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In the midst of completing final assignments, preparing to graduate and to embark on their next adventures, graduating seniors can have a lot on their final to-do lists. Helping soon-to-be graduates focus on making memories and not missing anything, the Student Experience division has organized the below Senior Sendoff Checklist.

“I’m excited to spend some of my last moments on campus celebrating with the people who have made my college experience so special,” says Chloe Langerman ’25. “It’s going to be bittersweet, but I can’t wait to move forward as an Orange.”

Senior Sendoff Checklist

1. Attend Senior Celebration: Celebrate the incredible achievements of the Syracuse University Class of 2025 on Thursday, May 8, from 1-4 p.m. on the Quad. Spend the afternoon making lasting memories before you head into your next chapter. Enjoy lawn games, a DJ and giveaways for all graduating students!
2. Participate in the Class Gift and Receive a Special Orange and Silver Graduation Cord: Leave your legacy and support the future of Syracuse University students. When combined with gifts from your classmates, your class gift of $25 or more makes a real difference.
3. Complete the First Destination Survey: Celebrate your next adventure and complete the First Destination Survey as soon as possible. Students can find their First Destination Survey by logging into Handshake and visiting their Career Center page.
4. Don’t Miss the Yearbook Order Deadline: A memento for graduating seniors, the yearbook is filled with senior portraits, academics, sports and much more. Visit the Senior Year Central webpage to purchase your 2025 yearbook from Jostens. Orders are due Friday, May 9.
5. Explore the Commencement Weekend Website: From preparation, a complete schedule of events, accessibility information and more, this is your one-stop for all your Commencement Weekend information needs.
6. Connect with Syracuse University Alumni Association: Graduation marks the start of the alumni experience! Be sure to stay in touch through the Alumni Association’s expansive events, services, clubs and more!

“I’m looking forward to attending the Senior Celebration alongside my best friends and soaking up every last minute we have on campus and taking them down in some lawn games,” says Maggie Anderson, ’25. “Cheers to the Class of 2025 and all of the incredible opportunities awaiting us in the future!”

Resources for Families and Supporters of Seniors
The Orange families and supporters of seniors have played an important role in the successes of the Class of 2025! Explore the helpful resources highlighted below.

• Families of Seniors Webpage: Visit and learn more about Commencement Weekend, find campus maps, hotel and restaurant information.
• Answering Commencement Weekend Questions: From event schedules, accessibility information, receiving communications with the OrangeNow App, to learning what items are permitted or not to bring and the University’s Clear Bag Policy, the Commencement Weekend website is available to answer frequently asked questions.
• Make Graduation Extra Special With the Wishing Well: Family and friends are welcomed to make a gift, share a congratulatory message and photo of their student to further celebrate the amazing accomplishment of graduation.

 

 

Internships are one of the most important avenues for students to gain experience, make connections and prepare for careers post-graduation. The Internship Funding Award provides financial support for students who are required to complete their internships for credit or need assistance with living expenses during summer internships.

Annually, Career Services offers the Internship Funding Award, which provides financial assistance to Syracuse sophomores and juniors throughout summer internship experiences. The award covers the cost of credit or travel and living expenses. Internships can be either paid or unpaid for students to be eligible to receive the award. Other eligibility requirements include the following.

• The applicant has not previously received the Internship Funding Award.
• The internship is an external summer position.
• The internship is supervised by a professional who can help the student explore opportunities that link theory with practice in the field of the student’s interest.
• The applicant’s Handshake profile is updated and complete.

Applications for the Internship Funding Award are due June 10, 2025. The following highlighted students received the Internship Funding Award in 2024.

Making Global Connections

Gabrielle Harrison ’25 spent her summer as a consumer public relations intern at FINN Partners in London, England. In this position, Harrison was immersed in the PR world and worked on projects for clients around the world. “I had the chance to contribute to meaningful campaigns, from media relations to event planning, and learned a great deal about the industry from my incredibly talented colleagues on the consumer team,” says Harrison.

Harrison says that future applicants should be thorough and specific about how they would benefit from the award. “Preparation is essential, so take time to craft a compelling narrative that showcases your passion and how this experience will benefit both you and your community.”

