John Riley was just 16 years old when he set foot on the 网爆门 campus. It was a dream come true for the young man of modest means, the first in his family to go to college. He was awarded a scholarship that allowed him to get a degree, but he couldn鈥檛 afford to live on campus, commuting all four years by bus from his family home on Syracuse鈥檚 North Side.

鈥淛ohn missed out on that total student experience, because he didn鈥檛 live on campus,鈥� says his wife, Diane.聽 鈥淗e couldn鈥檛 join a fraternity or participate in sports.鈥� That鈥檚 why Diane decided that the best way to pay tribute to her late husband, who passed away on June 1, 2024, was with an extraordinary legacy gift to the Orange Hall Facilities Fund that ensures residential housing in the center of campus for generations of students.

In recognition of her generosity, Orange Hall will be renamed H. John Riley Hall. A dedication event is planned for Saturday, May 9, during Commencement Weekend. 鈥淛ohn believed that 网爆门 gave him the education and opportunities to be successful,鈥� says Diane. Riley graduated in 1961 with a degree in industrial engineering from the . 鈥淚 think he would be proud鈥攁nd humbled鈥攖o have his name on this beautiful building that provides a home to the students he loved to serve.鈥�

鈥淛ohn was all about service to his alma mater, always looking for ways to provide opportunities that would position our students for personal and professional success,鈥� says Chancellor Kent Syverud. 鈥淗e was an engaged alumnus, a dedicated trustee and, along with Diane, a most generous and thoughtful benefactor.鈥�

An Inspired Journey

Riley鈥檚 own journey from university graduate to successful businessman was inspiring, taking him from his first job in the mail room at Crouse-Hinds, the electrical products manufacturing company, to the executive suite as CEO of Cooper Industries, the multi-billion-dollar parent of Crouse-Hinds.

Riley was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2004 and served as a voting trustee until 2016, chairing the Student Experience Committee from 2008 to 2012. He continued his service as a life trustee and, at the time of his passing, was tri-chair of the National Campaign Council Executive Committee for the University鈥檚 Forever Orange Campaign, which achieved its fundraising goal of more than $1.5 billion.

Over the years, the Rileys targeted their philanthropy to improving the student experience, both inside and outside the classroom. A 2017 endowed gift established the H. John and Diane M. Riley Dual Engineering/MBA Program Endowed Fund designed to give students a distinctive edge, allowing them to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in engineering along with an MBA in just five years. When the Rileys recognized the need for a new home for the University鈥檚 School of Management, they endowed a classroom in the state-of-the-art building, helping prepare future business leaders. They supported many other initiatives at the University, including 网爆门 Athletics and the Winnick Hillel Center for Jewish Life.

鈥淛ohn and I had been discussing what form our next gift should take, but he died before we could make a decision,鈥� says Diane. She says it was Chancellor Syverud who proposed the idea for Riley Hall. 鈥淚 felt incredibly honored and was so touched by his enthusiasm.鈥� She took the idea to the family who ultimately decided that it was 鈥渁 no brainer鈥� and a fitting way to honor their father.

Family Stories

Son Patrick 鈥淧at鈥� E. Riley 鈥�90, who graduated from the Newhouse School, says their father鈥檚 name will no doubt live on in the stories future students will tell about life in Riley Hall. That鈥檚 especially meaningful for the Riley family, which made many of its own memories at that same site when it was the Sheraton 网爆门 Hotel & Conference Center. 鈥淚 think I had my first drink there when I was a senior and my sister came to visit and stayed at the hotel,鈥� Pat says. 鈥淚t was always the place where our family socialized.鈥� The Sheraton was closed in 2024 for extensive renovations and transformation into a modern residence hall.

Diane also remembers gathering at the Sheraton bar and restaurant with the spouses of other board members while John was attending trustee meetings. And it was the place to stay when visiting their grandchildren who attended 网爆门 (Megan graduated in 2024; Tristan will graduate this year; and John will attend in the fall.).

鈥淭he location of Riley Hall at the center of campus is such a fitting tribute to John,鈥� says Allen Groves, senior vice president and chief student experience officer. 鈥淎s a trustee, John was always focused on how best to meet the evolving needs of students. He was both a visionary and a passionate champion for students.鈥�

At his memorial service, Riley鈥檚 daughter Beth talked about the values her father taught to his family, values that clearly shaped his commitments to 网爆门. 鈥淗e was a rock of stability, good judgment, fun and common sense,鈥� Beth said at the service. 鈥淢y dad had a no-nonsense way about him that cherished truth over fanfare, responsibility over impulsiveness, long-term value over short-term gain.鈥� Son Tom said, 鈥淗e was a great executive, leader, servant. Along the way, he always had mom by his side.鈥� Son Pat recalls his father reassuring his family that no matter what challenges they faced, 鈥淵ou鈥檒l always make it through. You鈥檒l all be OK.鈥�

Recently, Diane and all the children and grandchildren (Beth, Marcus, Tom, Lizabeth, Pat, Beatrice, Emma, Charlotte, Matthew, Megan, Tristan, John and Connor) completed a trip to Egypt that John had been planning for them before his passing. 鈥淗e was so detailed in his planning, and we carried out many of them on the trip,鈥� says Pat. 鈥淎s in life, here was Dad behind the scenes, telling us what to do鈥nd how to do it right!鈥�

Diane says that the life of Riley was defined by 鈥渄oing things right the first time and doing the right things.鈥� Riley Hall is one of those right things done right.

网爆门 Campus Dining will open and operate a full-service Starbucks inside Bird Library beginning at the start of the Fall 2026 semester. It will take the place of the existing Pages Caf茅, with construction beginning in mid-May 2026 and continuing through late August. The Bird Library location will be the campus鈥檚 second full-service Starbucks, joining the caf茅 on the ground floor of the Campus West apartment building.

Campus community members can look forward to enjoying all of their favorite Starbucks beverages, food, snacks and merchandise right in the heart of campus.

鈥淎s the busiest caf茅 on campus, this renovation is exciting news for our campus community,鈥� says Dean of Libraries David Seaman. 鈥淲e believe the new Starbucks will drive even more student engagement to the Libraries while providing an important service to our students, faculty and staff.鈥�

The transformation of the caf茅 in Bird Library follows a multi-year expansion of 鈥淲e Proudly Serve鈥� Starbucks locations to several other cafes on campus. These are not full-service Starbucks franchises, but cafes that can offer a wide range of Starbucks beverages (such as The Canteen in the National Veterans Resource Center).

