When the Orange women’s basketball team earned its spot in the NCAA Tournament this spring, head coach ’89 wasn’t expecting company from incoming Chancellor J. Michael Haynie on Selection Sunday.

“I’m not thinking anyone is going to come over to our party,” Legette-Jack says of the appearance by Haynie, who had just been named the University’s 13th president and chancellor a week and a half earlier. “And not only did he come, but he stayed almost to the very end. He celebrated with the team and the fans.”

For Legette-Jack, the moment said something about who Haynie is. “He’s a listener. He’s an enthusiast. He’s very intelligent,” she says. “I sense that he’s going to see all of us and our goodness, and if we have struggles, he’s going to be an ear to listen.”

That leadership instinct—to show up, pay attention and treat people like they matter—runs through the accounts of students, faculty, community leaders and national figures who have worked alongside Haynie during his nearly two decades at Syracuse University.

He Meets People Where They Are

When , professor and director of the in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) and a member of the chancellor search committee, invited Haynie to tour the Nancy Cantor Warehouse earlier this spring, she noticed something right away: he came alone.

“There was no driver, no ‘handlers,’ no entourage of any kind,” Stokes-Rees says. “It feels like he really prioritizes doing things himself and taking the time to make personal connections.”

As they walked through the fashion design studio on the seventh floor, Haynie recognized the first student they encountered, by name. He knew her sorority and that he was having dinner with them the following Tuesday.

“This little moment is a perfect example of who he is,” Stokes-Rees says. “Truly student-focused, super friendly and energetic with everyone he meets. He brings a genuine desire to be actively involved in all aspects of University life.”

Legette-Jack sees the same quality in how Haynie communicates. “He can come to your level of communication,” she says. “You don’t feel like you’re speaking to somebody way above you.”

He Listens First, Then Acts

Thomas O’Brien ’25, a VPA film program alumnus and project coordinator with the , traces his working relationship with Haynie to a single moment.

As a junior, O’Brien was invited to speak at New Student Convocation in the JMA Wireless Dome. Afterward, in the green room, Haynie handed him a neon sticky note with his email address and two words: “Let’s talk.”

“I still have the sticky note to this day,” O’Brien says.

Within two weeks, O’Brien was in Haynie’s office discussing his social media business. Over the following year, their conversations shifted. It was no longer about O’Brien’s venture, but explored a bigger question: How could Syracuse University meaningfully explore the creator economy?

That exchange helped lay the groundwork for the Center for the Creator Economy, a joint initiative between the Martin J. Whitman School of Management and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, where O’Brien develops programming for student creators as the center’s first full-time employee.

“He saw me, heard me and wanted me to succeed. He gave me a shot, and I took it,” O’Brien says. “That’s what university leaders should always aim to do.”

Leonel “Leo” Aviles ’26, a recent graduate of the , Marine Corps veteran and outgoing president of the , experienced a similar pattern of connection leading to opportunity.

After getting to know Aviles through veteran events and regular meetings with the organization’s executive board, Haynie introduced him to Erik Smith, president and CEO of Saab’s U.S. operations, during a Syracuse football game where Aviles was honored as a Hometown Hero. That introduction led to Aviles securing a position as a cyber analyst at Saab after graduation.

“He did this simply because he wanted to help,” Aviles says. “He saw potential in me and took the initiative to create an opportunity without expecting anything in return.”

He Has the Record to Match

Haynie’s reach extends well beyond campus. Bob McDonald, who served as U.S. secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) from 2014-17 and is the former chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble, first sought out Haynie as a leader in the veterans space. McDonald asked him to serve as vice chair of the VA’s external advisory committee. When the chair stepped back for family obligations, Haynie became the de facto leader.

“He deserves credit for the transformation of the VA, raising trust among veterans from 47% to near 80%,” McDonald says. “He knows how to lead and is great at building strategic partnerships and robust systems that deliver results.”

That reach is visible in the work Haynie built at Syracuse and championed nationally. Megan Andros, director of workforce and veterans at The Heinz Endowments, has worked alongside Haynie for more than a decade through the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), which he founded.

What stays with her is his knack for seeing challenges before others do. Years ago, she was invited to a meeting Haynie convened with the U.S. Department of Defense, bringing higher education and the military together to collaborate—rather than compete—in the face of shared recruiting and enrollment pressures, long before those pressures became the crisis confronting universities today.

“He recognizes the most important issues early, and he gets the right people in the room to work on them before they become crises,” Andros says. “That combination of foresight, conviction, and the ability to move people toward a shared goal for the greater good is exactly what Syracuse needs as it steps into its next chapter.”

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon witnessed Haynie’s steady, guiding hand during the COVID-19 pandemic and the recruitment of Micron Technology to the Central New York region.

“I think certainly his military background played out during the pandemic as the JMA Wireless Dome turned into essentially one of the largest healthcare testing facilities,” McMahon says of Haynie’s track record of leading the University’s COVID response. “Being able to get the school open, and have it stay open, with the rigorous regulatory environment that we were in was a testament to his leadership.”

McMahon sees that same steady hand at work as the region positions itself around Micron’s planned semiconductor investment. “This next chapter is one where the University has real opportunities to grow in disciplines that maybe historically they weren’t competing in,” he says. “He understands the opportunity at hand.”

Back on campus, Stokes-Rees sees a university positioned to meet the moment.

“At a time when higher education faces real disruption, Syracuse needs a leader who leans into innovation rather than away from it, and that is exactly who Mike Haynie is,” she says.

When video game giant EA Sports rolled out its newest football games, College Football 27 and Madden 27, was called upon to help cheer on the game to its legion of fans.

As part of a special Opening Drive showcase event held in Chicago earlier this month, Otto was selected as the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) representative, participating in a video promoting the event and performing assorted athletic challenges with mascots from other major athletic conferences from across the country.

Syracuse University’s was front and center capturing content of Otto alongside some of the country’s preeminent content creators.

“For Otto and Syracuse to be chosen to represent the College Football series is such a cool honor,” says , the University’s mascot coach. “This is a great fit for Otto and for our Orange fans. Otto represents the University and the ACC with such class and positivity, and with nonstop energy, Otto can connect with everyone. It was such a fun trip for Otto to advance our reputation.”

Otto Once Again Featured in Popular Mascot Mashup

Otto’s athletic prowess was on display at the Opening Drive event, with Otto outperforming fellow mascots in a game of cornhole, throwing a football with accuracy in the various skills competitions and serving as the center for the mascot team during the filming of the game’s commercial.

Otto chose the right time to showcase their athleticism, especially with College Football 27 bringing back one of the fan favorites: mascot mashup, where fans can take the field for a game pitting school mascots against each other.

Walas says EA Sports representatives have reported that one of the most popular mascot matchup pits Otto against the Stanford University Tree.

“Who doesn’t want to see an orange and a tree play college football? It’s a matchup that just goes together, since oranges grow on trees. It’s a fun feature and any time you can match Otto up against another mascot in a competition is a good thing,” Walas says.

When gamers are deciding which mascot to play as, Walas says Otto’s high endurance and energy level, combined with an ability to accurately throw a football and perform precise spin moves make Otto a strong candidate.

“We’ve heard from fans that they used to play as Otto back before mascot mode was taken away, so it’s cool that the feature is back in the game,” Walas says. “Don’t sleep on Otto! I hope people find a lot of enjoyment in this and decide to play as Otto.”

