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 prominent content creators met with U.S. policymakers earlier this summer during Creator Row, a first-of-its-kind content creator gathering organized by the , Syracuse University was the only higher education institution represented on Capitol Hill.

Thomas O’Brien, project coordinator for the (CCE), was part of the University delegation invited to help inform and educate lawmakers on the unique challenges content creators face and learn more about potential legislative priorities involving creators.

O’Brien met face-to-face with elected U.S. representatives, content creators and employees from leading platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Meta, Patreon, Substack, Adobe and Rumble, to help advance the conversation around the creator economy as a growing economic sector.

“We’re the first school to create an academic resource center entirely focused on social media content creation and the revenue streams that exist within that industry, so it was fitting and a great honor to be able to represent both Syracuse and the Center for the Creator Economy at these events,” O’Brien says. “We’re paving a path forward and it’s an exciting time for content creators.”

It was the perfect opportunity for O’Brien and the University delegation—consisting of Carrie Welch, CCE launch director, and Cameron MacPherson, senior director of operations and government affairs with the —to share how the CCE helps students build real-world skills in media, entrepreneurship and digital strategy.

The CCE,��a joint initiative between the and the , is a first-of-its-kind academic initiative dedicated to preparing students for careers in the creator economy.

Through meetings with elected representatives, the University’s delegation learned why support for the creator economy has become a priority at the local, state and federal levels, and how Congress is addressing the growing gap between what content creators need to be successful with potential overregulation of this emerging industry.

“The room was full of some of the biggest names shaping the creator economy, from tech companies and platforms to creators themselves, and it’s great that Syracuse University was in it,” MacPherson said of the event. “All in all, it couldn’t have gone much better for the University. It was a fantastic, dynamic event for us to participate in.”

The Creator Row event was organized and hosted by U.S. Reps. Beth Van Duyne of Texas and Yvette Clark of New York.

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.”

When arrived at Syracuse University’s in the fall of 2006 as an assistant professor, he had recently transitioned out of the Air Force as an officer after 14 years of service. He arrived in Syracuse with no particular intention of staying more than a few years. “My brain was sort of wired,” he told students at a recent fireside chat to celebrate Whitman Day. “I was used to staying in a place for a couple years.”

Nearly two decades later, on March 3, 2026, the Syracuse University Board of Trustees appointed him the institution’s 13th chancellor and president. The arc from his arrival to the University’s highest office is a story of scholarship put to use and of research that charted a new course.

The Scholar Behind the Work

Haynie completed a doctoral degree in entrepreneurship and business strategy at the University of Colorado at Boulder. His scholarship has been published in the world’s leading business and entrepreneurship journals, and his body of work has now been cited approximately 9,000 times.

That number places him, as Whitman Interim Dean Alex McKelvie said as he introduced Haynie at the fireside chat, “among the most influential entrepreneurship scholars in the world.” At Syracuse, he was recognized for his work by earning the Barnes Professorship and, in 2018, was named University Professor, the University’s highest faculty distinction.

“What makes Mike’s scholarly record so remarkable is not just the volume or the impact—it’s the context,” says McKelvie. “He has 21 journal publications with more than 100 citations each, including five with more than 500 citations each, while simultaneously building programs, leading institutions and taking on the University’s most pressing challenges. Most scholars of his caliber are doing research full time. Mike was doing it as a fraction of his job. That is what separates him.”

Much of Haynie’s work focused on entrepreneurial cognition: how successful founders think, decide and act under uncertainty. His findings pointed repeatedly toward military veterans—a population largely absent from entrepreneurship discourse, yet shaped by training that produces exactly the traits research links to high-performing entrepreneurs: quick consequential decisions, leadership under pressure and persistence through unpredictable environments. What was missing was a program to help them translate those skills into building a business.

An Entrepreneurship Program for Veterans

About six months into his Whitman appointment, Haynie hit upon what a program could look like. His idea was to bring seriously wounded post-9/11 veterans to campus and help them become small business owners. “Here I am, an entrepreneurship professor,” he said. “I’m a veteran myself. It’s something I could do.”

He proposed the program to then-Whitman Dean Melvin Stith, a Vietnam veteran, and set one condition that the program would be free. Stith’s response: “Sure. Go raise the money.”

