Mike Tirico ’88, acclaimed NBC Sports broadcaster and dedicated alumnus, will deliver Syracuse University’s address Sunday, May 10, in the JMA Wireless Dome. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m.

Tirico, who serves as vice chair of Syracuse University’s Board of Trustees, has built a career at the center of American sports broadcasting, calling play-by-play for “Sunday Night Football” and “NBA on NBC” and serving as the primetime host for NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Olympics.

In February 2026, he became the first U.S. broadcaster ever to call the Super Bowl and host a Winter Olympics in the same year—a milestone that capped more than three decades in the profession he first pursued in the studios of WAER-FM, Syracuse University’s public radio station.

“Mike Tirico is the definition of an Orange success story,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “He began his career right here on campus, and has gone on to become one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting. His deep and lasting commitment to Syracuse University reflects the same values of excellence we hope to inspire in every graduate. We are honored and proud to welcome him home for this milestone celebration.”

“There is no place that has meant more to me than Syracuse University,” says Tirico. “Personally and professionally so much of what has defined my life traces back to SU. It is an incredible honor to be asked to address the Class of 2026 and welcome them to our proud family of Orange alums. I can’t wait to share this special day with the next group that joins our Forever Orange family.”

Broadcast Start

Tirico earned a dual bachelor’s degree in 1988 in political science from the and the and in broadcast journalism from the . He launched his broadcasting career at WAER-FM before joining WTVH-TV in Syracuse as sports director and serving as the play-by-play voice for Syracuse University basketball, football, lacrosse and volleyball.

Tirico joined ESPN as a “SportsCenter” anchor in 1991, eventually becoming the voice of “Monday Night Football” from 2006-15, one of only four play-by-play announcers to call primetime NFL games for at least 10 seasons. Over 25 years at ESPN and ABC Sports, he called the NBA, college football, college basketball, golf’s Masters and The Open, the FIFA World Cup and tennis championships, the U.S. Open and Wimbledon. In July 2016, he joined NBC Sports.

At NBC, Tirico is the play-by-play voice of “Sunday Night Football,” primetime television’s most-watched show for an unprecedented 15 consecutive years, and has served as the network’s primetime host for the PyeongChang, Tokyo, Beijing, Paris and Milan Cortina Olympics. In February 2026, he called Super Bowl LX and then immediately shifted to host the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, an unmatched broadcasting double that drew widespread acclaim. He was named the 2010 Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association and has won five Sports Emmy Awards. In the summer of 2025, he was inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame by a vote of his peers.

Dedication to the University

Tirico has remained closely connected to the University throughout his career. Elected to the Board of Trustees in 2016, he was elected vice chair in 2025 and serves on the board’s Executive, Advancement and External Affairs and Student Experience Committees. He has served on the board’s search committees, including for the dean of the Newhouse School, the athletics director and, most recently, the chancellor. His University service also includes membership on the Newhouse Advisory Board and the Advisory Board.

He has been recognized with the George Arents Award, the University’s highest alumni honor, in 2005; the Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 1996; and the Newhouse School’s Marty Glickman Award for Leadership in Sports Media in 2017. He and his wife, Deborah Gibaratz Tirico ’89 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management), established the Mike Tirico Scholarship Endowment and supported initiatives across the Maxwell, Newhouse and Whitman schools, WAER and Syracuse University Athletics.

The has announced that Jeannine Lostritto ’90, a Syracuse University Trustee and member of the School of Architecture Advisory Board, will address graduates at the 2026 Convocation ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. in Hendricks Chapel.

Lostritto has parlayed her interest in architecture into her professional, personal and volunteer experiences, most recently through her engagement with the board of trustees of Friends Academy in Locust Valley, New York, an independent Quaker college-preparatory private school serving students from early childhood through 12th grade.

A former Friends Academy parent, Lostritto serves as a member of its Board of Trustees and on its Governance Committee, and helps oversee new building construction, campus maintenance and the stewardship of existing facilities.

After earning an undergraduate degree in architecture from the School of Architecture, Lostritto first took a job as an architectural consultant at Avis Rent-a-Car, working on commercial architecture projects. From 1995 to 1998, she was employed in the civil engineering division at Sear-Brown—an architecture, engineering, planning and construction services firm—where she worked on large highway and expressway projects, such as the renovation of the Queens Midtown Tunnel, as well as drainage and landscape architecture projects.

Lostritto is a former board member of her family’s real estate company, Steel Equities, and serves on the Board of Regents at NYU-Winthrop Hospital. She also helps to manage a food pantry and a faith formation program at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Brookville, New York, where she is a Eucharistic Minister.

Additionally, Jeannine and her husband, Glenn, actively support Syracuse University through contributions to such initiatives as the Lostritto Family Global Experience Scholarship, the Barnes Center at The Arch and the General Supported Scholarship Fund. The Lostrittos were the first donors to support The Syracuse Promise initiative, which aims to significantly expand scholarship support for high-achieving students.

“Jeannine Lostritto is among the school’s most engaged board members and supporters. She is also an active member on the Facilities Committee of the Board of Trustees and has contributed greatly to the positive transformation of our campus over the last several years,” says School of Architecture Dean Michael Speaks. “Perhaps most importantly, Jeannine is a strong advocate and financial supporter for Syracuse Architecture student scholarships, especially those studying abroad in our outstanding Florence program. We are all looking forward to welcoming her as our 2026 Convocation speaker.”

Lostritto lives in Old Brookville, New York, with her husband. They have three children, Domenica “Sunny” L’23, Glenn Jr., and Joseph.

recently announced the spring 2026 recipients of the Orange Innovation Fund, awarding $5,000 grants to a cohort of student inventors and entrepreneurs advancing high-potential ventures across health care, financial technology, consumer products and enterprise software.

The Orange Innovation Fund is designed to accelerate student-led startups beyond the idea stage, supporting founders who have demonstrated meaningful progress through customer discovery, prototyping and early validation.

The fund emphasizes deep research and development work, along with comprehensive proposal development, and recognizes ventures that show strong execution, real-world traction and a clear path toward commercialization. Funding supports critical next steps such as product development, regulatory readiness, pilot testing and go-to-market strategy.

