A time-honored celebration of academic achievement, leadership and military history was on full display at the JMA Wireless Dome during the 109th Chancellor’s Review and Awards Ceremony on March 27.

The annual tradition brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni and University stakeholders to recognize the accomplishments and success of cadets from the University’s Army and Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs.

The event is one of 网爆门’s oldest traditions, originating in 1917 under the direction of then-Chancellor James R. Day. Among the cadets reviewed in that inaugural ceremony was future Chancellor William Pearson Tolley, who would later play a critical role in expanding access to higher education for veterans through his contributions to the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as the G.I. Bill.

This year’s ceremony featured a formal inspection of the troops by Chancellor Kent Syverud, 聽and the presentation of awards recognizing academic, leadership and civic excellence. Both University leadership and representatives from local veteran service organizations were on hand to present awards to the deserving cadets.

鈥淥ver the course of time our success is attributed to our military-connected students, and how they achieve their post-graduation goals,鈥� says retired U.S. Army Colonel Ron Novack, executive director of the (OVMA). 鈥淭hose ROTC cadets who are graduating in five weeks are going to take a very big step in their personal and professional lives. They鈥檙e going to go out and lead, they鈥檙e going to take the values that they learn from their families, their parents, the values they learn here at 网爆门, and the values of the Army and the Air Force, and they鈥檙e going to go out and lead with distinction.聽 We couldn鈥檛 be prouder of them as they go out and embark on their careers.鈥�

Top Cadets Recognized for Leadership and Academic Excellence

Among the highest honors presented were the General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award and the Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award, given to top-performing cadets in the Army and Air Force ROTC respectively.

This year, the General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award was presented to Sophia Terlecky 鈥�26, a U.S. Army ROTC cadet, for demonstrating exceptional officer potential and leadership. Terlecky, a Buffalo, New York,聽 native, is enrolled聽 in the . She also serves as the cadet battalion commander for the Stalwart Battalion, and will receive a commission in the U.S. Army alongside 24 other 网爆门 Army ROTC cadets in May.

For the Air Force, The Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award was presented to Matthew Gratch, a cross-town ROTC cadet from Le Moyne College, for exemplary performance and inspirational leadership. Gratch, who is studying political science at Le Moyne, also serves as the mission support flight commander for Detachment 535 and will commission into the Air Force as an acquisitions manager.

鈥淏eing my fourth and final one, it hits a little different than it did in other years,鈥� says U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet James Hrdy 鈥�26, a senior in the . 鈥淭his program really challenges you, it鈥檚 taught me to appreciate certain things and I鈥檓 looking forward to working in the U.S. Air Force.鈥�

The ceremony closed with a formal pass in review, a military tradition symbolizing honor and respect, as the cadets marched in formation across the field in front of their families and University leaders to showcase the military precision of basic unit drill and individual standards of each cadet.

To view a photo gallery of this year’s event, visit the .

When Sgt. First Class Andrew Zellar began basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on June 6, 2006, he thought he knew what his career in military service would look like.

Twenty years later, as he moves on from years as a military science instructor at 网爆门 and prepares to retire later this year from the New York Army National Guard, he reflects on a career that took unexpected turns and allowed him to impact hundreds of lives in ways he never imagined.

鈥淭he most unexpected part was the chance to have the assignment at ROTC. I had a vague understanding of what I would be doing, but my experience was a lot more rewarding than I expected,鈥� Zellar says. 鈥淭he thing I am most proud of is seeing past soldiers and cadets performing in the Army and in life.鈥�

Zellar’s journey began like many of his generation, shaped by the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Fresh out of high school in 2004, the Cazenovia native wanted to serve, but his parents encouraged him to pursue college first.

After two years, the pull toward service won out. He enlisted in the Army National Guard as a military police officer, initially planning to combine service with the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

When plans to deploy overseas did not materialize, Zellar found himself in limbo鈥攗ntil an opportunity emerged that would define his career.

Finding His Calling in Recruiting

In 2007, during one of the most challenging periods for military recruiting, Zellar stepped into a role that would test every interpersonal skill he possessed. The economy was collapsing, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were intensifying, and the National Guard needed people who could connect with potential recruits and their families.

“Most people that join the military always have a desire to do it,” Zellar says. “It’s just that the opportunity to do it has to intersect with the motivation.”

He saw this firsthand at career fairs, where he met not teenagers but 25- and 30-year-old adults with impressive resumes who simply had no jobs. The 2008 economic crisis had created both challenges and opportunities for recruiting.

His approach was simple but demanding: show up.

