadequate death registration, often in developing countries where deaths may be undocumented. VAs are collected by trained interviewers who obtain information about the deceased, such as their medical history, from individuals who were familiar with them. The results are then brought to a physician who determines cause of death.

Muenzel is developing machine learning algorithms to comb through vast amounts of verbal autopsy data which will allow health professionals to define trends about cause of death in different parts of the world. “The use of algorithms which are trained to process VA data can reduce load on physicians and expedite the collection of mortality data in low-income countries and rural communities,” says Muenzel. “Mortality data and statistics, like leading causes of death, call attention to public health crises and help government officials make informed decisions.”

Muenzel says having the opportunity to immerse herself in hands-on work that can make a difference for public health around the world not only enhances her skills and as a researcher, but also confirms her future professional ambitions.

“I will eventually pursue a career in medicine, and through this project I have learned how important it is to keep up to date with the latest and greatest developments and techniques in my field,” says Muenzel. “Research will always be a part of my life and this project has validated my passion for it.”

Shaping Career Goals Through an Immersive Experience in Costa Rica

Leonardo Rivera

A&S | Maxwell students are continually engaging in research and scholarship around the world to address global challenges. For Leonardo Rivera, a senior  major in A&S, his passion for wildlife brought him to Central America, where he had the opportunity to  at the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center. The important hands-on experience was a crucial resume-builder as he prepared to apply for veterinary schools.

Among the animals he helped to rehabilitate were spider and capuchin monkeys, sloths, kinkajous and owls. From developing an exercise routine for orphan sloth cubs to providing muscle therapy to an injured squirrel, Rivera was exposed to new challenges each day, similar to what he will likely encounter as a wildlife veterinarian.
“I was amazed and inspired at the unexpected innovativeness and creativity when working in the field, such as using honey as an antiseptic for a spider monkey suffering from wounds inflicted in a fight with a troop of capuchins, or jerry-rigging a splint for an injured spectacled owl,” Rivera says. “It was an experience that will pay dividends in my professional career down the road.”

After he graduates from ���ϲ�����, Rivera plans to matriculate into veterinary school in 2022, and says having that extracurricular experience under his belt reinforced his future. “Through my work in the field I confirmed that I want to specialize in wildlife veterinary medicine and contribute to the preservation of our natural world.”

Learn more about the .

Helping to connect students not only with internship opportunities, , also supports students in connecting to professional development support services and resources. “Internships may present hidden costs associated with temporarily relocating, traveling and more. We’re here to help students remove financial burdens and not only achieve their professional goals but also thrive while at ���ϲ����� and beyond.”

Internship Funding Award Applications

Career Services and partners established the Internship Funding Award, offering financial support to sophomores and juniors of any major seeking to pursue summer internships. Students should apply through by Thursday, June 30. Visit the for complete details.

Supporting Student Success

Prior recipients believe that the Internship Funding Award provided enough financial assistance and support for them to succeed in their internship and strengthen their career trajectory.

Prabha Singh ’22 was offered an internship with L3Harris KEO working in an aerospace engineering position. However, Singh also had to consider relocation expenses. “Receiving the award helped me beyond belief since [with it] I could pay my security deposit, buy essentials and get ready to relocate. It was eye-opening how the award was able to help me pursue an opportunity that I likely wouldn’t have taken since I couldn’t afford relocation.”

Eleanor Lawler

The award also generates opportunities for students to take advantage of learning more about professional industries in direct relation to their studies, while strengthening professional networks.

“Without the award, I likely would have not been able to afford the travel and living expenses,” says Eleanor Lawler ’22. As a participant of the Rapid Transit’s Engineering Internship Program, Lawler had the opportunity to contribute to creating safe and easy travel initiatives for San Francisco and surrounding communities. “[With the award] I was able to do so and learn what working in the engineering industry demands, practice the skills I had obtained during my time in the ���ϲ����� aerospace engineering department, and it resulted in an abundance of networking opportunities and professional connections I have already started to use.”

Students are also encouraged to explore additional annual internship funding opportunities such as the For questions or additional support, and explore free resources to assist throughout all student application and interview processes.

Written by Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience communications intern, Bella Podgorski ’22, College of Visual and Performing Arts

Rein, Kopp and King interned in the Fall 2021 semester through Sustainability Management’s for-credit internship program that allows students to pursue projects that complement their major and explore their interest in sustainability.

Falk College students, from left to right, Tucker Kopp, Claire Rein and Caroline King, worked this past fall as interns for the Office of Sustainability Management, where they “gained both a professional network and some great friendships,” Rein says.

“Our internship program is designed to allow students to explore their passions outside of the classroom environment while recognizing the broad impact sustainability has on all majors,” says sustainability coordinator Meg Lowe G’18, who manages the internship program. “At the same time, each project a student works on helps us achieve our goals with a current program or develop a new initiative on campus.”

Rein’s internship project focused on reducing plastic consumption, Kopp explored food insecurity, and King drafted a plan to implement more renewable energy on campus. Rein, who transferred to ���ϲ����� in the fall of 2019, says her internship has so far been the highlight of her ���ϲ����� experience.

“My internship made up for many of the things that I missed out on (because of pandemic restrictions),” Rein says. “I have incredibly supportive and friendly supervisors, as well as other amazing student interns that have made my experience so amazing! While I have learned a lot by doing my research project, I have also gained both a professional network and some great friendships.”

Sustainability Management works with each student’s advisor to ensure the internship aligns with the student’s academic goals, and a single internship can offer the chance to become immersed in several aspects of sustainability.

“We work closely with academic advisors to ensure we’re meeting the needs of every program,” Lowe says. “We hope each student walks away with a thorough understanding of sustainability in a way they can carry it throughout their life.”

As the three Falk College students concluded their internships, they shared more about their projects and experiences with us. Here are their stories:

Claire Rein: Set Up for Success

Growing up in ���ϲ����� just a few miles from the University, Rein enjoyed singing, dancing, playing musical instruments and, of course, attending ���ϲ����� Orange sporting events. She was attracted to Falk College’s because of its experiential learning–the “the real-life application of knowledge” that she says has prepared her for a successful career in medicine.

“In my studies of public health, I have gained significant knowledge about the American healthcare system, healthcare disparities and social determinants of health, and how to do scientific research,” says Rein, who currently works as a patient care technician at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital in ���ϲ�����. “I have been able to work with a high school equivalency class, participate in PTSD research, work at the Office of Sustainability Management for my internship, and much more.”