“The Orange Innovation Fund plays a critical role in SU’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling student founders to move beyond concept and into execution,” says David Seaman, dean of Libraries and University Librarian. “By supporting ventures at a pivotal stage of development, the fund helps transform promising ideas into scalable businesses with real-world impact.”

Spring 2026 Winners

Celes Buffard ’27 (School of Information Studies) for SecondWave

SecondWave is a financial wellness platform that helps users build personalized roadmaps to manage and grow their finances. The platform combines education, tools and vetted resources to guide users toward financial independence. Funding will support minimum viable product (MVP) completion, user testing, cloud infrastructure and trademark registration, as well as continued customer discovery.

Jayson Bromley (Martin J. Whitman School of Management) for Bromley Bio Med LLC – InDeazy

InDeazy is an integrated incision and drainage device designed to improve efficiency, control and safety in urgent care and emergency settings. Funding will support final design refinement and pilot manufacturing, including engineering updates, simulated workflow testing and Food and Drug Administration pre-submission readiness.

Nicholas Davis ’26 (College of Engineering and Computer Science [ECS]) for Ethyra

Ethyra is an AI-native auto-grading and classroom analytics platform that helps educators save time and better understand student performance. Funding will support MVP completion, a version 1.0 launch and pilot testing at Syracuse University, the University of Washington and Eastside Preparatory School, along with learning management system integration and a study on grading efficiency.

Haley Greene ’26 (Newhouse School of Public Communications) for Miirror

Miirror is a clinically guided, peer-led, tech-enabled platform redefining eating disorder recovery. Offering free, inclusive and stigma-free tools, support circles, crisis resources and therapy matching, the platform connects underserved communities with accessible recovery pathways. Funding will support completion of the MVP, regulatory compliance, technical infrastructure and a campus pilot at Syracuse University.

Ronan Hussar ’26 (Whitman School) for MacroFlow

MacroFlow is an Excel add-in that automates macro creation, saving users significant time and increasing productivity. Funding will support development of secure AI implementation, full local functionality and enterprise-grade validation of macro generation capabilities.

Yasmin Madmoune G ’27 (Whitman School) for Yas Apothecary

Yas Apothecary is a Moroccan-inspired body care brand with a long-term vision of building a cooperative-based production infrastructure. Funding will support equipment upgrades, production scaling, wholesale market entry and supply chain development.

Nathan Brekke ’26 (ECS), G ’27 (Whitman School) and Joshua Varkey ’26 (ECS) for Phloat

Phloat is a magnetically attachable flotation device that deploys to bring a submerged phone back to the surface. Funding will support the first commercial-grade production run, field testing with beta users and development of a scalable manufacturing supply chain. The company has recently filed for a patent.

Jack Venerus ’27 (School of Information Studies) for WingStat

WingStat is a business-to-business platform for aircraft transaction data in the pre-owned business jet market. Funding will support the transition from a no-code MVP to a production-ready platform, including backend infrastructure, authentication systems and automated data workflows.

About the Orange Innovation Fund

The Orange Innovation Fund was initially established through a gift to the Libraries from Raj-Ann Rekhi Gill ’98, an alumna, a member of the Board of Trustees and an operating partner at Silicon Valley Quad (an angel investing syndicate). The program is administered through Syracuse University Libraries as a Universitywide initiative, run in collaboration with multiple campus innovation and entrepreneurship programs. Proposal reviewers include entrepreneurial faculty and staff, along with alumni who have come through the ecosystem and are venture founders or in C-Suite roles at leading innovation companies.

has spent her career studying how the world moves—the migration of people across borders, the evolution of international norms and the political forces that shape both. Now, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs professor of political science has been named the inaugural Heighberger Family Faculty Fellow of Public Service, a recognition of scholarship that has influenced both academic debate and real-world policy.

“Audie’s research on migration and international norms addresses some of the most consequential questions in global politics,” says Dean David M. Van Slyke. “This fellowship recognizes her work and provides resources to support it. We’re thrilled to honor her, and grateful for the generosity that made it possible.”

A specialist in global migration, Klotz has shaped scholarly debates and public understanding of pressing issues in international politics. She has authored five books and contributed to an additional 15. Her work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Social Science Research Council, the MacArthur Foundation and the Fulbright Program.

Klotz’s many honors include Maxwell’s 2023 Wasserstrom Prize for excellence in teaching and mentoring. She is the incoming president of the International Studies Association, one of the world’s oldest and largest interdisciplinary organizations devoted to the study of international and global affairs.

Klotz will hold the fellowship for three years.

Decades of Public Service

The fellowship takes its name from Eric Heighberger, a 1993 graduate of Maxwell’s international relations undergraduate program, and his spouse, Genevieve, whose combined careers span decades of public service. Eric held roles with the White House Homeland Security Council and Senate and House committees on homeland security, before serving as chief of staff at FEMA from 2017-21. He is now senior director of federal affairs for LA28, the organizing committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Genevieve has spent more than 20 years in public sector consulting, focused on FEMA and the local governments it serves.

“Being named the first Heighberger Family Faculty Fellow of Public Service is especially meaningful to me,” Klotz says. “Their careers using expertise in the service of others is how I think of my efforts to foster greater equity in academic communities. I am also grateful to the donors for recognizing the crucial place of public service within a school of citizenship.”

The Heighbergers’ commitment to public service traces back to a pivotal time in their careers. After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Eric joined his longtime friend and fellow Maxwell alumnus Stephen Hagerty ’93 M.P.A. at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where their team helped New York City access $8.8 billion in federal recovery funding. Genevieve joined them.

“Working on the World Trade Center recovery efforts gave both of us a sense of professional purpose that has stayed with us ever since,” Eric says. “Genevieve and I are motivated by using our skills in the service of others, and Steve played a big role in shaping that, as a friend and as a mentor.”

The fellowship was established through a gift from Hagerty, a Maxwell Advisory Board member and Syracuse University Trustee, and his spouse and fellow alumnus Lisa Altenbernd ’93 M.P.A. With combined funds from the University’s Forever Orange Faculty Excellence Program, it totals $1 million.

“Neither of us would have had the careers we have had without Steve and Lisa’s friendship and mentorship,” says Eric. “We are so honored by their decision to include us in this gift.�� Having our family name on a fellowship at Maxwell is a genuine honor, as the school shaped my professional path in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. To see it given to someone like Audie Klotz—whose work and mentorship embody everything Maxwell stands for—makes it even more meaningful.”