“I probably failed more than I succeeded in a lot of things, but I would just show up,” he says. That first year, he worked every single day, meeting potential recruits whenever and wherever they needed鈥攍ate nights, weekends, holidays.

His work in St. Lawrence County, located along New York鈥檚 northern border, juxtaposed recruiting Clarkson University, SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton and St. Lawrence University with the county鈥檚 rural residents.

One memory stands out in particular. Zellar visited a young man living in dire poverty鈥攁 home heated with wood pallets, with essentially nothing. “You need this. You got to get out of here,” he remembers thinking. The National Guard gave the young man a path forward.

The rural assignment taught Zellar invaluable lessons, sharpening his skills and deepening his understanding of how people struggle.

Preparing the Next Generation

In 2018, Zellar was chosen for a new role with the New York Army National Guard. He joined 网爆门 as a military science instructor with the Army ROTC program, a position that joined his recruiting expertise with a deeper mission of developing young leaders.

Over the next eight years, he worked with more than 325 cadets and contributed to the commissioning of 215 Army second lieutenants.

“The thing I’ll look back on and enjoy the most is watching them achieve what they’re capable of achieving,” Zellar says. He remembers helping a cadet, an Iraqi refugee, obtain her citizenship, presenting her with a pocket Constitution at the ceremony.

His teaching philosophy challenges students to expand their perspectives.

“Whatever news source you get, whatever stuff you like to read, read the opposite,” he tells first-year students. “Just for no other reason than to see something a little bit different.”

His advice extends beyond tactics and strategy. “Swing at the pitch. If you get an opportunity, you can strike out. I’ll deal with it. We will figure it out. But nothing’s worse than watching the pitch go by,鈥� he says.

A Legacy Beyond the Uniform

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zellar and his ROTC colleagues proved indispensable, running testing sites and helping keep the University operational. It exemplified what he values most about service: being there when it matters.

As Zellar retires from military service later this year, he leaves behind more than statistics. He leaves young officers commissioned and ready to lead, recruits who found purpose and opportunity, and countless individuals whose lives changed because one person was willing to show up every time, without fail.

As he moves forward, Zellar will continue to pursue his real estate career. And he is looking forward to spending more time on what matters most: his wife Gloriann, daughters Audrey and Gabriella, and son Andrew Jr.

Dear 网爆门 Community:

Due to forecasted severe weather conditions, including significant snow accumulation and dangerously cold temperatures, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Sunday鈥檚 41st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. New York State has declared a state of emergency in response to these conditions.

We do not make this decision lightly and recognize how meaningful this annual gathering is for our campus, the city of Syracuse and Central New York. However, the safety and well-being of our community is our first priority. We will provide additional information next week about rescheduling the event or processing refunds.

Thank you for your understanding. Please stay warm and safe, and know that we look forward to gathering together soon to honor Dr. King鈥檚 extraordinary legacy.

Sincerely,

The Hendricks Chapel Team

[Editor’s Note (Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026): The 2026 Unsung Heroes will be recognized during the 41st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Virtual Celebration, which will be available Saturday, Feb. 28, on .]

The 41st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Planning Committee has announced the 2026 Unsung Hero Award winners: Jamie Sterling 鈥�26, Eman Tadros, Pass Da R.O.C.K and Bettie Graham.

The Unsung Hero Award is given to community members, students, faculty and staff who have made a positive impact on the lives of others but are not widely recognized for their contributions. The awards were created to honor Dr. King鈥檚 vision of creating positive change in a troubled world.

The Unsung Heroes are the following:

Jamie Sterling 鈥�26: Building Bridges Through Leadership

Sterling, an accounting major in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, exemplifies leadership through his tireless work uplifting students across campus. As president of the Alpha Omicron chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity Inc. and sergeant at arms of the Distinguished Delta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the same organization Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. proudly served.

Sterling leads with humility, strengthening his organizations through inclusive decision-making and genuine care for each member’s growth.

His influence extends beyond Greek life. As senior advisor for the Black and Latinx Information Science and Technology Society, and through his involvement with the National Association of Black Accountants and Association of Latino Professionals for America, Sterling creates culturally affirming spaces and connects students to vital professional opportunities.

As a first-generation college student balancing academic excellence with community service, Sterling mirrors King’s vision of the “beloved community.” His contributions often occur behind the scenes鈥攎entoring peers, volunteering locally and opening pathways for those who follow. Sterling embodies King’s conviction that true leadership is measured not by recognition but by impact, transforming lives through consistent, purposeful service.

Eman Tadros: Healing Families, Honoring King’s Dream

Eman Tadros, assistant professor of human development and family science in the College of Arts and Sciences, exemplifies King’s vision through her transformative work with incarcerated families and marginalized communities. As a first-generation Cuban and Jordanian scholar and licensed marriage and family therapist, she centers voices often silenced, conducting research that illuminates pathways for healing and reconnection among justice-involved families.