Contributing to the Entertainment Industry

Tyler Gentry ’25 spent his summer in Los Angeles, California, as a music and talent intern at Vevo. The Internship Funding Award allowed him to experience the city and work with leading artists in the music industry. “My internship gave me the opportunity to create studio performance videos for artists such as Dasha, The Warning, Wolftyla, Chanel Tres and many more!”

Gentry says that it was a difficult process to figure out the financial logistics of his internship, but he says it’s important for students to stay determined. “Be passionate about what you want and how you will obtain it. My passion and determination helped me stay focused on creating a realistic plan for me to make the internship happen,” says Gentry.

Securing Jobs Post-Graduation

Through the support of the Internship Funding Award, Madison Deak ’25 interned last summer at Goldman Sachs Ayco in Cohoes, New York. Her experience included networking opportunities with financial professionals and immersion in the world of wealth management. “After an amazing summer I’m excited to be returning full-time to Goldmans Family Office post-grad,” says Deak.

Deak says an essential part of finding an internship is to stay open-minded; it took her over a year after she started applying to land an offer. “As long as you’re doing the right things: applying, interviewing and continuing to be involved in your academics, you will find something. It may just take time. You will end up where you’re meant to be.”

For complete information and application details, visit the Internship Funding Award webpage on the Career Services website. Contact Erin Smith at ejsmit06@syr.edu with any questions.

Story by Student Experience communications intern Chloe Langerman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

As part of its comprehensive housing strategy, Syracuse University today announced it has selected Graduate by Hilton as the brand partner for its upcoming development of a full-service hotel on University Avenue. The hotel is expected to open in the fall of 2027. Today’s announcement follows the University’s conversion of the former Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center into Orange Hall and builds on the University’s acquisition of the Hotel Skyler Syracuse, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection.

Graduate by Hilton is a lifestyle brand made up of 35 hand-crafted hotels that reside in dynamic, university-anchored towns across the U.S. and U.K. Each hotel is created with a focus on local history and nostalgia—from the design touchpoints to the culinary experiences—capturing the unique spirit of each university and reflecting the cultures and traditions of the communities they are located within.

“Graduate is an ideal partner in helping us bring to life a distinctive and dynamic space that authentically represents the Syracuse University experience,” says Brett Padgett, senior vice president and chief financial officer. “This collaboration will create a vibrant hub for both our campus and the broader Syracuse community, offering a welcoming destination during key moments like Orange game days, reunions, graduations, campus visits and beyond. We’re thrilled to work together to build a space that reflects the unique spirit and character of Syracuse University.”

“Syracuse University is the perfect partner as we continue the Graduate tradition of delivering collegiate-inspired hospitality to vibrant academic communities,” says Kevin Osterhaus, president, global lifestyle brands, Hilton. “Like the University, Graduate values lifelong learning and connection, and we are confident this hotel will become a beloved destination for visitors, locals and fans alike.”

The planned hotel will feature approximately 200 rooms, on-site parking, a full-service, three-meal restaurant and event space. A rooftop bar and lounge will offer stunning views of campus, creating a space for both hotel guests and members of the Central New York community to gather. The new hotel will be situated across from the University Avenue Garage, at the corner of University Avenue and Harrison Street.

“We are excited about the potential of this new hotel to enhance the overall experience for our campus community while providing a much-needed venue for visitors and events in the area,” says John Papazoglou, senior vice president and chief operations officer. “This development highlights how Syracuse University is advancing its strategic goals while contributing to the vibrancy of the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County.”

The University has engaged The Hardy Group to serve as project manager, with DLR Group selected as designer and LeChase serving as construction manager. The University is in the process of selecting a third-party operator for the hotel.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors closes the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.

About Graduate by Hilton

Graduate by Hilton is a lifestyle brand of hand-crafted hotels that reside in dynamic university-anchored towns in the United States and United Kingdom. Each hotel brings stories and traditions to life through one-of-a-kind experiences, which authentically reflect the unique spirit of each community they are located within. Founded in 2014 by Adventurous Journeys (“AJ”) Capital Partners and acquired by Hilton in 2024, Graduate’s portfolio consists of 35 open hotels across the US and UK. Learn more about Graduate by Hilton at Stories From Hilton and follow the brand on Instagram.

The Student Experience division is honored to announce the selection of Chidera Olalere ’26 and Silke Pion ’26 as the Class of 2026 Senior Class Marshals. As the all-University representatives for their class, in this role they will help to recommend the Commencement speaker, offer insights and suggestions to the student experience, participate in campus events and conclude their service by leading the student procession during the 2026 Commencement ceremony.