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.

Steven W. Barnes ’82, H’19, a devoted alumnus, University trustee and generous supporter of Syracuse University, will deliver the keynote address at the ‘s 2026 Convocation Ceremony. Barnes, who majored in accounting in the Whitman School, has maintained close ties to the University throughout a career spanning nearly four decades in private equity.

Bain Capital LP is one of the world’s leading global private investment firms, managing more than $215 billion in assets under management across private equity, venture capital, public equity and leveraged debt. Barnes has been affiliated with Bain since 1988 and previously served as chairman of global private equity, head of North American private equity, co-head of European private equity, and founded and led the global portfolio group.

He also served in various leadership positions within Bain’s portfolio companies, including as CEO of Dade Behring, a global diagnostic company, president of Executone Business Solutions, a telecommunications company, and president of The Holson Burnes Group, a publicly traded consumer products company.

Barnes served as chairman of the University’s from 2015-19 and as chairman emeritus from 2019-23. He currently serves as vice chair of the board. Outside of Syracuse, Barnes serves on the board of directors of the Boston Celtics as a member of ownership, and is a board member of MV Youth, The Park of West Palm Beach and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. He previously served on the boards of Boston Children’s Hospital, New Profit, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Boston City Year and was the former chairman of the board of The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“We are thrilled to welcome Steve Barnes back to campus to speak to our graduates this year,” says Whitman Interim Dean . “Steve’s extraordinary career in private equity, combined with his lifelong commitment to this University and its students, make him an ideal voice for our Class of 2026. His story, from his time as a student at Whitman to the heights he has reached in business and in his service to Syracuse University, is one that will truly inspire our graduates as they take their next steps.”

Barnes’ connection to the Whitman School is long-standing and wide-ranging. He is a longtime member of the , a founding investor in the Orange Value Fund and served as the founding co-chair of the Advisory Board. He received the Whitman School’s Jonathan J. Holtz Alumnus of the Year Award in 2011.

The generosity of Barnes and his wife, Deborah, has had a transformative impact across campus, including:

• providing the lead gift for the , the University’s integrated health, wellness and recreation complex;
• endowing the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities and the Barnes Professorship in Entrepreneurship at the Whitman School and establishing the Barnes Award for Academic Excellence, a merit-based scholarship recognizing outstanding first-year Whitman students; and
• supporting Remembrance Scholars, Syracuse Athletics, the Office of Disability Services and other initiatives across the University.

Barnes was recognized with an honorary doctorate degree from Syracuse University in 2019 and he received the Dritz Trustee of the Year Award in 2014.

The Whitman School’s Convocation Ceremony will be held Saturday, May 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the JMA Wireless Dome.

The candles were lit, and then the names were read. White carnations and stones were laid upon the Hendricks Chapel stage one by one, each flower and stone a quiet act of devotion, a life made tangible. On Tuesday afternoon, members of the Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry communities came together to honor and remember individuals from both communities who passed away from Jan. 1, 2025, to the present.

During the 10th annual Service of Commemoration, recently deceased students, faculty, staff, emeriti faculty, retirees, Board of Trustees members, advisory board members and honorary degree recipients were remembered. The 115 individuals honored included two World War II veterans; longtime faculty members who devoted careers to the classroom, their research and the mentorship of countless students; and staff members who kept students nourished, supported and cared for and who worked behind the scenes to keep campus running smoothly. Each made their respective campus—and their world—a better place.

Chancellor Kent Syverud offered remarks and read the names of the faculty, staff, emeriti, retirees, Board of Trustees members and honorary degree recipients remembered by the University. Student Government Association President German Nolivos ’26 read the names of the students who had passed.

Joanie Mahoney, president of SUNY ESF, read the names of faculty, staff, emeriti, retirees and advisory board members remembered by SUNY ESF.

The service began in 2017 and was inspired by the Remembrance Scholars mission to “Look Back and Act Forward.”

Rohan Bangalore ’26, a 2025-26 Remembrance Scholar, offered remarks on the theme of remembrance.

“Reflecting on loss reinforces for me the importance of public service and responsibility toward one another,” Bangalore said. “It reminds me that the people we honor today each played a role in shaping this community—in ways both visible and unseen.”

Musical selections were provided by the Hendricks Chapel Choir, directed by Jose “Peppie” Calvar, professor and chair in the Setnor School of Music, and University Organist Anne Laver, associate professor in the Setnor School. Those selections included a performance of “Danny Boy” by Calvar.

At the conclusion of the service, a light reception was held in the Noble Room for family, friends and chaplains to gather.

One of the nation’s rising stars in intercollegiate athletics will soon take the helm of Syracuse University Athletics. Chancellor-elect J. Michael Haynie today announced the appointment of Bryan B. Blair as the University’s next director of athletics. Blair has served as vice president and director of athletics at the University of Toledo since 2022. He is widely regarded as one of the most creative and accomplished leaders in college athletics: a builder of championship programs, a generator of innovative revenue strategies and a genuine believer in the transformative power of higher education. His appointment has been approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.

“Bryan Blair is the athletics leader for this moment and for the future of Syracuse University,” says Haynie. “He is a fierce competitor who knows how to build winning programs, a visionary who approaches the business of college athletics with genuine creativity and ingenuity, and a leader of exemplary character who understands that athletics exists to serve students and the broader University mission. He is exactly the right person to lead the new era of Syracuse University Athletics.”

Fierce Fundraiser and Innovative Revenue Generator

Blair has built a reputation across the industry for finding new and creative ways to grow programs, generate revenue and create experiences that connect athletics to its surrounding community. Under Blair’s leadership, the University of Toledo has accomplished the following:

• grew fundraising by 282% since FY22, including securing the second-largest gift in school history;
• built the Mid-American Conference’s most sophisticated NIL ecosystem, securing national partnerships with Powerade and pioneering auto-lease arrangements for women’s basketball;
• launched the 1923 Society, generating more than $13.6 million with nearly 50% first-time major gift donors;
• achieved 71% growth in Rocket Fund with more than $1 million-plus gifts in 13 months than the previous decade combined;
• secured KeyBank as the inaugural title sponsor of women’s athletics and launched the Venture Visionary Courtside Club, two transformational corporate partnerships that elevated the Toledo brand and increased revenue generation;
• established a departmentwide data and analytics initiative focused on “Data Excellence,” integrating advanced analytics and AI to drive decision-making, revenue growth and student-athlete support;
• partnered with Vu Technologies to create the first digital studio of its kind in college athletics and converted dormant facilities into active revenue and corporate activation assets;
• launched “Glass City Live,” the program’s first football stadium concert in more than 30 years, drawing 18,000 fans and establishing a new revenue stream;
• added rowing as a varsity sport through a novel partnership model projected to generate more than $1 million in annual net tuition; and
• led the development of a $75 million facilities master plan.