For her internship project on reducing plastic consumption on campus, Rein researched microplastics and their connection to public health, the issues with plastic recycling, and the social justice issues surrounding the plastic industry. She determined that aluminum cans are the best alternative and created a proposal for the University to transition to aluminum packaging for its vending machines.

Claire Rein

“While the goals of recycling are great, the actual implementation does not match up,” Rein says. “Oftentimes, recyclables get contaminated and never end up being recycled, meaning they are either put in a landfill, incinerated, or end up polluting the natural environment.

“The industry was never designed to support such a large volume of recyclables,” Rein adds, “so our lack of recycling infrastructure in America has made it so that it’s sometimes not worth it economically to recycle.”

As she looks forward to graduation, Rein says she wants to positively influence the health care sphere by improving the experience for patients who are often overlooked and vulnerable.

“This could be, for example, implementing policies within my practice to better educate care plans to people with low healthcare literacy or language/cultural barriers; focusing care plans on the individual needs, perspectives and abilities of the patient; or finding ways to prevent socioeconomic status from hindering the ability to receive excellent long-term care,” Rein says. “I believe being a public health major at ���ϲ����� has really set me up for success when it comes to achieving these goals.”

Tucker Kopp: Ending Food Insecurity

Kopp grew up about 20 miles southeast of ���ϲ����� in Cazenovia, where he started to ride horses when he was just 3. He also enjoyed baking and would spend hours baking with a friend, who sadly passed away last year.

Kopp enrolled at the University through , which provides opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to experience college life in a fully inclusive setting. Kopp is a major in Falk College, where his passion for baking and food is matched only by his enthusiasm for making friends.

“I’m a people person,” Kopp says, “I love to meet new people and make friends.”

Kopp is in his internship year at InclusiveU, and with Sustainability Management he studied food insecurity on college campuses. As Kopp points out, the is stocked with food and personal care items that are available at no cost to all students with a valid ���ϲ����� or SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry ID.

Tucker Kopp

“The most important thing I wish people knew about food insecurity on a college campus is how to use a food pantry if you don’t have enough money to buy food for yourself,” Kopp says.

InclusiveU Director Brianna Shults says Kopp grew “personally and professionally” from his internship, which was a valuable piece of his experience at the University and tied together his certificate in Culinary Arts with his career goals.

“After working alongside Meg (Lowe) and his other colleagues, Tucker better understands where food comes from and how hard it can be for some to access it,” Shults says. “Tucker valued his opportunities to participate in other projects, such as the virtual cooking class. His work at Sustainability Management really allowed him a new view on how food is experienced and accessed outside of traditional food services.”

Kopp’s education at Falk and his internship with Sustainability Management has given him options as his looks forward to his life and career after graduation.

“I want to do something with horses,” Kopp says. “But if that doesn’t work out, I want to do something culinary-related!”

Caroline King: Quality Health Care for All

King grew up in the mountains of central Pennsylvania, where hiking and backpacking trips became her favorite hobby (she and her father still go on multiple backpacking trips every year). She entered ���ϲ����� as a nutrition student but switched to a dual major in public health at Falk and policy studies at the .

“As I aged, I began learning more about health disparities and the adversities faced in the healthcare system by minority communities,” King says. “I quickly developed a passion to be a part of the shift to providing equitable, affordable access to quality healthcare for all.

“Additionally, public health includes the health of the environment, which was an added attraction as my connection to the earth is strong,” King says.

Caroline King

For her internship, King researched renewable energy (RE) from a public health perspective. She looked at the sustainability of RE throughout its entire life cycle, from sourcing precious metals to the disposing of end-of-life RE systems.

With the information she gathered, King drafted a policy to propose to the University to use more RE on campus.

“I wish people would take the time to think about their energy consumption, where it’s coming from, and how big of an impact it’s causing on the planet,” King says. “It’s easy to put your consumption out of mind when the effects are out of sight, however, we need to be conscious of the impact that the things we do and purchase have on other people and the environment.”

King is a student and member of the , where she has met students with various majors who share her vision of being part of a team that makes a difference in the lives of others.

“I wish people would understand the privilege they have to live the life they do so that they are able to empathize with people of all types around them,” King says. “As I move through jobs, careers and life, I hope to be in a position where I can be a part of a team that makes a large impact on a community, population or the environment.”

This past fall, they both interned at , a program in the Institute for Human Performance at Upstate Medical University. Vitality promotes health and fitness among various populations, particularly older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.

Exercise science majors Julia Geronimo (left) and Ally Krevolin (right) interned this past fall at the Institute for Human Performance at Upstate Medical University.

“The students at Vitality work directly with our participants to help supervise, modify and correct their exercises and exercise program,” says Amy Allen, exercise physiologist at and coordinator of the Vitality program.

As the intern supervisor, Allen teaches students how to develop individualized exercise programs for Vitality participants and instructs on proper exercise form. The students also learn to perform fitness assessments to identify participant needs and measure progress.

“Our participants have a diverse range of barriers that make exercise programming more complex,” Allen says. “Students need to be critical thinkers to help our folks achieve their goals.”

Hands-On Training

“My internship at Vitality was my first experience not in physical therapy specifically,” says Krevolin, who has also interned at three other institutions. “I was able to help each of the older adults with their exercise programs and fitness testing. It was beneficial for me to see where people go after physical therapy.”

Interacting with Vitality program participants was a large part of the job. “A typical day begins with welcoming participants and addressing any of their concerns, especially with their exercise program,” Geronimo explains. “I talk with Vitality staff about any notable patient statuses or new patients and will bounce around ideas on how to help them and their fitness.”

“By the end of their internship, my goal is for them to gain a good deal of independence to make corrections and adjustments to exercises and performing fitness assessments with minimal oversight from staff,” Allen says.

According to Allen, student interns say they appreciate the emphasis on working directly with participants.

Ally Krevolin

“Students really improve their interpersonal skills, getting accustomed to approaching and talking with a variety of people regarding their exercise program and just talking in general with a demographic that is often different from theirs,” says Allen. “Oftentimes our interns gain an appreciation for the strengths, abilities and commitment to health in this population.”

“This was my first time working specifically with the geriatric population, which I enjoyed,” says Geronimo. “I was truly surprised with how much I learned at Vitality. My time here allowed me to grow and develop myself in the field of exercise physiology.”

Krevolin says she gained practice motivating others. “It was awesome to see the clients improve, and to see them get excited when they saw all their accomplishments,” she notes.

Krevolin initially planned to major in biology, but then she discovered exercise science. “The exercise science program allowed me to take courses that are hands-on and applicable to my future career,” she says.