“Leading with heart, purpose and unmistakable Orange pride, Chidera and Silke have made a lasting impact on our Syracuse community through their dedication to campus involvement, community service and academic excellence,” says Sheriah N. Dixon, associate vice president for the Student Experience division, dean of students and chair of the selection committee. “As the Class of 2026 Senior Class Marshals, they embody the true spirit of Syracuse University—guiding us with vision, unity and distinction as we step boldly into the future.”

Chidera Olalere

Home is where you find community and belonging and for rising senior Chidera Olalere, her homes include Nigeria, North Yorkshire, England, and Syracuse University. Driven to immerse herself in learning experiences in and beyond the classroom, Olalere joined the Orange community as an international student and soon after, quickly began building a student experience unique to her passions, goals and academic pursuits.

“I have been introduced to opportunities that I would not have known existed otherwise and I have been given mentors in more spaces and fields than I could have imagined. The people at this University invest in you and as I have been thinking intently about how I want to close out my time at Syracuse University, I knew I wanted to pay all this forward,” says Olalere in reflection of what motivated her to apply for Senior Class Marshal. “I am also excited to represent all my different experiences at the University, my background and hopefully show other students the value of being open to the opportunities around them and pursuing the things they are passionate about.”

Within the College of Arts and Sciences Olalere is pursuing dual majors in biochemistry and forensic science, with a minor in economics. Highlighted scholarly accomplishments include being a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program and a recipient of the Invest in Success and 1870 scholarships. Bridging what is learned in the classroom to future professional endeavors, Olalere has entered her second year as an undergraduate research intern within the Upstate Medical University Bourboulia Lab, working to identify potential new therapeutic agents for cancer therapy.

Driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact, Olalere is deeply involved in the campus community. She supports student success as a Stevenson Education Center tutor and cultivates community connections as a residence assistant. As a student leader she has consistently sought opportunities to support her peers. Additional highlights include serving as an Office of Academic Integrity student hearing panelist, a first-responder EMT on the Syracuse University Ambulance team, as a college ministry worship leader and a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences.

“To me, being Orange has looked like inviting people into your life and loving them well. Whether the interaction is one minute or semester long, being Orange is being enthusiastic and supportive, and using what you have learned to help those coming up after you,” says Olalere. “The legacy I have found at Syracuse University is one of joyful service and community and that is the same legacy I hope to leave behind.”

Silke Pion

As a California resident, contemplating leaving the West Coast for Syracuse University was at first a daunting decision for Pion, a junior in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and Martin J. Whitman School of Management pursuing bachelor’s degrees in political science, finance and business analytics. Soon after starting her first semester, it became clear that not only did she make the right choice by pursuing Syracuse University but the opportunities for student success were limitless.

“I want my legacy to remain here at Syracuse University and remind students who may second guess themselves that they are worthy of every opportunity in front of them. Before Syracuse University, I would have never applied for opportunities such as being a Senior Class Marshal—out of pure fear of rejection,” says Pion. “My time here has demonstrated that rejection is not the end of the world and often leads to some other unexpected surprises.”

As a recipient of the Chancellor’s and Invest in Success scholarships, in addition to being a member of the dean’s list, Renée Crown University Honors Program and the International Business Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma, Pion quickly dove into the student experience, facing uncertainty head-on and working to earn success both inside and outside of the classroom.

Throughout her undergraduate career, Pion has immersed herself into a variety of student experiences focusing on professional development, leadership and community service. Within the campus community she has led Alpha Gamma Delta as the director of finance, served as a Martin J. Whitman School of Management Marshall House teaching assistant and Harrison House leader, as president and service chair for Challah for Hunger: A Project of MAZON, community service chair under Syracuse Hillel and as a member of Beta Alpha Psi: Finance and Accounting Professional Fraternity.

When working to build a strong launchpad for the future, Pion prioritized finding personal success just as much as finding success for others within the communities she supports. Immersing herself in professional development within the greater global community, her experience includes being a junior analyst for The Orange Value Fund, LLC, policy analyst intern within the New York State Assembly Member Pamela Hunter’s district office, communications and community coordinator for the Kenya Immersion Experience and an active member of the Goodman IMPRESS Program and volunteer in the Syracuse community.