Blair says he looks forward to bringing his big ideas and bigger energy to Syracuse University.

“Syracuse University is one of the most iconic programs in college athletics, with a proud championship history, world-class academics and an incredibly passionate fan base,” says Blair. “The opportunity to lead Orange Athletics at this moment is incredibly exciting because the potential ahead is extraordinary. With the clear alignment and shared ambition of Chancellor Haynie, the Board of Trustees, our campus leadership, coaches, student-athletes, alumni and the entire Central New York community, we will build a modern athletics enterprise that competes for championships, elevates the Orange brand and positions Syracuse as a national leader in the future of college athletics. The best days of Syracuse Athletics are ahead of us, and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the program to new levels of excellence.”

Blair also thanked the search committee for its work.

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Steve Ballentine for his leadership as chair of the search committee, to Mike Tirico, vice chair of the Board of Trustees, and to the entire committee for the time, care and thoughtfulness they invested throughout the process. Their passion for Syracuse was palpable throughout the process, and I’m excited to work together to move Syracuse Athletics forward.”

Building Cultures of Success

During his tenure at Toledo, Blair built an unprecedented culture of success. He led Toledo to three consecutive MAC Cartwright Awards as the conference’s top overall athletics program and 16 conference championships in less than four years—more than the program had won in the previous decade combined. His tenure included a MAC football title, two bowl wins, two championship game appearances and historic victories over Mississippi State and Pitt. Toledo’s football program also produced consecutive Top-65 NFL Draft picks and multiple AP Top-25 appearances, while leading all Group of Six programs in 2026 NFL combine invites. Toledo Athletics led the nation in combined football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball conference wins from 2022–24 with 76, and finished second nationally in the Excellence in Management Cup. In the same year, Toledo became the first program in school history to win both the MAC’s Reese Trophy for top men’s programs and the Jacoby Trophy for top women’s programs. Toledo also secured the program’s first-ever volleyball championship, while nearly doubling attendance.

Search Committee Chairman Steve Ballentine ’83 says Blair’s vision and track record combined with his business acumen position him to hit the ground running.

“Bryan is an impressive leader who stood out in a pool of high-caliber candidates from across college athletics, professional sports and other relevant industries,” says Ballentine. “He is an innovator who finds opportunities others don’t see, a competitor who builds championship cultures and a leader who brings out the best in every member of his team. He is going to do big things at Syracuse, and I am thrilled to welcome him to the Orange Nation.”

Track Record of Success

Prior to Toledo, Blair served as deputy athletic director and chief operating officer at Washington State University (WSU), where he helped guide a Power Five program through one of the most visible periods in its history. While at WSU, the program:

• doubled annual fundraising to more than $30 million and secured an $11 million naming rights agreement;
• secured a Top-10 national finish and the program’s first 11-win season in football;
• made NCAA tournament appearances in six sports;
• had 35 All-Americans; and
• and accomplished record academic achievement.

Blair played a key role in hiring two future Power Four head coaches, including Kyle Smith, now at Stanford, and Jake Dickert, now at Wake Forest. He directed the program’s NIL strategy, including assisting in the recruitment of future No. 1 NFL Draft pick Cam Ward, who played two seasons at Washington State before transferring to the University of Miami. Before Washington State, Blair spent four years at Rice University as a senior associate athletics director, where he helped the department win 16 conference championships across nine sports, grow its annual fund by 73% and secure a record $3 million partnership with the Texas Medical Center. He also held a compliance role at the University of South Carolina, working closely with Dawn Staley’s Top-10 women’s basketball program during a formative period that included the recruitment of the nation’s top prospect and future WNBA star, Aja Wilson.

Commitment to the Academic Mission

What distinguishes Blair as much as his competitive and business record is his commitment to the mission of higher education. A lifelong learner with a law degree and a background as a Division I student-athlete, he has consistently integrated athletics into the academic and civic life of the institutions he has served. At Toledo, he co-chaired the search process for the university’s executive vice president and provost, a role rarely assumed by an athletics director. Student-athletes excelled in the classroom during Blair’s tenure producing 11 consecutive semesters above a 3.3 department GPA. Blair’s “Team Toledo” movement created a unified identity across the athletics department, the broader university and the Northwest Ohio region, aligning partners, fans and institutions around a shared mission and purpose.

In 2024, Blair was named to the Sports Business Journal (SBJ) Forty Under 40, one of only two MAC athletic directors ever to receive the honor. The SBJ Forty Under 40 is one of the sports industry’s premier executive honors, with previous alumni that include Adam Silver (NBA commissioner), Kevin Plank (founder, Under Armour), Brett Yormark (Big 12 commissioner) and Brian Rolapp (CEO, PGA Tour). Blair is also a member of the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions, and formerly served on the Steering Committee of the National Sports Forum, one of the largest gatherings of revenue generation executives from a diverse array of teams, leagues, agencies and brands. Blair holds a juris doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law and a bachelor of arts in history from Wofford College, where he was a Division I football student-athlete.

Blair and his wife, Jenna, have two children, daughter Brielle and son Beau.

On the morning of March 3, members of the Syracuse University community gathered in the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building—a building that itself stands as a testament to J. Michael Haynie’s impact on the University—to celebrate Haynie’s appointment as the University’s 13th chancellor and president.

The official announcement, made by Board of Trustees Chairman Jeffrey M. Scruggs, was met with a standing ovation. Haynie, who has been a member of the University community for nearly 20 years, will assume his new responsibilities on July 1.

Search Committee Co-Chair Elisabeth “Lisa” Fontenelli ’86; Student Government Association President German Alejandro Nolivos ’26, who was also a search committee member; and Scruggs each addressed the crowd before Haynie took the podium.