Haynie had never raised money before. Two months before the first program was set to launch, he had raised roughly $20,000 of the $120,000 he needed. It was at that time that he first met Martin J. Whitman, a University benefactor and the school’s namesake.

Whitman, a World War II veteran, wrote a check and covered the gap. “He made a point to me that has stuck with me now for 20 years,” Haynie said, “that this is an institution that gives people a chance when others would not.”

That first program, launched in 2007, became the : a three-phase curriculum combining 30 days of online business instruction, a nine-day residential at Whitman, and a year of mentorship.

More than 2,400 veterans have now graduated from EBV. Approximately 79% have started or continued to grow their own businesses, and 92% of those businesses remain in operation. The program expanded into a national consortium headquartered at Syracuse.

Inc. magazine named EBV one of the country’s 10 best entrepreneurship programs in 2011, the Department of the Army recognized it as a national best practice and in May 2013 CBS News’ “60 Minutes” spent nearly a month on campus following the work.

From Program to Institute

As EBV’s profile grew, letters from World War II veterans led Haynie to Syracuse’s own history. GIs who accepted Chancellor William Pearson Tolley’s 1944 open invitation had transformed the school from a 4,100-student regional college into a research university of nearly 18,000. Fast forward decades later, Haynie saw that no center in American higher education was systematically studying veterans’ and military families’ concerns.

�մǻ岹��’s is a national hub offering career, entrepreneurship and transition programs alongside research, policy analysis and community partnerships for service members, veterans and their families.

With initial funding he secured from JPMorgan Chase, the IVMF became the nation’s first interdisciplinary academic institute chartered to advance the policy, economic and wellness concerns of America’s veterans and military-connected families. Through partnerships with corporations, government agencies and nonprofits, it built new pathways for veterans transitioning to civilian life. More than 230,000 service members, veterans and military family members have participated in its programs.

Haynie served as the University’s vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation for more than a decade. He went on to chair the U.S. Secretary of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment, Training and Employer Outreach and to help lead long-term reform at Veterans Affairs. Time magazine named him one of 16 individuals working toward a more equal America in 2020, the same year he led the University’s COVID-19 response, which earned him the 2021 Chancellor’s Medal.

A Scholar and Teacher at Heart

Twenty years after he first arrived on campus, Haynie’s dedication to the Whitman School remains as strong as ever. In 2023, he was named the school’s executive dean. In that role, he provided strategic direction for Whitman’s Transformation 2030 plan, under which the school has risen in national rankings, strengthened its research profile and expanded experiential learning opportunities. Under his leadership, Whitman recently launched the in partnership with the .

“I’ve had the rare opportunity to see Mike Haynie in action across nearly every layer of the University’s innovation ecosystem. What stands out is how deeply personal his commitment to entrepreneurship really is. Mike doesn’t just lead programs. He lives the work,” says Linda Dickerson Hartsock, founder and retired executive director of the University’s Blackstone Launchpad. “He understands the creative energy of startup ventures because he embodies those qualities himself.”

Hartsock says Haynie’s connection to students really defines him. “As a mentor, he has been instrumental to some of our most promising student and alumni startups,” she says. “He has a way of pushing founders to think bigger while grounding them in disciplined execution.”

A Chancellor Formed by His Work

Haynie’s appointment as Syracuse’s 13th chancellor was the natural extension of what his scholarship had always done: identify a problem, build something real in response and grow it.

At the fireside chat, Haynie was asked what excites him most about what lies ahead for the University. His answer was characteristically direct: the same conditions that challenge higher education—declining enrollment, eroding public trust and the disruption brought by AI—are also the conditions that create the most opportunity for institutions willing to respond with speed and imagination.

“If we do that well and do that quickly,” he said, “we can thrive relative to our peers.”

Syracuse University is launching a minor in the creator economy, the first academic offering from its trailblazing Center for the Creator Economy, providing a new path for students to build careers in content creation, digital entrepreneurship and the fast-growing ecosystem reshaping how ideas, audiences and businesses are built online .

Slated to begin in fall 2026, the minor highlights the University’s commitment to prepare students for dynamic opportunities in an expanding sector of the economy, where creative entrepreneurs can produce and monetize content across digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Substack.

While a handful of institutions have introduced content creation programs, the Syracuse University minor��is distinguished by��the��integration of courses offered by��the��renowned S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the top-ranked Martin J. Whitman School of Management, which co-lead the Center for the Creator Economy.