“No opportunity or experience stands alone, instead, it’s the result of the hard work and commitment of others who came before. I want to continue the tradition of paying it forward and spread the message across campus.” Pion shares as she eagerly prepares for her final chapter as an undergraduate student and looks to how she can support future generations of students. “Although my time at Syracuse University is quickly coming to an end, a piece of my heart will always be here. I want my legacy to remain here at Syracuse University and remind the students who may second guess themselves that they are worthy of every opportunity in front of them.”

For nutrition science graduate student Isabelle Haeberly, a seven-week rotation at a long-term care facility provided her with insight that will last a lifetime.

Haeberly worked at the facility in the Syracuse area as part of her “supervised experiential learning” (SEL) requirement needed to receive her master’s degree from the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. Haeberly emerged from her long-term care experience recognizing that the lessons she learned there will translate to any work environment she chooses.

“This rotation emphasized learning agility–the ability to take knowledge from one setting and apply it to another,” Haeberly says. “While long-term care may not be my ideal work environment, the critical thinking, attention to detail, individualization of interventions and interdisciplinary collaboration I developed will translate into any area of dietetics.”

In SEL settings, students work under the supervision of a preceptor, who is generally a registered dietitian. In a reflection that Haeberly wrote following her long-term care facility SEL, it was clear how deeply Haeberly was impacted by her preceptor and other healthcare professionals at the facility.

“The language of passion is universal regardless of profession with the commonality of wanting to get better at your craft,” Haeberly wrote.

We asked Haeberly, who received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Falk College in 2023, to reflect on her experience this winter.

“During my seven-week rotation at the long-term care facility, I gained valuable insight into the complexities of geriatric nutrition. This experience greatly deepened my appreciation for life in a way I don’t think any other experience could have. It brought to light the fact that health can decline rapidly. In this setting in particular, it highlighted how social isolation plays a major role in the health of residents and how family support makes a huge difference. I also observed firsthand how chronic pain contributes to behavioral changes, often mistaken for personality traits such as the stereotypical ‘old people are cranky.’ Overall, this rotation added a new perspective to how I view the world, and it made me realize just how short life is.

“Working with my preceptor, I strengthened my nutrition assessment skills and competence in reading medical records and learned to apply my medical nutrition therapy coursework in a clinical setting. I also witnessed how dietitians function as detectives, collaborating with speech-language pathologists, nurses and social workers to piece together accurate information and develop appropriate individualized interventions.

“One exceptional nurse manager’s attention to detail and passion for her profession set a high standard for patient care–one which everyone should strive for regardless of which healthcare profession they are in. This was one of my main takeaways. The qualities this nurse manager demonstrated showed me how much you can learn from professions other than your own.

“This experience provided me with valuable skills that will benefit me in my future as a dietitian, regardless of the setting I choose. It helped me gain confidence in my ability to learn quickly through hands-on experience and in my ability to adapt and even excel when thrown into a situation or position. It also greatly improved my confidence in my skills writing nutrition assessments and I got to see how my attention to detail helped me do well with the responsibilities in this type of dietetic role. This is a skill that will serve me in any area of dietetics.”

This academic year, Haeberly, Greta Smith and Cassidy Mosher were recipients of the Ann Selkowitz Litt Memorial Scholarship from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation. The annual Ann Selkowitz Litt Distinguished Speaker Series was held April 1 in Falk College.

The Path to RD/RDN

As of January 2024, dietitians are required to hold a master’s degree, so Falk College’s Department of Nutrition and Science and Dietetics modified its program into a two-year graduate level program where students complete the requirements for their degree in nutrition science and all of the SEL requirements in a comprehensive program.

The program’s accreditation standards require that students gain experience with patients/clients who require certain medical nutrition therapy, range across the lifespan and are from diverse backgrounds. The program provides students with four rotations in different settings: acute care, long-term care, community education and counseling and food service management.

Nicole Beckwith, director of the master of arts in nutrition science program, served as a preceptor for the program for 13 years and says the support the program receives from preceptors–many of whom are Syracuse University and Falk College alumni–is integral to its success. April is National Preceptor Month, and in Falk’s program, Beckwith says preceptors provide 8,000 hours of mentorship during an academic year for a fully enrolled class of 12 students.