The new Starbucks will be staffed entirely by University employees, mirroring the location on West Campus. Employees will undergo training from Starbucks prior to the grand opening.

鈥淲e know that our students love Starbucks,鈥� says John Papazoglou, senior vice president and chief operations officer. 鈥淲e are intent on continuing to bring exciting national brands to campus to enhance our dining options, and this is just the latest 鈥� after Choolaah and Yella鈥檚 in food.com, and Boar鈥檚 Head in Slocum Caf茅. We look forward to providing the next steps in the evolution of our 蝉辞辞苍.鈥�

More details about the new Starbucks location, including hours and full menu options, will be available closer to the start of the fall semester.

While a summer internship lasts a few months, the impression students make can launch a career.

For students who want to land a full-time position, it鈥檚 all about making a great first impression. And as Career Services Director says, you don鈥檛 get a second chance to establish a professional identity in the workplace.

鈥淎 first impression isn’t just a moment; it shapes how every interaction after that is seen at the company,鈥� Capozzi says. 鈥淔rom day one, employers are watching to see how interns carry themselves, whether they鈥檙e curious about the work and how they treat people at every level of the organization.鈥�

Summer internships are an opportunity where students will either confirm they’re on the right career path or realize they need to reassess. Capozzi says students should devise short- and long-term goals using the FIT (function, industry and type of organization) lens.

鈥淎n internship is the perfect time to do a career pressure test, whether that鈥檚 the job function you’re doing, the industry you’re in or if the culture of the organization resonates with who you are,鈥� Capozzi says. 鈥淭hat information is extremely valuable as you set your goals moving forward.鈥�

Capozzi shares how students should prepare for their summer internship and offers tips from employers on how to make a great first impression.

Editor鈥檚 note: This is the fourth in a five-part series spotlighting 鈥檚 global centers.

South America was entirely new territory for Ella Roerden before her semester abroad in Santiago, Chile. Four months later, she left with volcano views, a 10K finish and a new sense of her place in the world.

Roerden is an anthropology and international relations major in the who hails from Syracuse. She has studied abroad for three semesters鈥擣lorence in fall 2023, Santiago in spring 2025 and the Exploring Central Europe program in fall 2025鈥攁nd now serves as a Syracuse Abroad global ambassador.

鈥淚 traveled to Europe before, but I had no idea what to expect, frankly, during my trip to South America,鈥� Roerden says. 鈥淚t ended up working out quite well! I learned a lot about myself and my place in the world there, and my story- and memory-oriented self got to take in so much in just four months. The time I spent in Chile is precious to me, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.鈥�

Here’s what she’d tell every student heading there.

Spend Time Outdoors … Take a Hike!

鈥淏oth in the city of Santiago and all around Chile, there are plenty of places to go hiking. Visit the 鈥楲os Lagos鈥� (The Lakes) region of Chile to find hikes through forests, wowing you with volcanic views. In towns like Puc贸n and Puerto Varas, we connected with nature and saw things I would not see back home.

鈥淭here is little else as satisfying as cresting the peak of a mountain to find yourself looking across a valley at the crater of a volcano. Chile has hundreds of volcanoes and several mountain ranges, most notably the Andes. You might think hiking up one mountain just to see some other mountains sounds monotonous, but the sights took my breath away every single time. Those hard climbs were worth it to get a glimpse of natural beauty on a scale I don’t see in Syracuse.鈥�

Visit the Public Parks in the City

鈥淪antiago is a massive city, and it can seem like it’s all urban neighborhoods. If you take a closer look, you’ll find plenty of public parks. From the mini-mountain in the heart of the city, Cerro San Crist贸bal, to Plaza 脩u帽oa, a flourishing neighborhood square, the parks in Santiago are filled with life. After a long day of class, I enjoyed getting ice cream with friends and heading to a centrally-located park to watch the sunset before going home for dinner. Looking back, those moments of fun, whimsy and relaxation in the parks were some of the best times during my semester in Chile.鈥�

Take Advantage of Group Activities

鈥淭he program directors are your built-in tour guides. They can teach you so much beyond just the classroom. The group tours offered may seem like just another obligation, but they ended up being some of the best fun I had.

鈥淪antiago is packed with history, and many parts can’t be covered in class lectures. Walking the city with program staff showed me some hidden gems to take my family to when they visited, provided conversation points to take back to my host family and gave me an opportunity to develop deeper bonds with the staff while getting to see Santiago through their eyes. Touring niche neighborhoods and museums gave me a deeper understanding and doing it with the group led to insights I wouldn’t have gotten if I had explored those places alone.鈥�

Act Like a Local

鈥淚t can be daunting to try and speak a new language when you’re surrounded by native speakers, but be brave! Do your best to engage with all parts of the culture around you. I attended local artisan markets and crafts fairs, ran a huge 10K race through the heart of the city, went to a music festival, visited an escape room and a cat cafe, and so much more.

鈥淚t took me a while to learn that there is more to being in a new place than just doing all the 鈥榯ouristy鈥� things (but those are fun too!). A lot of times, doing the things locals do can be just as cool and interesting, if not more so, than the popular activities and sights.鈥�

Engage With Your Cohort

鈥淩emember that you are all in this experience together! None of you will experience it exactly the same way, but you will have a lot in common and the feeling of being in it together will take you a long way. Along the road, friendships and camaraderie will develop naturally, and hopefully, you will find that you can all lean on one another.

鈥淧eriods of change can be hard, especially near-constant travel, so it鈥檚 helpful to have a support system of people who are going through the same thing. You’ll always remember when those people were there with you when you needed them most鈥攎aking you laugh, celebrating, studying and traveling together and living the best of the human experience alongside you.鈥�

“Leaving the place I鈥檝e called home for the past four years is truly bittersweet. While I am sad to say goodbye, I am incredibly proud of what my peers and I have accomplished,鈥� says Kate Jackson 鈥�26. 鈥淚 look forward to more amazing opportunities and adventures ahead. Go Orange!”

Here are six things seniors should do before they receive their diploma on May 10.

