Dear Orange Friends:
Great universities have an inclusive and diverse learning, living, and working environment, and a campus and community that reflect openness, fairness, and equality for all. This is something that has to be worked at every day.
Reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy
Dear Orange Friends:
On Sunday, the University hosted the 31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the Carrier Dome. Nearly 2,000 people participated in the largest such University-sponsored celebration in the nation honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
Welcome Back
Dear Orange Friends:
Welcome to the New Year. I hope that your holiday break—however spent—was a time of rest and recharging. We now embark upon the spring 2016 semester, which promises to be busy and full of opportunities.
Possibilities, Prosperity, and Peace in 2016
Dear Orange Friends:
Last week was a really good week for Syracuse, Central New York, and our University.
Earlier this year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo challenged seven regions in Upstate New York to compete for three $500 million awards. Known as the Upstate Revitalization Initiative competition, the awards are designed to transform the regional economy.
Giving Thanks
Dear Orange Friends:
As I write this, many of our students, faculty, and staff are starting their Thanksgiving Break–which will be quickly followed by an intense rush of activities as we conclude classes and examinations before the end of the year. I hope that we can all stop and take time to be thankful. I hope that we all take this time to cherish family and friends, whether they be near or far.
Our Thoughts are with Paris
Dear Orange Friends:
Nearly 27 years ago, terrorism struck the Syracuse University community and changed our world forever. Because of Pan Am Flight 103, this great University long ago experienced the searing pain of terrorism. Each day since then, we have paid respect to those victims and learned how to reassert and fight for our values of good in the face of evil.
Welcoming Vice President Biden
Dear Orange Friends:
Syracuse University has been working hard to raise awareness about and to put an end to sexual and relationship violence. I appreciate the great efforts of the Workgroup on Sexual Violence Prevention, Education and Advocacy; the Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence; and all our dedicated students, faculty, and staff members.
A Privilege to Teach
Dear Orange Friends:
I have been teaching negotiation this semester with Maxwell doctoral candidate Hengel Reina, most recently in the format of a one-credit course offered for nine hours on a Saturday and four hours on a Sunday during the same weekend. The students come from almost all the schools and colleges of the University (with a plurality of law students). We have them negotiate and draft several agreements (a simple sales contract, an employment contract, a settlement of a dispute between a doctor, hospital, and patient). We compare the results of the simulations, review recordings of the students negotiating, and discuss ways to improve as an ethical negotiator.
An Outdoor Challenge
Dear Orange Friends:
This past summer I climbed a drumlin on the edge of South Campus to visit the University’s Outdoor Challenge Course , a project led by the Department of Recreation Services within the Division of Student Affairs. The hilltop site includes huge towers with ropes extended between them, and lots of opportunities to develop teamwork and fitness by navigating various climbing challenges on them.
University Lectures
Dear Orange Friends:
Last night, the University Lectures kicked off its 15th season with world-renowned pianist Leon Fleisher. He is in the midst of a four-day visit to Syracuse University. It was an outstanding evening, filled with music and wisdom.