Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how governments operate, how universities teach and how public institutions make decisions.

That was the central message of a recent fireside chat hosted by the . Dean moderated the conversation which brought together two leaders working at the forefront of AI adoption: , commissioner of the New York State Office of General Services (OGS), and , 网爆门鈥檚 senior vice president for digital transformation and chief digital officer.

鈥淭he question before us is not whether AI will transform public life,鈥� Van Slyke said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 whether our institutions are ready to lead that transformation thoughtfully, equitably and effectively.鈥�

Personalizing Learning and Expanding Access

Rubin opened the March 26 event with a claim about the stakes for higher education: AI, he said, has the potential to transform how universities teach in ways not seen in 200 years. 鈥淭he idea of a professor standing in front of a room, lecturing鈥攁nd students taking notes and then being assessed through projects, papers and exams鈥攖hat model has not shifted,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hat AI allows you to do is personalize learning.鈥�

Personalization at scale has long been a challenge because no instructor can simultaneously tailor a course to every student鈥檚 pace and needs, he said. AI changes that equation.

Rubin shared how Syracuse has deployed more than 30,000 AI licenses across campus to drive equitable access and data security. Some students had already purchased AI tools on their own, while others could not afford them, he pointed out. Faculty and staff also needed a secure environment for uploading sensitive documents without routing data through commercial platforms.

Rubin also highlighted a less-discussed dimension of the University鈥檚 AI work: a private wireless network, built in partnership with JMA Wireless, that supports thermal sensors in academic buildings across campus. The sensors detect occupancy without capturing identifying information, allowing the University to optimize janitorial services, plan building capacity and, eventually, adjust heating and cooling based on actual use patterns.

A Measured Approach to Government AI

Moy noted that the state鈥檚 deliberate pace of technology adoption is a necessary safeguard rather than a liability. 鈥淚 would contend that it鈥檚 important that government is risk-averse,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he information that we hold is really important鈥擬edicaid data, health data, testing information. The importance of that stewardship becomes paramount.鈥�

Her office oversees roughly 30 million square feet of state real estate, manages 1,500 procurement contracts valued at $44 billion and administers a design and construction portfolio of approximately $5.7 billion. Moy described the agency鈥檚 AI strategy as a measured approach. It involves first identifying low-risk, high-value applications, then building the data infrastructure to support them, and ensuring legal and operational frameworks are in place before scaling.

Moy said one of OGS鈥檚 most tangible AI investments is in procurement search. Agencies and municipalities navigating the state鈥檚 contract catalog often struggle to find what they need, undermining the efficiency those contracts are designed to provide. Moy said AI-assisted search is a logical starting point: low risk, no job displacement and an immediate opportunity to test what the technology can do.

The agency is also piloting AI-powered document summarization tools for bid documents and contract histories which are reported to save up to three hours per day.

Moy noted that backlogs present another opportunity, as they are a universal challenge across the public sector. She explained that while AI could help alleviate some of those challenges, agencies must be cautious; they cannot hand out productivity tools to every worker without first creating the right frameworks.

Jobs, Regulation and What Comes Next

Both speakers addressed audience concerns about AI鈥檚 impact on jobs鈥攁 topic that has gained urgency in New York following Governor Kathy Hochul鈥檚 , which is tasked with studying AI鈥檚 effects on the labor market.

Rubin cited research suggesting that less than 1% of the 1.2 million layoffs recorded in 2025 were directly attributable to AI, arguing that economic factors and structural business decisions are doing more to reshape the workforce than the technology itself. He expressed confidence that AI will ultimately create more jobs than it displaces, though he acknowledged that every job will change.

鈥淚f you don’t know how to incorporate AI into your domain and discipline, you will be at a disadvantage,鈥� he said. 鈥淪tudents need to have the tools and the classes.鈥�

Moy recalled the dot-com era and the transformation of publishing that upended models at institutions like the Brooklyn Public Library, where she once served as chief strategy officer. The fear and exuberance that accompanied those transitions, she said, mirrors what society is experiencing today.

鈥淲e want to make sure that we鈥檙e thinking about it ethically, that we鈥檙e balancing it according to public need,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd we鈥檙e having active conversations about those trade-offs.鈥�

Both panelists returned repeatedly to the theme of transparency in AI systems, government data and institutional communications.

Rubin pointed to Anthropic鈥檚 practice of publishing system prompts as a model for responsible AI deployment and noted that Syracuse recently launched an AI-powered course search tool, called , that similarly makes its operating parameters visible. He also raised the challenge of AI-generated media and the difficulty of distinguishing real content from fabricated content online.

An Open and Ongoing Dialogue

The conversation drew questions from the audience.

A first-year Maxwell student and member of the University’s United AI club asked what precedent a recent court ruling holding social media platforms liable for algorithmic harm to minors sets for the future of AI regulation and whether platforms like ChatGPT should face similar oversight.

Rubin was direct: 鈥淲e made the mistake with social media. These companies should have an obligation to have guardrails.鈥�

Moy pointed to Hochul鈥檚 recent policy proposals targeting addictive technology, including requirements for more restrictive default settings on children鈥檚 accounts. She acknowledged that government is often a step behind rapid technological change, but argued that intervention becomes necessary when innovation results in public harm.

A second student raised concerns about AI鈥檚 potential to enable fraud, including falsified documents and biased algorithms.

鈥淭hese are very real questions,鈥� she said, emphasizing that OGS is working to understand its uses and risks. She argued that the answer isn鈥檛 avoiding AI but understanding it well enough to spot its misuse. 鈥淚f we don’t understand it, we will fall behind.鈥�

Rubin agreed, framing the detection challenge as both technological and philosophical: As AI becomes embedded in everything from autocomplete to document editing, defining what counts as 鈥淎I-generated鈥� becomes increasingly difficult. 鈥淢y gut is almost every piece of content out there will have some AI piece to it, assisting us,鈥� he said. 鈥淪o, it鈥檚 a technology challenge and a societal challenge.鈥�

Van Slyke closed by noting that Maxwell鈥檚 role in preparing students for public service has always meant equipping them not just with technical knowledge, but with the ability to navigate the policy, governance and ethical dimensions that accompany it.