In addition, Krevolin says completing experience credits were one of the most important components of her undergraduate program, giving students like her the chance for career exploration.

“Since I came to school wanting to be a physical therapist, I was able to further explore the career and observe in various physical therapy settings,” she says. “This helped me to learn more about myself as well as my career.”

The Orange Spirit

Originally from Pennsylvania, Krevolin always felt part of the Orange family. “My dad went to ���ϲ����� in the 80s, so I grew up loving the Orange,” she says. “When I came to tour here, I immediately felt at home and felt a sense of community.”

Julia Geronimo

The Orange spirit caught Geronimo’s attention, too. She came to ���ϲ����� from California and is a double major in exercise science and psychology.

“I have always known that ���ϲ����� offers a plethora of opportunities and has a great student life. Everyone who goes to SU loves it there,” she says. “Along with that, it was one of the few campuses that offered an accelerated, early assurance DPT program.”

Geronimo and Krevolin are both enrolled in ���ϲ�����’s 3+3 DPT (doctorate of physical therapy) program with SUNY Upstate, in which students complete both their undergraduate degree and a DPT in 6 years, instead of the usual 7. Students complete their undergraduate program in three years instead of four, and spend their senior year completing first-year coursework at SUNY Upstate Medical University. ���ϲ����� is the only health and exercise science program in the region that is a part of this partnership.

“The program enabled me to have a smooth transition into graduate school,” says Krevolin, who begins physical therapy school at SUNY Upstate Medical University in June. “I learned from exercise science that the way you treat your patients is so important. The most important thing that I hope to accomplish is to help others and improve others’ quality of life.”

“I hope to find the opportunity to work at a service place that focuses on collaboration over competition,” Geronimo says. In Spring 2022, Geronimo will intern with Upstate Medical University’s rehab/physical therapy unit at the hospital, and with ���ϲ����� Athletics, working on athlete nutrition, and strength and conditioning.

Wyatt Barmore-Pooley

Within weeks of graduating, Newhouse alumnus Wyatt Barmore-Pooley is on air several times a day. The former WAER student reporter is now producing and anchoring daily newscasts for WNBZ, a music station in upstate New York.

“It’s not a news station, but I’m the news guy,” Barmore-Pooley says.

The Plattsburgh station’s inaugural “news guy” attributes landing the gig to his WAER experience. He joined the ���ϲ����� NPR station in August and was hired by WNBZ in December.

“We had the opportunity to talk to the movers and shakers in Onondaga County,” the 23-year-old says.

Barmore-Pooley covered election results live from the field and reported multimedia stories during his weekly shifts. That included a daily assignment on social media regulations that turned into a two-part series.

“The news director and I realized we can’t tell this in one and it’s worth it to split it into two,” Barmore-Pooley says. “So that faith in me was rewarding.”

Barmore-Pooley says working alongside WAER’s award-winning professional staff was one of the biggest takeaways from his time.

“Forget actually working on the news, it was just talking through perspectives on stories, perspectives on how we were going to approach this, how I should edit it,” he says.

He says that in-studio experience is what he misses the most from the Ostrom Avenue station—Barmore-Pooley’s new gig has him filing casts remotely. Yet he keeps the WAER vibe alive with an “on air” sign in his home office.

Barmore-Pooley and other current student reporters will elaborate on their experiences during WAER’s recruitment meeting today at 6:30 p.m. The station welcomes prospective students to attend the event in Newhouse 3 room 250 and learn about opportunities in news, sports and music.  Students who are interested but can’t attend the meeting may reach out to program coordinator Tarryn Brittney Mento at tbmento@syr.edu.

Richard M. (Rich) Jones

The incoming chair of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) , Richard M. (Rich) Jones ’92, G’95, L’95, believes that President Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address provides us with a call to action. He says that the most important obligation as a nation and as a university community is to “[T]o care for those who have borne the battle.” Jones says it is this very commitment that has guided the leaders of ���ϲ����� for many decades and will shape the future for generations to come. “The idea of how to best support our veterans and military families is continuously evolving,” Jones says. “Our nation spends billions of dollars each year recruiting and then training our young men and women in uniform. We need to be as equally purposeful as they transition out of uniform and into the civilian workforce.”

Jones, who is the executive vice president, general tax counsel and chief veteran officer at ViacomCBS, believes the OVMA is well-positioned to build a broader, innovative network of support for veterans and their families—one that leverages the resources of the University as well as those of the public and private sector.

“In my estimation, in order for the OVMA to be as impactful as it can, we must, to use a military term, be hyper aware of ‘the conditions on the ground’ because conditions affecting this generation of transitioning veterans are changing in ways that we can’t even imagine and they will need our best thinking and support,” he says.

Jones describes himself as just a hard-working soldier who has never forgotten where he came from. He was a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, where he served honorably as a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment and 10th Mountain Division. “I still operate like the staff sergeant that I was: head on a swivel, always looking out 1,000 meters,” Jones says. “Our mission at ���ϲ����� is to provide a world-class education. What should distinguish our approach to serving student veterans? What ���ϲ����� does, which is so unique, is to supplement the classroom instruction with community, support, mentoring and life-coaching and always providing the practical survival skills necessary to be successful in the civilian workplace and beyond.”

Guidance and support

Richard M. (Rich) Jones, front, founded the ViacomCBS Veterans Network 13 years ago to provide mentoring, education, internships and economic empowerment to veterans.

Jones credits ���ϲ����� for changing his life and providing the guidance, support and education that he needed to successfully take on the challenges of life after the military. After six years of service, he was medically retired from the Army after being critically injured when his parachute malfunctioned during a training exercise. Jones was being treated at the ���ϲ����� VA Medical Center when he made the decision to hobble across Irving Street on crutches to campus and found his way to the office of Horace Landry, professor emeritus of accounting in the Whitman School of Management and a WWII Navy veteran. Jones says that Landry’s genuine concern exemplifies the old saying that “everyone needs someone in their life to give them the courage to be what they are meant to be.”

Jones went on to earn a bachelor of science degree (summa cum laude) as well as law and business degrees (with honors) from ���ϲ�����. He credits that chance meeting for setting in motion the events that led to where he is today. “At a critical point in my life, ���ϲ����� literally helped me get back on my feet,” says Jones. “It gave me the gift of an outstanding education, allowed me to have a great career and, most importantly, the ability to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Despite any success, he has never forgotten how gut-wrenching it was to have his military career end and how difficult it was to overcome the pain, physical limitations and trauma. It drives him to help others, just like Professor Landry and the ���ϲ����� community helped him, to get to the other side stronger and empowered.