In his first remarks as chancellor-elect, Haynie was direct and personal: “I do love Syracuse University. I love this community, I love our people and I am so proud and so ready to serve as your 13th chancellor and president.”

Haynie currently serves as vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the . He is the founder and executive director of the and a 14-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. In 2021, he received the University’s highest honor, the Chancellor’s Medal.

Browse photos from the announcement celebration, below.

The Syracuse University Board of Trustees today announced the appointment of J. Michael Haynie as the 13th chancellor and president of Syracuse University. Haynie, who currently serves as vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the , will assume his new responsibilities on July 1. Today’s announcement follows a recommendation of the search committee and a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees, where members affirmed the unanimous recommendations of the Board’s Executive Committee.

“Few people have demonstrated a deeper commitment to Syracuse University than Mike Haynie, and he is exceptionally well-positioned to carry it forward with the dedication and vision this moment demands,” says Jeff Scruggs, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “For more than two decades, he has poured himself into this institution, expanding its reach, deepening its impact and championing the students and communities it exists to serve. His record of leadership is extraordinary, and the Board has great confidence in the future of Syracuse University. We are proud to welcome him as our 13th chancellor and president.”

Haynie has been a member of the Syracuse University community for more than two decades and a senior member of the University’s leadership team for more than 10 years, including in his current role as vice chancellor and executive dean of the Whitman School. He is the founder and executive director of the , the nation’s first interdisciplinary academic institute chartered to advance the policy, economic and wellness concerns of America’s veterans and military-connected families. In 2018, he was named University Professor, the most senior and selective academic distinction awarded to Syracuse University faculty, and in 2021, Haynie received Syracuse University’s highest honor, the Chancellor’s Medal, for his leadership of the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Syracuse University is not just an institution to me. It is home. It is a community that has shaped me, challenged me and gave me the privilege of doing the most meaningful work of my life,” says Haynie. “I am humbled and energized by the trust this community has placed in me, and I carry that trust as both an honor and a responsibility. The foundation we stand on is strong. Our best days are ahead, and I’m ready to get to work alongside our remarkable students, world-class faculty and passionate alumni in service to our highest purpose—academic excellence. Working together we will ensure Syracuse University remains a place where great ideas catch fire, where students discover their purpose and where bold ambition is matched by an equally bold commitment to the world beyond our walls.”

A Search Defined by Partnership and Shared Purpose

The search process launched following the announcement that Chancellor Kent Syverud would step down from his role at Syracuse University in June. It engaged the full spectrum of the Orange community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, local community members and elected officials, through listening sessions, a community survey and broad committee representation. At the heart of the search committee’s charge was ensuring the next leader remained focused on elevating the student experience and advancing the University’s academic mission.

“This was a search process defined by genuine partnership and shared purpose,” says Shelly L. Fisher ’80, co-chair of the search committee and member of the Board of Trustees. “Our community showed up with wisdom, generosity and a clear sense of what this university needs to thrive. Time and again, that guidance led us toward a leader with a proven record of impact here, an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep commitment to our students and academic mission. Mike Haynie embodies all of that and more.”

“Throughout the search process, amazing faculty, staff, students, alums, trustees, elected officials and community members generously shared their views on what they love about Syracuse University and what they hope for its future,” says Elisabeth “Lisa” Fontenelli ’86, co-chair of the search committee and member of the Board of Trustees. “From those conversations, a portrait emerged of a leader who would dedicate themselves to our mission, our people and our future, who would sustain tradition as well as create and transform, whose entrepreneurial instincts and decisive leadership will help Syracuse University to navigate the challenges and realize the opportunities of this moment. Mike Haynie is that leader. We are confident he will carry this institution forward with distinction.”

A National Leader for Veterans and Military Families

Under Haynie’s leadership, Syracuse University has established itself as one of the premier destinations in American higher education for veterans and military-connected students. His vision and sustained commitment transformed a promising program into a nationally recognized ecosystem of support, opportunity and advocacy.

At the center of that transformation is the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building, a facility Haynie championed and helped bring to life on campus. A first-of-its-kind hub dedicated to veteran and military-connected student success, the NVRC offers comprehensive academic, wellness, career and community resources under one roof and has become a model for institutions across the country.

Haynie also oversaw significant growth in veteran and military-connected enrollment, making Syracuse a destination of choice for servicemembers, veterans and their families. That growth reflects both the strength of the University’s programs and the national reputation Haynie has built through research, advocacy and public service. The D’Aniello Institute has become a significant driver of the University’s research enterprise, producing scholarship that advances policy, economic and wellness outcomes for veterans and military families, contributing directly to Syracuse’s standing as an R1 research institution.

Central to that reputation is his work forging partnerships with corporations, government agencies and nonprofits to create new pathways for veterans and their families. Through the D’Aniello Institute, Haynie has collaborated with leading employers on veteran hiring initiatives, workforce transition programs and entrepreneurship pipelines, while working closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor to shape national policy.

The scope of that work brought Haynie to national attention. His approach to veteran support was featured in a “60 Minutes” profile in 2013, and in 2020, Time magazine named him one of 16 individuals working toward creating a more equal America.

A Record of Scholarship, Service and Leadership

A widely recognized scholar in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation and strategy, Haynie has served on the editorial boards of the field’s most prestigious academic journals and as an appointee to the CNBC Disruptor 50 Council. His public service record is equally distinguished. In 2013, he was appointed chairman of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Federal Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment and Training, and in 2015, the White House appointed him vice chairman, and later chairman, of a presidential task force charged with setting the course for long-term reform at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Before joining the Syracuse University faculty, Haynie served for 14 years as an officer in the United States Air Force. He holds a Ph.D. in entrepreneurship and business strategy from the University of Colorado at Boulder, an MBA from the University of Oregon and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Delaware.

Haynie and his partner, Kevin, reside in Cazenovia with their two dogs.

The University’s (CCE) is ramping up this spring with new content creation initiatives, the introduction of a new academic minor and outreach events across the country, including a vibrant gathering in New York City that featured influential alumni in this dynamic space.

More than 80 people stood shoulder-to-shoulder at the Lubin House in New York as University leaders and students connected with alumni to preview what’s ahead for the center, which launched in the fall. Syracuse is the first university in the country to build a center dedicated to the growing creator economy.

