Annual Success Report 2024-25

I took a trip down to the new Gaming and Esports Center in Schine Student Center to see what all the hype was about. I am far from qualifying myself as a “gamer” and rarely played video games growing up unless it was at Dave & Busters. (Although at home, I was an outstanding athlete in Wii Sports and often found myself beating my brother in baseball, then celebrating with a “home run celly” dance in our living room.)

The Gaming and Esports Center has console, computer (PC) and virtual reality games. As a Syracuse University student interested in using the Center, all you need is your University I.D., and you’re good to go! When I walked in, the student staff were ready to help and offered some game suggestions that they enjoy playing solo. The Gaming and Esports Center has games for all skill levels, and as a novice myself, I did not feel overwhelmed or confused when trying out new games for the first time.

I started my journey with console games and decided to play FIFA. I played soccer growing up, so I know the basics of the game. I put on the headphones, picked my team and began the match. I quickly learned that soccer on the computer is way more complicated than soccer in real life. I could not score a goal, so I rage quit. I looked to the right and left of me; others concentrated on games like Madden NFL and Mario Kart. After some observation, Mario Kart may be more up my alley, and it was more enjoyable.

A group of friends huddled around a console, competing against each other. It was a good atmosphere where multiple students could bond, even on a Monday afternoon. After a previous visit, it seemed that Friday afternoons were the busiest, so if you want to go during a quiet time, try the weekdays and avoid lunchtime! With many games offered, you can easily switch to something else if you feel like you’re not having fun with what you’re playing. I easily navigated the console and could play 3-4 games in 20-30 minutes. So if you’re studying in Schine and want a quick study break, you don’t have to commit much time to whatever game you start. You can come and go as you please, but be warned, once you start playing, you can lose track of time quickly!

The Gaming and Esports Center was dimmed, but the rainbow of colors coming off of various light fixtures and the gaming screens illuminated the room. Even though I am not a professional gamer, I certainly felt like one in the space. As I was leaving, the friendly student staff reminded me that there are frequent gaming nights I can attend and “Peer2Peer” opportunities if I ever want to learn more about how the systems work.

All in all, the new Gaming and Esports Center is definitely worth checking out, even if you don’t consider yourself a gamer! It can be a great space to hang with friends or a place where you can give yourself a break from studying and homework to do something fun.

Written By Emily Rutkowski G’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Two-year team captain and treasurer Leah Landry ’26 led the Club Women’s Ice Hockey team. Named National Tournament MVP by the Amateur Athletic Union in the 2024-25 season, Landry proved to be a star player throughout her time on the Club Ice Hockey team. More than that, Landry appreciated the accessibility and flexibility of the Club Sports team, providing her an environment to destress, stay active and connect with teammates.

“I have learned to work with my teammates to make sure that we are all contributing to the team in a positive way and putting in our best efforts while managing the stress of school, jobs and our personal lives,” Landry said. Landry’s accomplishments and memories on the team will stay with her for years to come.

With an impressive first-year batting average of 0.483, sophomore Keenan Sawada ’28 has been a stand-out player in Club Baseball. Sawada has been a key player, leading the team with 22 hits, 10 runs batted in (RBIs) and 16 stolen bases. In just two years, Sawada has not only become an integral player to the team, but has been able to find his people through Club Baseball.

“The team helped me adjust to college life better than anyone else. As soon as I made the team, there were 30 guys that I could go to for anything,” Sawada said. Sawada’s commitment to the team is not only shown through his stellar accomplishments, but also his close bonds with teammates.

“Joining a sorority as a sophomore, I already had my footing on campus—friends, classes and other organizations. I wasn’t sure Greek Life would be a good fit but after going through recruitment and becoming a Phi Sigma Sigma, I’m grateful I took the chance,” says  Kate Jackson ’26.

“One of 13 panhellenic sororities at Syracuse University, Phi Sig has introduced me to so many incredible people from different backgrounds that I likely wouldn’t have met otherwise. I’ve studied abroad in Barcelona with some of them, volunteered at local organizations and schools—including our philanthropy, College Readiness at Seymour Academy—and shared countless other experiences. I’ve learned a lot about myself along the way, and I know the connections I’ve made will stay with me long after I graduate.”