Jones, who was awarded the University’s highest alumni honor, an Arents Award, in 2014, works closely with many of the nation’s most impactful veteran service organizations to ensure that we honor the sacrifice of this generation of veterans and their families. He founded the 13 years ago to provide mentoring, education, internships and economic empowerment to veterans. He considers it a great honor to serve as the chief veteran officer at ViacomCBS where nearly 1,000 veterans are currently employed, bringing with them skills essential to both military and corporate success, like leadership, problem solving, teamwork and attention to detail.

Thiéyacine Fall

“For us, it’s all about selfless service and quiet, impactful action,” says Jones. He cites the as an example of how companies can help student veterans with hands-on experience, career-building workshops, professional development courses and networking opportunities.

Thiéyacine Fall G’22, who is pursuing an MBA at the Whitman School, is one of the program interns, working in the Global Sourcing Department. Fall was an active-duty U.S. Army soldier in the infantry, assigned to the 10th Mountain Division and deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. When he left the service, he got an undergraduate degree at Fordham University. “When I got out of the service, I saw all these promotional promises: ‘Hire vets! Hire heroes!’ I figured if I got a degree, the doors would be open, and the bounty would be plentiful,” Fall says. “But the reality was—there were no doors.”

Fall discovered the painful truth suffered by many veterans. Companies didn’t seem to value the skills they had developed on the battlefield.

Translating military skills

Janina Rios, another ViacomCBS intern and ���ϲ����� undergraduate, was similarly discouraged. The army veteran had gone directly from high school into basic training, serving in the National Guard before suffering an injury that forced her into medical retirement. “Everybody kept saying it’s going to be easy, you served in the military,” Rios says. “But every time I applied for a job, I was told I didn’t meet the qualifications.”

Janina Rios

Looking back, Rios wishes someone had helped her translate her military skills into civilian language to improve her resume and her interviewing skills. That’s exactly what the programs at ���ϲ�����, OVMA and the ViacomCBS Veterans Network can help with. Rios, now majoring in film studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, is editing content to create engaging videos. “The fact that I was selected for the internship in my freshman year and am able to connect with people who are extremely passionate about veterans…it’s genuine love and care that you’re experiencing, along with mentorship and understanding,” Rios says.

Both Fall and Rios say that the greatest challenge for veterans transitioning to civilian life is the lack of structure. The internship program provides opportunities that are well-defined and a clearer pathway to career success. “Rich Jones is making the roadmap easier for me,” says Fall. “And I’d like to make that roadmap easier for other veterans.”

“We have to make sure that we provide our student veterans with the mindset and the tools to navigate their transition,” says Jones. “That sums up the mission of the OVMA, its board and this wonderful ���ϲ����� community. We have the great privilege to continue this work, to honor a promise that was made decades ago and the unique opportunity to make a huge difference in the lives of transitioning veterans and their families for generations to come.”

2014 Arents Award, Excellence in Finance and Veterans Affairs

Megan Sullivan

Less than an hour’s helicopter flight northwest of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince is the town of Anse Rouge, where the coastal landscape is a patchwork of squares, white mounds and tropical vegetation. Salt farming is the subsistence livelihood that Haitians eke out here; it is backbreaking, sweltering labor, and its low pay means it is mainly women doing the work. The conditions are such that the women are frequently plagued by health problems caused by dirty water and unsanitary conditions. And, the hurricanes that regularly blow through often wipe out any meager investments.

By planting trees, building canals, erecting retaining walls and using improved salt harvesting methods, development experts and aid workers hope that they can make the effort more sustainable, more profitable and healthier, particularly for women who toil there.

In the thick of the effort is the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations agency whose work helping to alleviate hunger and build resilience around the world earned a Nobel Peace Prize late last year. And one of many of those intimately involved in the program’s work in Haiti last spring was Meghan Sullivan G’17, a graduate of the Maxwell School’s master of arts in international relations program.

Speaking from her home in Port-au-Prince in early April, Sullivan says there’s no way she would be doing what she’s doing if it hadn’t been for Maxwell. “Maxwell really opened doors for me that wouldn’t have been opened otherwise,” she says. “I’m from a farming family in rural, upstate New York. The U.N. is not a place that I thought I would end up when I was younger. It’s those relationships that Maxwell had, and the preparation that Maxwell gave me, that made all of this possible.”

Sullivan, in fact, is one of several alumni who found their calling—the place to put their Maxwell theories into practice—through the WFP.

Catherine Bertini, professor of practice emeritus in public administration and international affairs, is largely to thank for that. She headed the WFP for a decade, between 1992 and 2002, serving under presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and was the U.N.’s undersecretary general in New York for three years before she joined the Maxwell School.

“We were thrilled when Catherine Bertini joined the Maxwell faculty. Her expertise, gained from incredible life experiences, was a tremendous asset to our students, particularly those who felt a calling to humanitarian policy and development work,” says David M. Van Slyke, dean of the Maxwell School. “She took a special interest in her students’ success, pointing several of them toward the World Food Programme for internships, thereby creating a pipeline between Maxwell and the United Nations that has launched the careers of several of our alumni.”

A Symbiotic Relationship

Catherine Bertini in Rwanda in 1994, two years after she became the head of the World Food Programme.

The photos on Catherine Bertini’s website offer a snapshot of what it might have been like to lead the World Food Programme. In one, she pours food into a bowl held by a youngster in Zimbabwe. In another, she walks hand-in-hand with two children in Rwanda. Other images show her in much different environs: Sitting, for instance, next to Pope John Paul II during a 1997 meeting, and three years later, shaking hands with then-United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan. Still another has her seated at a long table in the White House, along with President George W. Bush, for a 2001 talk about Afghanistan.

It has indeed been a storied career. Bertini was the first U.S. citizen to head the WFP, and she is credited with helping transform the agency’s operations with actions that no doubt helped set it on a trajectory toward last year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

During her tenure, she assisted millions of victims of wars and natural disasters throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

In recognition of her work, she received the World Food Prize, known as the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture” in 2003. Rather than accept the prize money, she established a trust that provides grants to local organizations around the world that improve access to training and education for women and girls.

Three years later, when she joined Maxwell, Bertini saw an opportunity for a symbiotic relationship. While the WFP could benefit from the support of Maxwell’s graduate students, the students themselves would have yet another means to gain invaluable experience and fulfill a degree requirement—international relations students must complete an internship abroad.