And how would Otto celebrate scoring a touchdown? “Definitely the Otto airplane!” Walas says.

Content Creators Take Center Stage

Documenting Otto’s every move in Chicago was Thomas O’Brien ’25, project coordinator for the Center for the Creator Economy. Equipped with only an iPhone 17 Max Pro and a portable charger, O’Brien captured hours of content alongside social media influencers from around the country who were live streaming gameplay, recording podcasts and providing real-time feedback on the new titles.

O’Brien says many customers curious about a new release will first watch their favorite Twitch streamer try out the new features before purchasing the game.

“You couldn’t walk more than 10 feet without seeing somebody capturing content. Everybody was documenting their experiences, and it was clear that the creator economy is a big part of the gaming industry,” O’Brien says. “Content creators are how these games get marketed and promoted on a large scale.”

Former Syracuse University men’s soccer standout was on his way home from a recent training session when he received the message that would change his life.

As his phone dinged, Robinson saw a WhatsApp message from Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the (USMNT), containing a video message announcing that Robinson had earned a spot on the .

“I was so excited. I rushed home and called my family. It was a special moment for sure!” Robinson says in an exclusive interview coordinated by the USMNT.

Robinson,��a defender for the Orange during the , will become the first Orange alumnus to play for the USMNT at the World Cup, which kicked off June 11. The U.S. defeated Paraguay 4-1 Friday night in the team’s opening match in Inglewood, California.

“[This] feels great. Obviously, it’s been an honor to be here in this group, but it’s just a dream come true,” says Robinson, a native of Arlington, Massachusetts, who plays for in Major League Soccer (MLS). “It’s a surreal moment to be here to represent the country, represent the nation in the world’s biggest tournament. I’m definitely honored.”

Sweet Redemption Following Devastating Injury

The satisfaction of making the U.S. roster is even sweeter when Robinson thinks back to where he was four years ago, watching the 2022 World Cup as a fan instead of suiting up for the U.S. Robinson, who was widely considered to be one of the team’s top prospects heading into the Qatar World Cup, was sidelined with a ruptured Achilles tendon in his left leg.

The hard work and long days rehabbing from the leg injury were all worth it when Robinson found out he made the national team roster.

“I’m so thankful for my support group, my friends, my family and my loved ones that motivated me and got me in this position,” Robinson says. “Thankfully, I got back from that injury and was able to continue to compete with the national team and here I am.”

Lifelong Lessons Learned at Syracuse

Robinson started all 42 games during his Orange career as a key contributor on head coach ‘s squad that won the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship and made its first College Cup appearance during the 2015 season. Robinson scored eight goals and added one assist during his two seasons and was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.

“To represent Syracuse means a lot because I have so much love for the University,” Robinson says. “I love being a part of Orange Nation and everything Syracuse [represents]. I was there for three great semesters and have so many memories, so many people that I met that are now lifelong friends.”

One of the people who made the biggest impression on Robinson during his time on campus was McIntyre, who like Robinson was a center back during his playing days. Robinson credits McIntyre with teaching lessons that extended well beyond soccer.

“Mac taught me a lot about what it means to work hard, to compete and to stay focused. To be vocal and be comfortable with being uncomfortable as a center back trying to push forward and lead a group of guys,” Robinson says. “He challenged me, but that challenge helped me be ready for the MLS once I was drafted. He taught me a lot on and off the field, so I’m forever grateful.”

After leaving Syracuse to pursue his professional soccer dreams, Robinson was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 MLS Super Draft by Atlanta United. Robinson signed a contract with FC Cincinnati in 2024 and has been a regular presence for the USMNT, representing the U.S. at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and appearing in 40 matches since his national debut in 2019.

Among his international competition highlights was scoring the in extra time to lift the U.S. past Mexico in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup final.

At the World Cup, Robinson will be joined by Tajon Buchanan, who is representing Team Canada. Buchanan played for the Orange in 2017 and 2018, scoring 12 goals with six assists during his two seasons.

For Syracuse University’s seniors, Commencement is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, a moment to celebrate earning their degrees.

But for the 10 seniors on the men’s lacrosse team, while the day was joyous, it was not a time for relaxing. They had to prepare for their next assignment: taking on Yale University in the first round of the NCAA Division I tournament.

In a seesaw contest featuring eight ties and five lead changes, it wasn’t until senior ��’26 came up with two crucial saves with 16 seconds left to that senior co-captains ’26 and ’26 could exhale and celebrate on the turf field inside the JMA Wireless Dome.

Thomson, an attacker, scored three goals and added a pair of assists, and Dwan, a defenseman, scooped up five groundballs and caused a turnover to help lift the Orange into the quarterfinals for the third straight season.

Among the highlights of Commencement weekend: each senior had their graduation photos taken, wearing their cap and gown over their jerseys.

“I felt excitement and happiness, but also a feeling of sadness,” says Thomson, who earned a communication and rhetorical studies degree from the . “The best four years of my life are coming to a close. Having my parents [Amanda and Tim] in the building made it more emotional. My mom has now seen her youngest child graduate. I felt so many emotions when I was sitting on the Dome turf with my cap and gown on.”

“It was a moment of reflection and gratitude for the great people and memories we’ve made at this place,” says Dwan, who also earned a communication and rhetorical studies degree.

Thomson and Dwan spoke with SU Today about the significance of graduating and winning an NCAA postseason game on the same day.

What were you more nervous about, Commencement or the first-round NCAA game?

Finn Thomson: I was more nervous about the game than graduation, because graduation is a celebration whereas the game’s outcome is out of my control. I knew I was going to graduate because I put the work in, but the game had yet to be played.

Billy Dwan III: For me, the playoff game where the season could have potentially ended was a more worrisome experience. Although graduation is a nerve-wracking time, I personally didn’t feel I graduated until our season was over.

How special is it to graduate in the morning and then kick off the quest for a championship in the afternoon?

Dwan: It hit me just how special of a day graduation would be during Selection Sunday the week before. We didn’t know whether we would be playing on Saturday or Sunday for the first round. When the bracket came out and we saw we were playing on the same day as graduation, it put everything into perspective. It’s a special experience.

Thomson: When I found out [Commencement] was the same weekend as our game against Yale, I was excited. There’s so much anticipation leading up to the day, and both events are about your hard work paying off. It was overwhelming, knowing that everything you’ve put into your classes and the team is coming to an end, but it was also a super fun day. Not everyone gets to experience graduation from that perspective.

What would it mean to you to guide this storied men’s lacrosse team to a national championship during your senior year?

Dwan: Everything this place has given me, from an education to the relationships I have built, will last a lifetime. Having that storybook ending for my senior year, going out the right way and winning a national championship would mean the world.

Thomson: Guiding this team to a national championship in my senior year would mean everything to me. Leaving this program in a better place than you found it is always the goal, and winning a national championship would do exactly that. Raising that trophy is always at the back of our minds. We know what it takes and we’re going to do everything we can to get there.

After the win over Yale, Syracuse (13-5) defeated North Carolina 13-11 in the quarterfinals to advance into Championship Weekend. The Orange will face Notre Dame (12-2) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the semifinals at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia. Fans can , and .

If Syracuse wins, the Orange will play for the national championship at 1 p.m. on Monday.