鈥淭he question is not what will AI do to our institutions,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t’s what will we choose to do with it.鈥�

The (CHB) in the (A&S) has awarded its first round of competitive grants for interdisciplinary and cross-institutional health and behavioral science research projects.

A total of $33,000 in seed funding has been awarded to six separate projects through the and the . The grants are intended to catalyze cross-university collaboration and position investigators for larger external grant submissions.

鈥淭he selected proposals span researchers from six 网爆门 colleges and institutes and eight departments, schools and centers, truly reflecting broad institutional engagement and collaboration,鈥� says , director of the CHB and professor in the Department of Psychology in A&S. 鈥淭he grants also illustrate CHB鈥檚 strategic role in seeding interdisciplinary research, strengthening university-Veterans Affairs partnerships, accelerating development of competitive external grant submissions and advancing impactful work across health and behavioral science domains.鈥�

Projects include research on intimate partner violence among veterans, alcohol reduction messaging in Veterans Affairs primary care, heart rate training for entrepreneurs, healthy eating tools for young children, AI support readiness for family caregivers and virtual reality-based voice therapy for pre-service (student) teachers.

Several external partners are also included. Those projects involve researchers at , , and , as well as and industry partner .

Pilot funds were provided to CHB by the College of Arts and Sciences with direct support from Dean , Ditre says. The funds can be used for participant compensation, core facility access, data acquisition, study materials, software and other costs of launching new collaborative research. Projects begin this month and cover a 12-month period.

Researchers receiving grants and their projects are:

Understanding and Addressing Intimate Partner Violence Among Veterans: A Mixed Methods Study of Risk Factors, Experiences and Treatment Preferences

• , assistant professor of psychology, A&S
• , clinical psychology postdoctoral fellow, VA Center for Integrated Healthcare,

Nudge Messaging to Promote Alcohol-Related Behavior Change Among Veterans in Primary Care

• , research assistant professor, CHB/IVMF and clinical research program director, VA Center for Integrated Healthcare
• , research professor and professor emeritus of psychology, A&S

Family Caregiver Well-Being and Readiness for AI-Based Support

• , associate professor of senior research associate, ,
• assistant professor of faculty associate, , Maxwell School

Virtual Reality-Based Voice Therapy for Pre-Service Teachers: Initial Design of a VR Voice Intervention

• , assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, A&S
• , associate professor of industrial and interaction design, ,

A Sweet Texts Add-On to Identify Tailoring Variables and Decision Points for Reducing Energy-Dense Food Intake in Preschool Children

• , assistant professor of nutrition and food studies,
• , assistant professor of psychology, A&S

Physiological Self-Regulation as a Foundation of Entrepreneurial Functioning

• , assistant professor of entrepreneurship,
• , associate professor of entrepreneurship and academic director of the , Whitman School

More than 280 people representing approximately 110 organizations gathered in downtown Syracuse recently for the 2026 Lender Expo. This is the second year the communitywide convening and dialogue has been hosted by the University’s , and the expanded schedule was made possible by a new sponsorship from .

The Lender Center addresses important social issues through interdisciplinary research, community engagement and faculty and student fellowships. The expo is among the most visible expressions of that mission, offering organizations an opportunity to share resources, build partnerships and engage in dialogue about the area’s most pressing needs, says , director.

The program opened with a “State of the Region” panel discussion featuring Syracuse Mayor , Onondaga County Executive , U.S. Rep. and Syracuse City Court Judge .

Also addressing the group was , chief administrative officer and president of health plans at , who discussed the company鈥檚 efforts to address community health needs. Workshops covered grant writing, mental health, data collection, legal services, artificial intelligence and conflict resolution. A session, “Where Service Meets Progress,” drew a wide audience on the second day.

The convening also included recognition for , president emerita of InterFaith Works and founding member of the Lender Center Advisory Group, who was honored for her many years of social justice advocacy and community service.

More Event Photos

Spectrum News and the are launching a dynamic partnership that will provide students with hands-on experiences and professional development opportunities in journalism and media production.

The new initiative reinforces the Newhouse School鈥檚 commitment to working with newsrooms on innovative ways to support local news. Student-produced content will enhance Spectrum News coverage across the country and provide viewers with a look at top issues from the perspective of Newhouse student journalists.

鈥淭his collaboration brings real-world experience to the classroom and underscores our commitment to fostering the next generation of journalists,鈥� says , executive vice president of Spectrum Networks. 鈥淲e鈥檙e supporting students as they embark on their journalism careers and providing a pathway to create a sustainable future for local news, supported by these talented emerging reporters.鈥�

Bair and听听announced the joint initiative March 23 at the Toner Prizes Celebration in Washington, D.C., an event that听honors the best political reporting. More than 40 Spectrum News journalists and executives then traveled to Newhouse for a March 26 panel discussion about the initiative, followed by about a dozen programs to help students better understand the challenges and opportunities of local newsrooms.

Sessions covered topics including investigative journalism, sports reporting, data analytics and building social media brands. Newhouse students also had the exclusive opportunity for reel and resume reviews with members of the Spectrum News team.

As part of the broader initiative, Spectrum News journalists will collaborate with Newhouse faculty to teach production and investigative journalism classes in Syracuse. Students will also have the opportunity to take part in an internship program that would place them in newsrooms across the country.

Organizers are also planning a distinctive field study program that will provide students the chance to report on significant events like the 2026 midterms from Washington, D.C., and coverage in Los Angeles of Major League Baseball and the 2028 Olympics.

鈥淭his unprecedented partnership with such a respected media platform will blaze a new trail in how news organizations and universities can work together to serve local communities,鈥� Lodato says.

As part of the initiative, student journalism will be showcased across Spectrum News social media channels, along with web and mobile platforms, starting in the fall.

鈥淓xperiential learning has always been at the heart of a Newhouse education,鈥� Lodato says. 鈥淭his collaboration, which places our students alongside some of the best journalists in the business while reporting for real audiences, is exactly the kind of transformative opportunity that defines Newhouse鈥檚 legacy of excellence in journalism education.鈥�

Students will produce local news coverage and an issues-based magazine show for Spectrum News networks, and student reporting will contribute to the Syracuse network鈥檚 daily on-air sports coverage. Additional content will be produced as the partnership develops, providing local student perspectives on the important issues of the day to Spectrum News viewers across the country.