Students who attained internships with the WFP say her support was vital, though Bertini downplays that. “I gave advice to students on how to get internships,” she says. “They took it from there.”

Ryan Beech (left foreground) leads a tour in the World Food Programme’s Azraq refugee camp in Jordan. Next to him is Antonio Gutierrez, now the secretary general of the United Nations.

In one case, a regional director for the WFP asked Bertini to recommend two interns to help as an influx of Syrian refugees moved into Jordan. She offered up two top students, Edgar Luce G’12 and Ryan Beech G’12. Beech, who received a master of arts in international relations, was hired by the WFP shortly after his internship.

He worked in Jordan for five years, gained field-level experience in cash and voucher programming, and then moved to the organization’s headquarters in Rome where he is now a programme and policy officer. He develops guidance, strategies and learning materials and provides direct support to field offices.

“While I dreamed of working for institutions like the United Nations, even in high school, I never thought I would have that opportunity, or at least I couldn’t see a clear pathway to it,” he says, pointing back to Maxwell and his former professor, Bertini.

Her legacy can be seen in the organization even at a technical level, Beech says. At the WFP, Bertini focused on empowering women. “A key part of our strategy for cash and voucher programming is to give money directly to women while focusing on their greater financial inclusion, access to financial products and services, and economic empowerment,” he says. “I run into WFP staff all the time who reflect positively on the period that she served as executive director.”

Emily Fredenberg (left) with a colleague this past April at a World Food Programme farm cooperative in Eastern Rwanda during the maize harvest season.

Back at Maxwell, Bertini also encouraged student Emily Fredenberg G’16. Her internship was part of the United Nations Network for Scaling Up Nutrition Secretariat, hosted by the WFP in Rome.

As was the case with Beech, it turned into a career.

Before ending up in the Rwandan capital Kigali, where she has been the WFP’s head of external partnerships and communications for Rwanda since 2019, Fredenberg first spent several years in Beirut, Lebanon, helping the organization as it dealt with the influx of refugees fleeing the devastation of the Syrian Civil War.

In the chaos of human suffering and scale of the efforts by the WFP and other organizations trying to feed, clothe and shelter people fleeing Syria, Fredenberg says she couldn’t have managed there if it weren’t for her Maxwell classes: simulations, for example, that got students to grapple with real-world scenarios in a classroom setting.

“That was one of those moments when we’re responding to a humanitarian crisis and here I am on the ground, the one doing this thing, thinking ‘These simulations, this is what actually happens in real life,’” says Fredenberg.

Pride in the Pipeline

While working in Haiti in late April, Meghan Sullivan received word of a new opportunity with the United Nations, a post that would bring her back home to the States and allow her to put more focus on development, an interest she discovered while studying at Maxwell and working with the WFP.

Sullivan was offered a highly competitive position as associate programme management officer in the U.N. Secretariat’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs. In simple terms, the position provides support to development projects “to enhance the capacities of developing countries” in priority areas, she explains, adding, “It is the right step for me at the right time, and I’m excited to be working in international development and to see how another part of the U.N. system works.”

Bertini, meanwhile, spends some of her time in her hometown of Homer, New York, while also frequenting Chicago, where she serves as a distinguished fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

She retired from Maxwell four years ago, around the time a fellow World Food Programme alumnus joined the faculty as a professor of practice. Masood Hyder joined public administration and international affairs in 2017 and teaches courses on humanitarian action, food security, the U.N. and development aid, no doubt pulling from his experiences providing aid to places like Sudan, Bangladesh, North Korea, Iran, Indonesia and Djibouti. “Masood brings a depth of field experience, human understanding, and a history of creative and compassionate leadership to his classes,” says Bertini. “We are so fortunate that the WFP legacy continues on the Maxwell faculty.”

Bertini has maintained the Maxwell connection, continuing to teach part-time. A signature class: A week-long intersession in which students get an up-close look at the inner workings of the U.N. in New York City.

This past fall, as the school and the rest of the world grappled with the fallout from COVID-19, Bertini taught online about the U.N. Though virtual and remote learning has its drawbacks, she said she was able to capitalize on the medium by bringing in more outside guest presenters. And she had her students watch the U.N. General Assembly livestream.

Bertini enjoys hearing updates about former students like Sullivan. She takes pride in watching the pipeline she helped nurture: of Maxwell graduates heading out into the world, with the WFP or other humanitarian organizations.

“My retirement package is to sit back and take pride in watching the career successes of so many Maxwell graduates,” she says.

Story by Mike Eckel with reporting by Jessica Youngman.

Keithina Montgomery ’21 fulfilling an internship dream to work for the National Football League (NFL) Network. [The image was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and does not reflect current public health guidelines.]

“Many of the ‘cookie cutter’ internships out there do not fit a student’s interests either in scope or location,” shares Karen McGee, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications assistant dean of student success and Clements Internship Award Committee member. “Awards such as the Clements Award give students the opportunity to create their own experience, working in fields and with industry leaders around the world, and to not limit themselves to the internship postings ‘on the wall,’ so to speak.”

From supporting costs associated with internship-related travel, accommodations, living expenses, internship credit requirements and required materials, the Career Services team and cross-campus partners work to support students in achieving their internship goals through financial award opportunities. Award highlights include the Clements Internship Award and the Internship Funding Award.

“My experience from receiving the Clements Award allowed me to embark on an opportunity I never thought would be financially affordable. Internships and their affordability are intimidating. Applying, interviewing, budgeting food and travel expenses, and housing if necessary, especially for first-generation Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) students who have extenuating financial circumstances can be difficult,”  shared Davian Thomas ’22. “This perceived intangibility is untrue with the help of said scholarships and opportunities. There are resources on campus that are readily available, such as the Clements Award, that aid students in their desired interests. My time with Broadway Dreams over the summer was truly unforgettable and something I saw not possible for years.”

Traditionally, awards are offered on an annual basis. With approaching application deadlines, students are encouraged to learn more and apply. Additionally, the Career Services team and campus partners are available to support students , would like , , and more.

“The Clements Internship Award is extremely important. As a low-income student, I deeply appreciated the opportunity to pursue my dream internship and not have to worry about financial barriers. I applied to LA’s Writopia Lab as a summer filmmaking mentor. Writopia Lab is an award-winning non-profit that runs the country’s best creative writing workshops for kids ages six to 18. Because of this internship, I had the unique opportunity to start a small filmmaking program at LA’s Writopia Lab,” shared Justine Hastings ’21. “I would not have been able to do this otherwise due to financial concerns surrounding housing and transportation. I hope that others know that they don’t have to sacrifice their dreams and goals due to financial barriers, but they can seek out support and apply to amazing resources like the Clements Internship Awards. If you’re a junior, senior or masters student and you have your eye on a unique internship, definitely check out the Clements Internship Award.”