The minor also includes electives offered by other schools and colleges, including a Name, Image and Likeness class offered by the David B. Falk College of Sport and Music Industry Marketing and Media class offered by�� the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

“The creator economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, and Syracuse University is uniquely positioned to prepare students to lead in it. This minor brings together two of the country’s premier schools in communications and business to give students the skills, strategy and confidence to build something that lasts,” says Acting Chancellor J. Michael Haynie. “That is exactly the kind of bold, interdisciplinary thinking that defines what we do here.”

The curriculum for the minor��includes��three��required courses:

• Introduction to the Creator Economy: A Newhouse class that surveys media industries and platforms with an emphasis on the intersection of creators with topics including brands, entertainment, sports, gaming, news and music.
• Business Toolkit for Creators: A Whitman course that focuses on the business tools needed for creation, including monetization, developing strategic partnerships and customer acquisition.
• Entrepreneurship: Students can choose one of two hands-on entrepreneurship courses where students work on their own creator startup: Launchpad (at Whitman) or New Media Venture Launch (at Newhouse).

Students can then choose��three��courses��from a menu of electives that meet their career goals, spanning topics including entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises, electronic retailing and marketing, social media for communicators and sports content for social platforms.

The��debut of the��minor punctuates a productive first year for the Center for the Creator Economy,��which also opened its physical home at the Newhouse School this spring.��The space��features��areas��for collaboration, programming and��video and podcast production.

Programs and academic offerings from the center are available to students from all schools and colleges at Syracuse University, and the��minor’s��interdisciplinary design reflects the scope of the��creator��economy itself. According to Goldman Sachs Research,��67 million people��globally work as full- or part-time creators, and the sector could be worth��nearly��$500 billion��by 2027.

“What excites me most about the Center for the Creator Economy and this new minor is that they reflect a deeper commitment from Syracuse University: We’re preparing students for where the economy is going, not where it has been,” Haynie says. “As the center grows and its physical home at Newhouse comes to life, I believe SU will become the destination for students who want to turn their creativity into a career.”

The Center for the Creator Economy launched��in November��2025��with��a kickoff celebration at the Whitman School in Syracuse, followed by events during the��spring��semester in New York City,��Washington, D.C.��and Los Angeles.

Through leadership, academics and an unwavering commitment to the Orange community, annually two students earn one of the most distinguished honors of a Syracuse University undergraduate career, being named the Senior Class Marshals. For the Class of 2027, the Student Experience division is proud to announce William Lewandowski ’27and Alyssa Limjuco ’27 as the rising Senior Class Marshals.

Together they will guide their graduating class during Commencement, play a role in recommending the Commencement speaker and engage directly with senior University administrators to discuss student experiences and perspectives. Among other responsibilities, Lewandowski and Limjuco will represent their class at Universitywide events and build connections with alumni.

“From integrity, heart and academics, to a genuine passion for community, William and Alyssa embody everything we hope to cultivate in our students. As Class of 2027 Senior Class Marshals, they have earned this honor not just through achievement but through both big and small intentional daily actions that have culminated into what it means to truly have Orange pride,” says , associate vice president for the Student Experience division, dean of students and chair of the selection committee.

William Lewandowski

Originally from Lockport, New York, Lewandowski is preparing to enter his final year at Syracuse University more than 60 years after his grandfather, Dr. James Olson ’60, had his own student experience. Despite the distance, he says he has always found a piece of home within the Orange community.

Sharing an alma mater not only deepened Lewandowski’s bond with his grandfather but illuminated shared lifestyle philosophies that have ultimately built a foundation for being a Senior Class Marshal.

“Every time I would go back home from Syracuse University, I would talk to him and he loved hearing all my stories and what I was doing on campus,” says Lewandowski. “As a dentist for 50 years, he impacted so many people with his quality of care but also with his humility and willingness to accept payment in the form of homemade cookies or plants for his garden. He didn’t care who you were, he just wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of others. He taught me that true joy in life comes from people. It’s the people at this University that make it so great. I learned that very early on as a first-year student within the Whitman Living Learning Community.”

A Whitman Leadership Scholar and member of the dean’s list, Lewandowski is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises in the . He has worked as a peer mentor and lead ambassador, showcasing the Whitman student experience for prospective and admitted students.