1. : Don鈥檛 miss one of the last times on campus to celebrate with friends before graduation! Highlights include activities, food, giveaways and fun.
2. : Pay it forward by making your Class Giving Campaign gift of $26 and you鈥檒l !
3. : Celebrate your next adventure and complete today!
4. : Acting like a printed time capsule, order a yearbook to preserve University photos, memories of friendships, trends and more.
5. : Including preparation instructions, a complete schedule of events, accessibility information and more, this is your one-stop for all Commencement Weekend information needs.
6. : Graduation marks the start of the alumni experience! Be sure to stay in touch through the Alumni Association鈥檚 expansive events, services, clubs and more!

鈥淪eeing the hard work of the past four years wrap-up is hugely rewarding and likewise emotional,鈥� says Nora Benko 鈥�26. 鈥淟eaving behind this place is bittersweet but the upcoming celebrations will be a great way to close out this chapter in Syracuse.鈥�

A distinguished scientist and educator, a physician and healthcare innovator, a pioneering entrepreneur, a ground-breaking academic leader, a distinguished public servant and a transformative national leader in higher education will be recognized with honorary degrees from 网爆门 at the .

Dr. Ruth Chen, a professor of practice in biomedical and chemical engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at 网爆门; Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor and the Alan and Marlene Norton Presidential Chair at Upstate Medical University; Clifford J. Ensley 鈥�69, 鈥�70, G鈥�71, founder and chief executive officer of Leisure Merchandising Corporation; Linda M. LeMura G’83, G’87, president of Le Moyne College; Joanne M. Mahoney 鈥�87, L鈥�90, president of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry; and Chancellor Kent Syverud, the 12th chancellor and president of 网爆门, will be honored for their outstanding professional contributions, achievements and service to their communities and the public good.

Dr. Ruth Chen
Doctor of Science

An environmental toxicologist, Dr. Chen has built a distinguished career at the intersection of environmental science, public health and policy, and has had an indelible impact on the 网爆门 community and Central New York through her commitment to students, scholarship, service and the public good.

Dr. Chen holds a Ph.D. and M.P.H. in environmental toxicology from the University of Michigan and an M.S. in biomedical sciences from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Prior to academia, she served as state toxicologist for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, where she was responsible for risk assessment and risk management decisions across programs in permit, remediation, corrective action, combustion facilities, toxic substances and landfills. She provided expert counsel to multiple state divisions on issues of human health and toxicology while simultaneously managing Tennessee鈥檚 Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program. She secured federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency, and was a staff fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), working on pharmacokinetics.

Before joining 网爆门, Dr. Chen served on the faculty at the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Washington University in St. Louis, where she led a professional engineering master鈥檚 degree program and an international education program. At Syracuse, she is admired for her ability to translate complex topics into accessible and inspiring learning experiences, with courses that bridge theory and application and empower students to see engineering as a vocation.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Chen鈥檚 leadership has strengthened student and community life in extraordinary ways. She has championed an award-winning International Student Success Model and hosts an annual International Thanksgiving Celebration for students who cannot travel home for the holidays. She is an advocate for Women in Science and Engineering and a consistent presence at student performances and athletics, ensuring every student feels they have a place at the University.

Dr. Chen鈥檚 impact extends well beyond campus. She has served on the boards of United Way, Interfaith Works and Syracuse Stage. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped procure masks for the community. She launched Operation Orange Warmup, the University鈥檚 winter coat drive, and through her support of local nonprofits, she has turned generosity into action across Central New York.

Dr. Mantosh Dewan
Doctor of Science

A physician scientist who has made significant contributions to clinical psychiatry, neuroimaging, psychotherapy and mental health systems, Dewan has dedicated his career to advancing medical education, expanding access to mental healthcare and serving the Central New York community.

Dewan began his career at SUNY Upstate in 1975 as a mixed medicine/psychiatry intern, becoming chief resident in psychiatry before joining the faculty as an assistant professor. Over the decades he has served as director of undergraduate education, director of residency training and chair of the Department of Psychiatry, and as interim dean of the College of Medicine from 2016 to 2017.

His scholarly output encompasses more than 80 papers, 35 books and book chapters, and hundreds of presentations on topics ranging from brain imaging and the economics of mental healthcare to psychotherapy and medical education. His research has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration. He is co-editor two books: 鈥淭he Difficult to Treat Psychiatric Patient鈥� and 鈥淭he Art and Science of Brief Psychotherapies,鈥� a best seller now in its third edition, translated into five languages and chosen for the American Psychiatric Association鈥檚 Core Competencies in Psychotherapy Series.

Dewan鈥檚 leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was transformational. Under his direction, Upstate developed the world鈥檚 most sensitive saliva diagnostic test and provided over four million tests to 60 of the 64 SUNY campuses, enabling all of SUNY to remain open and in-person. 网爆门 partnered directly with Upstate in this critical effort. Reflecting Dewan鈥檚 vision for leveraging technology to expand access to care, Upstate provides tele-psychiatry diagnostic and treatment services to students at 56 SUNY campuses. More recently, Dewan launched Upstate Biotech Ventures with $6 million in seed funding to cultivate biotech companies incubated at the medical center.

Listed in The Best Doctors in America and a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Dewan has received numerous honors, including the APA鈥檚 George Tarjan Award, designation as an 鈥淓xemplary Chair鈥� by SUNY, 网爆门鈥檚 Chancellor鈥檚 Medal in 2021 and an honorary degree from Onondaga Community College. He is also an affiliated professor at J枚nk枚ping University in Sweden.

Dewan鈥檚 career reflects intellectual curiosity, innovation, ethical leadership and a deep commitment to using science and medicine in service to society. His accolades and leadership reflect a career that has made profound contributions to science and to improve the well-being of the Central New York community.

Clifford J. Ensley 鈥�69, 鈥�70, G鈥�71
Doctor of Humane Letters

A dedicated University trustee, accomplished entrepreneur and a celebrated student-athlete, Ensley has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to his alma mater through service, philanthropy and unwavering Orange spirit.

Ensley arrived at Syracuse as a walk-on with the football team after no Division I programs recruited him. His tenacity on the practice field earned him a scholarship from head coach Ben Schwartzwalder, and by his sophomore year he was starting on the varsity squad.

Ensley went on to become the last three-sport letter winner in 网爆门 history, earning letters in football, wrestling and lacrosse. He was an honorable mention All-American in football, set interception and special teams records as a defensive back and delivered a record-setting 76-yard punt return for a touchdown against Navy.