Clements Internship Awards
The Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Awards are intended to enable ���ϲ����� students to undertake unique internships that they have developed on their own initiative and that would not be possible to undertake without financial help. With several awards made each spring semester, Clements Awards typically range from $1,500 to $6,000.

• Application Deadline: Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021
• Eligibility and Application Instructions: Complete details are available on the .

“I was really in a position where I was not going to be able to take my dream internship due to financial hardships, but Career Services and ���ϲ����� made it possible for me through the Internship Funding Award!,” shared Keithina Montgomery ’21. “Being awarded this great opportunity allowed me to not worry about my financials and gave me flexibility to fulfill my dream to work for the National Football League (NFL) Network!”

Internship Funding Award
This award was established to support funding in the form of meeting cost of credit for students when required by a company, and/or to provide support for living expenses associated with summer internships. Applications are reviewed on a bi-weekly basis for qualifying summer internships and award amounts may vary.

• Application Deadline: Wednesday, June 23, 2021
• Eligibility and Application Instructions: Complete details are available on the .

For questions or to request accommodations, email Career Services or call 315.443.3616.

Students during the New York City Career Immersion Trip in fall 2019 at the CBS Broadcast Center. Pictured in photo are Jeff Glor ’97 (center) and Richard M. Jones ’92, G’95, L’95 (kneeling).

Novack, the OVMA’s executive director, and Pluta, the assistant director of Veteran Career Services, first looked at the University’s student veterans and found that only 6 to 8 percent of the undergraduate population were participating in summer internships. This was a concern since OVMA’s charge is to help student veterans find the right jobs following graduation and internships are a crucial component of their job search.

“The national barriers in the Student Veterans of America study hit home here,” Novack says. “We started thinking about how to reallocate funding to change our student’s thinking from self-elimination—I can’t do this—to now allowing our student veterans to consider internships as a serious option.”

As a result of their efforts, Novack and Pluta have introduced the first OVMA Student Veteran Undergraduate Internship Award that is open to all full- and part-time undergraduate student veterans. The annual award will provide financial assistance to undergraduate student veterans during the summer semester, when internships are most prevalent.

The first application period is now open and extends through Feb. 15. Novack, who served 33 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a colonel in 2015, says the award is funded through the generous donors who contribute to the OVMA Veteran Legacy Fund and will be a “game-changer” for undergraduate student veterans at ���ϲ�����.

“This award speaks to the collaborative effort on the whole of the University to make ���ϲ����� the best place for veterans,” Novack says. “I tip my hat to Jennifer for pulling this together and our generous Veteran Legacy Fund donors who allow us to identify gaps, be creative and apply the resources to give our student veterans even more opportunities.”

Pluta’s position was created in 2015 to assist Chancellor Kent Syverud’s initiative to support veterans. Unlike other college career services departments where veterans are included with other students, Pluta is dedicated solely to student veterans.

When looking at the issue of internships, Pluta says she remembers one recent student veteran who was offered an internship offer in New York City. But that student veteran faced several barriers: How do I carry my lease in ���ϲ����� and sublet in the city? Where do I put my car? What about my dog?

“Most traditional students can go back home over the summer,” Pluta says. “But for many student veterans, there is no back home. They may already have a family and need to pay for rent, utilities and food, and since non-paid internships are common you can see why a veteran is less likely to do an internship.”

Novack points out that the three top areas on the East Coast for internships are New York City, Washington, D.C., and Boston—three of the most expensive cities to live in. And while student veterans receive stipends through the GI Bill, they would need to take classes over the summer to maintain that stipend during the summer months.

Students visit Paramount Pictures as part of the Los Angeles Career Immersion Trip in January 2020.

“If they have to make a decision between doing this internship or taking a financial hit, particularly if the student veteran has a family, on balance the family side wins out every time,” Novack said. “This fund provides an option and an opportunity that might not otherwise exist.”

The internship award is the latest initiative by the OVMA, which serves as the University’s single point of entry for all veteran and military-connected students. The OVMA’s mission is to support student veterans by assisting with their veteran educational benefits and work-study programs and providing an opportunity for student veterans to build community in conjunction with the Student Veterans Organization.

Under Pluta’s direction, OVMA’s career services department has reached 100 percent job placement for student veterans for four consecutive years. And now the internship award will enable a student veteran to land an otherwise unattainable internship that could lead to the veteran’s dream job.

“The No. 1 reason that student veterans go to college, as opposed to going directly into the workforce, is to obtain a degree to get a new career,” Pluta said. “By providing financial assistance for internships, we are supporting student veterans’ career pathways to employment.”

How To Apply and Support the Veteran Legacy Fund

Student veterans can learn more about the .

For questions, please email Pluta at jrpluta@syr.edu.

For those who are interested in learning more about how to make an impact on the life of a student veteran by providing the financial means for an internship, please visit the webpage.

The Clements Awards typically range from $1,500 to $6,000. There are usually several awards available each year. The award may be used to pay for internship-related travel, living expenses and required materials, but may not, in most cases, be used to pay for salaries, stipends or tuition.

Past award recipients have held internships at organizations including the National Football League; World Food Program in Djibouti, Africa; Seattle Art Museum; and the Equality Institute in Melbourne, Australia.

Students can apply online on . The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 2. For more information, students are encouraged to check the , visit Career Services in 235 Schine or call 315.443.3616.

Students and company representatives meet during a previous internship fair.

Career Services encourages all students to pursue an internship during their college career, stating the following benefits:

• exploring career fields;
• developing new skills or enhance existing ones;
• turning classroom learning to practical hands-on applications; and
• building your resume for applying to graduate schools, internships, and full-time opportunities.

Many employers recruit entry-level hires from their internship pool.

Employers attending the event include over 90 companies ranging from fields in communications to technology to not-for-profit organizations. Noted employers include First Data, Sidearm Sports, Rescue Mission, News Channel 9 and many more.

For questions about the event, students are encouraged to visit Career Services in 235 Schine or call 315.443.3616.

Saquandra Heath

An alumna of the has been selected for a postgraduate internship at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Saquandra Heath ’17 is one of 31 students from colleges and universities throughout the United States to be chosen for the internship, which is taking place at NCAA offices in Indianapolis.