Throughout his undergraduate career his pursuit of experiential learning has propelled him into countless opportunities offered by Syracuse University. Weaving together hands on experience in venture capital, consulting, content marketing and private equity, Lewandowski’s internships have spanned Triangle Insights Group, 5Point Venture Partners and Blue Star Innovation Partners.

Helping student entrepreneurs and working to spark student interest in entrepreneurship, Lewandowski has spent much of his time immersed in the University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Additional highlights include his participation in the , where he has served as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and as an Entrepreneurship Fellow. Expanding into content creation, he has been published in Poets&Quants, “,” and Ecology Prime, “.”

“Syracuse University gave me a platform to be who I want to be,” says Lewandowski. During his undergraduate career Lewandowski has showcased where his academic rigor meets real-world impact. He has worked to help launch the new and has further harnessed his entrepreneurial spirit by starting two businesses. Clique Sports is a digital platform focusing on connecting college athletes with professional athletes regarding guidance and mentorship, and WM Media is focused on adding DJ and photography services to local events.

“To me, being Orange is about the people—making an impact on the lives of others to help them achieve their goals,” says Lewandowski. “Syracuse University is a place where new ideas are encouraged and innovation is supported. There are big changes approaching the University and as the Class of 2027 we can become agents of change and leave our mark, which is quite a special opportunity.”

Alyssa Limjuco

Alyssa Limjuco may have joined the Orange community from Silver Spring, Maryland, but she grew up in a military family, which meant moving between different places and school systems. These experiences quickly taught her how to adapt and understand different spaces and people, a skillset rooted in community building and empathy, that she has strengthened throughout each of her undergraduate experiences.

“I try to lead with empathy, stay open-minded and be someone who helps bridge gaps between groups,” says Limjuco. “Being selected as a Senior Class Marshal felt like recognition of a lifelong learning process. Not just the end result of my undergraduate experience but each time it has taken and will take, to get comfortable, to find my voice and to become someone who contributes meaningfully across different spaces while also fostering connections.”

As a student in the (VPA) and the , Limjuco is a dual major in film and sociology. Her dedication to academic excellence is quickly realized through multiple scholarships alongside membership in the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society, being a Renée Crown University Honors Scholar and never missing a dean’s list placement.

As an Honors Academic Enhancement Awards recipient, studying abroad in Bologna, Italy, become possible. During this time she immersed herself in experiential learning weaving together classes that explored film history, visual strategy and preproduction planning, alongside Cinema Ritrovato, the world’s leading festival of restored cinema. Professional development highlights also include serving as the communications manager for the OrangeReels Film Festival and producing viral digital content as the Project FreeFall video editor.

“What Syracuse University gave me was permission to explore fully and commit deeply. Receiving honors and merit-based scholarships, including support to study abroad, affirmed that interdisciplinary work was not only possible here but valued,” says Limjuco.

Limjuco’s involvement spans widely as an active member of communities both on and off campus. On campus she has helped to connect veterans and military families with relevant support programs through the , she serves as the National Panhellenic Conference vice president of communications, as an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, a VPA peer coach, a Shaw Center STEM literacy tutor, OTTOthon team captain and as president of the Boxing Club. Globally, she amplifies the mission of Habitat for Humanity International, as video production and editing intern and as a volunteer for Habitat’s Women Build, a program that builds stronger and safer communities.

“The legacy I hope to leave is one of connection, demonstrating that involvement across disciplines, identities and roles strengthens a campus rather than divides it. I hope to be remembered as someone who embraced the full breadth of Syracuse University, someone who led with intention, while believing and supporting through intentional actions, that the University is at its best when students are encouraged to bring all parts of themselves into the spaces they serve.”

—March 24—is a day to celebrate all that it means to be Orange, to keep beloved traditions alive for students and keep building the community that makes Syracuse University extraordinary.

There are countless ways to support students—through greatest needs and deans’ funds in all of the University’s schools and colleges and through initiatives that benefit students Universitywide, across majors and disciplines.

Here are five unique ways you can make your impact on the Orange in support of experiences, community and traditions:

Since 23 students gathered at Crouse College on Feb. 4, 1901, the Syracuse University Marching Band has grown into one of the most celebrated collegiate bands in the nation. From its first football game appearance that fall to marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and performing at Super Bowl XLVIII, the band has represented the University on some of the world’s biggest stages.

