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In 1988, alumna Robin Berkowitz-Smith ’83 returned to Syracuse University as a newlywed and a professional ready to work with students. What began as a dual job offer for her and her husband, Jeff, turned into Robin’s 38-year legacy of mentorship, leadership and care for thousands of students and fellow staff members.

“My deepest gratitude goes out to all who supported, challenged and inspired me throughout my 38-year career here,” says Berkowitz-Smith. “It’s been an honor and all will be missed.”

Berkowitz-Smith’s connection to Syracuse started long before her professional tenure began. As an undergraduate, she was a resident advisor in Sadler Hall and worked in Food Services. After graduating in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition management, she pursued a master’s degree in higher education administration at Kent State, where she met her future husband. The couple returned to Syracuse in 1988, newly married and eager to begin their careers in higher education.

Her early years were spent in residence life, where she initially served as a residence director (RD) in Flint Hall. Her husband was the RD in Day Hall, and they split their time between two apartments on Mount Olympus.

Building Community and Supporting Students

Over the years, Berkowitz-Smith climbed the ranks, becoming a coordinator on South Campus, then assistant director and eventually associate director, overseeing all of the residence halls on North Campus (which at the time housed more than 5,000 students).

The most challenging parts of the job were helping students navigate roommate issues and assisting students dealing with personal struggles. “I really learned to mediate and to listen, and to collaborate with others to provide the support that students needed,” she says.

Berkowitz-Smith’s genuine concern was also felt by her colleagues.

Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, associate dean at Hendricks Chapel, says Berkowitz-Smith helped smooth her transition to the University when she arrived in 2002 as the director of the Office of Residence Life.

“She was an incredible colleague—steadfast, deeply compassionate and absolutely student-centered in everything she did. Her warmth, insight and candor have had such a lasting impact on all of us who’ve had the privilege of working with her,” Kantrowitz says. “Robin always kept it real—always genuine, always grounded, always honest.”

Every year on opening weekend, Berkowitz-Smith would walk every floor of every residence hall before move in, checking to make sure resident advisor door tags and bulletin boards were up and welcoming.

“That level of care sent such a strong message to staff, students and their families: You matter, and how you’re welcomed matters,” says Kantrowitz.

Berkowitz-Smith was also invested in her students’ social and leadership development. She was instrumental in launching such programs as Orange After Dark, and initiated and implemented the first overnight retreat to build community among honors students.

A Move to Academics

In 2018, after three decades in residence life, Berkowitz-Smith transitioned to the academic side of the University, joining the College of Arts and Sciences as an academic advisor.

Four years later, she joined the Renée Crown University Honors Program. It was a shift driven by a desire to return to her passion—working directly with students. “I didn’t want to supervise anymore,” she says. “I wanted to advise and to connect.”

She quickly realized that what students needed most wasn’t a thesis advisor—it was someone who cared. “They just need someone to tell them that they’re doing okay, that they’re enough,” she says.

“Over the years, Robin has made invaluable contributions to the honors program. As an academic advisor, her love for students played a major role in ensuring that honors students had meaningful student experiences and thrived academically,” says Danielle Smith, professor of African American studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Renée Crown University Honors Program. “Robin taught the honors sophomore seminar, and students learned so much from her about conducting research, doing community service, preparing for internships and other professional opportunities. Her guidance has been instrumental for the growth of students.”

Allie Heppner, associate director of the Renée Crown University Honors Program, says Berkowitz-Smith’s dedication, thoughtfulness and behind-the-scenes leadership shaped the student experience in profound ways. “Robin leaves behind a legacy and a community of staff, faculty and students who are excited to celebrate her next chapter and will long appreciate the positive mark she made,” she says.

Berkowitz-Smith’s daughters, Brianna ’13 and Alea ’14, G’15, were greatly impacted by their mom’s tenure at the University. They lived in a South Campus apartment when they were small and grew up on campus, attending ORL picnics and student events.

When it came time for college, their parents took them to look at other colleges and universities, but they both gravitated back to Syracuse. Both were resident advisors during their time here. “They bleed Orange too,” says their mom. Both are now elementary school teachers in the Liverpool Central School District.

Celebrating a Legacy of Caring

For her retirement, Berkowitz-Smith’s colleagues and former students compiled a 30-minute video filled with messages of gratitude. The words that came up the most? “Caring,” “supportive” and “mentor”—testament to the relationships she built over nearly four decades.

The decision to retire wasn’t an easy one, she says. A Philadelphia native and first- generation college student, she has been working since she was 12. But after her mother’s passing and with her daughter’s wedding approaching, she felt it was time.

Retirement for Berkowitz-Smith, however, doesn’t mean slowing down. She is already enrolled in a class on ancient China, intends to return to ceramics and is planning for a trip to Japan and China with her husband. She also looks forward to spending more time in her garden. “I am not saying I won’t work again,” she says. “But right now, I want to find me again.”

Lab THRIVE, short for The Health and Resilience Interdisciplinary collaboratiVE, is making significant strides in collegiate mental health research.

Launched by an interdisciplinary Syracuse University team in 2023, the lab focuses on understanding the complex factors affecting college students’ adjustment to campus life, with an emphasis on both risk and protective factors that influence psychological well-being.

The lab combines quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods to analyze student mental health trends and to develop strategies to improve campus support systems. In just over a year, researchers have already published academic papers in competitive journals and launched several studies examining resilience, belonging, help-seeking behaviors and mental health outcomes among Syracuse students.