“The NCAA postgraduate internship has exposed participants to the inner workings of college sports and higher education from the national perspective for more than 25 years,” according to Kyle Leach, the NCAA’s assistant director of leadership development. “It is an experience they might eventually bring to careers as full-time athletics administrators on college campuses or in athletics conference offices.”

“So far, it’s been an amazing experience,” Heath says of her new role, which started recently. “Everyone here is welcoming and allowing me to take on different projects. Already I’m learning more about the role of the NCAA, and I’m excited to to see what the next year holds for me.

Heath is working 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. “I’ll also be working at events, including NCAA championship games and any other activity that involves the organization.”

For Heath, it’s just the latest in a progression of impressive resume builders. During her time at ���ϲ�����, Heath worked as a student assistant in the Office of Athletic Communications, and also served as a communications intern with the National Football League in New York City.

As for her future, Heath wants to stay involved in the world of sports entertainment. “My passion is athletics,” according to Heath, “whether it’s college or pro sports, this is not only where I want to be but where I’m best positioned, thanks to my Newhouse experience.”

The NCAA is also seeking interns for the summer of 2018. The application process opens in mid-August. Applications and more information can be .

The events offer ���ϲ����� students the opportunity to network with employers, improve their job-hunting skills and explore opportunities for internships, full-time employment and post-graduate education.

“All students are encouraged to attend ’Cuse Career Week events, despite their class year or major,” says Sue Casson, associate director of employer relations. “Improving resumes, networking with employers and considering post-graduation options are all important steps to take whether you’re a first-year student, a senior or somewhere in-between.”

An overview of the week’s events:

Resumania
Monday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 235 Schine

Resumania provides students with the chance to have their resumes critiqued during one-on-one meetings with employer representatives. Resume reviews will take place on a first-come, first-served basis. All students are encouraged to attend. Representatives from 14 companies, including General Electric, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and MasterCard, will be available to review resumes.

Diversity in the Workplace
Monday, Sept. 30, 5:30-7 p.m., Panasci Lounge, Schine

A collaboration between the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Career Services, Diversity in the Workplace brings together students from historically underrepresented groups to showcase their organizations to employers during a “reverse career fair.” Students are invited to network with the employers during the event as well. The event will also feature The King Center Imaging Project, an interactive booth showcasing digitized documents from Martin Luther King, Jr., and other key figures and organizations from the Civil Rights Movement.

Career Fair @ the Dome
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., enter through Gate A

Employer representatives from more than 85 organizations will pack the Dome, offering students the opportunity to learn about a variety of internships and full-time job opportunities. This year’s employer sponsors are JPMorgan Chase & Co., General Electric, Macy’s/Bloomingdale’s, Cognizant Technology Solutions and New York Army National Guard. The 2013 Career Fair sponsors include H.H. Brown and IBM.

Graduate School Information Fair
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 5-7 p.m., Panasci Lounge, Schine

Students considering or interested in attending graduate school are encouraged to attend the information fair to speak with representatives from 95 different programs.

Law School Information Fair
Thursday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Panasci Lounge, Schine

Students considering or interested in attending law school are encouraged to attend the information fair to speak with program representatives from more than 70 law schools.

Students can view the full list of participating employers and schools for all events on OrangeLink.

For questions about ’Cuse Career Week, students are encouraged to visit Career Services in 235 Schine or contact Career Services at 315-443-3616.

Supporting the University’s vision of strengthening ties with the surrounding community, the Local Internship Fair helps students identify and pursue internship opportunities in Central New York. Employers from a wide variety of industries will be represented, seeking interns for the fall, spring and summer.

In its fifth year, the Local Internship Fair has facilitated many successful connections between employers and interns. More than 400 students attended the event last fall. Career Services has also welcomed several new employers this year.

Some of the participates at the Local Internship Fair include Aflac, CNY Latino, JetBlue, Iberdrola, MedTech, NewsChannel 9 WSYR, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, ���ϲ����� Crunch, ���ϲ����� Peace Council and the Events Company. Students of all majors are encouraged to attend, to bring copies of their resume and to dress professionally.

Interested students can find the full list of participating organizations and their internship opportunities through OrangeLink, which can be accessed under the Career Services header in MySlice.

For more information about the Local Internship Fair, email Jennifer Pluta at jrpluta@syr.edu, call 315-443-3616, or visit Career Services, Suite 235, Schine Student Center.

Fanta Dicko

Sophomore Fanta Dicko and graduate student Vivek Khedkar are interning for the technology department at City Hall, constructing PCs and assisting with day-to-day responsibilities. As the city’s Information Technology group is focusing on replacing older PCs with newer machines that run Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system, Dicko and Khedkar are gaining hands-on experience in the workplace.

Dave Prowak, director of information technology for the City of ���ϲ�����, and a 1987 graduate of the computer science program at SU’s L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science, is impressed by the skill set and professionalism of the iSchool students.

Although it is Prowak’s first time working with iSchool students, he has found a wide range of highly qualified students applying for the position. “I am impressed with the experience and enthusiasm these students have to work in the field. They have hands-on experience and handle themselves well, which were important qualities we were searching for in interns,” says Prowak.

Vivek Khedkar

For Dean Elizabeth Liddy, the iSchool serves as a place for students to develop hands-on experience and gain technical skills. The City of ���ϲ����� supports these efforts and extends opportunities for students to gain experience in the field. “Places like the Student Sandbox, supported by CenterState CEO, and the Tech Garden expose students to mentors from the city, who are important to helping the students grow as professionals,” says Liddy.

Liddy and Prowak see this opportunity as a step in the right direction to strengthen the relationship between the iSchool and the City of ���ϲ�����. “It’s so important to have the students seeking local internships to prevent a ‘brain drain’ and support the local economy. We have really strengthened and expanded the employer relations department to help students reach out and make successful matches with local companies,” says Liddy.

As for the City of ���ϲ�����, Prowak hopes to recruit more iSchool interns throughout the fall semester. “I would like to continue this relationship because it’s mutually beneficial,” Prowak says. “Given my initial experience, the students are a great asset to our group and I hope we can bring in more qualified students like them.”

“We are extremely proud of Rachel and Noël, whose internships mark the culmination of their arts leadership training at SU,” says Mark Nerenhausen, professor of practice and founding director of the Janklow Program. “Their energy, enthusiasm and expertise serve their respective organizations well, while making themselves more competitive in today’s global job market.”