Syracuse University Director of Athletics Bryan B. Blair today announced the appointment of three senior leaders to the Department of Athletics’ executive team. Nicole Harris, Charles Small, Ph.D., and Yulander Wells Jr. each bring extensive experience in intercollegiate athletics administration and will drive the department’s strategic priorities across operations, student-athlete development and institutional growth.

“Championship programs are built on elite people, and Nicole, Charles and Yulander are among the most accomplished leaders in college athletics today,” says Blair. “They bring experience across the ACC, B1G, Big 12 and SEC, as well as at Notre Dame, with a proven track record of postseason success. What makes this group especially powerful is that they have lived this experience as student-athletes and led it at the highest administrative levels. They understand the demands, the opportunities and the responsibility we have to deliver an unmatched experience for our student-athletes, and the forward-thinking mindset required to compete in this modern era. I’m thrilled to welcome them and their families to this incredible community. This is a significant step forward for Syracuse Athletics—one that reflects both our ambition and the level of talent we are able to attract. I’m grateful to Chancellor Haynie for his continued support as we position Syracuse for sustained national success.”

Nicole Harris, Deputy Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator

Harris comes to Syracuse from the University of Toledo, where she served as deputy athletic director, chief operating officer and senior woman administrator. In her role, she provided executive leadership for strategic planning and daily operations across a 17-sport program and direct oversight of student-athlete support services, strength and conditioning, and NIL strategy and implementation. She served as sport administrator for football, women’s basketball and multiple other programs, while representing Toledo on the Mid-American Conference Administrators Council. During her tenure, Toledo experienced one of the most successful periods in department history, marked by sustained conference championship contention and postseason success. The football program’s performance included three top-65 NFL Draft selections over the past three years, one of just 13 programs nationally to achieve that distinction. Women’s basketball consistently led the conference in attendance and advanced to postseason play.

Prior to Toledo, Harris held senior leadership roles at Grand Canyon University and Florida Atlantic University, where she was recognized with the Award for Excellence and Innovation in Undergraduate Advising. She earned a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in sport administration from the University of Louisville, where she was a four-year varsity student-athlete for the women’s rowing team.

“Bryan’s vision for Syracuse is truly inspiring, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to join the department during such an exciting time,” says Harris. “Syracuse has an incredible tradition, strong momentum and a bright future ahead. I look forward to working alongside Bryan and the entire athletics team to support our student-athletes and help build sustained success. My family and I are excited to join the Syracuse community and contribute to the continued growth of Orange Athletics.”

Charles Small, Ph.D., Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Strategy Officer

Small joins Syracuse from the University of Washington, where he served as senior associate athletic director for sport administration and led the Big Ten department’s post-House Settlement strategy, coordinating more than 67 strategy sessions to modernize operations and build new infrastructure for the revenue-sharing era.

Small previously served as director of athletics at Valparaiso University, where he led the planning for a $120 million capital project and guided the program to consecutive years of record academic performance. Prior to his time at Valpo, Small spent four years at Iowa State University, where he served as sport administrator for men’s basketball and wrestling while leading sports medicine, compliance, strength and conditioning, academic support services and former student-athlete relations. Earlier in his career, he also held positions at the University of Arkansas and the University of New Orleans. Small holds a doctor of education from the University of Pittsburgh, along with a master’s degree in social work and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Pitt. He was also a four-year member of the Pitt’s men’s basketball program, where he won a pair of Big East championships, advanced to four NCAA Tournaments and made two Sweet Sixteen appearances.

“The vision Bryan has laid out for Syracuse Athletics is not only compelling, it’s inspiring,” says Small. “The work ahead is exactly the kind of challenge I came to this profession to take on. I look forward to helping shape the strategy and the structures that allow this program to compete at the highest level, on and off the field.”

Yulander Wells Jr., Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer

Wells comes to Syracuse from the University of Notre Dame, where he has served as deputy athletics director for revenue, business and finance operations and most recently as deputy athletics director for athletics strategy. In those roles he had primary oversight of an operating budget in excess of $250 million, led the negotiation of a 10-year apparel partnership, provided strategic guidance for the department’s lucrative one-of-a-kind media rights extension with NBC and provided executive leadership oversight for more than $200 million in construction projects, as well as generating record ticket sales, and corporate partnership revenues. Additionally, he also helped lead a comprehensive NIL and revenue-sharing cap strategy for the department’s 26 teams.

Prior to Notre Dame, Wells served as deputy athletic director for external operations and relations at Harvard University and held multiple senior roles at the University of South Florida, including chief financial officer. He began his career in intercollegiate athletics at the University of Florida and with Gator Boosters. Wells holds an MBA in operations and a bachelor of arts in finance from North Central College, where he was a three-year captain on the men’s basketball team.

“Syracuse is a program with a national brand, an incredibly passionate fan base and a director of athletics with a clear vision for where it is headed,” says Wells. “I would like to thank Bryan Blair for selecting me to join him and the Syracuse community during this transformative time in college athletics. My family and I are excited, and I look forward to putting my experience to work building the business and operational foundation that gives our coaches and student-athletes every advantage and every resource they need to excel in the classroom, in the community and in competition.”

Syracuse University Libraries’ LaunchPad hosted an inaugural Athletes for Data Sovereignty (A4DS) Summit and Pitch Competition, in partnership with UMiEconomy through its Charitable Foundation, , on April 24. The pitch competition was open to student-athletes, student-athlete alumni and student entrepreneurs with sports-related ideas. Winners of the pitch competition were:

• Gabriel Josefson ’28 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management), founder of XCHKR, won the grand prize of $2,000.
• Zach Richter ’26 (College of Arts and Sciences) and Taran Singh ’26 (Whitman School), founders of Wavelength, tied for second place, winning $750.
• Edouard Agbor G’27 (School of Information Studies), founder of GritGateway, also won $750 for second place.
• Marissa Johnson ’26 (S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications), founder of Gymify, won $250.
• Dylan McKinley ’26 (Newhouse School), founder of DylanDoesBasketball, won a Tier 1 Marketing Package from UMiEconomy.
• Jase Malloy ’27 (School of Information Studies), founder of ErgoCraft, won a Tier 2 Marketing Package from UMiEconomy.
• Ethan Barone ’26 (Whitman School), founder of CaneCLamp, won a Tier 1 Intellectual Property Legal Package
• Jonathan “Jack” Wren ’26 (Whitman School) and John “Trey ” Adams III ’26 (Whitman School), founders of Happy Duck, won a Tier 2 Intellectual Property Legal Package

In addition to the pitch competition, the summit included interactive games and workshops around the importance of data in industries such as sports, healthcare, media and finance, and how startups can build long-term value beyond short-term deals.

A distinguished scientist and educator, a physician and healthcare innovator, a pioneering entrepreneur, a ground-breaking academic leader, a distinguished public servant and a transformative national leader in higher education will be recognized with honorary degrees from Syracuse University at the .

Dr. Ruth Chen, a professor of practice in biomedical and chemical engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University; Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor and the Alan and Marlene Norton Presidential Chair at Upstate Medical University; Clifford J. Ensley ’69, ’70, G’71, founder and chief executive officer of Leisure Merchandising Corporation; Linda M. LeMura G’83, G’87, president of Le Moyne College; Joanne M. Mahoney ’87, L’90, president of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry; and Chancellor Kent Syverud, the 12th chancellor and president of Syracuse University, will be honored for their outstanding professional contributions, achievements and service to their communities and the public good.