Born to THRIVE

The lab’s interdisciplinary approach brings together researchers from counseling, public affairs and policy.

It is co-led by Yanhong Liu, associate professor of counseling and counselor education in the School of Education; Qingyi Yu, associate director of health and wellness research at the Barnes Center at The Arch; and Michiko Ueda-Ballmer, associate professor of public administration and international affairs in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

“It started when Dr. Yu invited me to join the Barnes Center’s research committee,” Liu says. The committee, formed in 2022, focused on Universitywide data related to student wellness and program effectiveness.

As Liu, Yu and Ueda-Ballmer examined the data, their overlapping research interests became clear. For instance, Liu’s expertise in positive psychology and the mental health of marginalized youth complemented Ueda-Ballmer’s work on social determinants of health and suicide prevention.

Liu saw an opportunity to create a structured research hub that would not only deepen their understanding of student mental health but also train doctoral students. “Our doctoral students were eager to engage in meaningful research,” Liu says. “We wanted to create a space where they could contribute to projects with real-world impact.”

Data-Driven Support

By 2023, Lab THRIVE was established as an interdisciplinary hub.

“Many research projects conducted within the lab aim to offer a holistic view of the integrated health and wellness of Syracuse University students,” Yu says. “The primary goal is to better understand the predictors and protective factors that influence students’ overall well-being, providing valuable insights into the areas that need the most attention for improving student health and wellness.”

The lab’s pilot study used two years’ worth of data to examine the association between students’ engagement in wellness activities—such as physical exercise, the Deborah A. Barnes Pet Therapy Program and the Crowley Family MindSpa—and their mental health outcomes. This research identified wellness activities as predictors of reducing depressive symptoms among students.

Another study explores international students’ help-seeking behaviors, identifying the importance of resilience in improving students’ mental health.

“All our studies provide data-driven support for strategic planning within the University’s health and wellness initiatives,” Yu says, “ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and addressing the most critical factors influencing students’ well-being.”

Clear Intentions

Sarah Litt, a second-year doctoral student in counseling and counselor education, says that her work with Lab THRIVE is a benefit of attending  Syracuse: “Opportunities for research like this are rare in counseling programs.”

Litt contributed to the project addressing international students’ help-seeking behaviors, which became one of Lab THRIVE’s first published studies.

The paper—narrowing on gender identity, sexual minority status and academic level—revealed that male-identifying international students were less likely to seek help, while students identifying as gender or sexual minorities were more likely to seek formal support, highlighting a need for targeted advocacy and outreach.

“I learned so much from Dr. Yu about refining research questions and statistical analysis,” Litt says. “I started with a clinical focus, but the project pushed me to think more critically about data and methodology.”

Lab THRIVE’s research pipeline also complements student support programming at Syracuse. “Our findings are helping the Barnes Center understand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to supporting student well-being,” Liu says. “We may not see a whole lot of products now, but what is most important is the development of a solid pipeline and clear intentions about every project we initiate.”

Sense of Belonging

A key element of Lab THRIVE’s success is its wider cross-campus collaborations. The lab works closely with the Barnes Center at The Arch, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, TRIO Student Support Services (part of the School of Education’s Center for Academic Achievement and Student Development) and the Center for International Services to recruit participants for ongoing focus groups. Starting in fall 2025, these focus groups will explore how students experience campus life and seek mental health support.

“We want to understand not just the barriers to help-seeking but also what promotes a sense of belonging,” Ueda-Ballmer says. “We’ve learned that students who feel connected to their peers and the campus community report lower levels of loneliness and distress.”

Doctoral students such as Litt are actively involved as facilitators in these focus groups, gaining hands-on research experience while contributing to meaningful data collection. “It’s a unique learning opportunity,” Litt says. “I’m getting exposure to public health and data analysis alongside my counseling training.”

Yu adds, “These conversations provide rich qualitative data that helps us better understand how students find community and feel a sense of belonging at Syracuse University.”

Building a Legacy

Lab THRIVE’s work is offering insights to professionals beyond Syracuse. Last year, Liu, Yu and Ueda-Ballmer presented their findings at national conferences, including at the 2024 Association for Psychological Science Annual Convention.

“We were part of a panel on loneliness,” Ueda-Ballmer says. “The audience was surprised to learn that college students experience such high levels of loneliness despite being surrounded by peers. That reinforced how critical it is to promote belonging and support.”

Fittingly, given her research interests, Litt finds the lab experience supportive on a personal level: “It can be a really lonely journey at times with doctoral studies, but when collaborating, especially with people going through a similar process, it really creates a sense of community.”

When asked where she thinks the lab’s future lies, Liu points to expanding its research capacity and increasing student involvement: “We hope to publish more studies and attract more doctoral students to the lab. It takes time to build momentum, but we’re already seeing meaningful results.”

Yu says another exciting direction is expanding the lab’s interdisciplinary collaborations: “We are actively seeking partnerships with researchers from other fields to examine how emerging areas—such as artificial intelligence—can contribute to a deeper understanding of students’ mental health.”

Litt agrees with this outlook, concluding, “There’s so much crossover between psychology, counseling, sociology and public health. I hope Lab THRIVE continues to grow as a model for interdisciplinary research and training.”

Story by Ashley Kang ’04, G’11

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 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 Greek Life. “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 Belonging and Student Success by emailing BIPOCSS@syr.edu or calling 315.443.0228.