Dear Orange Friends:
Over several days in late April, the University celebrated the achievements, contributions and legacy of Chancellor Emeritus Kenneth “Buzz” Shaw and his wife, Mary Ann.
The events included a rededication of the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle, a panel discussion focused on the the Shaws’ legacy and the presention of the Chancellor’s Medal to Buzz and Mary Ann in honor of their extraordinary contributions to the University. Their visit coincided with the release of the new Syracuse University Press book “Syracuse University: The Shaw Years,” authored by David Tobin. It is the sixth book in a series that chronicles the University’s history and is available at the bookstore.
The Shaws served as leaders here from 1991 to 2004. They arrived at Syracuse University during a difficult time marked by significant budget, enrollment and academic challenges. When their tenure concluded, the budget was balanced, new academic programs were created, major building projects were underway and Syracuse’s reputation as a student-centered research university was cemented.
Of all these accomplishments, what I particularly admire is the healthy culture of frankness and caring that Buzz and Mary Ann created during their time here. It was hard to achieve and of enormous value to the University. It was a product of effort and sacrifice from people across our University, including trustees, alumni, faculty, students, staff and members of the wider community.
I am eager to continue to work on that culture with all in our community in the year ahead.
Warmest wishes for the summer,
Chancellor Kent Syverud