Dr. Ruth Chen
Doctor of Science

An environmental toxicologist, Dr. Chen has built a distinguished career at the intersection of environmental science, public health and policy, and has had an indelible impact on the Syracuse University community and Central New York through her commitment to students, scholarship, service and the public good.

Dr. Chen holds a Ph.D. and M.P.H. in environmental toxicology from the University of Michigan and an M.S. in biomedical sciences from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Prior to academia, she served as state toxicologist for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, where she was responsible for risk assessment and risk management decisions across programs in permit, remediation, corrective action, combustion facilities, toxic substances and landfills. She provided expert counsel to multiple state divisions on issues of human health and toxicology while simultaneously managing Tennessee’s Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program. She secured federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency, and was a staff fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), working on pharmacokinetics.

Before joining Syracuse University, Dr. Chen served on the faculty at the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Washington University in St. Louis, where she led a professional engineering master’s degree program and an international education program. At Syracuse, she is admired for her ability to translate complex topics into accessible and inspiring learning experiences, with courses that bridge theory and application and empower students to see engineering as a vocation.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Chen’s leadership has strengthened student and community life in extraordinary ways. She has championed an award-winning International Student Success Model and hosts an annual International Thanksgiving Celebration for students who cannot travel home for the holidays. She is an advocate for Women in Science and Engineering and a consistent presence at student performances and athletics, ensuring every student feels they have a place at the University.

Dr. Chen’s impact extends well beyond campus. She has served on the boards of United Way, Interfaith Works and Syracuse Stage. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped procure masks for the community. She launched Operation Orange Warmup, the University’s winter coat drive, and through her support of local nonprofits, she has turned generosity into action across Central New York.

Dr. Mantosh Dewan
Doctor of Science

A physician scientist who has made significant contributions to clinical psychiatry, neuroimaging, psychotherapy and mental health systems, Dewan has dedicated his career to advancing medical education, expanding access to mental healthcare and serving the Central New York community.

Dewan began his career at SUNY Upstate in 1975 as a mixed medicine/psychiatry intern, becoming chief resident in psychiatry before joining the faculty as an assistant professor. Over the decades he has served as director of undergraduate education, director of residency training and chair of the Department of Psychiatry, and as interim dean of the College of Medicine from 2016 to 2017.

His scholarly output encompasses more than 80 papers, 35 books and book chapters, and hundreds of presentations on topics ranging from brain imaging and the economics of mental healthcare to psychotherapy and medical education. His research has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration. He is co-editor two books: “The Difficult to Treat Psychiatric Patient” and “The Art and Science of Brief Psychotherapies,” a best seller now in its third edition, translated into five languages and chosen for the American Psychiatric Association’s Core Competencies in Psychotherapy Series.

Dewan’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was transformational. Under his direction, Upstate developed the world’s most sensitive saliva diagnostic test and provided over four million tests to 60 of the 64 SUNY campuses, enabling all of SUNY to remain open and in-person. Syracuse University partnered directly with Upstate in this critical effort. Reflecting Dewan’s vision for leveraging technology to expand access to care, Upstate provides tele-psychiatry diagnostic and treatment services to students at 56 SUNY campuses. More recently, Dewan launched Upstate Biotech Ventures with $6 million in seed funding to cultivate biotech companies incubated at the medical center.

Listed in The Best Doctors in America and a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Dewan has received numerous honors, including the APA’s George Tarjan Award, designation as an “Exemplary Chair” by SUNY, Syracuse University’s Chancellor’s Medal in 2021 and an honorary degree from Onondaga Community College. He is also an affiliated professor at Jönköping University in Sweden.

Dewan’s career reflects intellectual curiosity, innovation, ethical leadership and a deep commitment to using science and medicine in service to society. His accolades and leadership reflect a career that has made profound contributions to science and to improve the well-being of the Central New York community.

Clifford J. Ensley ’69, ’70, G’71
Doctor of Humane Letters

A dedicated University trustee, accomplished entrepreneur and a celebrated student-athlete, Ensley has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to his alma mater through service, philanthropy and unwavering Orange spirit.

Ensley arrived at Syracuse as a walk-on with the football team after no Division I programs recruited him. His tenacity on the practice field earned him a scholarship from head coach Ben Schwartzwalder, and by his sophomore year he was starting on the varsity squad.

Ensley went on to become the last three-sport letter winner in Syracuse University history, earning letters in football, wrestling and lacrosse. He was an honorable mention All-American in football, set interception and special teams records as a defensive back and delivered a record-setting 76-yard punt return for a touchdown against Navy.

He was captain and most valuable player of the lacrosse team and was named the 1969 Syracuse University Athlete of the Year, joining a distinguished list that includes Jim Brown ’57, Ernie Davis ’62, Floyd Little ’67, H’19, Dave Bing ’66, H’06 and Larry Csonka ’68. Ensley received the Letter Winner of Distinction Award from Syracuse University Athletics and the Varsity Club in 1993 and the Dritz Rookie Trustee of the Year Award in 2018. A champion of volunteerism, he also founded Athletes Who Care in 2022, an organization that partners with Syracuse student-athletes to support charitable causes and community organizations in Central New York.

Ensley earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the and an MBA from the . He was a member of the U.S. Army ROTC and Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After his military service, Ensley entered the luggage industry. Drawing on his education, his experience in retail luggage sales and a perseverance built on the playing fields, he launched his idea for a wholesale luggage and accessories manufacturing business in 1978 with $2,500. The founder and chief executive officer of Leisure Merchandising Corporation grew the business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with a brand presence in thousands of retail locations.

Elected to the Board of Trustees in 2015, Ensley currently serves on the Athletics, Advancement and External Affairs, and Facilities committees. Together with his wife, Sue, he has provided lead gifts for the Ensley Athletic Center, the Chris Gedney Endowed Football Scholarship and the Orange Forever Endowed Memorial Fund, which provides keepsake blankets to the families of every deceased former student-athlete. They have also lent their support to initiatives in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the Whitman School, the Maxwell School, the Catholic Center and the Sala Family Plaza, among other numerous initiatives.

Linda M. LeMura G’83, G’87
Doctor of Humane Letters

LeMura’s career has been defined by groundbreaking leadership, scientific excellence and an unwavering commitment to educational equity and access.

LeMura graduated from Bishop Grimes High School as a three-sport athlete and honors student. She earned both a master’s degree (1983) in physical education and a Ph.D. (1987) in applied physiology from the at Syracuse University, where her academic training laid the foundation for a distinguished career. Her research in pediatric obesity, pediatric applied physiology and lipid and energy metabolism has produced more than 30 peer-reviewed articles, two books and 26 externally funded grant proposals. She has served as a research consultant for both the U.S. and Italian Olympic committees. She has consistently included students as co-investigators and co-authors in her work, highlighting her work as a mentor and a commitment to the next generation of scientists.

After serving as a professor, research scientist and graduate program director at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, LeMura joined Le Moyne College in 2003 and held leadership roles as dean of arts and sciences and provost before making history in 2014 as the first female layperson to serve as president of a Jesuit institution of higher education in the U.S. Her appointment opened pathways for women’s leadership across Jesuit higher education, with 10 additional women now serving in presidential roles at Jesuit institutions.