The band earned its iconic nickname, The Pride of the Orange, in 1970, when an announcer introduced the band following its award-winning performance at the World Band Festival in Kerkrade, Netherlands. The name has defined the band ever since.

Today, with nearly 220 members drawn from five Central New York colleges (Syracuse, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Le Moyne College, SUNY Oswego and Onondaga Community College) and more than 80 majors, the band is far more than a performing ensemble. It is a cornerstone of Syracuse University life; it’s a community where students find lifelong friendships and carry the Orange spirit forward.

As the band marks its 125th anniversary, the College of Visual and Performing Arts is raising funds for new uniforms, which will debut at the Sept. 5, 2026, football home opener vs. New Hampshire. A generous donor has pledged an $85,000 matching gift, doubling every dollar contributed to this historic milestone.

Syracuse is home to more than 300 registered student organizations—from performance groups and cultural organizations to service clubs and everything in between—and they’re at the heart of what makes the Syracuse experience special.

On Giving Day, 41 student organizations are competing for a share of $3,500 in bonus funding through the Student Organization Challenge, rallying their communities to give, engage and show up. Winners are determined by unique donor count, social media engagement and on-campus spirit at Schine Student Center, so every gift, like and share genuinely moves the needle. The challenge dollars have been allocated via Senior Vice President Allen Groves and the Student Experience team.

Can’t find a group that speaks to you? A gift to the Student Experience Fund supports small grants that help all Syracuse students fully enjoy campus life. This is your chance to invest in the people and communities that make Syracuse University home.

The Center for the Creator Economy (CCE) is the first academic center of its kind on a U.S. college campus. Led jointly by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, the center reinforces the University’s commitment to bold, forward-looking academic leadership.

By aligning strengths in entrepreneurship, media, communications, athletics and digital infrastructure, the University is charting how higher education can prepare students for the 21st-century economy. The center will serve as a dynamic platform for teaching and learning; workshops and executive education; speaker series and showcases; on-campus incubators and makerspaces; research and thought leadership; and college athletics.

The fund will support many CCE initiatives, including The Vibe, a student-run creative agency providing students real-world experience through working with clients, and the ’CUSE Creator Crew, which will support creator and brand collaborations and hands-on student learning.

Thomas O’Brien ’25, who helped launch the new center, will co-host six live shows from the Schine Student Center throughout the day to showcase Syracuse University creators.

In May, the Hendricks Chapel Choir will perform on the African continent for the first time. The choir travels internationally every four to five years, providing unique experiential learning opportunities to its members. The choir has previously performed in China (2005); Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (2009); Europe (Poland and Germany, including Auschwitz, 2013); Mexico (2018); and London and Lockerbie and Edinburgh, Scotland (2023). With plans to visit Oceania in 2030, the choir will have performed on every habitable continent by the 100th anniversary of the chapel.

The performances on the South African tour include Johannesburg (performing with the University of Johannesburg Choir); Soweto (Apartheid Museum and Mandela House); Pretoria (University of Pretoria-Tuks Camerata); Drakensberg (performing with the Drakensberg Boys Choir); Pietermaritzburg (UKZN School of Religious Studies) and Cape Town (performing with the St. George’s Cathedral Choir).

“When our graduating seniors consider the most impactful and meaningful moments of their time studying at Syracuse University, international performing tours always top the list,” says Jose “Peppie” Calvar, professor and chair of applied music and performance and director of choral activities in the Setnor School of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and director of the Hendricks Chapel Choir. “Performing tours forge lifelong friendships and memories within our students. The experience of singing in front of an international audience confirms our shared humanity and our students’ place as citizens of a larger world and stewards of the world they’re shaping.”

Syracuse Giving Day is a great time for fans and alumni to support Syracuse University Athletics. Make a gift to the athletic department’s top priorities through Athletics Competitive Excellence. Your support pushes our 20 varsity athletic programs to compete for championships and elevates the student-athlete experience for more than 550 student-athletes on campus.

Visit the for the complete Giving Day experience.

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.”

Merrill Brown, a veteran news executive and media consultant, has been named a visiting professionals fellow for spring 2026 by the (IDJC).

He plans to use his fellowship to study existing and evolving business models across the media landscape and new ways to sustain quality journalism.

