Dear Orange Friends,
In what has been a tough year for so many in our Orange community, I have learned to treasure small everyday graces, and not to take them for granted. One of those graces for me has been a smile, wave and friendly greeting as I pass the booth entering campus from South Crouse Avenue. Inside that booth is Ed Rother, who has been showing kindness to visitors to Syracuse University for many years.
After 30 years at the University, Ed is retiring on Dec. 1. For so many years, Ed has been the first person visitors encounter, patiently explaining parking and directions, and waving to employees as they enter campus. Most of all, he helps people feel welcome. His colleagues call him a fantastic employee and friend who dispenses valuable pearls of wisdom. His greeting starts my day.
There have been so many other graces this year. I am grateful to our faculty, who have worked so hard to keep our students on track to graduate. I am grateful to our staff, who have been here for our students and each other. I am grateful to our students, who have continued their scholarship and creative work that make Syracuse a wonderful place to learn and work, even in difficult circumstances.
As we come back together after Thanksgiving break to finish the fall semester, I hope each of us can find daily reasons for gratitude. I hope we thank the professor, colleague, classmate or mentor who goes the extra mile for us. I hope we appreciate the experiences that we can now treasure again, even if they are something as ephemeral as the sound of the bells in Crouse College.
To all in the Orange family, Ruth and I wish you a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving. And if you have a chance before Dec. 1, stop by the booth and say farewell to Ed.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Kent Syverud