Under her leadership, Le Moyne has raised roughly $200 million, achieved eight consecutive years of record enrollment and led the college’s strategic transition to NCAA Division I athletics as a full member of the Northeast Conference.

LeMura co-chairs the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council. She was actively engaged in the Central New York’s efforts to bring Micron’s microchip manufacturing facility to the area and has aligned Le Moyne to the resulting workforce demand through new semiconductor-focused programs and the college’s ERIE 21 partnership with Micron.

She holds board positions with the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and the International Association of Jesuit Universities. Her awards include the 2023 Syracuse University Tolley Medal, selected by the School of Education; the 2019 Syracuse Key4Women Achieve Award; the 2017 Temple Adath Yeshurun Citizen of the Year Award; the 2017 Bishop’s Award from the Diocese of Syracuse Catholic Charities and recognition as a 2016 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction.

The relationship between Syracuse University and Le Moyne College has grown in collaboration during LeMura’s presidency through joint academic initiatives, community engagement projects and shared commitments to excellence.

Joanne M. Mahoney ’87, L’90
Doctor of Laws

Mahoney has built a career defined by her commitment to community, environmental stewardship and the advancement of Central New York. She earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing management from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management in 1987 and a juris doctor from the College of Law in 1990. She credits her legal education as the foundation of her career in public leadership. Her late father, Bernard J. Mahoney L’69, was also a graduate of the College of Law.

Mahoney began her legal career in private practice at Harris Beach before serving for five years as a criminal prosecutor in the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. She went on to serve on the Syracuse Common Council from 2000-03. In 2008, she became the first woman elected Onondaga County Executive, a position she held for three terms while overseeing a county government serving approximately 460,000 residents.

During her tenure, she created the nationally acclaimed Save the Rain green infrastructure program and helped lead efforts that transformed Onondaga Lake to swimmable water quality. She maintained the county’s highest bond ratings among all New York State counties and championed the Say Yes to Education partnership. Governing Magazine named her Public Official of the Year in 2011.

In November 2020, Mahoney was appointed president of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), the first woman to lead the institution in its more than 110-year history. Under her leadership, SUNY ESF has risen in the Princeton Review’s rankings of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges.

She serves as co-chair of SUNY’s systemwide Sustainability Advisory Council and has sustained the historic partnership between SUNY ESF and Syracuse University, ensuring collaborative academic programs, shared student opportunities and joint diplomas.

Mahoney has also served as chair of the New York State Thruway Authority, where she oversaw completion of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, one of the nation’s largest infrastructure projects. She currently serves on the College of Law’s Board of Advisors and has supported the Hon. Theodore A. McKee L’75 Endowed Law Scholarship and WAER.

Chancellor Kent D. Syverud
Doctor of Laws

Chancellor Syverud has led Syracuse University through 12 years of transformational change, reshaping the campus, strengthening research and academic excellence, and expanding Syracuse University’s impact in Central New York and beyond.

Hailing from Irondequoit, New York, Chancellor Syverud earned a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, a law degree magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School and a master’s in economics from the University of Michigan. He counts among his closest mentors the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, for whom he clerked. His career in legal education spans three decades, including deanships at Vanderbilt University Law School and Washington University School of Law. An elected member of the American Law Institute, he received the 2024 TIAA Institute Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence, one of the highest national honors in higher education.

Since becoming chancellor in 2014, Chancellor Syverud has placed students at the center of the University’s mission. Under his leadership, Syracuse has seen record applications and enrollment, invested over $100 million in student life—including the Barnes Center at The Arch, a renovated Schine Student Center, two new residence halls and a transformed JMA Wireless Dome—and expanded global learning programs across five international centers and domestic sites in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Chancellor Syverud played a central role in Central New York’s economic resurgence, including the University’s work to attract Micron Technology to build its largest American fabrication facility in the region. He directed the hiring of more than 700 faculty, helped the University achieve Research 1 status and oversaw the Forever Orange Campaign, which raised more than $1.59 billion—the largest fundraising effort in University history—as the endowment more than doubled to over $2 billion.

His dedication to veterans and military families stands among his most profound contributions. The expansion of Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families and the creation of the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building set a national standard for research, policy development and support to those who have served, and veteran enrollment has more than tripled since 2014. Throughout his chancellorship, Chancellor Syverud has continued to teach negotiation courses at the College of Law and the Whitman School of Management, embodying the teacher-scholar ideal.

Chancellor Syverud’s commitment to service extends beyond the University. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Coast Conference, having previously served as its president, and as an ex officio trustee of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He is a trustee of Crouse Hospital and of Le Moyne College, and, by appointment of the governor of New York, serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

The Class of 2026 is wrapping up final assignments, studying for exams and gearing up for their next adventure. But the days before Commencement are a chance to take in everything campus has to offer one last time, whether it’s a final cup of coffee at People’s Place in Hendricks Chapel, a farewell slice of pizza at Varsity or a laughter-filled stroll through the Quad with friends.

Eight seniors shared with Syracuse University Today the one thing they need to do before they go.

Daniel Baris, a sport analytics and statistics major in the and the (A&S): “Win a championship in intramural wiffleball. My team has come close in the past, and I feel like this could be our year.”

Caiyan Bass, a communication sciences and disorders major in A&S and a Remembrance Scholar: “Take a trip up the Mount to visit Flint Hall, my freshman year residence hall. Walking through campus and the Quad to get to the top of the Mount steps was something I did every day when I first got to Syracuse. Going back would serve as a fun moment to not only remember that uphill trek, but also to reflect on everything the past four years have taught and given me.”

Juinkye Chiang, an architecture major in the : “I want to build a full-scale mockup of my architectural design, as this will be one of the only opportunities I will ever have to access the advanced fabrication facilities in Slocum Hall.”

Tommy DaSilva, a public health, policy studies and citizenship and civic engagement major in the and a Remembrance Scholar: “Have a movie night with friends. With college ending, I know that there is a very low possibility that I will live so close to all my friends again, so I want to make the most of our last few weeks together through our film nights.”

Janese Fayson, a marketing��and��finance��major in the�� and executive vice president of the (SGA): “Visit every academic building on campus. Somehow, there are still a few I’ve never stepped foot in, and it feels important to experience all the spaces that make up the University before I leave. It’s a way of fully taking in everything Syracuse has to offer while closing this chapter feeling complete.”

Joy Mao, a television, radio and film major in the��, policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a Remembrance Scholar: “I took Fashion and Portraiture with Professor Gregory Heisler my sophomore year. It was an impactful class for my creative brain. One of the photographers we researched was Margaret Bourke-White, the first female photographer for Life magazine and the first female war correspondent. She gave her work to the University after she retired. I would like to visit the in Bird Library prior to graduation.”

Emma Muchnick, a sport management major in the Falk College and a midfielder on the : “Before I graduate, I want to win a national championship. To be able to bring back a national championship to Syracuse with this group would be so special and a perfect way to cap off my time as a student-athlete here. I’m so proud to represent this University and I want to do it on the biggest stage.”

German Nolivos, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S, public relations major in the Newhouse School, SGA president and a Remembrance Scholar: “Visit the chimes in the bell tower in Crouse College. It’s such a meaningful and recognizable part of the University, representing the history and tradition that defines the Syracuse experience. Being able to stand there before graduating feels like a full-circle moment.”

Before the day gets started for many, two professors are already putting in the miles.