“The importance of preceptors who are willing to welcome students into their workspace to provide mentorship is critical to our profession,” Beckwith says. “We seek to build strong relationships with our preceptors and support them through training opportunities, frequent communication, and appreciation gestures. Without preceptors, we have no programs and no profession.”

Once master’s students meet their SEL requirements, they are eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian/registered dietitian nutritionist (RD/RDN). They must pass the exam to become an RD/RDN, which can be used interchangeably. Visit the Nutrition Science and Dietetics website to learn more about academic programs and career opportunities.

In honor of National Student Employment Week (April 8-12), the Student Employment (’Cuse Works) team invites the campus community to celebrate the contributions and hard work of the nearly 6,500 student employees. Not only do these positions provide students with financial assistance, they also offer valuable opportunities for students to develop and enhance their professional skills and competencies.

2024-25 Student Employment Recognition Awards

Students, faculty and staff are invited to submit nominations for National Student Employment Week recognition awards through Friday, April 4. Complete details are available on the National Student Employment Week webpage.

• Student Employee of the Year: Nominate student employees who have demonstrated outstanding work, initiative, professionalism and other remarkable qualities. Complete the Student Employee of the Year Award nomination form to nominate undergraduate and graduate student employees.
• Student Employee Supervisor of the Year: Nominate a staff or faculty member who supervises student employees for the Supervisor of the Year Award. Please email the ’Cuse Works team and include the supervisor’s name, email, department and a description of why they should be considered for the award.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact the ’Cuse Works team.

Marissa L. Willingham is a passionate leader and advocate for student success with over 18 years of experience in Higher Education. Throughout her career, Marissa has developed and executed impactful programs that enhance student success and retention. She has served on numerous committees and led initiatives focused on celebrating culture, advancing social justice, fostering community engagement, and supporting leadership development. Known for her student-centered approach, Marissa serves as a role model, advocate, and confidant, consistently supporting students’ academic, professional, and personal growth.

Beyond her work at the university, Marissa is a board member of Image Initiative Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering teenage girls, and serve as a board member of Southside Academy Charter School (K-8^th grade), on the Southside of Syracuse NY.

Before coming to Syracuse University, Marissa worked for a non-profit, InterFaith Works of Central New York, where she played a key role in facilitating dialogues on race and ethnicity and recruiting diverse participants. She also coordinated the Community Wide Duck Race to End Racism, showcasing her commitment to promoting equity and unity within the Syracuse and surrounding communities.

Beyond her professional achievements, Marissa is a devoted mother of three and remains passionate about enriching the lives of others, embodying the spirit of giving back and uplifting her community.

While February is when the country annually honors Black History Month, Syracuse University’s Black History Month 2025 celebratory offerings are already in full swing and will continue with programs and events that extend into March and throughout the rest of the year.

Examining Black life and culture through time and space, this year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” explores work and working of all kinds, free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary within the collective intersecting experiences of Black life and culture.

“This year’s Black History Month planning has been a labor of love,” says Cydavia Patterson, Barner-McDuffie House program coordinator and member of the Black History Month Committee. “The committee has put in long hours, lots of emails and phone calls and many back-to-back meetings. We hope this month inspires you to celebrate your heritage, revel in your history, practice cultural wellness and look for those who you can reach out to and reach back to.”

Calendar of Events

The campus community is invited to join these programs, events and discussions that began on Jan. 22 and continue through March 2.

“Black history is deeply ingrained in the foundation of this country, not just this month but year-round,” says Lael Pierce, assistant director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. “We honor the bravery, talent and contributions of the men and women who’ve excelled and enacted change in our society. Black history is American history.”

A complete listing of Black History Month events is available on the University Events Calendar. Among the highlights:

• Friday, Jan. 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Black History Month (BHM) Information Fair
• Friday, Jan. 31, 7-9 p.m.: Black History Month Kickoff
• Monday, Feb. 3, noon-2 p.m.: Hair Me Out
• Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.: Basketball Classic
• Saturday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Cusecon
• Sunday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m.: Closing Service Featuring Gospel Artist Richard Tolbert Jr.
• Sunday, March 2, 6-9 p.m.: Black History Month Closing Ceremony

For questions or to learn more, contact Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Student Success by emailing BIPOCSS@syr.edu or calling 315.443.0228.