Tadros has testified before state legislatures, advocated on Capitol Hill for Medicare access for marriage and family therapists, and serves on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration鈥檚 Minority Fellowship Program Advisory Committee. In the classroom, she amplifies diverse perspectives and equips future advocates to serve with compassion and integrity.

With 167 peer-reviewed publications and extensive policy work, Tadros translates scholarship into meaningful support for overlooked populations. Her humble yet impactful leadership embodies King’s belief that education liberates and that justice requires everyday courage.

Pass Da R.O.C.K.: Building Dreams Beyond the Court

Pass Da R.O.C.K. embodies the quiet heroism King envisioned鈥攖ireless work that transforms communities without seeking headlines. In neighborhoods where opportunities are scarce and institutional support limited, this organization shows up consistently, demonstrating the active love King taught was essential to social change.

Pass Da R.O.C.K. meets youth and families where they are, honoring their dignity and agency rather than imposing solutions from above. Through school-based partnerships improving behavior, attendance and academics, life empowerment programs introducing real-world career paths, and a travel basketball program broadening horizons beyond neighborhood boundaries, they create tangible pathways to success.

This grassroots approach reflects King’s vision of beloved community鈥攄emocratic, inclusive, rooted in listening. The young leaders they nurture are becoming agents of change themselves, learning that service is a calling and their gifts belong to something greater.

Bettie Graham: A Quiet Force for Justice

For decades, Graham has embodied King’s vision that “everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” As founder and director of The Determination Center in Syracuse, she has created a safe haven where at-risk youth discover their worth, capability and power.

With a master’s degree in counseling and deep expertise in trauma-informed care, Graham transforms lives through academic support, mentoring and life-skills training that help young people resolve conflict peacefully and navigate systems that often overlook them.

Her servant leadership is profound yet humble鈥攆irst to arrive, last to leave, quietly sweeping floors after everyone goes home. She leads with the moral courage King championed, becoming the trusted adult families call in crisis and youth confide their deepest worries to. Graham works not for recognition but because it is “the right thing to do.”

Through her steadfast commitment, she proves that ordinary people, grounded in love and justice, can transform communities. Her legacy lives in generations of young people who now know they are worthy of their dreams.

When Brian Tarrant’s email arrived in the inbox of design faculty in the (VPA), it carried with it more than a simple project proposal. It carried the weight of history, the story of college football’s most famed number鈥攖he legendary 44鈥攁nd those who wore it.

Tarrant ’96, a former Orange football player and senior vice president with MC2, a brand experience solutions agency, reached out to partner with the University. He sought help curating the memorabilia and developing the storytelling for the Legend of 44 exhibition, which his company designed.

The primary stakeholder, Rob Konrad 鈥�02, the last Syracuse football player to wear the number before it was retired in 2005, invested a significant amount of time and personal resources to help acquire the iconic memorabilia. 鈥淗is generosity and deep love for the University truly made this project possible,鈥� Tarrant says.

The is not just a jersey at Syracuse; it is part of the University鈥檚 identity. From 1954 to 1998, 11 players wore the number, beginning with Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown 鈥�57, who ushered in the modern era and transformed it into a symbol of excellence.

The most notable players to follow Brown include Ernie Davis 鈥�62, the first African American Heisman Trophy winner in 1961; Floyd Little 鈥�67, H鈥�16, a three-time All-American at Syracuse and Hall of Fame running back with the Denver Broncos; Michael Owens 鈥�90; Terry Richardson 鈥�94; and Konrad, who went on to play six seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

Honoring the Legend of 44

To create the exhibition, environmental and interior design students Trisha Mohta ’28, Katja Wetzel ’27, Carmela Garcia ’26, Isabel Lamporte ’26 and Holly Ishiro-Randall ’26鈥攁long with museum studies graduate student Daniel Griffaton G鈥�26鈥攚orked alongside faculty members Zoriana Dunham, assistant teaching professor, Andrew Saluti, associate professor, and Tarrant and his team.

The students learned the stories behind the artifacts, including game-worn helmets from Brown and Konrad and cleats from Davis’ Heisman season. They visited the storage site to measure objects and examine them firsthand. The challenge was to translate decades of achievement, sacrifice and cultural significance into a cohesive narrative that would resonate with fans across generations.

Within the exhibition’s design, larger cases feature Brown, Davis and Little, and smaller cases feature Owens, Richardson and Konrad. A backlit 44 display lists all 25 players who were known to wear the number on the football field.