, associate provost for academic programs and professor of biomedical and chemical engineering in the , and , associate teaching professor and director of undergraduate studies in chemistry in the , both have been running marathons for years.

For long-distance runners, the 26.2-mile race is one of the most iconic challenges in endurance sports, and March 1 saw the start of the 2026 season of the , with the . On April 20, the second world major will take place when thousands of runners depart the starting line of the in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

Both French and Hasenwinkel qualified to run the Boston race this year. It will be Hasenwinkel’s first time running Boston, but she ran her first world major in the fall of 2024 in Chicago. She’s also already qualified to run New York City in November.

“I’m excited about all of it,” she says.

French has run the historic Boston course three times. He was qualified and set on running for a fourth time, but after a challenging winter for training, he decided not to compete this year.

“There is no other race like it,” French says. “The entire course is lined with spectators, the entire city comes out for it.”

Between years of experience and countless miles on the road, both professors have picked up practical insights they can share with fellow runners, including those just starting to take on the distance.

How They Got Started

French ran his first marathon in college, after running competitively in both high school and college. He mostly competed in 5Ks and 10Ks, but on the weekends, would run closer to 16 or 18 miles.

“I ran distance, and just really seemed to enjoy the races more the longer they went,” he says.

His first 26.2-mile race was the Vermont City Marathon, which he ran when a friend who had a bib was injured and French competed instead.

“I had a great time, finished in the top 15, really enjoyed the race, the experience and the city,” French says.

Hasenwinkel found her love of running later in life, after the COVID pandemic when her kids were in college.

“I literally started with a couch to 5K program, built up some endurance and kept going,” she says.

Her first race was Syracuse’s Mountain Goat Run, and she found by the end that not only did she enjoy the race experience, her time was competitive for her age group. She signed up for a marathon shortly after, encouraged by her brother, himself a marathoner and triathlete.

She ran her first 26.2-mile race exactly a year later.

“I love the camaraderie of marathons, and you can get that same kind of camaraderie in other races, but there’s something that’s significantly more challenging about a marathon than even a half or a 10-miler,” she says.

What Training Can Look Like

French runs 70 to 80 miles per week, seven days a week, with one or two hard workouts mixed in—a shorter, faster midweek session or hill workout, and a longer, marathon-paced effort on the weekend. He also tries to bike a couple times a week as a low-impact alternative.

Hasenwinkel’s approach has steadily evolved since she ran her first marathon. She now runs five or six days a week, varying her workouts by distance and effort.

Central New York winters add an extra layer of complexity for spring marathon training, they agreed.

“Safety and avoiding injury is the primary factor,” Hasenwinkel says. “If it’s really icy or dangerously cold, I will throw in the towel and go on the treadmill.”

The Biggest Challenges

Ask either professor what the hardest part of marathon training is, and they’ll give you the same answer: time.

French, who has two young children, notes that a 20-mile run can take more than two hours.

“I might have run 20 miles in the morning but my kids still want to go to the zoo or the Museum of Science and Technology. I might want to just sit on the couch!”

Hasenwinkel, who tries to run two marathons a year, agreed. She says sustaining the energy to train, work and show up for family requires deliberate prioritization, including sleep.

Injury is another constant concern, so knowing when to alter your training to avoid them is important.

Hasenwinkel hurt her foot, which set back her training for Boston.

“I want to give myself the grace to just be able to go and do it for fun and not worry about my time,” she says.

��Final Words of Advice

French says if you want to take up running marathons, building gradually and being patient is key.

“You can fake your fitness in shorter races,” he says. “You can not fake your way through a marathon. You need to have done the training, you need to be prepared to run the distance and your desired pace. You need to have practiced your nutrition. A lot can change between mile 13 and mile 26.”

If you do it consistently, you can trust your training on race day.

“I’m a big believer that anybody could do this,” Hasenwinkel says. “I feel like my story is living proof of that. I was much older than the average runner when I started. Be persistent and disciplined about training. Gradually build your mileage and have a plan and really stick to it. ”

Show your Syracuse spirit! Students are invited to enter the 2026 Football T-Shirt Design Contest. Submit your design today for a chance to see it featured next season.

The winning designer will receive a gift basket from The Campus Store, Syracuse Auxiliary Services and Syracuse Athletics, filled with merchandise, gift cards and more.

Creative Brief: The Campus Store is looking for a dynamic, athletic design for a shirt that carries the bold spirit of our Syracuse community. The design should highlight staple elements of the Syracuse community that make us who we are, such as notable buildings and traditions, with a tie to the Syracuse football team. Keep in mind that the design will be printed on a shirt and should be easily printable in a maximum of two colors.

The entry must be the original work of the contestant and must not include or derive from preexisting or third-party designs or copyrighted images. The entry may not depict inappropriate images or words and cannot include a recognizable likeness to any person unless given written approval.

How to Enter: Submit your design as a vector file to contests@syr.edu. The file name should include your first and last name and be 25 MB or smaller. Deadline to enter is May 1, 2026. The winner will be notified on May 7.

With any additional questions, email John Cusick, general manager of the Syracuse University Campus Store. Contest rules are .

A new documentary exploring the history of and the role of faith across the Syracuse University community premiered this week on Fox Nation.

“” tells the story of Hendricks as the spiritual heart of campus, home to five world religions and 16 chaplains serving a diverse student body. The 25-minute film is hosted by Hall, a foreign affairs correspondent for Fox.

In the film, Chancellor Kent Syverud reflects on how faith at Syracuse extends well beyond the building itself. “It’s not the building,” he said. “This is a community, and it’s been a booming, vibrant community for all faiths, and that’s one of the reasons why we’ve had a solid community experience in recent years when many universities have been torn apart.”

Former Hendricks Dean Brian Konkol spoke with Hall about the chapel’s unique role as both a sacred space and a hub for campus life, from major performances and events to People’s Place coffee shop and the Coach Mac Food Pantry.

Faith, Leadership and Athletics

The documentary also captures the intersection of faith and athletics. Hall interviewed football coach Fran Brown and women’s basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack about their personal faith journeys and how those experiences shape their leadership on and off the field. Athletics Chaplain William Payne discussed his work supporting student-athletes as they navigate the demands of academics and competition.

The film also turns to one of the most solemn chapters in the University’s history. The University’s connection to the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, is woven into the film. The 1988 tragedy claimed the lives of 35 Syracuse University students, one of the most devastating losses in the University’s history. The Fox team visited the Remembrance Wall on campus to honor their memory.

Visually, the documentary draws on a range of campus scenes: students studying outside on sunny days, the football team walking across the Quad on game days, candlelight vigils outside Hendricks, chaplains leading services and Otto’s Army rallying inside the JMA Wireless Dome.

In addition to the feature documentary, Fox Nation produced a on the renovated and expanded St. Thomas More Chapel and Syracuse University Catholic Center, which reopened in 2025. The crew also visited the .

Names on the Wall

Another stop on campus carried personal significance for Hall. At the , Hall visited a memorial wall honoring more than 2,500 journalists killed in the line of duty. While covering the war in Ukraine, he was severely injured in a missile attack that killed two of his colleagues. He lost a leg, part of his other foot, an eye and the use of one hand, and later documented his recovery in his books “” and “.” During his visit to the wall, he saw the names of his colleagues, photojournalist and Ukrainian journalist Oleksandra “Sasha” Kuvshynova, etched into the memorial.

