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Dear Members of the Syracuse University Community,

Yesterday, Chancellor Syverud shared difficult news that gave each of us pause. What I have seen since is a community extending kindness, grace and compassion. It is exactly what I admire about our Orange family.

Chancellor Syverud has devoted more than a decade of wisdom, integrity and genuine care to this university. His leadership has shaped not just our vision and mission, but our character and our people. To witness him facing this challenge is a reminder that we are, first and always, a community bound together by something deeper than circumstance.

I ask that you hold Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen close in the days and weeks ahead. They are not taking this road alone—they carry with them the love, prayers and unwavering support of an entire community. We are many, we are devoted and we are in their corner every step of the way. That corner is resolute, and it is everything that is best about being Orange.

This moment calls for exactly that. I have spent my life among people who answer a call when it comes—quietly, confidently, without fanfare. And I have never been more certain that Syracuse University is precisely that kind of community.

To our students, our faculty, our staff and our alumni: in the weeks ahead, I will be listening, learning and showing up.

To Chancellor Syverud: your words yesterday were a testament to everything that makes you a leader worth following. This community is grateful and we are all behind you.

If you would like to share a message with Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen, please visit .

With great respect and optimism for what lies ahead.

Sincerely,

J. Michael Haynie
Acting Chancellor