A Rewarding Experience for Students

As the project progressed, the team saw how individual stories wove together into something larger鈥攁 tapestry of excellence that transcended any single student-athlete. They collaborated through shared digital whiteboards, collecting sketches and concepts, refining their vision through multiple meetings with Tarrant’s team.

Garcia has focused on big-scale design in her studies, and this project taught her that human-centered design must prioritize the small scale.

“It was so exciting to see this project come to life within the course of a few weeks,鈥� Garcia says. 鈥淎nd it made me realize the power of cooperation, various skills and a shared interest.”

Randall says the students were involved in the full design process. 鈥淔or the first time, we were able to follow a project from initial ideation through installation, and I am proud to have been able to contribute to a project that celebrates Syracuse鈥檚 legacy,鈥� she says.

“A particularly meaningful element for the students was shaping the ‘legend story’ of the iconic number 44,” says Dunham. “They worked to design a display that would connect fans across generations while preserving the legacy and significance of the number within the school community.”

When installation week arrived in mid-November, the students and faculty completed the hands-on work. The exhibition, now permanently situated outside Club 44 at Gate C in the JMA Wireless Dome, features the artifacts alongside a timeline honoring every player who wore the number, plus video and photo displays that bring the legacy to life.

“Working with students from the environmental and interior design and museum studies programs was an incredible opportunity,” says Tarrant. “The students assumed ownership of the storytelling, including image selection, artifact descriptions and overall layout, which became a major asset to the project’s success. I could not be more proud of this project and the role the students played in bringing it to life.”

The unveiling ceremony in November was attended by Konrad and William Schoonover 鈥�65, who also wore the 44, along with the families of the legendary players and Chancellor Kent Syverud.

For Dunham and Saluti, watching their students succeed was deeply rewarding. “The students gained experience in artifact research, narrative development, client collaboration, iterative design and team project management,” says Dunham. “It is a rare opportunity for students to leave a permanent mark on campus while applying the skills they are learning鈥攚hat could be more powerful than that?”

For Rano Dilmurodova G’26, her first American Thanksgiving didn’t happen at a family table in someone’s home. Instead, the international relations student from Uzbekistan found herself among 600 others at the International Thanksgiving Celebration, in the JMA Wireless Dome on Nov. 20, discovering what she calls “one of my most memorable moments at Syracuse.”

“It made me feel truly connected to our international community. I had the chance to meet brilliant students and experts, exchange ideas about global development and learn more about each other鈥檚 cultures,鈥� says Dilmurodova. “It was a beautiful moment to reflect on the past year and feel grateful for all of our collective efforts and experiences.”

She’s not alone in that sentiment. For 41 years, 网爆门’s International Thanksgiving Celebration has transformed homesickness into community for thousands of international students鈥攁 tradition believed to be unique among U.S. universities.

A Legacy of Welcome

The celebration traces back to the 1980s when the late Rev. T.E. Koshy, then the University’s Evangelical Christian chaplain, and his wife, Dr. Indira Koshy, recognized a simple need: international students missed home during the holidays.

As an international student himself, Koshy understood the challenges of being far from home and family. Today, the family’s involvement continues through their son Jay, current Evangelical Christian chaplain, and grandson Josh ’24, both serving as table hosts at the event.

This year’s event, sponsored by the and the , honored Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, with a tribute video and ceramic bowl created by Peter Beasecker, professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Dr. Chen has overseen the International Thanksgiving Celebration and championed international students throughout her 12 years at Syracuse. Dr. Chen and Chancellor Kent Syverud will conclude their service to the University in June 2026.

“I really feel that I am home, even though I am on the other side of the earth,” says Ruohan Xu 鈥�23, G鈥�24, reflecting on Chen’s impact.

More Than a Meal

While Food Services served traditional turkey and fixings鈥攊ncluding Kosher, Halal and vegetarian options鈥攖he evening also offered a spirit of community and family. Table hosts from faculty, staff and community members engaged students in conversations about both American traditions and their own cultures.

The ceremonial turkey carving by Associate Director Joe Sidoni drew eager photographers, while the Hendricks Chapel Choir performed under Professor Jos茅 “Peppie” Calvar’s direction. Regina Jones of the Oneida Nation Turtle Clan delivered the Native American blessing, acknowledging the land’s original inhabitants.

Joseph Cobbinah, a linguistics master’s student from Ghana who emceed the event, had only heard about Thanksgiving from afar before experiencing it firsthand. “I realized the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and sharing warmth with friends,” he says. “I’m proud to be part of the 网爆门 Orange family.”