Featured guests at the Jan. 22 event included Carly Shapiro ’18, co-founder of the media brand SisterSnacking and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and Roger Moore ’24, a director, visual effects artist and video editor with more than 1.2 million followers on TikTok.

They took part in a panel discussion that touched on topics like how they’ve navigated their careers as creators and entrepreneurs and how the CCE addresses prospective students’ evolving career interests.��They are two of dozens of recent Syracuse graduates and current students already active in the creator economy space.

“There’s so many people—and I wish I started [creating] earlier, because you don’t realize how much of a community there is in Syracuse, how many other creators that are there that want to create,” said Moore, who goes by “Metronade” on social media. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in cinematography and film/video production from the .

Building a Hub for Creator-Driven Careers

Powered by podcasters, streamers, influencers and other creatives, the creator economy is reshaping how ideas, products and services are marketed and monetized. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Substack have emerged as engines of commerce and platforms for communication.

The Center for the Creator Economy is co-led by the and the . The initiative positions the University at the forefront of research, education and thought leadership within the rapidly expanding creator-driven economic landscape.

In January, a physical space opened for the center that serves as a dynamic hub for collaboration, learning and community. When complete, the space will feature flexible resources, including professional lighting and camera equipment, dedicated pods for audio recording and adaptable workspaces.

“If we can bring the excellence that exists in the business school, around entrepreneurship and business development, together with the expertise that resides in Newhouse on the creative side, on the production side, we could do something very, very special,” said , vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the Whitman School, during the panel discussion.

“That really is the differentiating aspect of what it is we’re trying to do here,” Haynie said.

3 New Initiatives; Trustee Support

During the Jan. 22 event, Haynie announced three upcoming initiatives:

• An academic minor on the creator economy, open to students from any school or college, anticipated to debut in fall 2026.
• An “Inside the Creator Economy” video series documenting students’ “micro-internships” and networking experiences with alumni.
• The “Creator Crew,” funded by Syracuse University life trustee Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56, H’25. The Creator Crew will produce content for students and by students that will tell the story of Syracuse University.

The center recently received support from University trustee Nomi Bergman G’24 and her husband, Neal Bergman ’81, who both graduated from Whitman. She said they were inspired to support the center because of how the initiative recognizes how the world of work and influence is changing.

“Syracuse is leaning into a reality students are already living in, where the ability to create content, tell stories and engage communities is not a side skill but a core one,” says Nomi Bergman, president of the Advance/Newhouse Investment Partnership.

“By giving students the tools to build audiences, create meaningful content, and think entrepreneurially, the center is helping prepare them not just for their first jobs, but for careers that will evolve alongside technology, culture and society,” she says.

The center also hosted a Feb. 5 event in Washington, D.C., in partnership with the�� and Substack, with an event in Los Angeles planned for later this spring.

Shapiro, who majored in television, radio and film at Newhouse, applauded her alma mater for teaching students how to establish a career in the creator economy at the Jan. 22 event. Her advice for aspiring creators?

“It takes consistency,” she said. “Consistency in posting and finding a voice, but then it also takes finding a community online.”

He came from modest means, growing up in Batavia, New York, and his first jobs were a stock boy at a local market and short-order cook at a local restaurant.��He earned money to afford college. He knew the value of hard work and determination and what it would take to aspire to and achieve a vision.

Ed Pettinella G’76, who passed away on Jan. 9, 2026, at the age of 74, parlayed those qualities and experiences into a dedication to his alma mater that helped pave a path to success for countless students.

“Ed Pettinella’s generosity, vision and business acumen helped transform Syracuse University,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “He invested deeply in our faculty, academic mission and student experience. We are a stronger university because of Ed, and he will be deeply missed.”

Pettinella had once termed his 2023 $3 million gift to Syracuse Athletics “an honor” designed to “provide the student body with an unrivaled collegiate experience.” For him, it was all about advancing the academic experience and an exceptional athletics program.

He and his family established the Edward J. Pettinella Athletic Graduate Endowed Scholarship and at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management to ensure that students had access to exceptional faculty. “We have high expectations for Whitman and our students,” said Pettinella. “To bring those expectations to fruition, we need gifted and inspired faculty members.”

Pettinella was elected to the board in 2013 and served as a voting trustee until 2025. During his tenure, he held multiple leadership roles, including Board vice chair, chair of the Board Audit��and Risk Committee, and chair of the Budget Committee and served on multiple board committees and working groups.

He was a member of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management Advisory Council and the Kuhn Real Estate Center Advisory Board. He received Whitman’s Jonathan J. Holtz Alumnus of the Year Award in 2013 in��recognition of his career accomplishments and dedication to the University. He was also named the Dritz Trustee of the Year in 2017.

Those who knew Pettinella well consistently praised his leadership, business acumen, integrity, kindness, outgoing personality, sense of humor and seemingly unmatched energy. He began his career in community banking and ended it at the helm of a $7 billion real estate investment trust.

He first arrived at Syracuse University to pursue an MBA in finance after graduating with a B.S. degree in management from SUNY College at Geneseo in 1973, where he was president of the senior class,��and starting a job at Community Savings Bank (CSB).

After earning an MBA in 1976, he returned to CSB to blaze a trail as the bank’s first investment analyst. In the years following, he continued to build an impressive resume in banking as president��of Charter One Bank of NY and executive vice president of Charter One Financial Inc., as well as in several management positions with Rochester Community Savings Bank, including chief operating officer, chief financial officer and chief investment officer.

In 2001, Pettinella joined Home Properties, which owned, operated, developed, acquired and rehabilitated apartment communities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. After initially serving as executive vice president, he became its president and chief executive officer.

Following the sale of Home Properties, Pettinella served on the board of directors of Life Storage, Inc., Manning and Napier, Inc. and Royal Oak Realty Trust, Inc. He also served on the board of directors of both the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts and the National Multifamily Housing Council and was a member of the Urban Land Institute.