While many people here in the U.S. celebrated the start of a new year when the Gregorian calendar flipped from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, as many as 2 billion people from Asian cultures around the globe will begin to observe the Lunar New Year—also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival—this week.

On Jan. 29, we bid farewell to the Year of the Dragon and usher in the Year of the Snake, which, according to the Chinese Zodiac, represents harvest, spirituality and good fortune. Lunar New Year celebrations last up to 15 days and include such various customs as gathering with family, preparing traditional foods, artistic performances and the gifting of red envelopes to pass on good fortune and blessings to the younger generations.

For international students on campus looking for a taste of home or for anyone who simply wants to celebrate a new beginning based on the lunar calendar, check out the following selection of Lunar New Year events being held on campus.

Tuesday, Jan. 28—Asian American Journalists Association Celebration

The Asian American Journalists Association will hold a Lunar New Year Celebration in Newhouse 1 Room 303 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be fun activities, delicious food and an amazing night planned for all!

Wednesday, Jan. 29: Food Services Pop-Up

Campus Dining centers will host pop-up events in all dining centers at dinnertime, with a build-your-own stir fry station featuring noodles, rice and extra toppings; dumplings and spring rolls.

Wednesday, Jan. 29: Newhouse International Students Association Tabling Event

The Newhouse International Students Association will host a tabling event in food.com, located on the second floor of Newhouse 3, from noon to 1 pm. Stop by to get your lucky red envelope and Asian treats to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

Friday, Jan. 31: School of Architecture Lunar New Year Celebration

A special cultural event will be held in Slocum Hall from 5 to 7:30 p.m., organized by international students in the School of Architecture and Dean Michael Speaks. Students can engage in a wide range of activities, such as knot tying, calligraphy, fortune scratch-offs, Chinese horoscopes and a photo booth. There will also be musical and vocal performances and a dancing dragon. Food, chocolate coins and traditional candies, and tea with Dean Speaks will be served. A series of short faculty presentations on East Asian culture and architecture will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 31: Orange After Dark/Center for International Services Lunar New Year Celebration

 The campus community is invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year with Orange After Dark and the Center for International Services from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. in 304 ABC Schine Student Center. There will be a light Chinese buffet and activities, including making a Chinese lucky knot, creating PaperCut, origami, Wish Tree, chopstick bean relay race and calligraphy. Tickets can be obtained through the Student Box Office My Ticket Portal.

Friday, Feb. 7: Chinese United Student Association and Chinese Student and Scholars Association Chinese New Year Party

The Chinese United Student Association and the Chinese Student and Scholars Association will host a Chinese New Year Party at 6 p.m. in the Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium. There will be programs relating to Chinese culture, dance, martial arts and music.

Share Your Lunar New Year Photos With Us!

However you decide to celebrate—whether at the events mentioned above or elsewhere—send your photos to SU News! Email newsphoto@syr.edu and we’ll share a selection of Lunar New Year pictures in the weeks to come.

The 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Planning Committee is proud to announce the 2025 Unsung Hero Award winners: Andrea-Rose Oates ’26, James K. Duah-Agyeman G’99, Student Coalition on Race and Equity (SCORE), Laurence Segal and Jamie Jackson (posthumously).

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’s vision of creating positive change in a troubled world.

The award winners will be recognized at the 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Sunday, Jan. 26, featuring keynote speaker Sarah Willie-LeBreton, president of Smith College. Tickets for the celebration are available on the MLK Celebration website.

The Unsung Heroes are:

Andrea-Rose Oates ’26 (Syracuse University student)

Oates, a public relations major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and policy studies major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences, has dedicated her life to community service, leadership and social justice. She is the president and founder of “Girlz Rize,” a nonprofit initiative focused on fighting for girls’ education opportunities.

Through her work last summer with NBCUniversal, Oates amplified underrepresented voices by highlighting community challenges and successes. Her summer internships with Comcast and Hilco Redevelopment Partners demonstrated her ability to translate corporate resources into meaningful community outreach.

Oates’ leadership roles at Syracuse have included serving as president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Iota Upsilon chapter; co-secretary for the Black Student Union; events chair for the Women in Communications Club; a member of the Newhouse Student Representative Committee and an account associate for Hill Communications. She is dedicated to fostering inclusive, collaborative spaces that inspire academic and social growth and sustainable, generational change.