鈥淲e are building a mutually beneficial partnership with the Newhouse School that supports both the professional development of emerging journalists and our recruiting efforts for Spectrum News,鈥� says Paul Marchand, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Spectrum. 鈥淢any 网爆门 alumni have gone on to become leaders and journalists at Spectrum News, and this collaboration will deepen those connections while helping us identify and nurture new talent for our newsrooms.鈥�

came to 网爆门 as a with an urgent purpose: to learn all she could about helping veterans return to civilian life and bring that knowledge home to war-torn Ukraine.

Pohorielova is an听associate professor and head of the Department of Pedagogy, Foreign Philology and Translation at in , near the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine War. Her journey to Syracuse began after she heard a high-level Ukrainian official observe that is about to become a city of veterans.

The comment was a turning point. Pohorielova realized that, when the war ends, hundreds of thousands of veterans will need support transitioning to civilian life: finding jobs, housing and educational pathways and, hopefully, a society aware of and responsive to their unique psychological needs. Yet Pohorielova also knew her country was far from ready to provide that help. “I felt like I didn’t know anything about veterans. I had no clue. And I felt like other establishments weren’t ready for the influx of veterans, either,” she says.

The next day, she learned about the Fulbright Visiting Scholar program and applied. To her surprise, she became just the second person from her university to receive a Fulbright in 30 years.

Right Place, Right Time

The Fulbright program matches host institutions with a scholar’s research goals, making 网爆门, with its emphasis on veterans, a natural fit. Pohorielova鈥檚 visit is being hosted through the (CHB), drawing on the expertise and engagement of the (IVMF), the (OVMA), the (SOE), and colleagues at the . Among those who facilitated Pohorielova鈥檚 residency was IVMF founder and University Chancellor-elect .

鈥淸This] is one of the best places in the U.S. to observe veteran re-entry services. Practices here have been validated. We need to learn, borrow, start them and adjust American practices to existing Ukrainian realities,鈥� Pohorielova says.

Since her arrival, Pohorielova has attended monthly CHB seminars, worked closely with faculty sponsors , professor of psychology and CHB director; and , SOE faculty director of online programs and strategic initiatives, associate teaching professor in the School of Social Work and CHB associate director. She also engaged with faculty, staff, doctoral students and researchers across campus.

“Their contribution to my research is incredible,” she says of her sponsors. The broader campus culture has been welcoming, too. “Every person I meet here is trying to support me and give me the information I need.鈥�

Facilitating the Transition

Ukrainian soldiers face the same reintegration challenges as American veterans: psychological health risks, substance use, financial instability and difficulty transitioning back to civilian life.听But for Ukrainian veterans who are returning to communities still under threat, with shattered economies and disrupted families, those risks may be even more acute, Pohorielova says.

Reintegrating also involves other obstacles, including funding, cultural resistance and a general distrust of mental health services, which is a legacy of Soviet-era political repression. Ukraine鈥檚 military culture, which prizes toughness and stigmatizes psychological struggles as weakness, presents another hurdle, Pohorielova says.

Pohorielova believes Ukrainian educational institutions can help facilitate veterans鈥� transition from military service to civilian life. At the same time, they can leverage veterans鈥� leadership, experience and a strong sense of purpose, qualities that can make them active contributors to postwar recovery efforts in Ukraine.

鈥淚nvesting in veterans鈥� wellbeing, education and vocational pathways supports not only individual reintegration but also broader social and economic stability,” she says.

Insights from Pohorielova鈥檚 research at Syracuse form the basis of her recovery action plan, “Veteran Reintegration Ecosystem for Ukrainian Universities.” The scalable, locally grounded program can be implemented within existing institutions, she believes. The plan鈥檚 three pillars are institutional capacity and coordination; behavioral health and wellbeing; and workforce and economic integration.

Components include:

• Clear coordination and referral pathways to help veterans navigate academic and support services
• Faculty and staff training to strengthen the university鈥檚 ability to support veteran students
• Behavioral health awareness and referral pathways
• Flexible online and hybrid learning options
• Short-course retraining, microcredentials and entrepreneurship pathways aligned with workforce needs
• Structured employer and community partnerships to support job placement, entrepreneurship and business development

Pohorielova and her 13-year-old daughter, who came with her to the U.S. and attends school locally, have been here since February and will return to Ukraine this summer. By then, Pohorielova will be ready to present her fully developed framework to her university鈥檚 leadership as a ready-to-go strategy, and she hopes to see its immediate adoption.

Success would fulfill her dream of helping her country, her university and her community, and ensure that veterans will have proven systems in place to support their return.

鈥淔ollowing a dream is a good thing,鈥� she says. 鈥淥nce you succeed, you will get to a new level. That’s what happened to me. I didn’t expect it, but I’m very happy to be here.”

, a provider of 听home and community-based care across New York state, is partnering with the to support the 2026 Lender Expo on Wednesday, March 11, and Thursday, March 12, at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.

The convenes public officials, nonprofit organizational leaders, service providers, community members and 网爆门 faculty, researchers and students for conversations 听about social justice issues affecting the region and ways to address them.

Featured Activities

• A 鈥淪tate of Our Region鈥� panel discussion with several elected officials: Syracuse Mayor , Onondaga County Executive , U.S. Representative , Syracuse City Court Judge and Nascentia Chief Administrative Officer and President of Health Plans
• A , 鈥淲here Service Meets Progress鈥�
• Workshops on grant writing, mental health, data collection, legal services, artificial intelligence and conflict resolution

Full Schedule, Tabling

View the . The expo is free and open to the public. Attendee is required; the sign-up deadline is Friday, Feb. 27.

Nonprofit and other organizations offering public services and information are welcome to host information tables. for tabling is required; details are available on the .

Last year, more than 200 people attended the expo and 80 nonprofit organizations showcased program information.