In addition to his generosity to Syracuse University, Pettinella shared his talents and resources with SUNY Geneseo, where the Pettinella Trading Room in the School of Business bears his name; the YMCA, including the Pettinella Aquatic Center; United Way; and Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Pettinella is survived by his wife, Ann; sons, Ryan (Deanna) and Cory ’09 (Courtney) Pettinella and their mother, Elaine; grandchildren, Reid, Sloane, Ronan and Mara Pettinella; sister, Michele Pettinella Worden; niece and nephews, Paige (Dave) Bloom, Colin (Kristi Thomas) Worden, Harrison Worden; grandniece, Brooke Bloom: step-children, Courtney (Tom) Stokes, Chelsey (Garrett) Donals, David (Erin) Wallace; step-grandchildren, James and Nora Stokes and Hannah and Nathan Donals.

Dean Emeritus and University Professor John Palmer has been recognized with the highest honor, the Cramer Horizon Award. The award was presented earlier this fall by Dean David M. Van Slyke at a ceremony in Eggers Hall that drew an audience of faculty, staff, students, alumni and Maxwell Advisory Board members.

Palmer joined Maxwell in 1988 as its seventh dean. Prior to assuming the deanship, he held several different positions in Washington, D.C., including senior fellow of The Brookings Institution and of The Urban Institute and assistant secretary for planning and evaluation in the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Let me just say how much I do appreciate this award,” Palmer told the gathering assembled in Strasser Commons. “I don’t have to tell all of you how special a place this is. But I hope you do understand that it’s only special because of the efforts and contributions all of you and people like you have made to support the school in various ways through the years, and I hope you will take as much pleasure in playing that role as I have taken with my association with the school over the past 37 years.”

Palmer served 15 years as dean and 16 years as a University Professor until his retirement in 2019. He also served two presidentially appointed terms as a public trustee for the Medicare and Social Security programs (2000-07). Since his retirement, he has served on the Maxwell Advisory Board and has continued to contribute his expertise, counsel and philanthropy to promote the school’s mission through a host of actions, which include creating student fellowships, endowed professorships and supporting the John L. and Stephanie G. Palmer Career Center to name a few.

Embodying the Maxwell Mission

“John Palmer did not just lead Maxwell, he did not just teach at Maxwell—he became Maxwell,” said Van Slyke at the ceremony. “He embodies the school’s mission of preparing citizens to address the great public challenges of their time.”

“When I look at what John has created­—the academic programs, the endowed funds, the named professorships, the career center—I see a man who understood something very essential: That institutions are built not by individuals, but by individuals who invest in other individuals,” said Van Slyke. “Every Palmer Fellow, every McClure Professor, every student who receives career counseling in the Palmer Career Center is a testament to John’s belief that excellence and access must go hand in hand.”

It was under Palmer’s leadership that the Maxwell School was first recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the top graduate program for public affairs. He also oversaw the addition of Eggers Hall to the Maxwell complex, secured major grants for the national security program and for undergraduate curriculum, including working with Professor Emeritus Robert McClure, then an associate dean, to create the MAX courses which have helped foster citizenship and civic engagement for thousands of Syracuse University students.

Leadership and Philanthropic Commitment

The Cramer Horizon Award recognizes alumni, supporters and friends for their wise, inspirational leadership and exceptional philanthropic commitment. Originally the Horizon Award, it was renamed in 2018 to honor Life Trustee Gerald B. Cramer ’52, H’10 and his wife, Daphna, who are among the most generous and influential supporters in Maxwell history. Gerald Cramer, a graduate of the Whitman School, gifted Maxwell nearly $10 million over three decades; his philanthropy was often driven by his interest in a world problem or policy issue.

“The Horizon Award recognizes those whose vision extends beyond the present, whose generosity creates opportunities for people they will never meet, and whose leadership transforms institutions for decades to come,” Van Slyke concluded. “And that’s precisely what John Palmer has done.”

Palmer has published 13 books and many professional and popular articles on a wide range of topics related to economic, budgetary and social policy concerns, and he won an award for teaching excellence at the graduate level in the Maxwell School. Palmer also provided expert testimony to Congress on numerous occasions and served as a consultant to various government agencies, private foundations and universities. He is a senior fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and former president of the National Academy of Social Insurance.

Brendan Worobel ’26 and his twin sister Nicole ’26, seniors from Holmdel, New Jersey, found a home at the University’s Catholic Center. There, they found a welcoming community that helped them settle into life at Syracuse.

Brendan began attending Mass during his first year. Through the years, more of his friends, including his brothers from Theta Chi fraternity, have joined him for Mass and activities each week.

“It is incredible to see how big the community has grown,” says Brendan, a triple major in finance, business analytics and economics. “This community is one of my favorite things about being at this school.”

The Worobels are part of a remarkable surge in participation within the University Catholic community that has transformed the Catholic Center’s 110 Walnut Place location.

Weekend Masses now draw close to 400 people, while Thursday Mass and fellowship dinners attract 130 attendees—numbers that overwhelmed the previous all-purpose room with its makeshift chair setup.

And now the increase in attendance has led to answered prayers.

Honoring the Past in the Present

A transformational gift from Life Trustee and alumnus Daniel D’Aniello ’68, H’20 and his wife, Gayle, through the Forever Orange campaign supported the construction of a new chapel and renovations to modernize and expand the building. The new chapel was blessed and dedicated Nov. 5 by Bishop Douglas Lucia of the Diocese of Syracuse, marking a milestone for the community that dates back to 1908.

The renovations include thoughtful personal touches: a large outdoor column at the front illuminates in colors corresponding to the Catholic church’s liturgical season, stained glass salvaged from the former chapel and a painting of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Eucharistic Chapel dedicated to Beatrice D’Aniello, Daniel D’Aniello’s mother.

Serving the Needs of the Community

For Nicole, a biotechnology major, being able to share her faith with her twin brother has been one of the most meaningful parts of her college experience.

“The Catholic Center has given us a space to continue living out the values we grew up with, and to support each other as we navigate this new chapter in our lives,” she says.

Members of the Catholic community will tell you that the growth in Mass attendance, service outreach and fellowship activities can be attributed to Father Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv., the University’s Catholic chaplain since 2016.

“Father Gerry has created such a vibrant and diverse community of Catholic students and has created an environment where students like me feel comfortable and excited to deepen their faith in God,” says Blake Stevens ’27, a data analytics and business analytics major from Chester, New Jersey, and president of Theta Chi.

The growth, while celebrated, strained the physical capabilities of the Catholic Center building. In addition to Masses, sandwiches for the local community are prepared once a month, and numerous activities such as service outreach planning, Bible study and Christian initiation preparation programs are regularly held.