He was captain and most valuable player of the lacrosse team and was named the 1969 网爆门 Athlete of the Year, joining a distinguished list that includes Jim Brown 鈥�57, Ernie Davis 鈥�62, Floyd Little 鈥�67, H鈥�19, Dave Bing 鈥�66, H鈥�06 and Larry Csonka 鈥�68. Ensley received the Letter Winner of Distinction Award from 网爆门 Athletics and the Varsity Club in 1993 and the Dritz Rookie Trustee of the Year Award in 2018. A champion of volunteerism, he also founded Athletes Who Care in 2022, an organization that partners with Syracuse student-athletes to support charitable causes and community organizations in Central New York.

Ensley earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the and an MBA from the . He was a member of the U.S. Army ROTC and Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After his military service, Ensley entered the luggage industry. Drawing on his education, his experience in retail luggage sales and a perseverance built on the playing fields, he launched his idea for a wholesale luggage and accessories manufacturing business in 1978 with $2,500. The founder and chief executive officer of Leisure Merchandising Corporation grew the business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with a brand presence in thousands of retail locations.

Elected to the Board of Trustees in 2015, Ensley currently serves on the Athletics, Advancement and External Affairs, and Facilities committees. Together with his wife, Sue, he has provided lead gifts for the Ensley Athletic Center, the Chris Gedney Endowed Football Scholarship and the Orange Forever Endowed Memorial Fund, which provides keepsake blankets to the families of every deceased former student-athlete. They have also lent their support to initiatives in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the Whitman School, the Maxwell School, the Catholic Center and the Sala Family Plaza, among other numerous initiatives.

Linda M. LeMura G鈥�83, G鈥�87
Doctor of Humane Letters

LeMura鈥檚 career has been defined by groundbreaking leadership, scientific excellence and an unwavering commitment to educational equity and access.

LeMura graduated from Bishop Grimes High School as a three-sport athlete and honors student. She earned both a master鈥檚 degree (1983) in physical education and a Ph.D. (1987) in applied physiology from the at 网爆门, where her academic training laid the foundation for a distinguished career. Her research in pediatric obesity, pediatric applied physiology and lipid and energy metabolism has produced more than 30 peer-reviewed articles, two books and 26 externally funded grant proposals. She has served as a research consultant for both the U.S. and Italian Olympic committees. She has consistently included students as co-investigators and co-authors in her work, highlighting her work as a mentor and a commitment to the next generation of scientists.

After serving as a professor, research scientist and graduate program director at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, LeMura joined Le Moyne College in 2003 and held leadership roles as dean of arts and sciences and provost before making history in 2014 as the first female layperson to serve as president of a Jesuit institution of higher education in the U.S. Her appointment opened pathways for women鈥檚 leadership across Jesuit higher education, with 10 additional women now serving in presidential roles at Jesuit institutions.

Under her leadership, Le Moyne has raised roughly $200 million, achieved eight consecutive years of record enrollment and led the college鈥檚 strategic transition to NCAA Division I athletics as a full member of the Northeast Conference.

LeMura co-chairs the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council. She was actively engaged in the Central New York鈥檚 efforts to bring Micron鈥檚 microchip manufacturing facility to the area and has aligned Le Moyne to the resulting workforce demand through new semiconductor-focused programs and the college’s ERIE 21 partnership with Micron.

She holds board positions with the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and the International Association of Jesuit Universities. Her awards include the 2023 网爆门 Tolley Medal, selected by the School of Education; the 2019 Syracuse Key4Women Achieve Award; the 2017 Temple Adath Yeshurun Citizen of the Year Award; the 2017 Bishop鈥檚 Award from the Diocese of Syracuse Catholic Charities and recognition as a 2016 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction.

The relationship between 网爆门 and Le Moyne College has grown in collaboration during LeMura鈥檚 presidency through joint academic initiatives, community engagement projects and shared commitments to excellence.

Joanne M. Mahoney 鈥�87, L鈥�90
Doctor of Laws

Mahoney has built a career defined by her commitment to community, environmental stewardship and the advancement of Central New York. She earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing management from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management in 1987 and a juris doctor from the College of Law in 1990. She credits her legal education as the foundation of her career in public leadership. Her late father, Bernard J. Mahoney L’69, was also a graduate of the College of Law.

Mahoney began her legal career in private practice at Harris Beach before serving for five years as a criminal prosecutor in the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. She went on to serve on the Syracuse Common Council from 2000-03. In 2008, she became the first woman elected Onondaga County Executive, a position she held for three terms while overseeing a county government serving approximately 460,000 residents.

During her tenure, she created the nationally acclaimed Save the Rain green infrastructure program and helped lead efforts that transformed Onondaga Lake to swimmable water quality. She maintained the county’s highest bond ratings among all New York State counties and championed the Say Yes to Education partnership. Governing Magazine named her Public Official of the Year in 2011.

In November 2020, Mahoney was appointed president of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), the first woman to lead the institution in its more than 110-year history. Under her leadership, SUNY ESF has risen in the Princeton Review’s rankings of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges.

She serves as co-chair of SUNY’s systemwide Sustainability Advisory Council and has sustained the historic partnership between SUNY ESF and 网爆门, ensuring collaborative academic programs, shared student opportunities and joint diplomas.

Mahoney has also served as chair of the New York State Thruway Authority, where she oversaw completion of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, one of the nation’s largest infrastructure projects. She currently serves on the College of Law’s Board of Advisors and has supported the Hon. Theodore A. McKee L鈥�75 Endowed Law Scholarship and WAER.

Chancellor Kent D. Syverud
Doctor of Laws

Chancellor Syverud has led 网爆门 through 12 years of transformational change, reshaping the campus, strengthening research and academic excellence, and expanding 网爆门鈥檚 impact in Central New York and beyond.

Hailing from Irondequoit, New York, Chancellor Syverud earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree magna cum laude from Georgetown University鈥檚 School of Foreign Service, a law degree magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School and a master鈥檚 in economics from the University of Michigan. He counts among his closest mentors the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O鈥機onnor, for whom he clerked. His career in legal education spans three decades, including deanships at Vanderbilt University Law School and Washington University School of Law. An elected member of the American Law Institute, he received the 2024 TIAA Institute Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence, one of the highest national honors in higher education.