鈥淲e are thrilled that Nascentia Health has invested in this important communitywide gathering and excited about the essential conversations and ideas it will generate,鈥� says , Lender Center director. 鈥淣ascentia鈥檚 support has expanded the expo鈥檚 impact and assures that the critical conversations this event enables are more sustainable for the future.鈥�

Ryan Pyland, Nascentia Health associate vice president, marketing and communications,听 says, 鈥淲e are proud to partner with 网爆门 and the Lender Center for Social Justice for the 2026 Lender Expo. As a community-based health care organization, we see every day how collaboration strengthens outcomes for individuals and families across Central New York. Supporting this event reflects our commitment to meaningful dialogue, shared strategy and collective action that advance the health and well-being of the communities we serve.鈥�

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor has been awarded funding from the Raymond Corporation for battery research that could advance material handling technology.

Qiao, who also serves as interim associate dean for research in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and 网爆门 site director for the NSF Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC) Center for Solid-State Electric Power Storage (CEPS), will lead a project titled “Development of a Novel, Multi-faced State-of-Charge Estimation Framework Tailored for Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries in Forklift Applications.”

The funding comes through Raymond’s , which encourages professors and student researchers to apply engineering and technical research to develop solutions for the material handling industry.

The Raymond Corporation, a member of the Toyota Industries family of companies, is a global provider of material handling products and intelligent intralogistics solutions.

Now in its 10th year, the University Research Program has funded 20 projects from leading universities across North America, totaling more than $6 million since 2016. Selected applicants are evaluated on criteria including potential industry impact, project timeline and budget feasibility.

“Raymond’s University Research Program reflects our steadfast dedication to advancing the next generation of material handling innovators,” says Brett Wood, president and CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America. “Our collaboration with academic institutions provides a vital platform for addressing contemporary industry challenges while fostering breakthroughs in technology and innovation that will shape the future of warehousing and distribution.”

The program will begin accepting one-page concept papers for 2027 this summer, with applications due by the end of October. More information is available on the .

High school students from the Syracuse City School District (SCSD) gathered in August and presented research projects demonstrating what they had learned during six weeks of hands-on laboratory work with (A&S) faculty. Just months earlier, the program’s future had been in doubt after federal funding was pulled back.

The University鈥檚 and the district responded to financial uncertainty by teaming up to support the program for another year. Thanks to these one-time funds, the fourth annual 网爆门 Summer High School Internship Program (SU-SHIP) concluded with 24 students presenting posters on their summer research.

The program began as (and later was known as SUPER-Tech SHIP) as a physics-only initiative. In the years since, it has grown into a cross-departmental effort, with 68 volunteers鈥攊ncluding postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students鈥攚orking alongside the high schoolers this summer.

The expansion brought faculty from chemistry and Earth and environmental sciences into the mix for the first time, joining nine physics professors who have made the program a cornerstone of the department’s community engagement. Together, they supervised students exploring computational astrophysics, biophysics, soft matter physics, particle physics, chemistry and Earth sciences.

Building Pathways From High School to Career

Eight former SU-SHIP participants returned as peer mentors, creating a pathway that demonstrates the program’s lasting impact on STEM students. Six of those mentors now attend 网爆门 as undergraduates, while another studies at .

With STEM occupations projected to grow by more than 10% by 2031, today鈥檚 high school students require a solid foundation in math, science and engineering. Nowhere is this more true than in the Syracuse area, where the arrival of Micron Technology鈥檚 chip manufacturing facility is expected to bring thousands of high-paying positions.

Offering paid internships that also include meals and transportation is a crucial element that makes the program accessible to all students in the area鈥攈elping break down the financial barriers that the SCSD students often face.

“I learned so much that first year鈥攕cience skills, poster presentations, networking,” says Emma Kaputa 鈥�26, an inaugural participant who has returned as a mentor. “I’m really glad to have had that door opened for me. This being a paid position is a reason why someone might be able to do summer research. In some families, high schoolers are responsible for providing income, so they need to work over the summer. An unpaid role could be a huge barrier. Adding the paid internship element makes this a lot more accessible.”

Measuring Lasting Impact

The program’s impact extends beyond individual students. Evaluation by , associate professor in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs’ Department of Public Administration and International Affairs, showed 70% of participants planned to pursue post-undergraduate degrees鈥攗p from 54% before the program.

“This program allows us to increase our impact on both the local community of high school students interested in future STEM careers, and also on our 网爆门 undergraduate and graduate students who work alongside them and use the experience to develop as mentors, teachers and scientists,” says , professor and chair of physics.

鈥淭his program is crucially important for the excellent students of the Syracuse City high schools who often need funds to support their families in the summer. The loss of funding in 2025 and subsequent resuscitation had huge impacts on the students and their families this past summer. Yet the program鈥檚 future is still unclear,鈥� says , founding director of the program, former physics department chair and interim dean for the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

The program’s founders鈥擬elanie Pelcher G’11, Ruell Branch ’24 and Ross, the former A&S associate dean for creativity, scholarship and research as well as a professor of physics, envisioned exactly this kind of multiplier effect when they launched SU-SHIP in 2022. Branch, a graduate of SCSD himself, wanted to show local students what it’s like to work as paid scientists.

Thanks to support from the University and the SCSD, the program continues to benefit students and even expand in the face of financial constraints.

When Ricana Walker 鈥�27 saw an email seeking student production assistants for a film project in fall 2024, she had no idea she was about to be part of something historic鈥攐r that the experience would change her understanding of the land beneath her feet as a Syracuse student.

“I had very limited knowledge of Native American culture, especially the Haudenosaunee people,” says Walker, a television, radio and film (TRF) major in the . “I thought it鈥檇 be a perfect opportunity for me to not only gain professional experience but also learn about the land Syracuse is built on.”

Walker was one of 10 students who spent a weekend at the University鈥檚 Minnowbrook Conference Center in the Adirondacks filming 鈥�,鈥� a five-part talk show and podcast series that premiered on WCNY-TV in October.

The project represents an innovative collaboration between the Special Collections Research Center’s storytelling initiative, the Haudenosaunee women-led nonprofit , (OTN) and the audio arts program in the and .