Boucher, whose interests include community engagement, education and marketing, is working on City Center’s new Encores! Off-Center series, which features concert versions of great Off-Broadway musicals. (The inaugural series presents “The Cradle Will Rock,” “Violet” and “I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road.”) Boucher is also helping market the ninth annual Fall for Dance festival, which kicks off in September, and is considered the jewel of City Center’s producing crown.

“I see this internship as the perfect start for me,” says Boucher, who previously majored in vocal performance at SU. “At City Center, I hope to build on my training in marketing and communications, while expanding my knowledge base into other aspects of arts leadership. The Janklow Program has given me the competitive edge and ability to do this.”

Boucher reports to Hawley Abelow, vice president of marketing and communications at City Center, which, for more than 60 years, has hosted some of the world’s most amazing performers and productions, and is home to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and American Ballet Theatre.

Frodelius, whose interests span fundraising, community engagement and information technology, is interning in SAM’s development department. Most of her work involves promotional partnerships, as well as corporate membership outreach and expansion.

“Over the past 10 months in the Janklow Program, I have been exposed to new and innovative concepts about leadership in the nonprofit world,” says Frodelius, whose undergraduate degrees are in East Asian art history and documentary photography. “I hope to use my training in business management, finance, marketing and cultural tourism to benefit SAM, while making myself more marketable.”

Frodelius also hopes her internship will spawn other kinds of collaborations between SU and the museum. “I want to change the way arts are approached by the business sector and the community, at large. Organizations such as SAM have so much to offer, as creative partners and as social and economic drivers,” says Frodelius, whose supervisor is major gifts officer George Nunes.

SAM is one museum with three locations: the Olympic Sculpture Park, SAM downtown and the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park. The museum connects art to life through special exhibitions, educational programs and installations drawn from its collection of approximately 25,000 objects.

Boucher and Frodelius are not the only Janklow students interning this summer; others are Taylor Freitas ’12, G’13, Caitlin Moriarty ’12, G’13, and Renee Storiale ’09, G’13, who are training at the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, respectively.

Housed in the college’s Department of Art and Music Histories, the Janklow Program is a 15-month, 39-credit hour master’s program, designed to train leaders of nonprofit and for-profit organizations in the creative and performing arts.

The Tepper Semester program in the Department of Drama at ���ϲ�����’s (VPA) and the (CSA) announce a new premier training program partnership and apprenticeship. SU is the only institution of higher education to connect in such a meaningful and collaborative relationship with the CSA, the premier organization of theatrical casting directors in film, theater and television. The program, set to begin in the spring of 2012, is a joint effort to maintain a high standard of professionalism and artistic integrity within the field. 

“We could not ask for a better partner than the Casting Society of America and are excited that their talented members have agreed to share their expertise—in the classroom and in the real world—with the students in our program,” says Arielle Tepper Madover, SU alumna, trustee and Tepper Semester program founder. The semester-long immersion program is designed to provide drama students with rigorous training in New York City’s Theater District. “From the beginning, my vision for the Tepper program was to help drama students interested in all areas of the theater and entertainment industry to find their way and to be successful, and this partnership definitely expands that mission.” 

“When we learned about the intense immersion and training that takes place during the Tepper Semester program we knew right away that this was just the kind of collaboration we were looking to create,” says Pam Dixon, CSA president. “With the design of the new casting concentration, we are confident we are successfully preparing future casting directors.” 

“Casting directors are an essential component to our business as artists,” says Ralph Zito, professor and chair of VPA’s Drama Department. “This collaboration provides the department with an opportunity to deepen the relationship between casting offices and other parts of the theater community and create a greater sense of synergy within the industry itself. The premier program will also mentor and educate young casting directors entering the profession.” 

The syllabus for students in the casting concentration is being meticulously planned and the program itself is highly selective. Only four to six students per semester will be accepted. This will allow for an intimate, intense and focused training. Prospective students will be interviewed by Lisa Nicholas, director of the Tepper Semester, as well as a CSA committee member to ensure students are just the right fit and have the dedication needed to succeed in this competitive industry. 

Marc Hirschfeld is a SU alumnus, former EVP of casting at NBC Universal Television and the owner of Hirschfeld Casting. Hirschfeld is linked to numerous hit shows, including the iconic “Seinfeld,” as well as “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Married with Children,” “That 70’s Show” and ABC’s newest hit comedy starring Tim Allen, “Last Man Standing.” “We want to find students who not only participate, but are able to ask ‘why;’ be an active participant,” says Hirschfeld. 

Hirschfeld has been active in working with Nicholas to make the program as beneficial and successful as it can be for both partners. “There’s a long learning curve to be able to read a script and be able to say, ‘Hey, George Clooney would be the right fit for that role.’ We need someone who asks intelligent questions, someone genuinely interested in finding talent—going through agent submissions, reviewing video auditions. Our goal is simple. When they complete this semester, they will be ready to be an immediate asset to any casting office.” 

The program has been designed specifically for casting students, including key professional components and some core courses with fellow Tepper students. Participants in the casting program will be trained on industry software such as the Cast It system. They will tour New York City museums, attend actor showcases around the city and see as many as two shows a week—about 28 shows in all—during their semester. Students will also receive special assignments like attending acting workshops and film festivals and going to improv clubs to scout out new talent. All of this is designed to develop their skills and instincts as future casting directors. 

The final and perhaps most important component to the new casting concentration is the internships these students will have access to. Leading theatrical casting directors will participate, and currently signed are major companies like Warner Brothers, NBC and ABC as well as casting director heavyweight Tara Rubin Casting. “The exposure these select students will have in the casting world will provide a lifetime of benefits,” says Nicholas. “Graduates of the Tepper program will enter the field with established relationships, the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to enter the profession and succeed.” 

All student casting apprentices will be called upon to assist in preparing and delivering casting sessions. Students will be exposed to what it takes to evaluate a resume and to learn why or why not an actor was a smart selection for an audition. They will also interface with assorted industry reps, producers and actors, and be expected to present the most professional image for that casting office. 

“Even in its infancy, this program is very much in line with Chancellor Nancy Cantor’s vision for Scholarship in Action,” says Zito. “These chosen students will be working in the world of casting, where the work they do will be framed in the larger context, and at the same time give them an opportunity to develop considerable communication and management skills. I look forward with great excitement to where this new path will lead the program.”

is the premier organization of theatrical casting directors in film, television and theater. Although it is not a union, its members are a united professional society that consistently sets the level of professionalism in casting on which the entertainment industry has come to rely. Its more than 490 members are represented not only in the United States, but also in Europe, Canada, Australia and South Africa.