The founding editor in chief of MSNBC.com (now ms.now), Brown brings decades of experience at the intersection of journalism, media innovation and business strategy.

He also served as senior vice president at RealNetworks, editorial director at G/O Media, founder and CEO of the News Project, co-founder of the Online News Association and inaugural director of the School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University.

In addition, Brown has served in roles at The Washington Post and Court TV, and with numerous nonprofit and advisory boards related to journalism, media and civic engagement.

Exploring Sustainable Journalism Models

Brown’s fellowship project will examine revenue strategies, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and opportunities for innovation to support high-quality journalism, particularly at the local level.

Brown, who holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis, has also served as a judge for the Newhouse School’s��.

A joint initiative of the and the , the IDJC engages in research, teaching, experiential learning and industry partnerships to address challenges to democracy related to the information environment.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to become a fellow at the IDJC,” Brown says. “I’ve been an admirer of the research and teaching done at Newhouse and the Maxwell School. Joining with the experts at the two schools and with [IDJC Kramer Director] to explore media business models and new ways to sustain quality journalism is a timely and important opportunity.”

As part of the fellowship, Brown will engage with students through guest lectures and public programming. His goal is to develop a long-term structure for studying media business models within an academic setting.

“I look forward to being able to conduct research on this vital topic and to share that work and my news industry experience with the University community,” Brown says. “Syracuse is at the center of the urgent future of news research and experimentation, and I look forward to contributing to those efforts.”

Talev sayd Brown’s work and experience will complement two trailblazing initiatives announced recently by the University, including IDJC’s own .

Led by , associate professor of communications, Local NeXT Lab is the first project of its kind that will connect newsrooms, funders and academics to pioneer journalism innovations, with the goal of strengthening local news.

Brown’s work will also be instrumental to the development of the University’s��. The center, which is led by Newhouse and the , is building real-world skills in media, entrepreneurship and digital strategy to prepare students for the 21st-century economy.

“We are proud to host Merrill this year as he develops this important work,” Talev says. “Merrill’s research and engagement with students will focus on developing and sustaining the media and communications industries of the future.”

About IDJC’s Visiting Fellow Program

The IDJC’s fellowship program for visiting professionals reflects the institute’s broader mission to connect students with leading voices in journalism and civic life. Through public events, classroom visits and collaborative projects, fellows contribute to a dynamic learning environment that prepares students to become thoughtful, engaged communicators and citizens.

Story by Emma Hudson

Energized by creator and journalist Jon Youshaei’s engaging remarks, a vibrant celebration marked the launch of the (CCE)—the groundbreaking initiative reinforces the University’s commitment to bold, forward-thinking academic leadership.

More than 250 people attended the Nov. 12 evening event at Flaum Grand Hall at the Whitman School of Management, including students, alumni, University leadership, faculty, staff and campus visitors. The first academic center of its kind on a U.S. college campus, the Center for the Creator Economy is led jointly by the Whitman School and the Newhouse School of Public Communications.

The center pioneers a bold new approach to higher education, equipping students with the combined power of the legendary media and creative expertise at Newhouse and world-class business acumen at Whitman to help thrive in the rapidly expanding creator-driven economy.

“Syracuse University is positioning itself to not only keep pace but lead what has become a more than $500-billion global force impacting every industry,” said Mike Haynie, University vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and Whitman’s executive dean.

“This is changing how we value creativity in commerce and entrepreneurship as a form of art,” Haynie said. “It’s not just another program but a commitment to foster the creativity and intellect that fuel careers, movements and moments of an evolving industry.”

The creator economy is a fast-growing sector where individuals build careers by producing and monetizing content across digital platforms, such asYouTube, TikTok, Substack and Twitch. It is reshaping how media is produced and consumed.

With programming designed to reflect how students are currently creating—and earning—on their own digital platforms, the CCE will offer a curriculum focused on creator strategy, digital branding, content monetization, entrepreneurship and more.

“The Center for the Creator Economy reinforces Syracuse University’s commitment to stay on the cutting edge of industry trends to make sure that our graduates are ready to lead,” said Mark Lodato, dean of the Newhouse School.

“What we want to do is take students where they are at Newhouse and give them a better appreciation of the business side, and conversely for Whitman students studying business, provide an understanding of what the communication and creation side looks like,” he said.