Hosted by Michelle Schenandoah G’19, founder of Rematriation and a member of the Oneida Nation Wolf Clan, the series convenes Indigenous thought leaders, traditional knowledge keepers and allies to discuss topics often missing from mainstream education鈥攆rom the Doctrine of Discovery to the Haudenosaunee influence on American democracy and women’s rights.

3 Years in the Making

鈥淩ematriated Voices鈥� was three years in the making, from initial research and development through filming and post-production. Schenandoah, who holds a graduate degree in magazine, newspaper and online journalism from Newhouse and law degrees from New York Law School, had long dreamed of creating a talk show format that could extend Indigenous education beyond in-person speaking engagements.

“A lot of our people are invited into spaces to speak on these topics, but you鈥檙e limited to whoever’s in the room at that time,鈥� Schenandoah says. 鈥淏y creating this talk show and podcast series, it allows the information and dialogue to expand further into the world.”

The project evolved from Access Audio’s earlier podcast series 鈥�,鈥� which featured candid interviews with Indigenous community members. Schenandoah was an interviewee for that 2022 series, which was also produced at Minnowbrook.

When Schenandoah approached Jim O’Connor, Access Audio producer and co-producer of 鈥淩ematriated Voices,鈥� about creating another series, she saw an opportunity to expand beyond the podcast format into a video series.

O’Connor assembled a crew of alumni, students, faculty and staff, working with OTN General Manager Meg Craig to recruit student videographers. The production crew hired storytelling consultants, including Mohawk filmmaker Katsitsionni Fox, Rachel Porter and University Ombuds Neal Powless, to ensure the production honored the principles at the heart of the conversations.

“The opportunity to collaborate with Rematriation to produce this project and amplify the significance of Indigenous matrilineality has been a formative one,” O’Connor says.

“Being on set and facilitating experiential learning by bringing emerging filmmakers and media producers into the presence of such renowned changemakers and traditional knowledge holders was a tremendous education for these students, and everyone involved.”

Hands-On Learning Meets Indigenous Knowledge

The decision to involve students was central to the project’s mission. A one-credit experiential learning opportunity was offered for students with interest and experience in video production.

As a camera operator on the three-camera setup, Walker filmed interviews that ran two to three hours each鈥攍ater edited down to one-hour episodes.

“I definitely gained a better understanding of production workflows,” Walker says. ” I’ve worked on student sets, but obviously things are more serious on a professional set.”

Between filming sessions, students absorbed conversations with guests, including Mohawk Bear Clan Mother Louise “Mommabear” McDonald Herne, botanist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer, historian and author Sally Roesch Wagner (who passed in June of this year) and traditional leaders from across the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

The production brought almost 50 people to Minnowbrook for an intensive filming schedule. The five episodes explore interconnected themes: the Doctrine of Discovery, Indigenous relationships with the living world, Haudenosaunee governance and its influence on American democracy, Indigenous women’s authority and its impact on suffragists, and matrilineal men who stand empowered alongside women leaders.

“The goal is to be able to bring a perspective to viewers and listeners that maybe they haven’t heard before鈥攂ut one that is relevant, and closely tied to their own experience as citizens in this country,” Schenandoah says.

From Campus Collaboration to National Distribution

Based in the University area, Rematriation regularly works with Syracuse student interns through Newhouse and serves as a client for University courses. Support from Chancellor Kent Syverud’s office made Minnowbrook available for the production.

Since its premiere, 鈥淩ematriated Voices鈥� has been picked up by PBS stations in Syracuse, Rochester and Watertown, as well as two national Indigenous radio shows including Native Voice One. The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. The series can also be .

For students like Walker, credits on PBS and other distribution networks provide valuable professional credentials. But perhaps more importantly, the experience expanded their understanding of the Indigenous history and contemporary realities.

“I just think it really opened my eyes,” Walker says. “Now I feel like after that, I’ve gained a lot more insight on the Haudenosaunee people.”

, the 听and today announced they will team up to launch the Student-Athlete Financial Empowerment Program, an initiative designed to prepare Orange student-athletes for long-term financial success during and beyond their college careers. The program will launch in January 2026 and will be open to all 网爆门 students.

Among the first of its kind nationally in the post-NIL era, the program will provide comprehensive financial literacy education to more than 550 Syracuse student-athletes across all 20 varsity sports, as well as any 网爆门 student interested in enrolling.

Students will take a for-credit course offered by Whitman School faculty. Through the course鈥檚 workshops, one-on-one guidance and hands-on experiences, students will learn essential skills, including budgeting, credit and debt management, investing, wealth protection, and career and post-college financial planning. Student-athletes will be able to leverage what they learn in the program to help them navigate NIL opportunities and tax responsibilities.

鈥淭his partnership reflects our deep commitment to preparing student-athletes not only for success in competition, but also for success in life,鈥� says Director of Athletics 鈥�80. 鈥淏y combining the Whitman School鈥檚 academic expertise with Visions Federal Credit Union鈥檚 industry knowledge, we鈥檙e equipping our student-athletes with the tools to make smart, confident financial decisions.鈥�

Visions Federal Credit Union will serve as the exclusive financial education partner for the program. Its involvement ensures consistent, personalized support for all students, including student-athletes, while also aligning with the credit union鈥檚 mission to empower communities through financial wellness.

鈥淎t Visions, we believe financial empowerment is life empowerment,鈥� says Ty Muse, president and CEO of Visions. 鈥淧artnering with Syracuse Athletics and the Whitman School allows us to invest in the next generation of leaders, helping them build strong financial foundations that will serve them well beyond their playing days.鈥�

The Whitman School will play a pivotal role in the program鈥檚 academic integration, providing a for-credit academic experience to ensure students are able to learn the tools needed for financial empowerment offered by Whitman鈥檚 nationally ranked expertise in finance and business education.

鈥淭his collaboration exemplifies the best of what 网爆门 offers鈥攁n intersection of academics, practical and relevant experience, and community partnership,鈥� says , interim dean of the Whitman School. 鈥淲e are proud to help our student-athletes develop the skills needed to thrive in a complex business world.鈥�

The Student-Athlete Financial Empowerment Program is part of the University鈥檚 campaign, which is dedicated to providing student-athletes with the resources, support and opportunities they need to compete鈥攁nd succeed鈥攁t the highest levels.