For longtime table hosts like Suresh and Ramani Thiagarajan, the joy comes from watching students recognize they’re valued. “They appreciate all the effort put in to make them special and acknowledge that they are a special gift to the University from various parts of the world,” Suresh says.

As international students navigate being thousands of miles from home, this uniquely Syracuse tradition proves that family isn’t just about who you’re born to鈥攊t’s also about the tables where you’re welcomed.

You could say that Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer Pete Sala literally grew up at 网爆门.

His father, John Sala, came to the University in the early 1960s for a facilities career that would span more than 30 years. As children, Pete and his brothers often tagged along with their father. Years later, Pete would join the staff himself, continuing the family鈥檚 legacy of hard work and dedication to Syracuse for more than four decades.

This fall, the University recognized that legacy with the dedication of the Sala Family Plaza, located outside Miron Victory Court and the JMA Wireless Dome. Permanent markers in the space鈥攁 plaque, a plaza sign and astroturf with 50- and 44-yard lines鈥攁cknowledge the Sala family鈥檚 impact. The project was made possible through the support of Chancellor Kent Syverud, the Board of Trustees, University leaders and community partners.

鈥淲hen you think of service, hard work, and unwavering commitment to 网爆门, few people embody those ideals as profoundly as Pete, John and the Sala family,鈥� Chancellor Syverud said. 鈥淔or more than seventy years, their extraordinary dedication and love for 网爆门 have shaped a campus that is more beautiful, more functional, and more welcoming for generations of Orange students, faculty, staff, alumni, and fans. The Sala Family Plaza will forever remind us of their enduring legacy.鈥�

Taking on Archbold Stadium

A skilled groundskeeper, John learned the trade at Cornell University and, with his father, built the golf course at Pompey Hills Country Club in the 1950s. When Syracuse needed help rehabbing the football field at Archbold Stadium, John got the call.

Facilities leaders were so impressed with his knowledge and work ethic, he was hired as a foreman on the University鈥檚 grounds crew. He rose to superintendent and director with Physical Plant (now Facilities Services), overseeing a dramatic campus transformation. New residence halls, academic buildings, Marshall Square Mall, Archbold Theatre and the Schine Student Center all came under his watch.

Most significantly, John was instrumental in the design and construction of the JMA Wireless Dome (formerly the Carrier Dome), located at the heart of campus. The Dome celebrates its 45th anniversary this month.

Establishing a Family Legacy

John brought his three sons鈥擩ohn, Pete and Larry鈥攖o campus on game days, parking them at the top of Archbold Stadium while he worked. They often ended up in the office of legendary football Coach Ben Schwartzwalder, who supplied them with sandwiches and drinks.

Trustee Cliff Ensley 鈥�69, ’70, G’71, a former football player, recalls the quality of the field John helped restore. 鈥淚t was the nicest, most beautiful field I ever played on, and probably the best in the country,鈥� Ensley said.

Plans for the Dome were frequently spread across the Sala family鈥檚 living room table. John often responded to late-night calls, and in the winter, shoveled snow from the Dome鈥檚 inflatable roof. His late wife, Jennie, and their children strongly supported his work.

John retired in 1992, but the tradition continued through Pete. Pete鈥檚 wife, Laurie, and their son Jake 鈥�21, G鈥�23, now a Dome staff member, are part of the Syracuse story. Four of John and Jennie鈥檚 five children attended SU, along with four of their grandsons.

Pete鈥檚 own career began with a call from his dad in 1981. Preparing for a Rolling Stones concert in the Dome, John asked Pete, home for Thanksgiving break, to round up some friends and help build the stage. Pete delivered 20 recruits, and soon after was offered a part-time job. He joined full time in June 1982.

The Torch Is Passed to a New Generation

Over 44 years at Syracuse, Pete has become deeply involved in shaping the campus. He has overseen the construction of Ernie Davis Hall, the Einhorn Family Walk, the Barnes Center at The Arch, the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D鈥橝niello Building, the John A. Lally Athletics Complex, the Clifford J. Ensley Athletic Center, and the Dome鈥檚 renovation to enhance the player and fan experience. Between 2000 and 2010, the University hosted four NCAA regional tournaments, the most of any venue in the country.

As managing director of the Dome, Pete has also overseen large-scale events that draw the community to campus, including concerts by Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Pink, and fan-favorite Monster Jam.

University Trustee Christine Larsen 鈥�84 spoke of the family鈥檚 impact, particularly Pete鈥檚 leadership on the rebuilt Dome and Miron Victory Court. 鈥淚’m proud to say the Sala Plaza will always serve as our front yard, welcoming everyone,鈥� she said.