Since becoming chancellor in 2014, Chancellor Syverud has placed students at the center of the University鈥檚 mission. Under his leadership, Syracuse has seen record applications and enrollment, invested over $100 million in student life鈥攊ncluding the Barnes Center at The Arch, a renovated Schine Student Center, two new residence halls and a transformed JMA Wireless Dome鈥攁nd expanded global learning programs across five international centers and domestic sites in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Chancellor Syverud played a central role in Central New York鈥檚 economic resurgence, including the University鈥檚 work to attract Micron Technology to build its largest American fabrication facility in the region. He directed the hiring of more than 700 faculty, helped the University achieve Research 1 status and oversaw the Forever Orange Campaign, which raised more than $1.59 billion鈥攖he largest fundraising effort in University history鈥攁s the endowment more than doubled to over $2 billion.

His dedication to veterans and military families stands among his most profound contributions. The expansion of 网爆门鈥檚 D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families and the creation of the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D鈥橝niello Building set a national standard for research, policy development and support to those who have served, and veteran enrollment has more than tripled since 2014. Throughout his chancellorship, Chancellor Syverud has continued to teach negotiation courses at the College of Law and the Whitman School of Management, embodying the teacher-scholar ideal.

Chancellor Syverud’s commitment to service extends beyond the University. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Coast Conference, having previously served as its president, and as an ex officio trustee of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He is a trustee of Crouse Hospital and of Le Moyne College, and, by appointment of the governor of New York, serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

Jess Myers, an assistant professor in the School of Architecture, has been selected to receive the 2026鈥�27聽聽by the American Academy in Rome.

For more than 130 years, the academy has awarded the Rome Prize fellowship through a national competition that supports innovative work in 13 disciplines across the arts and humanities. This year, Myers was one of 31 artists and scholars to receive this highest standard of excellence.

Myers鈥攁n urbanist whose practice includes work as an editor, writer, podcaster and curator鈥攚as awarded the prize for her project, 鈥淥verPast: Disruptive Listening in Urban Pasts and Presents,鈥� a comparative urban transmission arts project that explores acts of overpass removal in Syracuse, New York, and Rome, Italy.

The project frames overpasses (also called overbridges or flyovers) as spaces in which the promises of past urban transformation collide with contemporary calls for reparations and real estate driven visions of more than just cities. It compares the removal process of the Syracuse I-81 viaduct with the removal and redevelopment ambitions around Rome鈥檚 Tangenziale Est. The project experiments with guerrilla shortwave radio transmissions featuring audio collages of overpass field recordings, found sound, archival radio and interviews.

鈥淭his methodology is a materialization of my interests and research in sound, urban mundanity and ruptures with definitive storytelling,鈥� says Myers.

The Rome Prize provides artists and scholars with dedicated time, space and a transdisciplinary community in which to advance their work within the city of Rome. Beginning in September, the fellows will reside and work at the academy鈥檚 11-acre campus on the Janiculum Hill for periods ranging from five to 10 months.

Throughout the 2026鈥�27 fellowship year, Rome Prize winners will be joined by a group of invited residents鈥攁ccomplished artists and scholars who come to the academy for residencies of one to three months. In this shared environment, fellows and residents engage in ongoing exchange, participate in public programs and generate collaborations in Rome and throughout Italy, analyzing the relationships between past, present and future, fostering dialogue across disciplines and supporting new approaches to creative and scholarly work.

鈥淐oming from a wide range of disciplines and practices, the 2026鈥�27 cohort is united by their commitment to intellectual generosity and to cross-disciplinary engagement,鈥� Peter N. Miller, president and CEO of the American Academy in Rome, said in a press release. 鈥淭he Rome Prize is a bedrock of the Academy鈥檚 mission to support the most compelling minds in the arts and humanities from across the United States. We look forward to welcoming this cohort and to the questions, ideas and discoveries that will shape their time in the Eternal City.鈥�

Rome Prize winners are selected annually by independent juries composed of distinguished artists and scholars. This year鈥檚 competition drew 958 applicants from across the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad, with an acceptance rate of 3.03%.

鈥淚鈥檓 so shocked and excited to win the Rome Prize,鈥� says Myers. 鈥淚鈥檓 really looking forward to the time and space to work on my research and experiment with radio.鈥�

The American Academy in Rome honored the 2026-27 Rome Prize winners on April 22 during the聽. A complete list of winners can be found at聽.

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Seniors stopped by the Campus Store at the Schine Student Center to pick up their caps and gowns recently鈥攁nd suddenly, it all became very real. All their work leading to this moment. The smiles, the nerves and so many thoughts as the Class of 2026 gets one step closer to walking across that stage.

The Class of 2026 is wrapping up final assignments, studying for exams and gearing up for their next adventure. But the days before Commencement are a chance to take in everything campus has to offer one last time, whether it’s a final cup of coffee at People’s Place in Hendricks Chapel, a farewell slice of pizza at Varsity or a laughter-filled stroll through the Quad with friends.

Eight seniors shared with 网爆门 Today the one thing they need to do before they go.

Daniel Baris, a sport analytics and statistics major in the and the (A&S): 鈥淲in a championship in intramural wiffleball. My team has come close in the past, and I feel like this could be our year.鈥�

Caiyan Bass, a communication sciences and disorders major in A&S and a Remembrance Scholar: 鈥淭ake a trip up the Mount to visit Flint Hall, my freshman year residence hall. Walking through campus and the Quad to get to the top of the Mount steps was something I did every day when I first got to Syracuse. Going back would serve as a fun moment to not only remember that uphill trek, but also to reflect on everything the past four years have taught and given me.鈥�

Juinkye Chiang, an architecture major in the : 鈥淚 want to build a full-scale mockup of my architectural design, as this will be one of the only opportunities I will ever have to access the advanced fabrication facilities in Slocum Hall.鈥�

Tommy DaSilva, a public health, policy studies and citizenship and civic engagement major in the and a Remembrance Scholar: 鈥淗ave a movie night with friends. With college ending, I know that there is a very low possibility that I will live so close to all my friends again, so I want to make the most of our last few weeks together through our film nights.鈥�

Janese Fayson, a marketing聽and聽finance聽major in the聽 and executive vice president of the (SGA): 鈥淰isit every academic building on campus. Somehow, there are still a few I鈥檝e never stepped foot in, and it feels important to experience all the spaces that make up the University before I leave. It鈥檚 a way of fully taking in everything Syracuse has to offer while closing this chapter feeling complete.鈥�

Joy Mao, a television, radio and film major in the聽, policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a Remembrance Scholar: 鈥淚 took Fashion and Portraiture with Professor Gregory Heisler my sophomore year. It was an impactful class for my creative brain. One of the photographers we researched was Margaret Bourke-White, the first female photographer for Life magazine and the first female war correspondent. She gave her work to the University after she retired. I would like to visit the in Bird Library prior to graduation.鈥�

Emma Muchnick, a sport management major in the Falk College and a midfielder on the : 鈥淏efore I graduate, I want to win a national championship. To be able to bring back a national championship to Syracuse with this group would be so special and a perfect way to cap off my time as a student-athlete here. I’m so proud to represent this University and I want to do it on the biggest stage.鈥�

German Nolivos, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S, public relations major in the Newhouse School, SGA president and a Remembrance Scholar: 鈥淰isit the chimes in the bell tower in Crouse College. It鈥檚 such a meaningful and recognizable part of the University, representing the history and tradition that defines the Syracuse experience. Being able to stand there before graduating feels like a full-circle moment.鈥�

Students interested in studying abroad in spring 2027 can begin applying on Friday, May 15, at 9 a.m. ET.

With over 60 program options and locations around the globe, from major cities to hidden gems, there’s a Syracuse Abroad experience waiting just around the corner. Syracuse Abroad centers in Florence, London, Madrid, Santiago (Chile) and Strasbourg (France) are each designed to provide an authentic and immersive study abroad experience. Select World Partner programs are available across Africa, Asia, Australia and more.

View all .

New Program Features Debuting in Spring 2027

Iconic Travel Destination Added to Santiago Center Program Itinerary

Beginning in spring 2027, the Santiago Center program is adding an exciting component to its included travel itinerary: students will take a group trip to Machu Picchu, Peru, to explore the expansive Inca terrace system.

As a master class in agricultural innovation, students will dive into the history of this ancient land while studying soil conservation, water irrigation systems and more. In addition, all courses in the spring are taught in English, with the exception of Spanish beginner and intermediate Spanish language classes. This spring program is ideal for students who have basic Spanish-language skills and are interested in .

Looking to fulfill core course requirements? The course Dictatorships, Human Rights and Historical Memory in Chile and the Southern Cone, taught by center director Mauricio Paredes, will now count as IDEA credit. This course studies the military coup of 1973 and its time period and evaluates its significance and contributions to the configuration of social, political and economic aspects of Chile today.

In addition, all students studying in Santiago in spring 2027 will receive a $2,000 location grant automatically applied to program costs. There is no additional application required.

Learn more about .

Syracuse Abroad Global Ambassador Isabella Gardea poses in Machu Picchu, Peru.

Special Program Launching for Environment, Health聽 and Policy Enthusiasts

The Santiago Center will also offer a new program focusing on health, sustainability and the environment in Latin America. will include new focusing on local health practices Latin America.

Chile ranks among the region鈥檚 leaders in environmental legislation, public health reform and urban sustainability. Students on this program will explore the intersection of these issues through special courses and field trips, including visits to Machu Picchu, Patagonia, Buenos Aires and more.

Exclusive Communications Internship in Strasbourg, France

In collaboration with the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, the Strasbourg Center has partnered with local publication station ARTE to create a new paid, nearly full-time, on-site internship program.

, a leading European media and cultural platform headquartered in Strasbourg just minutes from the Syracuse center, will host two prestigious internship opportunities in the Digital News and Global Offers divisions exclusively for Syracuse students. This credit-bearing internship program will allow students to intern, produce media and take related courses at the Strasbourg Center.

A limited number of opportunities are available, and all internship students will receive a monthly stipend and a $1,000 scholarship. The application deadline for the ARTE Internship program is Sept. 1; students can reach out to Brad Gorham or visit the to learn more.

Preparing to Study Abroad

The spring 2027 application cycle opens on Friday, May 15, at 9 a.m. ET and closes on Oct. 1 for most programs; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with the exception of special programs and World Partner programs. The application deadline for World Partner programs is July 1. For specific deadlines, students should refer to each program鈥檚 individual application page.

Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as many programs have limited capacity. Due to these constraints, securing a spot at specific Centers in the spring, and at World Partner programs, cannot be guaranteed. As part of the application, students will be asked to select a second and third choice program should their first choice program reach capacity.

For more information, students can with an international program advisor or make a general advising appointment to explore their options. Syracuse Abroad will continue to offer virtual advising appointments throughout the summer on a limited basis.聽Visit the to view all application details and requirements.

From partnering with students in the classroom to building cross-campus collaboration that led to real-time improvements, the University鈥檚 commitment to meaningful assessment took center stage at the seventh annual One University Assessment Celebration on April 10. The event, hosted by Academic Affairs and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE), included awards and poster presentations.

In her opening remarks, Julie Hasenwinkel, associate provost for academic programs, highlighted the importance of celebrating the many ways faculty, staff and students engaged in assessment across the University over the past year.

Awards were given in five categories.

• Institutional Effectiveness Champions: This award honors campus community members who champion meaningful assessment and who have made outstanding contributions to the University鈥檚 culture of improvement. The recipients were:
  • Academic programs: Xiyuan Liu, associate teaching professor, Dean鈥檚 Faculty Fellow for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Co-curricular programs: Emily Dittman, director, 网爆门 Art Museum
  • Course feedback: Magdel铆n Montenegro, part-time instructor, Spanish, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Shared competencies: ‘Cuse Works
  • Shared competencies student champion: Fetch Collective magazine
• Outstanding Assessment: This award recognizes a distinguished academic, co-curricular and functional area for overall robust assessment. The recipients were:
  • Academic: Library and information science master’s degree program, School of Information Studies
  • Co-curricular: Disability Cultural Center
  • Functional: Office of Pre-College Programs
• Best Engagement Strategies: This award recognizes the engagement of faculty, staff and students in the assessment process. The recipients were:
  • Faculty engagement: Ash Heim and Vera McIlvain, the biology department, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Staff engagement: Arts at SU
  • Student engagement: Linguistic studies master’s degree program, College of Arts and Sciences
• Best Use of Results: This award recognizes an academic, co-curricular and functional area for how assessment results are used in making decisions. The recipients were:
  • Academic: Bachelor’s of biomedical engineering degree program, College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Co-curricular: LGBTQ+ Resource Center
  • Functional: 网爆门 Libraries
• Collaborative Inquiry and Action: This award recognizes a partnership that extends beyond a single school, college, division or unit and uses strong assessment methods and data as a catalyst for improvement. The recipient was:
  • First Year Seminar