The (NHL) has announced a new partnership with the University to help support and further both the professional and personal development of NHL players.

Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Syracuse will provide a comprehensive suite of educational programs for access by NHL players鈥攁nd their dependent family members鈥攁t significant tuition discounts.

These course programs will be at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and offered fully online. In addition, the University will develop a full complement of professional development and executive education programs for program participants.

鈥淧roviding players with off-ice resources that can assist them in building successful careers and lives beyond their commitment to playing the game is an important role for any sports league,鈥� NHL Deputy Commissioner says. 鈥淏y partnering with a learning institution of 网爆门鈥檚 caliber, the NHL has been able to add yet another valuable Player Development offering to assist players with furthering their educational goals.鈥�

Academic Offerings Span Multiple Disciplines

“This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity for both 网爆门 and the National Hockey League,” says , dean of the David B. Falk College of Sport. “Through collaboration across the Falk College, Whitman School of Management, Newhouse School of Public Communications and College of Professional Studies, we’ll provide NHL players with comprehensive educational resources. This exemplifies our mission to create meaningful connections between academic learning and professional practice.”

The academic course offerings associated with this comprehensive collaboration will include such areas as business management, creative leadership, liberal studies, policy studies, project management, strategic communications, business analytics, health care administration, entrepreneurship, professional accounting, sport analytics, conflict and collaboration, educational leadership and enterprise technology leadership.

The University will provide full admissions and academic advice support to all participants in the program and will align the curricula with those individuals鈥� current and future goals and needs, including as they may relate to players鈥� post-career aspirations. Players will also be able to benefit from interactions with sports, broadcast and business professionals who remain connected with 网爆门 and its impressive alumni network.

Expanding the NHL’s Player Development Program

These continuing education options for NHL players represent the latest addition to the NHL鈥檚 expanding Player Development Program, an off-ice assistance and development program that provides a variety of resources to current and former players to assist them with furthering their professional and personal development. Established in 2016, the program is听designed to create opportunities for players to identify or complete educational endeavors, build networking skills, and create business and career foundations, as well as expand opportunities for personal growth.

The NHL has established a network of Player Development contacts at all 32 clubs to assist in administering Player Development programs. Current programs offered by the NHL Development Program include: the Player Orientation Program, Broadcast Training Camp, Education and Career Development (AthLife), Mental Wellness (Headspace), the Visiting Player Program, the Fanatics Athlete Immersion Program, Learn to Play Hockey initiatives and NHL Coaches鈥� Association.

(MLS) and 网爆门 announce a new initiative to provide current and former players and their families with access to market-relevant online degrees, certificates and career development opportunities through the University鈥檚 nationally ranked online degree and certificate programs.

The collaboration empowers MLS players and their families鈥攁s well as league and club staff and their families鈥攖o pursue customized degree programs and professional development designed for the unique demands of professional athletes. The initiative also extends to future MLS stars across and , ensuring the entire MLS ecosystem benefits from expanded access to higher education.

Creating flexible pathways for a variety of academic offerings, programs draw on the expertise of Syracuse鈥檚 renowned schools and colleges, including the , , and .

鈥淢ajor League Soccer is proud to work with 网爆门 to provide world-class educational resources that support the personal and professional growth of players, alumni and staff across our league,鈥� says Sola Winley, MLS executive vice president and chief engagement officer. 鈥淭his initiative expands on traditional higher education offerings by providing flexible, high-quality opportunities tailored to the unique needs of the MLS community.鈥�

Opportunities created through this initiative include:

• Flexible, 100% online degrees and certificates
• Pre-academic English language support
• Credit transfer assessment
• Career-focused programs in business, project management and sport analytics, among others
• Dedicated online student support

鈥淢y fellow deans and I are excited to partner with Major League Soccer to provide the 网爆门 experience to current and former players and their family members who are interested in pursuing our robust academic offerings,鈥� said Falk College Dean , who earlier this year helped create a with the Major League Baseball Players Association. 鈥淔or athletes and professionals with unpredictable schedules, our online programs offer the perfect balance of flexibility, extensive academic support and real-world applicability鈥攁ll without compromising the demands of their careers or personal circumstances.鈥�

Educational offerings will be accessible online, on campus and at Syracuse鈥檚 鈥渁way鈥� centers in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Dedicated admission specialists and academic advisors will work with each participant to tailor academic pathways aligned with their goals.

“It’s big for all the players in MLS, the staff and coaches as well, to have this opportunity to go back to school and focus on their education, because it’s so important,鈥� says Miles Robinson, center back for FC Cincinnati and former defender at 网爆门 (2015-16). 鈥淚t’s a great chance for everyone in MLS, and their families, to be able to further their education, especially with 网爆门. Being a Syracuse alum, it’s amazing to recognize how great the school is and what it has to offer.”

For more information about the partnership, visit the .

When seven students from the Department of Sport Analytics in the 听 started working for the (UFL) this past winter, league officials explained the kind of data they had available and asked the students to pitch their ideas on how to use it.

One dataset tracked quarterback completion probability, and two students, Austin Ambler and Danny Baris, pitched a metric to quantify quarterback decision-making. They call it a 鈥淨B Decision Score,鈥� and it determines if a quarterback made the right passing decision based on the predicted EPA (expected points added) of each receiver on the play.

The UFL officials overseeing the sport analytics students鈥擮perations Manager , Senior Vice President of Technology and Vice President of Football Technology 鈥攚ondered if such a model was possible, but gave Ambler and Baris the go-ahead to try.

鈥淎 week later they came back and gave us a first run-through, and we were like, wow, this is impressive,鈥� Kilmeade says. 鈥淚n our minds this was going to take the whole season. It took a week.鈥�

Throughout the 2025 UFL season, which ran from March 28 through the championship game on June 14, the seven sport analytics majors鈥擜mbler, Baris, Toby Halpern and Zach Seidel (who are all on schedule to graduate this December), Nolan Bruton 鈥�26, Eleanor O’Connor 鈥�27 and Johann Perera 鈥�25鈥攚orked on several significant projects for the league.