For Pete, much of the credit goes to his team. 鈥淣obody on this campus has a better staff than me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 thank you; I can’t do it without you.鈥�

Michael Veley, former Rhonda S. Falk Professor of Sport Management in the David B. Falk College of Sport, credits Pete with expanding opportunities beyond athletics. In 2005, they created a hands-on experiential learning component that evolved into a graduate program in sport facility and event management.

鈥淭his has resulted in dozens of our graduates managing facilities like Soldier Field in Chicago, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles and several major college venues,鈥� Veley said.

鈥淭he evolution of sport management from a small department to the Falk College of Sport, the first of its kind in the nation, simply would not be possible today if not for Pete’s engagement and commitment to academic excellence over the last 20 years,鈥� Veley said.

With the start of the football season, the University has announced expanded hours and locations for merchandise sales to accommodate fans attending games.

The Campus Store, located in the Schine Student Center, will open when activities begin on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle and close shortly after kickoff on game days. The store offers two floors of merchandise, with items available in men, women, youth and unisex categories for fans of all ages.

Campus Store trailers will be available at multiple campus locations. The Quad trailer will offer game day items like foam fingers, beads, temporary tattoos and pom-poms, along with limited apparel options. The Steele Hall trailer will feature apparel and a selection of game day merchandise.

Inside the JMA Wireless Dome, the Orange Shop will be available from gate opening until 15 minutes after the game ends, offering Syracuse merchandise for all age groups.

The Miron Victory Court, located on the second-level concourse, stocks merchandise before and during the game. Concourse kiosks, located in sections 113, 128, 304, 321 and 334 inside the JMA Dome, also offer last-minute shopping options.

网爆门 has signed The Coca-Cola Company as the official non-alcoholic beverage partner of the University and 网爆门 Athletics.

The agreement, which took effect on July 1, comes after a competitive year-long strategic evaluation process, led by a working group made up of representatives from Athletics, Auxiliary Services, Student Experience, the Office of Sustainability Management, the Office of the General Counsel, and Procurement and Supplier Payment.

The agreement will span 10 years, running through June 2035. A variety of Coca-Cola beverages will be featured on campus, including Coca-Cola, Coke Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Powerade, Sprite, Fanta, Dasani, smartwater, BODYARMOR, fairlife, Gold Peak and Minute Maid.

鈥淲e are excited to partner with The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast to bring Coca-Cola products to the 网爆门 community,鈥� says Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer John Papazoglou. 鈥淭his partnership incorporates the diverse student-centric and complex operational needs of an urban university community, which includes over 30,000 students, faculty and staff, as well as thousands of annual campus visitors.鈥�

Along with providing products for campus events, campus dining facilities and vending machines, Coca-Cola products will be served at Syracuse Athletics events and Coca-Cola will be recognized as the exclusive non-alcoholic beverage sponsor in the JMA Wireless Dome.

鈥淭he partnership between Syracuse Athletics and Coca-Cola will elevate the gameday experience for fans,鈥� says Athletics Director John Wildhack. 鈥淚n particular, we look forward to partnering with Powerade to fuel our student-athletes on and off the playing field.鈥�

Sarah Willie-LeBreton, president of Smith College, was welcomed back to Syracuse by a stadium filled with nearly 1,200 people for the 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Sunday鈥攁nd she was happy to return to the place she had called home.

鈥淎lthough I have not lived here for 50 years, Syracuse, the place of my first days, lives in my heart,鈥� she said.

Willie-LeBreton, the keynote speaker for the event held in the JMA Wireless Dome, is the daughter of the late Charles V. Willie G鈥�57, H鈥�92, 网爆门鈥檚 first Black full professor, department chair and vice president. Willie was a classmate of King at Morehouse College and was instrumental in bringing King to the University in 1961 and 1965.

The University鈥檚 Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, the largest of its kind on any college campus, seeks to honor the message and mission of King and is a direct expression of the University鈥檚 commitment to advancing academic excellence at a university welcoming to all. This year鈥檚 theme was 鈥淟iving History.鈥�

In his welcoming remarks, Chancellor Kent Syverud noted that many freedoms have been won through the work of King鈥檚 contemporaries and those who followed him.

鈥淐hallenges and injustices persist, but his message urges us to act,鈥� Chancellor Syverud said. 鈥淲hen he spoke last here in Sims Hall in 1965, he said, 鈥楾he time is always right to do right.鈥� I think that means now, too.鈥�

Cultivating Spaces of Mutual Respect

During her address, Willie-LeBreton spoke of the transformation of colleges and universities over the past 60 years, and of the good that higher education puts into the public space as the country鈥檚 central economic, medical, artistic, intellectual, scientific and public policy engines and most respected export.