“Andrea-Rose doesn’t merely identify problems; she acts, empowering others to take part in solutions,” says nominator Diya Gupta. “Her actions reflect Dr. King’s enduring call to serve others and create a world where equity and justice prevail.”

James Duah-Agyeman G’99 (Syracuse University Faculty/Staff)

Duah-Agyeman, former director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and special advisor to the Men of Color Initiative, has a 38-year record of achievement at Syracuse University—as a graduate student, teacher, academic counselor, administrator and leader.

“There are many who talk the talk of service, inclusion and integrity, but in the context of engagement with the world, Dr. D has walked the walk again and again,” says nominator Barry L. Wells. “In the process, he has set a powerful example for students, faculty, staff, and community members in how one person can make a significant difference in the development and expansion of a community that values service and inclusion.”

Duah-Agyeman most recently led Multicultural Affairs in developing programs to advance inclusion on the SU campus by creating best-in-class programs like the WellsLink Leadership Program; Dimensions, a peer mentoring program for women of color; and the Men of Color Initiative. He was instrumental in piloting and introducing the Conversations About Race and Ethnicity (C.A.R.E.) intergroup dialogue programs on campus. He also advocated for inclusion through his community work with Interfaith Works of Central New York and the Ghana Society of CNY.

Student Coalition on Race and Equity (SCORE) (Youth Community Organization)

 The Student Coalition on Race and Equity (SCORE) was launched in 2020, after the murder of George Floyd. SCORE harnesses the talent and leadership skills of high school students across Onondaga County to combat oppression and foster equity. It empowers youth, known as SCORE leaders, to educate adults on topics related to race and equity, sharing insights from their unique perspectives as young people.

After completing five weeks of training in equity-based topics and being equipped with the skills necessary to facilitate interactive workshops, SCORE Leaders take on the role of educators, leading workshop sessions for community stakeholders each August. SCORE has provided workshops on implicit bias and Black history to almost 3,000 community members.

“SCORE is a powerful program that not only centers and draws from the creativity and expertise of youth, but it also engages youth in meaningfully powerful professional experience,” says nominator Jenny Dombroske. “Our community is fortunate to have this access to the insights of youth and the opportunity to learn some of the hardest lessons from them, so that we may contribute to the future that they want for themselves.”

Laurence Segal (Community Member)

Segal quietly fights every single day for cancer patients, the homeless, the downtrodden and people the rest of society cast aside, says his brother and nominator, Andrew Segal.

Laurence has been known to stop his car and help stranded motorists, using his own AAA card to help them. Through his organization, Bottles for a Cure, he has returned millions of bottles and cans for cancer patients and research and pulled millions of pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House of CNY. He hosts multiple blood drives every month that impact thousands of people, and he constantly strives to make the world a better place.

This summer, Segal cleaned up trash on city streets and passed out hot meals, cold drinks, sanitizers, masks and first aid kits to people experiencing homelessness. He has spent countless hours with cancer patients holding their hands while they go through chemotherapy, radiation and long hospital stays.

“He makes a difference constantly, but just chooses to keep it silent,” Andrew Segal says. “He is the gem of our family, and a gem in CNY.”

Jamie Jackson (Special Posthumous Recognition)

Jackson, a longtime employee with Syracuse University’s Parking and Transportation Services, was in a unique position to connect with almost every person on campus for over 20 years. He was assigned to the Quad lot outside Hendricks Chapel, where he offered assistance to campus visitors and befriended many members of the campus community. Jackson passed away unexpectedly in September 2024.

He was a graduate of Onondaga Community College and a U.S. Navy and U.S. Army veteran. In his obituary, he was remembered as a “wonderful son, beloved husband, fantastic father, a devoted veteran, terrific brother, great friend, kind uncle, good outdoorsman, strong record keeper and avid sports fan.”

Dara Harper, communications director at Hendricks Chapel, got to know Jackson well.

“In my opinion, Jamie’s role on campus was utterly unsung. He, a veteran, a dad, a confidante, a judge, a quiet and constant friend, touched every person on campus,” she says. “To tell you that he was the parking attendant limits his story to a singular piece of who he was. And for many of us, he is still just right outside.”

Jackson’s loss is felt every day on the University campus. “Jamie embodied the kindness, fortitude and patience that we all should strive for in this world,” says Harper. “He was a GOOD man, which is just the simplest way of saying that he was a hero.”