In fact, many of their data analysis models were elevated to the teams and their coaches during the season, and they may eventually find their way to the NFL, which has a strong relationship with the UFL. The leagues often discuss rules innovation, technology and player development.

鈥淭his partnership (with the Falk College of Sport) has exceeded our expectations on the league side, and we鈥檙e looking forward to continuing it with as many students who want to do it,鈥� Kilmeade says. 鈥淭he students have impressed everybody we鈥檝e gotten them in front of.鈥�

Invaluable Experience

Kilmeade 鈥�18 was a major in Falk College when the started in 2017. He earned a minor in sport analytics, where Department of Sport Analytics Chair was one of his professors and current Director of Corporate Partnerships and External Engagement was his advisor.

He stayed connected with Paul and Riverso throughout his early professional career with the XFL and USFL, which merged to form the UFL. When he was with the XFL, he reached out to Falk College and its about data regarding kickoffs. The students in the club charted games and their analysis led to the new kickoff rule that was first used in the XFL and adopted by the NFL before the 2024 season.

At the UFL, the league has the same issue: Lots of data, but a small staff that can鈥檛 possibly get to it all. So, Kilmeade reached out to Paul and Riverso again and it was a natural fit as UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon is a member of the , and former 网爆门 football star Daryl Johnston is the UFL鈥檚 executive vice president of football operations.

between the UFL and the Sport Analytics program marked the first time an American college or university has worked with the nation鈥檚 premier spring football league.

Paul says the experience the students gained from working with the UFL was 鈥渋mpossible to replicate in the classroom鈥� as the league and students held regular meetings to discuss their projects, shared findings through visualization (charts, graphs, dashboards) and strategized on next steps.

鈥淭he main thing I got from working with the UFL was more experience working with data,鈥� says Baris, who majors in sport analytics and statistics. 鈥淚 also was able to experiment with a few types of models that I had not worked with previously, and I gained experience presenting work to people with a less analytical background.鈥�

Game Changers

As Kilmeade says, the students hit the ground running, throwing and kicking. Other examples of their work with the UFL include a point after touchdown conversion (PAT) decision chart, onside kick alternative and game timing.

Ambler, Baris, Bruton, Halpern and Seidel were available to travel to St. Louis for the UFL鈥檚 championship weekend in mid-June. There, they capped their internship experience by staffing the Fan Fest Sportable booth, where fans used the tracking device to measure their throwing skills, and the Tech Suite, where they displayed their work from the season. Kilmeade says film producer and UFL co-owner Dany Garcia was one of the many dignitaries who were impressed by the students鈥� presentation.

鈥淚 was able to do projects with real-world data that were actually used/implemented by the league, and grow my technical skills and abilities by having to learn new techniques in order to accomplish some of the projects,鈥� Ambler says. 鈥淭hese new skills that I learned will be able to be applied to other projects in my future roles throughout my professional career.鈥�

To read the full story, visit the .

The second annual Sports, Entertainment and Innovation Conference (SEICon)鈥攏amed by Zoomph as one of the 鈥攚ill be held from July 8-10 at MGM鈥檚 iconic Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

SEICon is a partnership between and the , in collaboration with the Las Vegas-based guest experience agency , and it serves as a platform for professionals to discuss strategies and innovations shaping the future of the sports and entertainment industries.

SEICon II will bring together industry leaders from the public and private sectors and academia and feature fully catered lunchtime keynotes, insightful panel discussions and curated networking opportunities focused on emerging trends, digital transformation, and the future of fan engagement, media rights, sponsorships and entertainment technology.

All-inclusive registration for SEICon II is now open. Visit the to register and to find more information about SEICon II and satellite 2025-26 SEICon events in Houston, London and Atlanta. 网爆门 alumni will receive $200 off the cost of registration by using the code SU ALUMNI.

鈥淭his is your chance to connect with industry leaders, share insights and explore the latest innovations in sports and entertainment,鈥� says alumnus and Circle CEO Shawn Garrity 鈥�86. 鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to build upon last year鈥檚 momentum, bringing together thought leaders for another unforgettable experience. Expect compelling content, intimate connections and top-notch hospitality that only Vegas can offer.鈥�

Building on the success of its inaugural year, SEICon is moving to the legendary Bellagio Hotel, which is known for its fountains and world-class amenities. This year鈥檚 event will focus on key emerging areas within the industry, including women in sports and entertainment, motorsports and golf.

鈥淲e are incredibly proud and excited to host SEICon II at the prestigious Bellagio,鈥� says Jay Vickers, COO of UNLV Sports Innovation Institute. 鈥淩eturning to Las Vegas and partnering with such an esteemed venue, alongside the invaluable support of our partners, underscores SEICon鈥檚 growing influence and our commitment to providing an unparalleled experience for our invited guests.鈥�

Vickers, Garrity, and Falk College of Sport Dean Jeremy Jordan appeared on the in late May to discuss the partnership between Falk College, UNLV Sports Innovation Institute, and Circle, and the present and future of SEICon.

SEICon will include nearly 30 panel conversations and two keynote speaker events. One keynote is with Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, who in June will become president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The second keynote features two Syracuse alumni, veteran news and media executive Chris Licht 鈥�93 and New York Post CEO Sean Giancola 鈥�90, along with a representative from Gannett/USA Today, the presenting sponsor of SEICon II.

Several faculty members will lead panels, including David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management (The World Cup and the Rise of MLS: A New Era for Soccer); Assistant Teaching Professor of Sport Management (Women in Racing); Sport Analytics Undergraduate Director and Professor (Get with the Program: Entreprenuership); and Professor of Sports Law (Post House鈥揟he Future of College Athletics).

Growing Partnership

The connections between the Falk College and UNLV Sports Innovation Institute continue to grow beyond the annual SEICon event.

This past March, the National Rugby League (NRL) from Australia with men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 games at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. In advance of those games, SEICon hosted a 听conference for the NRL at the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute that included the signing of a partnership between SEICon and the . Burton, Lopes and Paul attended the conference, and Paul served as the moderator for a discussion on The Tech Playbook: Innovations for Shaping the Future of Sports.