鈥淭he work of higher education is intertwined with the work in which King was engaged because in the United States, the work of the university campus has always been in generative tension with the work of democracy,鈥� Willie-LeBreton said. 鈥淭he subjects explored in the university quite literally drive us forward as a species.鈥�

In current times, she said campuses have been tested. 鈥淭hose of us who are educators must redouble our efforts to cultivate spaces that are mutually respectful as much as they are sites of rigorous learning,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e have to be with people who are different from us, and we have to stay in relationship with them.鈥�

How to Honor Dr. King鈥檚 Legacy

Willie-LeBreton offered two ideas for how to honor King鈥檚 sacrifice.

First, she said, resist the narratives that assail our educational institutions. 鈥淭he needs of our schools are great and our goals for them are greater,鈥� she said.

Her second suggestion is to talk with people you might not choose as friends. 鈥淔ind a neutral place, your public library branch, a cafe, an empty classroom, a diner,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ring along two of your friends and two folks you suspect have opinions you don’t share, but with whom you have something in common.鈥�

Willie-LeBreton encouraged the audience to honor education as 鈥渙ur human birthright鈥� and cultivate 鈥渄ignity by listening carefully to yourself and to others and then honoring what you hear.鈥�

鈥淚f we do these things, we will bring fellowship to each other and the world neighborhood of which King spoke,” Willie-LeBreton said. “Take the baton and let’s give this lap our all in the relay race for justice.鈥�

The evening鈥檚 program also included performances by the Community Choir and the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble, and the presentation of this year鈥檚聽Unsung Hero Awards.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, the 网爆门 women鈥檚 basketball team will host School Day at the JMA Wireless Dome. Schoolchildren from across Central New York have been invited to attend the game, and over 200 school buses will be parked on campus. The buses will begin arriving at 8 a.m., for the 10:30 a.m. tip-off.

To accommodate the space needed for the buses, permit holders in the Standart, Raynor and Henry lots are asked to park in Irving Avenue Garage on Jan. 9.

Please contact Parking and Transportation Services at 315.443.4652 or via email at parkmail@syr.edu with any questions or concerns.

To support individuals on our campus and in the community, the University is hosting Operation Orange Warmup to collect winter coats. The collection to assist students in need is happening on campus now through Friday, Dec. 6.

鈥淭here is a greater need for warm coats on this campus now more than ever before and no one should go without during the winter months,鈥澛爏ays Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the聽College of Engineering and Computer Science, who helped establish the Operation Orange Warmup initiative. 鈥淭hrough the work of many campus units, we are helping to ensure those in need are prepared for the cold with a winter coat, and we are proud to partner with InterFaith Works to also assist those in the broader Syracuse community.鈥�

Ways to Donate

Donations can be made several different ways:

• First, happening now through Friday, Nov. 22, students can donate in their residence halls. Collection bins are available in Ernie Davis, Milton, Orange, Day and Brewster, Boland and Brockway halls.
• Next, on Saturday, Nov. 30, when the football team takes on Miami in the JMA Wireless Dome, attendees can bring coats with them to the game. Donation bins will be placed strategically around the JMA Dome at gates A, B, C, D, E, F, M and N.
• Finally, from Monday, Dec. 2, through Friday, Dec. 6, collection bins will be available at Hendricks Chapel, the Schine Student Center on North Campus, Goldstein Student Center on South Campus and the Nancy Cantor Warehouse.

Members of the JMA Dome staff will manage the laundering of the donations before they are given out. Additionally, all children鈥檚 coats that are collected will be donated to Interfaith Works.

Volunteer Opportunities

Students looking to volunteer can get involved with Operation Orange Warmup. Volunteers are needed for the following:

• Monitoring collections during the coat drive at the football game on Nov. 30
• Sorting coats at the Schine Student Center
• Administering the selection of coats at the Schine Student Center

For more information and to register to volunteer, students can .

Coat Selection Event

Students in need of a coat can for the coat selection event on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in The Underground at the Schine Student Center.

Through the generosity of Orange fans and the entire 网爆门 community, we can share the warmth with those in need this winter!

This academic year, 网爆门聽聽to occur on weekdays while classes are in session on the following dates:

• Wednesday, Oct. 30 vs. Slippery Rock University
• Monday, Nov. 4 vs. LeMoyne
• Tuesday, Nov. 12 vs. Colgate
• Wednesday, Nov. 27 vs. Cornell
• Tuesday, Dec. 10 vs. Albany
• Tuesday, Jan. 14 vs. Louisville
• Wednesday, Feb. 5 vs. Duke
• Wednesday, Feb. 26 vs. NC State

Access to Campus for Academic Purposes

Home lot parking permits will be honored until four hours prior to tip-off. Faculty and staff with valid University parking permits who need to access campus for academic purposes will be able to park in the following areas on a space-available basis:

Accessible parking for academic purposes will be provided in the lot designated on the face of the permit if space is available. If no spaces are available, permit holders will be directed to another location.