The renovations have resulted in a proper chapel for the celebration of Mass and other sacraments, as well as space to support the community’s outreach and fellowship activities.

Numerous donors, local contractors and the University’s Office of Campus Planning, Design and Construction were integral to the project.

“What a blessing to open the doors to our new Catholic Center and chapel—a sacred space where faith, community and belonging come together,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “I am grateful to Father Gerry Waterman for nurturing our students, and to the extraordinary generosity of Life Trustee Dan D’Aniello, and his wife, Gayle. Their transformative gift has made this vision a reality for generations to come.”

Fostering Important Work

A gift from alumna Judith Pistaki Zelisko ’72 and her husband, Paul, enabled renovations to the building’s study lounge and library. She has fond memories of her four years on campus, during which the Catholic Center played a significant role.

“My hope is that the study lounge and library, which my husband and I support, will become a haven for students, a place for study and scholarship, but also a place for reflection,” she says.

The transformed physical space helps to foster the important work that goes on inside the building. Waterman, now in his 10th and final year as chaplain, has worked to feed his students spiritually and physically.

“If you like something, you want to share it with somebody else. I attribute our growth to that,” he says.

Jessica Gutierrez ’26, a computer science major from Los Angeles, has been involved in the Catholic Center since her first year and currently serves as president of the Catholic Student Association.

“The Catholic Center has helped me transform, both spiritually and personally, giving me a sense of belonging and purpose,” she says. “With its welcoming design and expanded opportunities for gathering, reflection and service, the new Catholic Center will be an even better place for students to grow in faith and connection.”

You could say that Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer Pete Sala literally grew up at Syracuse University.

His father, John Sala, came to the University in the early 1960s for a facilities career that would span more than 30 years. As children, Pete and his brothers often tagged along with their father. Years later, Pete would join the staff himself, continuing the family’s legacy of hard work and dedication to Syracuse for more than four decades.

This fall, the University recognized that legacy with the dedication of the Sala Family Plaza, located outside Miron Victory Court and the JMA Wireless Dome. Permanent markers in the space—a plaque, a plaza sign and astroturf with 50- and 44-yard lines—acknowledge the Sala family’s impact. The project was made possible through the support of Chancellor Kent Syverud, the Board of Trustees, University leaders and community partners.

“When you think of service, hard work, and unwavering commitment to Syracuse University, few people embody those ideals as profoundly as Pete, John and the Sala family,” Chancellor Syverud said. “For more than seventy years, their extraordinary dedication and love for Syracuse University have shaped a campus that is more beautiful, more functional, and more welcoming for generations of Orange students, faculty, staff, alumni, and fans. The Sala Family Plaza will forever remind us of their enduring legacy.”

Taking on Archbold Stadium

A skilled groundskeeper, John learned the trade at Cornell University and, with his father, built the golf course at Pompey Hills Country Club in the 1950s. When Syracuse needed help rehabbing the football field at Archbold Stadium, John got the call.

Facilities leaders were so impressed with his knowledge and work ethic, he was hired as a foreman on the University’s grounds crew. He rose to superintendent and director with Physical Plant (now Facilities Services), overseeing a dramatic campus transformation. New residence halls, academic buildings, Marshall Square Mall, Archbold Theatre and the Schine Student Center all came under his watch.

Most significantly, John was instrumental in the design and construction of the JMA Wireless Dome (formerly the Carrier Dome), located at the heart of campus. The Dome celebrates its 45th anniversary this month.

Establishing a Family Legacy

John brought his three sons—John, Pete and Larry—to campus on game days, parking them at the top of Archbold Stadium while he worked. They often ended up in the office of legendary football Coach Ben Schwartzwalder, who supplied them with sandwiches and drinks.

Trustee Cliff Ensley ’69, ’70, G’71, a former football player, recalls the quality of the field John helped restore. “It was the nicest, most beautiful field I ever played on, and probably the best in the country,” Ensley said.

Plans for the Dome were frequently spread across the Sala family’s living room table. John often responded to late-night calls, and in the winter, shoveled snow from the Dome’s inflatable roof. His late wife, Jennie, and their children strongly supported his work.

John retired in 1992, but the tradition continued through Pete. Pete’s wife, Laurie, and their son Jake ’21, G’23, now a Dome staff member, are part of the Syracuse story. Four of John and Jennie’s five children attended SU, along with four of their grandsons.

Pete’s own career began with a call from his dad in 1981. Preparing for a Rolling Stones concert in the Dome, John asked Pete, home for Thanksgiving break, to round up some friends and help build the stage. Pete delivered 20 recruits, and soon after was offered a part-time job. He joined full time in June 1982.

The Torch Is Passed to a New Generation

Over 44 years at Syracuse, Pete has become deeply involved in shaping the campus. He has overseen the construction of Ernie Davis Hall, the Einhorn Family Walk, the Barnes Center at The Arch, the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building, the John A. Lally Athletics Complex, the Clifford J. Ensley Athletic Center, and the Dome’s renovation to enhance the player and fan experience. Between 2000 and 2010, the University hosted four NCAA regional tournaments, the most of any venue in the country.

As managing director of the Dome, Pete has also overseen large-scale events that draw the community to campus, including concerts by Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Pink, and fan-favorite Monster Jam.

University Trustee Christine Larsen ’84 spoke of the family’s impact, particularly Pete’s leadership on the rebuilt Dome and Miron Victory Court. “I’m proud to say the Sala Plaza will always serve as our front yard, welcoming everyone,” she said.

For Pete, much of the credit goes to his team. “Nobody on this campus has a better staff than me,” he said. “I thank you; I can’t do it without you.”

Michael Veley, former Rhonda S. Falk Professor of Sport Management in the David B. Falk College of Sport, credits Pete with expanding opportunities beyond athletics. In 2005, they created a hands-on experiential learning component that evolved into a graduate program in sport facility and event management.

“This has resulted in dozens of our graduates managing facilities like Soldier Field in Chicago, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles and several major college venues,” Veley said.

“The evolution of sport management from a small department to the Falk College of Sport, the first of its kind in the nation, simply would not be possible today if not for Pete’s engagement and commitment to academic excellence over the last 20 years,” Veley said.