鈥淲e are excited about the growing collaborations with UNLV Sports Innovation Institute and Circle for SEICon and the opportunities for our faculty to share their work and research from the programs in the new College of Sport: sport management, sport analytics, esports, exercise science, and nutrition,鈥� says Paul. 鈥淲e are most excited, however, to show off our greatest asset, our students, and provide them with an unparalleled experience in one of the most dynamic sports and entertainment markets in the world.鈥�

Analysts predict the global sports market to reach $2 trillion, which is 2% of the $100 trillion world economy, bolstered by an influx of money from new sources, emerging technologies and growing demand. Already the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas has become an emerging sports destination and is perfectly positioned to host an annual conference focused on the intersection of sports, entertainment and innovation.

The inaugural SEICon in 2024 included 775 attendees and 183 speakers ranging from presidents and founders to venture capitalists and government officials. Visit the to learn more about the inaugural 2024 event and what鈥檚 planned for 2025 and beyond.

David B. Falk College of Sport

On July 1, 2025, 网爆门 will make history by launching the David B. Falk College of Sport鈥攖he first college on a high-research activity (R1) campus dedicated exclusively to sport-related disciplines. Named after visionary benefactor and legendary sports agent David B. Falk, this new college stands at the intersection of academic excellence and industry innovation. The college will unite our distinguished programs in sport management, sport analytics, exercise science, nutrition and esports (offered jointly with the prestigious Newhouse School of Public Communications) under one dynamic academic umbrella.

One of the many benefits of the new partnership between the nationally recognized and the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics is the mentorship that Women Leaders in Sports executives are providing to Falk students.

That benefit was on full display recently in Falk College, where Women Leaders in Sports Chief Executive Officer and Chief Strategy and Operating Officer met with Falk students for a networking and professional development session and hosted a lunch meeting with students from Falk and the .

We asked Falk College students Emily Gilbert, Lexi Katz and Allison Vims to share what they learned from Phillips and Turner at the lunch session, and here鈥檚 what they wrote:

Emily Gilbert 鈥�27 (sport management major, political science minor)

鈥淢eeting with Christina and Patti was a wonderful experience, and learning more about their professional journeys and how they got to where they are now was eye-opening. It was inspiring to hear how Patti started as a coach with mostly male mentors and that pushed her to want to create an environment where women had other women to lean on.

鈥淚 asked Patti why she was coming to Syracuse and how the new partnership would be beneficial for female students, and her reply resonated with me. She said their organization is a hub for women to meet other women and learn valuable skills that will help grow their careers.

鈥淧atti also explained how they will tell us the truth about the industry. She said that getting into the industry is not easy and sometimes putting in the work is not enough. There will be times that you will get overlooked, but the Women Leaders in Sports organization is there to help lift us. They will provide us with opportunities to grow, learn and adapt to make us the best candidates so that organizations will have no choice but to hire us.鈥�

Emily Gilbert is the community outreach and fundraising chair for the Women in Sports and Events Club (WISE), vice president of community service for the Sport Management Club and vice president of philanthropy for the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

Lexi Katz 鈥�27 (sport management major, Spanish minor)

鈥淚 was very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with Patti Phillips and Christina Turner and they shared valuable insights on how to be a successful woman in sports and break into the competitive industry.听I enjoyed hearing their networking and interviewing tips such as making a good first impression, how to follow up and stay connected to build your network, what questions to avoid in an interview, and how women can support each other in different organizations.

鈥淥ne valuable conversation we had was about how important it is to have a growth mindset. If you want to grow and progress in the industry, you need to try new things and push yourself while also being detailed and taking pride in doing the small things.

鈥淲e also discussed the partnership between Falk and Women Leaders in Sports and I mentioned how grateful we are to have a dean like Jeremy Jordan, who recognizes the lack of support women have in sports and encourages us to get our foot in any way we can. I hope more students in Falk learn about the partnership, take advantage of it and use their network to find other opportunities. I love all that Patti, Christina, and Women Leaders in Sports are doing, and I am so happy to be part of it.鈥�

Lexi Katz is the communications chair for the Women In Sports and Events Club (WISE), a member of the Sport Management Club and a two-year member of the inventory team for the Sport Management Club鈥檚 Sport Charity Auction.

Allison Vims 鈥�27 (sport management major, double minor in business and Spanish)

鈥淢y table鈥檚 discussion was led by Patti Phillips, who asked us each to individually share our goals and leadership aspirations. Patti made the time to get to know us as individuals and encouraged us to figure out ways that she could help us.

鈥淥ver our lunch, my fellow attendees and I began to share stories of our hardships and success stories in the industry. Patti listened first, then broke down scenarios and different ways to attack each situation to ensure that we would keep our seats at the table. The Women Leaders in Sports team ended the lunch with the advice to keep leading, because we, as students, are the future of the sport industry. I left the lunch feeling a sense of empowerment.

鈥淧rior to this lunch, I knew that the partnership would make Falk College stand out from other sport management programs, but I didn鈥檛 see how students would be involved. However, being able to ask the CEO her opinions and having the opportunity to share my input as a student leader helped me see how the partnership will benefit students. The future is promising with such an incredible team of leaders backing us! Thank you to both Women Leaders and Falk College for giving me the opportunity to be a leader.

Allison Vilms is president of the Women in Sports and Events Club (WISE) and vice president of programming for the Sport Management Club.

Pioneering Partnership

, the partnership between Women Leaders in Sports and Falk College and was inspired after 网爆门鈥檚 Women in Leadership Initiative hosted Women Leaders in Sports CEO Patti Phillips on campus in March 2024 for a series of meetings and presentations.

The partnership creates mentoring, learning, fellowship, internship and membership opportunities for Falk students, provides access to professional memberships to Falk faculty and supports faculty attendance at significant events such as the Women Leaders in Sports National Convention. In October, a contingent of Falk College students, faculty and staff attended the Women Leaders in Sports 2024 National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.

As part of the collaboration, Phillips serves as special advisor to Falk College Dean Jeremy Jordan and an 鈥渆xecutive in residence鈥� at Falk. The partnership also calls for an exchange of relevant 网爆门 research and co-creates a Women Leaders in Sports Fellowship.