The Newhouse connection runs deeper still for the production. Fox team members included alumni Tania Joseph ’18, a Newhouse graduate in broadcast and digital journalism, and Jayson Jones ’19, who earned a master’s degree in communications from Newhouse.

“” marks the series’ inaugural season. Alongside the Hendricks episode, the series features St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans and the Brigade of Midshipmen Chapel at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The documentary is available to stream with a paid Fox Nation subscription.

When Gerry McNamara ’06 walked into the Dome the first time as a highly touted basketball recruit, he knew Syracuse University was the right place to play basketball and win championships.

Twenty-six years later, McNamara has a similar vision, only this time, McNamara is tasked with returning men’s basketball to national prominence as the program’s ninth head coach.

“Anybody that knows me knows why I’m here. I’m here to win. It’s who I am and it’s who I will always be,” McNamara said to more than 2,000 Orange fans who packed Miron Victory Court Monday afternoon for his introductory press conference.

Among those who offered remarks were Chancellor-elect J. Michael Haynie, incoming Director of Athletics Bryan Blair and Director of Athletics John Wildhack ’80, who said McNamara was the perfect candidate because he “epitomizes what Syracuse basketball is [all about].”

“Gerry’s ready for this. We didn’t choose Gerry because he’s an alum, or his number 3 hangs from the rafters in the JMA Wireless Dome,” Wildhack said. “He’s the right person at the right time to lead our program.”

Recognizing that “Syracuse basketball is embedded in the soul of this University,” Chancellor-elect Haynie echoed Wildhack’s sentiment, welcoming McNamara “back where he belongs, back in Orange.”

“What stood out about Gerry wasn’t just his resume, which is impressive. It wasn’t just the results, though they speak for themselves,” Haynie said. “Every person who worked with Gerry, every reference that we talked to said the same thing. They said he makes people better. He holds them to a high standard. He cares about them as people, not just as athletes. That he’s the kind of leader that we would want for our student-athletes.”

McNamara expressed gratitude to return to the place where he starred for four years.

“I can’t even tell you how honored, how blessed I am for this moment to be here. It really is kind of a dream come true for us,” said McNamara, who helped the Orange win the 2003 men’s basketball national championship.

It’s a dream McNamara wasn’t sure he’d ever get after leaving Syracuse in March of 2024. After 14 seasons as an assistant coach and one season as associate head coach, McNamara took over as Siena University’s head men’s basketball coach.

But following two successful seasons, including guiding the Saints into the 2026 NCAA Division I tournament for the first time in 16 years, McNamara is back with the Orange.

“During the four-year stretch of my [undergraduate] experience, my love grew for the people of this city, for the University that gave me the opportunity to showcase my gifts on the biggest stage,” said McNamara.

Get to know McNamara and his message for the Orange community.

Winning Is in G-Mac’s DNA

McNamara’s playing days at Syracuse were defined by wins. Not only did the Orange win the national title in 2003, Syracuse made the NCAA tournament in four consecutive seasons, compiling a 103-32 overall record with two Big East postseason championships.

Winning also matters to Bryan Blair, the Orange’s new director of athletics who was tasked with hiring a new basketball coach. After an initial phone conversation about the job, McNamara sat down for a face-to-face conversation with Blair, who leaned in close, looked him in the eyes and said “I want to win. No matter what, I want to win.”

“That statement from Bryan, for me, was where this went from being like an interview to motivationally aligned,” McNamara said. “We’re lockstep: same mentality, same goals, same direction.”

McNamara told current and future Syracuse students that, as part of their college experience, the basketball team “needs to be good. That should be non-negotiable. … That should be part of your journey as a student. It should be so much fun because the basketball team is so good. … I’m going to do my best to work my rear end off to change it.”

Relationships Stand the Test of Time

McNamara credited his parents, Gerard and Joyce, for teaching him “everything I feel like I am as a person, as a man, as a husband and a father.”

After McNamara was offered the opportunity to take over at his alma mater, one of the first things McNamara did was FaceTime with his parents to let them know “I’m about to sign a contract to be the head coach at Syracuse University. [It was] one of the great things and memories of my life.”

In the name, image and likeness (NIL) age, where student-athletes have agents and eye lucrative sponsorship deals, McNamara emphasized the importance of the relationships he builds.

“For me to truly be at my best, there’s that communication level and relationship building,” McNamara said. “To me, the relationships and the love for a place are always going to stand the test of time.”

G-Mac Learned to Love Basketball From His Dad

Before he set school records for Syracuse University—and before he was the two-time Associated Press Pennsylvania Boys High School Small School Player of the Year and the 2002 Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year for Bishop Hannan (now known as Holy Cross)—McNamara was simply a basketball enthusiast.

“I loved basketball, and because I loved it, my father gave me as much of it as I could absorb, [from playing in] different leagues to [getting the] key to the gym at Holy Rosary Parish,” said McNamara, the Orange’s leader in career three-pointers made, free throw percentage and minutes played.

Simple Formula for Success

Between frequent travel for games and recruiting trips and late nights at the office watching game film, the life of a college basketball coach can be complicated.

But at home, surrounded by sons, Gerry and Patrick, and daughters, Maggie and Grace, McNamara says he’s found a simple formula for success. It all starts with his wife, Katie, a fellow Scranton native.

“Going into the last job [at Siena], Katie said, ‘Our happiness is simple’,” Gerry said. “And the way I took that was, ‘Yes, it is. It’s very simple because it’s us.’ It’s always going to be us. We’re in this together always. But as I take this job, it’s not as simple as that. Our happiness is simple because you make it so easy for us to be happy. There’s no one I love and truly admire more than you.”

One of Syracuse University’s most celebrated alumni is coming home. The University today announced that Gerry McNamara ’06, a member of the 2003 National Championship-winning team, has been named head coach of the . A Scranton, Pennsylvania, native, McNamara returns to lead the storied program where his legendary career began, following two seasons as head coach at Siena University where he engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in Division I basketball. His appointment, effective immediately, was approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.

“I love this place. I love what Syracuse means: to the fans, to the players who have worn this jersey, to the people of Central New York. This program has given me everything, and I am ready to give everything back to it,” says McNamara. “College basketball has changed. How you build a program, recruit talent, compete for resources and win looks different than it did even five years ago. I know that. I’m ready for it. What hasn’t changed is what Orange Nation expects, and what this place deserves. We are going to build something special here.”

McNamara spent 14 seasons as an assistant coach on Jim Boeheim’s staff before serving as associate head coach under Adrian Autry in 2023-24, then departing for Siena in March 2024. In his first season leading Siena, he guided the Saints to a 14-18 record, a 10-win improvement over the previous season that ranked among the top 10 turnarounds nationally and earned him recognition as one of 16 finalists for the CollegeInsider.com Joe B. Hall Award, presented annually to the nation’s top first-time Division I head coach. He opened his tenure with three consecutive victories, becoming the first Siena coach to start with three straight wins in more than four decades.