Strengthening student success, Family Orientation helps supporters understand campus resources, expectations and the transition to college. Attendees had the following to share:

• “Very well organized orientation, not only for preparing the students, but for the family as well. I have had two other kids and they did not prepare us as well as you have.”
• “The day and a half program was packed full of very helpful information along with ample time to network with other parents. I would highly recommend attendance at this event.”
• “My expectations were completely met and beyond. Thank you so much for all the handholding we parents need. Syracuse University offers so much that I didn’t know existed. My student will be in good hands during her time here. We are so lucky.”
• “The presentation gave me a great deal of confidence that my daughter made the right choice for college. The sessions were all incredibly well done. ”

This event is a special opportunity to reconnect, celebrate and experience campus life together. Families are invited to spend time with their students, explore campus traditions, attend engaging events and create meaningful memories. Attendees had the following to share:

• “We had a wonderful time. There was a ton of energy and events for all families. Otto is the best!”
• “The weekend was fantastic. Love having it the last weekend of September. That is our favorite part. Enjoyed the school spirit and the overall feeling of welcomeness.”

“Rushing Zeta Phi Eta, a professional fraternity for communication arts and sciences, was one of the biggest things that helped me transition to college life and find my people. I’ve met so many like-minded individuals, whether it be our career goals, interests or hobbies,” says Mirren Grimason ’29.

“In the organization my Big Mary, has not only been a mentor to me but also a friend I can always count on. As someone who wasn’t sure about joining a social sorority but wanted an organization with a similar experience, Zeta Phi Eta has provided me with the social experience and friendship I was looking for. Being able to become close friends with so many ambitious individuals has been such a rewarding experience and has really aided my adjustment to college life over my first semester.”

Spending eight weeks on the Juneau Icefield isn’t a typical summer internship, but for geology major Elizabeth Henson ’26, it was a transformative blend of research, adventure and breathtaking landscapes. As part of the Juneau Icefield Research Program (JIRP), she lived and worked on the ice, skiing between camps perched on rocky nunataks and traveling more than 75 miles across the vast, shifting terrain. “Everyone—faculty, staff and students—were so motivated to be there,” she says. “I learned something new every single day.”

Henson’s summer covered the full spectrum of glaciological fieldwork. While attending lectures on both mountaineering and glaciology, she participated in projects ranging from quick day trips to multi-day expeditions. One of her major contributions involved studying glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA)—the gradual rise of land as the icefield melts and releases pressure. Her team trekked to historical GPS markers first measured in the 1990s, re-surveying their elevations to understand how uplift is altering both the landscape and local sea levels.

Alongside the GIA research, Henson supported several smaller but equally fascinating projects. She helped dig five-meter mass balance pits to measure annual snow accumulation and melt, contributing to JIRP’s remarkable 79-year continuous mass balance record. She joined a multi-day GPS traverse to calculate the glacier’s flow velocity, drilled a 20-meter ice core packed with climatic history, and learned multiple ground-penetrating radar techniques to map structures hidden beneath the surface. “The variety of projects meant every day felt different. I was constantly learning.”

But life on the ice wasn’t all data and drilling. In between scientific objectives, Henson experienced the pure joy of living in a frozen wilderness. Ski days were endless, with opportunities to glide straight out of camp. She hiked across sweeping ridgelines, visited brilliant glacial lakes, explored crevasses and ice caves, and witnessed some of the most striking scenery Alaska has to offer. “I got to go to some of the most beautiful places and do some of the coolest things. I feel incredibly grateful”.

The summer also shaped her future in profound ways. Through conversations with faculty and researchers, Henson gained insight into potential graduate school paths and even learned about job opportunities in Antarctica— options she is now seriously considering, with mentors ready to support her applications. “I made so many connections this summer that will help guide my career. It opened doors I didn’t even know existed.”

Reflecting on her experience, Henson offers one piece of advice to students seeking their own internships: choose something you’re genuinely excited about. “When you’re passionate about what you’re doing, you’re eager to learn every day,” she says. She encourages students to speak with everyone they can—faculty, staff, peers and visiting researchers. “Ask about their roles, their paths, what they love about their work. So many people are willing to help you succeed. You just have to start the conversation.”