Dear Orange Friends:
On campus we are in the midst of Orange Central, a kaleidoscope of reunions, activities, performances, and competitions that brings thousands of Syracuse University alumni and friends to campus.
Tomorrow we celebrate the Arents Awards , our highest alumni honors, which are being conferred this year on Richard M. Jones ’92, G’95 (Whitman), L’95 (Law); Angela Robinson, ’78 (Newhouse); and Donald Schupak ’64 (A&S), L’66 (Law), for both their accomplishments in their professional fields and for their support of the University. Over the weekend, alumni will meet deans, participate in academic experiences, tour our facilities, and reunite with friends! To all our returning friends and visitors, I join all of us at the University in saying we are delighted to have you back.
I attended Orange Central last year, and was amazed at how so many events worked so smoothly. This year, on the inside, I see how it takes a legion of staff, students, and alumni volunteers to makes things work so seamlessly. I particularly thank the Office of Alumni Engagement, the Office of Donor Relations and all the members of the Division of Advancement and External Affairs in producing this weekend.
Our Alumni Association board, led by Trustee Laurie Taishoff ’84, has demonstrated leadership in moving forward items of importance to all alumni and by the board’s 100 percent giving participation. Please be sure to thank all board members and club presidents for their service when you see them this weekend.
All year long, our alumni and advancement activities are driven by many professionals who at times go unthanked. For example:
- Alex Epsilanty and the team at the College of Law for their work on the fundraising for Dineen Hall
- Lynn Vanderhoek and the team at Newhouse for accomplishing the fundraising for the Newhouse 2 Studio & Innovation Center
- Taylor Wood and Sylvie Prendergast at the School of Architecture for a campaign with previously unconnected donors resulting in $18,000 in additional scholarships
- Finally, the research staff of Cathy Aiken, Beverly Denninger, Cheryl Johnson, Dorry Kelley and Dave Robertson, who keep all of us well informed on all the accomplishments of the alumni we talk to and meet.
Thank you to all our advancement professionals, and all our alumni volunteers and supporters, who help our University succeed all year.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Kent Syverud