“Gerry McNamara is who our storied basketball program needs at this important moment,” says Bryan B. Blair, incoming director of athletics. “In every conversation, his competitive fire and passion was undeniable—it’s simply part of his DNA. He returns to Syracuse as a proven Division I head coach who led a program through a turnaround and back to the NCAA Tournament. At every stop in his playing and coaching journey, he has elevated those around him—student-athletes, staff and the broader community—through his energy, his standards and his ability to connect. While Gerry’s deep connection to Syracuse is meaningful, it’s simply a bonus to what he brings as a coach and leader. He honors our past, but he is driven to build for the future. This is a critical moment for Syracuse basketball, and it will take all of us—everyone connected to Syracuse University, Syracuse Athletics and Central New York—locking arms and supporting this program like never before. We welcome Gerry home and can’t wait to see where he takes our program.”

“Gerry is a leader who brings out the best in people,” says John Wildhack, outgoing director of athletics. “I watched him for years as an assistant: in the gym, on the road recruiting and in conversations with players and their families. What has always distinguished him is the trust he builds. He has proven in a short time as a head coach that he knows how to build a program. I am proud that this was among the final pieces of work I had a hand in, and I have no doubt that he will make Syracuse and all of Orange Nation proud.”

A four-year starter from 2002-06, McNamara is the program’s all-time career leader in made three-pointers (400), free throw percentage (.888) and minutes played (4,799) and ranks among the all-time leaders in assists, steals and scoring. He was part of the 2003 National Championship team, earning All-Final Four honors after hitting six three-pointers against Kansas in the title game as a freshman. As a senior in 2006, he earned Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American honors and was named the Dave Gavitt Award winner as tournament MVP after leading Syracuse to the Big East Championship. His No. 3 jersey was retired by the University in March 2023. Following his collegiate career, McNamara accepted an invitation to Utah Jazz training camp and played professionally in Europe before returning to Syracuse to begin his coaching career.

As an assistant at Syracuse, McNamara was a cornerstone of the program’s recruiting operation for 15 seasons, helping guide the Orange to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including Final Four runs in 2013 and 2016. He was a primary mentor for NBA players, including Michael Carter-Williams, Dion Waiters and Tyler Ennis, as well as Buddy Boeheim, Cole Swider, Michael Gbinije and Elijah Hughes.

“Gerry McNamara’s story is as authentically Syracuse as they come,” says Chancellor-elect J. Michael Haynie. “He came here from Scranton with something to prove and became one of the greatest players this program has ever seen and one of the most trusted coaches to sit on our bench. Now he’s coming home with a singular mission: to return Syracuse basketball to where it belongs, among the elite programs in the country. His coaching, recruiting and fundraising prowess, his passion and talent, and his deep belief in what it means to be Orange are exactly what we need. I could not be more excited to welcome Gerry, Katie and their family back to the Hill, and I can’t wait for the tip-off of the 2026-27 season.”

McNamara brings to the role deep and proven recruiting relationships, having spent well over a decade as the primary contact for elite guards and perimeter players nationally. During his time as an assistant, he was widely credited with building the pipeline of backcourt talent that kept Syracuse competitive at the highest level. Student-athletes who have played for McNamara consistently point to his accessibility, his direct communication style and his commitment to preparing players for life beyond basketball as hallmarks of his approach.

McNamara graduated from Syracuse in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in speech communications. He earned two AP Pennsylvania State Player of the Year honors at Bishop Hannan High School and finished seventh all-time in Pennsylvania high school scoring history. He is a gold medalist with the United States national team at the 2005 World University Games. McNamara and his wife, Katie, have four children: sons Gerry and Patrick and daughters Maggie and Grace.

For spring break, March 9-13, students traveled to perform mission service, immersed themselves in learning experiences, took in new sights and dominated on the field.

Here are some of the ways they spent their spring break:

Bryan Blair spent his college years studying history, and he knows a storied program when he sees one. His job now is to build on the proud winning tradition of Syracuse University Athletics.

“Seeing the heights this university had over time, seeing the constant brand and how it speaks to the entire country. Everybody knows when they see that block S that it means something special,” Blair, the school’s 12th athletics director, said Thursday morning during his introductory press conference inside the Miron Victory Court.

“How do we harness that history, that excellence and the other intangibles we have?” Blair said. “We want to wake this sleeping beast … and take control of our destiny and make sure the world knows that Syracuse University is one of the top 10 brands in all of college athletics and we’re here to stay.”

Before coming to Syracuse, Blair served as vice president and director of athletics at the University of Toledo. He will officially take over as director of athletics on July 1.

Get to know Blair and his message for the Orange community.

No Silver Bullet for Success

In the ever-changing college athletics landscape, Blair admits there’s pressure for Syracuse to “win, and we’ve got to win a lot.” But those lofty expectations come with the job, and Blair said he is embracing this latest challenge in his career.

Tapping into curiosity, one of his five core values, Blair is looking forward to challenging everything when it comes to leading the athletics department.

“Nothing is an easy silver bullet,” he said. “Because this place is unique, it’s going to take a unique solution, unique collaboration and unique energy to pull this thing together to do what we collectively want to do and really leverage those unique assets.”

Blair says he plans to “modernize our enterprise,” “attack revenue generation and NIL,” because “NIL is one of the most, if not the most important aspects of what we do.”

5 Core Guiding Values

Besides curiosity, Blair shared his core values that guide and shape how he runs an athletics department.

• Family: “My family means the world to me.” (More on that below.)
• Passion: “I will match the passion and the energy of this fan base, and of our alumni and our supporters.”
• Integrity: “We’re going to do things in a way that always makes this university proud.”
• Curiosity: “Everything we do can get better, it can be challenged, it can be thought of differently. Now is the time to lead from the front and think outside the box in terms of what [college athletics] should look like.”
• Servanthood: “I am the fullback of the athletic department, the guy … empowering somebody else’s success; doing the dirty work to clear the way.”

“If we keep the student-athletes as that North Star, we’ll be really successful and will also produce future leaders of this country from Syracuse University,” Blair said.

Drawing Inspiration From Family

Blair says you’ll see his 7-year-old daughter, Brielle, and 5-year-old son, William (Beau), around the office. That’s because he believes in blending family with work.

“They’re my everything, they are my inspiration,” Blair said.

Blair draws strength and inspiration from his family, especially his wife, Jenna, who he refers to as his “ride-or-die.”

“[Jenna is] that person who speaks that power and that vision into you for you to make it possible. You’d love to say that you’re bulletproof and nothing bothers you, but all of us have those days, all of us need that support, that inspiration,” Blair said.

A Learned Work Ethic

Growing up in the small town of Bennettsville, South Carolina, Blair learned firsthand from his parents the important lessons of finding success both on the football field and in the classroom.

His parents, Dannie and Woodrow, insisted that Blair had to earn all As on his report card if he wanted to play football.

After playing Division I football and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history from Wofford College in 2007, Blair went on to earn a law degree from the University of South Carolina in 2010. He credits his successes to his parents, the biggest influences in his life and the hardest-working people he knows.

“You cannot escape the work. You have to put in the time and the effort and even when it gets hard, you work harder,” says Blair, who paused with emotion when talking about his parents.

Creating the Dome as an Experience

One of the best draws for the Orange is playing home games inside the raucous JMA Wireless Dome, or the Loud House. Blair got his first glimpse inside the JMA Dome with Chancellor-elect J. Michael Haynie, and the JMA Dome left an immediate and lasting impression.

“We can build a unique, immersive experience that’s unlike anything you see in this country outside of [Las] Vegas,” Blair said. “We’re going to think outside the box [about] what that experience looks like. How do we create that home court advantage for all our teams?”