Access to Campus for Those Attending Basketball Games

If you are attending a game on any of the above dates, your regular parking permit will be honored at the聽. Patrons will have access to transportation to and from College Place. If you have an accessible or medical permit, you may park in the聽聽and ride the shuttle to Gate A, free of charge.

We ask for your support of these procedures so that we may provide academic access for the entire University community. If you have any questions or need to coordinate additional academic access, please contact Dee Bailey at聽debailey@syr.edu聽or by phone at 315.443.5319.

Billy Joel and Sting鈥攖wo of the most respected recording artists in history鈥攁nnounce a one-night-only performance at JMA Wireless Dome on Friday, April 11, 2025. The iconic musicians will each perform their most beloved songs from throughout their illustrious careers. The spectacular show featuring Joel鈥檚 eighth record-breaking appearance at the JMA Dome and first since 2015, and Sting鈥檚 first time at the JMA Dome as a solo artist (he appeared at the JMA Dome twice as a member of the Police in 1982 and 1984), promises to be an unforgettable evening of live music.

鈥淲e’re excited to have both Billy Joel and Sting back at the JMA Dome,鈥� says Pete Sala, vice president and chief campus facilities officer, managing director of JMA Dome. 鈥淏oth have been here before and have helped draw some of our biggest audiences to date. With this show, Billy will be extending his record number of Dome performances to eight over a nearly 25-year period. We’re grateful to again work with Live Nation on another big concert event and can’t wait to host it. It’ll be a great show.鈥�

Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning on Friday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m. at . Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Monday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. until Thursday, Oct. 3, at 10 p.m. through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details, visit .

About Billy Joel

Legendary musician Billy Joel ranks as one of the most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in history. The singer/songwriter/composer is the sixth best-selling recording artist and the fourth best-selling solo artist with over 160 million records sold worldwide. Joel鈥檚 songs have acted as personal and cultural touchstones for millions of people across five decades.

As a humanitarian, The Joel Foundation has made and pledged millions in charitable donations with a focus on music education and humanitarian aid.聽 In addition to supporting vital global relief efforts, The Joel Foundation provides grants to organizations throughout New York City and Long Island leveraging the power of music to enhance the lives of people of every age.

About Sting

Composer, singer-songwriter, actor, author and activist Sting is not only known for his time as a member of The Police with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers but also as an illustrious solo artist, selling over 100 million albums combined. In addition to music, Sting has appeared in more than 15 films, executive produced the critically acclaimed “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints,” and in 1989 starred in “The Threepenny Opera” on Broadway.

Sting鈥檚 humanitarian support of organizations such as the Rainforest Fund, Amnesty International and Live Aid mirrors his art in its universal outreach.聽 Along with wife Trudie Styler, Sting founded the Rainforest Fund in 1989 to protect both the world鈥檚 rainforests and the indigenous people living there. Together they have held 18 benefit concerts to raise funds and awareness for our planet鈥檚 endangered resources.

Metallica聽will bring its record-breaking M72 World Tour聽to the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The concert is among the group鈥檚 21 North American concerts next year.

The concert will feature the tour鈥檚 full production, with its massive in-the-round stage, and is in one of two college sports stadiums the group will play.

Since opening April 2023 in Amsterdam, M72 has seen Metallica play to some three million fans. Variously hailed as聽鈥渁n altogether life-affirming experience鈥澛�(Billboard),聽“impossible to leave unsatisfied鈥澛�(Austin Chronicle),聽“a stone-cold stunner of a show鈥澛�(Detroit News),聽“the mother of all summer concerts鈥澛�(Worcester Telegram Gazette) and聽鈥渁s tight and furious as Metallica has sounded in ages鈥澛�(Los Angeles Times), M72 continues to amaze fans and critics alike.

Tickets

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m. Presale tickets for the Syracuse concert will be available Thursday, Sept 26, from 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. For more information, contact the JMA Wireless Dome Box Office at dometix@syr.edu.

Presale Tickets

Further presale offers begin on Monday, Sept. 23.

Citi is the official card of the M72 tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. through Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10 p.m. through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit .

Verizon will offer an exclusive presale for the M72 tour for customers in the U.S through Verizon Access. Verizon Access Presale tickets for select shows will begin Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10 p.m. local time. For more details visit .