Following the awards, 2025 poster presenters were acknowledged for their efforts to collaborate, experiment, reflect and innovate in their areas over this academic year. Assessment Leadership Institute faculty participants included:

• Ben Akih Kumgeh, Xiyuan Liu, Karen Martinez Soto, Anupam Pandey and Mehmet Sarimurat, mechanical and aerospace engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Alex M茅ndez Giner, film and media arts, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Ash Heim and Vera McIlvain, biology, College of Arts and Sciences
• Jane Read, geography and the environment, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Nancy Rindfuss, nutrition and food studies, Falk College of Sport

Recipients of the 2025-26 鈥淪tudent Engagement in Assessment鈥� grant included:

• Civil and environmental engineering: Yilei Shi
• Civil and environmental engineering: Svetoslava Todorova
• Communication sciences and disorders: Charles Nudelman
• Environment, sustainability and policy: Jane Read
• Nutrition science: Claire Cooney, Nikki Beckwith
• Setnor School of Music: Klark Johnson
• School of Social Work: Nadaya Brantley
• The Writing Center: Collie Fulford

Closing the event, Laura Harrington, director of institutional effectiveness, reflected on the deeper meaning of the work: “At its root, the word 鈥榓ssess鈥� comes from Latin, meaning 鈥榯o sit beside.鈥� This is what it asks of us: to sit beside our work, take stock of what we see, and take action鈥� Assessment isn鈥檛 a requirement. It鈥檚 a practice,” Harrington said.

Explore photos, award highlights and full poster presentations on the .

Story by A鈥檡la James

Ready to recharge? Want to improve your health? Perform better? Prioritize your sleep.

Most college students operate on less than seven hours of sleep and that鈥檚 just not enough, says , director of counseling with the .

鈥淲e forget how essential sleep is to our functioning, our concentration, our physical well-being and our mental well-being,鈥� Brown says. 鈥淚t’s easy to forget that sleep is really important.鈥�

For the long-term, the human brain isn’t fully formed until age 25, and sleep is one of the most powerful tools that helps support that development.

How much sleep is considered good? Seven to nine hours, Brown says.

How can you get there? The Barnes Center offers ample resources for students struggling to get a good night鈥檚 sleep.

鈥淔rom access to the and other meditation and mindfulness tools to our and the , we鈥檙e committed to helping our students improve their sleep quality and help them sleep more,鈥� Brown says.

Here are four things to know about good sleep habits and what to avoid.

Go to Sleep and Let Your Brain Do Its Job

Sleep is essential for the body to repair itself, and our cells grow and regenerate while we鈥檙e asleep.

Sleep is also when, in the brain, the hippocampus consolidates information, turning short-term moments into long-term memories. Give your brain a chance to cement all that studying and classroom knowledge.

鈥淕etting deep, restorative sleep is so important for students because they鈥檙e doing a lot of academic work and they need to be sharp and focused,鈥� Brown says. 鈥淚f you start stacking nights of poor sleep, you鈥檒l see poor health habits start to form.鈥�

It can also lead to decreased concentration and focus and increased stress, hypertension, irritability, anxiety and depression.

Tip: Brown recommends students aim to fall asleep and wake up around the same time each day, to help develop and maintain the circadian rhythm, the body鈥檚 internal clock.

Damaging Effects of Screens on Sleep

Whether it鈥檚 a cell phone, tablet, laptop or television, the screens we use emit a specific light that disrupts our ability to fall asleep by mimicking daylight and stimulating activity in the brain.

Brown says the blue light suppresses the body鈥檚 release of melatonin, which helps naturally prepare the body to fall asleep, and tricks the brain into a state of alertness.

Tip: She recommends getting off your phone or other screens at least 30 minutes and preferably one hour before bedtime, to allow the brain enough time to wind down.

Healthy Alternatives to Screen Time

Instead of scrolling on your phone, Brown suggests keeping a nightly journal, reflecting on the lessons from the day while creating a to-do list for the next day.

鈥淭hat way, you get everything out of your mind before laying down for bed, and it won鈥檛 weigh on you as you fall asleep,鈥� Brown says.

Tip: All University students have premium access to the , which features guided meditation, mindfulness and bedtime exercises and a library of soothing sleep sounds.

What are healthy alternatives to screens?

• Taking a warm bath before bed
• Practicing deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness exercises
• Washing your face with a calming lavender lotion or using pleasing fragrances
• Drinking herbal teas containing chamomile
• Reading a book with dim lighting

鈥淭he biggest key is getting yourself ready for sleep,鈥� Brown says. 鈥淗aving a nighttime routine is great because it helps you stack together good habits that will improve sleep quality.鈥�

How the Barnes Center Can Help

Brown says the ability to sleep is closely intertwined with eating habits, which is why help students understand how diet and meal timing affect sleep quality.

Exercise is also connected. Brown says students who regularly engage in physical activity enjoy better sleep quality and are encouraged to connect with recreation staff and personal trainers.

Among the offered to support better sleep and rest habits:

• appointments with or to discuss care options;
• sessions tailored for students struggling with sleep difficulties;
• self-care activities, tools and resources through the Crowley Family MindSpa; and
• .

鈥淧eople think you can catch up on sleep, but you really can’t reverse everything that happens to your body from constantly not sleeping well,鈥� Brown says. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no substitute for getting a good night鈥檚 sleep.鈥�

The University鈥檚 is forging impactful partnerships with a network of community colleges across New York State united by a bold shared mission: expanding access, elevating academic excellence and fueling student success.

This initiative creates clearer pathways for students who begin their academic journeys at community colleges or commuter schools and continue toward a bachelor鈥檚 degree. Through alignment, communication and shared goals, these partnerships prepare students not only to transfer, but to thrive in a university environment.

鈥淭his commitment reflects our ongoing dedication to supporting students at every stage of their academic journey,鈥� says Jim Gaffey, executive director of administration and strategy. 鈥淭he College of Professional Studies meets students where they are and champions their path forward.鈥�

网爆门鈥檚 Community College Partners

The College of Professional Studies is honored to stand alongside these outstanding institutions. Each institution plays a vital role in supporting student achievement and degree mobility:

• Cayuga Community College
• Corning Community College
• Dutchess Community College
• Finger Lakes Community College
• Onondaga Community College
• Hudson Valley Community College
• SUNY Fulton鈥揗ontgomery Community College
• Tompkins Cortland Community College

A Shared Commitment to Student Success

Transfer students don’t arrive empty-handed. They bring hard-earned academic experience, resilience and drive. The College of Professional Studies and its partners recognize that, and have built an intentional, collaborative framework to honor it. Together, they work to:

• Eliminate friction in academic transitions, making the path forward seamless
• Maximize credit mobility so students’ hard work is recognized and carries over
• Spark early advising conversations that set students up for long-term success
• Strengthen student confidence at every step of the transfer journey

These shared efforts help students move forward with clarity and purpose, reducing uncertainty and strengthening outcomes after transfer.

Expanding Opportunity Through Partnership

Life doesn’t pause for education. The College of Professional Studies knows that many of its students are juggling coursework alongside demanding jobs, family responsibilities and everything in between. By deepening its community college partnerships, the College of Professional Studies extends opportunity to the learners who need flexibility, not obstacles.

These partnerships are built on a powerful shared belief that higher education must be flexible, inclusive and responsive, especially for students pursuing nontraditional or transfer pathways.

Together, the College of Professional Studies and its partners are building pathways that honor prior learning, celebrate student persistence and open the doors to academic and professional growth for which students have worked hard.

Learn more about .

Editor鈥檚 note: This is the third in a five-part series spotlighting 鈥檚 global centers.

Most students go abroad to see the world. Marc Pantano 鈥�26 went to Madrid and built one鈥攃omplete with a Spanish cooking class, solo trips and establishing a new a cappella group.

鈥淪tudy abroad in Madrid was one of the most transformative experiences of my life,鈥� says Pantano, a marketing management and supply chain management major in the from Newington, Connecticut. 鈥淚n the fall 2024 semester, I had the chance to fully immerse myself in a new culture, travel all over Europe and grow in ways I didn鈥檛 really expect.” Pantano now serves as an Abroad global ambassador.

鈥淟ooking back, my experience wasn鈥檛 just about the places I visited, it was about learning how to be independent, stepping outside my comfort zone and really taking advantage of everything available to me,鈥� he says.

Here are some of the biggest things he learned along the way:

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

鈥淚f I had to sum up studying abroad with one idea, it would be this: you really just have to say 鈥榶es鈥� and try things you normally wouldn鈥檛.

鈥淓ven choosing the fall semester was a little outside my comfort zone because a lot of my friends wanted to go in the spring. I was nervous about not knowing as many people, but I鈥檓 so glad I did it because I ended up meeting so many new people from Syracuse and other schools.

鈥淥ne of the first big experiences I had was the Signature Seminar course on marine ecology in the Mediterranean Sea. We did research, visited labs and museums, cleaned beaches and even went scuba diving, which I had never done before. That alone set the tone for the rest of the semester.

鈥淒uring the semester, I did a solo trip to Venice. Traveling by myself felt weird at first. I thought I would feel embarrassed or awkward, but I actually had a great time. It was incredibly peaceful, and I got to do whatever I wanted, which made the experience really fun. Now, I even feel comfortable asking strangers to take my photo!鈥�

Take Advantage of Your Classes and Schedule

鈥淚 tried to take classes that were interesting but also gave me perspectives I wouldn鈥檛 normally get at my home school.

鈥淚 took business classes that showed me how marketing and business differ in Europe compared to the U.S., especially in my marketing class focused on Spain. I also took Earth science, which tied into the marine ecology course, as well as sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which made everything feel real, applicable and something I felt could be expanded into the U.S. My sports business class also gave me a different perspective on the global sports industry, which I never would鈥檝e been exposed to.

鈥淥ne thing that made a big difference was also planning a schedule that was flexible around travel. My last class was on Thursday afternoons, which meant I had extra time for weekend trips. If that is not an opportunity, don鈥檛 worry! Enjoy the classes you get to take. They are taught so differently with the smaller class size that we were able to go on multiple field trips for each course. This experiential learning was incredibly memorable and was a great way to get out of the classroom and learn more about Madrid!鈥�

Match Your Trips to the Seasons

鈥淭his is something I thought about after choosing to go abroad in the fall and it ended up making a big difference.

鈥淚 started off traveling a lot during the warmer months, Spain was perfect for that, especially places like Valencia, Seville, Barcelona and smaller coastal towns. I also went to Portugal, Morocco, Italy and France early on.

鈥淎s the leaves started to change, I shifted toward places like Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.

鈥淏y the end of the semester, I was also doing more seasonal activities like Christmas markets in Germany and the Czech Republic, which made everything feel even more special. At the same time, Madrid itself always had so much going on that I never felt like I had to travel constantly.鈥�

Seek Out Experiences (Not Just Trips)

鈥淲henever I was doing anything or going anywhere, I was constantly searching to find experiences in each destination. In Madrid specifically, I took advantage of the Passport Program, which listed a ton of activities students could try.

鈥淪ome of my favorites were a Spanish cooking class, Tasty Tuesdays With 脕lvaro; a bike tour with my professor Monica; and attending a flamenco show. These were all available to us as students, so I made sure to take full advantage of them!

鈥淭hrough MadWorld and other campus opportunities, I ended up attending the most events in my program. But it never felt like something I was checking off a list. It was genuinely fun and a great way to meet people and try new things!鈥�

Make Something of Your Own!

鈥淥ne of the things I鈥檓 most proud of from my time abroad was starting an a cappella group called 隆Acapaella!

鈥淚 wanted something that would bring people together, so I created a group that ended up including students from Syracuse, Duke, Amherst, Kenyon and more. I was the founder, president and social media director, so I handled rehearsals, taught music and managed our Instagram.

鈥淎t the end of the semester, we performed 鈥業 Want You Back鈥� at the Instituto in front of students, staff, faculty and host families. Seeing everyone come together from completely different schools and backgrounds was honestly one of the most rewarding parts of my whole experience.

鈥淚t made me realize that abroad, and life, is what you make of it!鈥