However, classes and other programming connected to the center will be accessible to students from across campus. While led by Whitman and Newhouse, the center’s reach extends across campus through collaborations with the Falk College of Sport, where student-athletes will level up their personal branding game and maximize Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, and partnerships with the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Students will gain real-world insights through workshops and events featuring accomplished alumni and industry trailblazers who are defining what it means to be a creator today. Strategic partnerships with leading platforms, agencies and companies actively shaping the future of media and commerce will create a powerhouse ecosystem designed to launch the next generation of creator entrepreneurs.

“The creator economy provides some unique business challenges, like how do you commercialize content? How do you protect intellectual property? How do you professionalize people’s passion projects?” said Alex McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School.

“We’re responding to student interests and showing them we’re committed to this area where Syracuse is, once again, a thought leader,” McKelvie said.

Popular Content Creator Cracks the Code

In his keynote speech, Youshaei, a digital and social media expert, journalist and content creator, drew from his career experience and popularity that has helped him gain social media traction since his first post in 2009.

Today, he has more than 1 million followers across various social media platforms and more than 300 million views on one of YouTube’s fastest growing channels.��Youshaei is one of a few creators to work inside both YouTube and Instagram. He has been featured in Business Insider, Time and Inc. Magazine for “cracking the code to going viral,” while TED called him the “Oprah of YouTube.”

One tip shared by Youshaei demonstrates how even superstars like Beyoncé often reference music, dance and other art forms from niche or forgotten places.

“In the heart of any great creator is a blend from many different sources,” he said, showing comparisons to a 1969 Bob Fosse dance in Beyoncé’s iconic “All the Single Ladies” music video as an example of creative inspiration done with originality. “People have accused her of taking other’s ideas, but she’s not about copy and paste. She’s about copy with taste! And that’s what has kept her relevant for so many years.”

Youshaei answered questions from students, encouraging them to take chances and not feel pressure to find perfectionism in the creator space.

“Perfectionism is really procrastination in disguise,” he said. “Don’t hold back.”

The day after the launch night. The University held its inaugural ’CUSE Creator Con—a full-day immersion into the creator economy, featuring dynamic talks and panel discussions with student and alumni content creators and industry experts.

The workshops drew students, faculty and staff, all eager for insights, and delivered exactly what they came for: fresh perspectives, real-world strategies and a glimpse into the creator future.

For more information, visit the University’s .

Syracuse University today announced the launch of its new Center for the Creator Economy, the first academic center of its kind on a U.S. college campus. A joint venture between the and the , the center will position the University at the forefront of research, education and thought leadership within the rapidly expanding creator-driven economic landscape.

“The creator economy represents one of the most significant cultural and commercial transformations of our time,” says , vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the Whitman School. “With this bold new center, Syracuse is seizing the opportunity to lead—not follow—in preparing students to thrive at the intersection of creativity, commerce and digital innovation. �մǻ岹��’s college students are more entrepreneurial than ever before, driven to build personal brands that not only generate income but also give them the freedom to be their own boss, set their own hours and shape their own professional potential.”

A Global Shift in Work, Media and Entrepreneurship

Powered by a new class of content creators—from podcasters and streamers to influencers and digital artists—the creator economy is reshaping how ideas, products and services are marketed and monetized. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Substack and Twitch now serve as engines of commerce and influence.

Goldman Sachs estimates the creator economy will approach $500 billion by 2027, with the global creator community growing 10 to 20% annually. Nearly half of U.S. teenagers already earn income through digital channels—an economic shift with major implications for how universities must support the entrepreneurial needs of young people.

Leading the Way in Emerging Jobs and Technology

Syracuse University is uniquely positioned to lead in this emerging field:

• Creators are entrepreneurs: Whitman’s ranked entrepreneurship program provides a foundation in digital business management, monetization strategy, consumer behavior and data analytics.
• Creators are communicators: The Newhouse School offers expertise in media, content production, digital storytelling and audience development—critical in today’s digital-first environment.
• Creators compete digitally: Syracuse is the nation’s most digitally connected campus, with a campuswide 5G private network powered by JMA Wireless and early adoption of campuswide AI access through Anthropic’s Claude for Education.

A Hub for Learning, Research and Industry Engagement

The center will serve as a dynamic platform for:

• Teaching and learning: Undergraduate and graduate courses in creative content, audience engagement and digital strategy.
• Workshops and executive education: Experiential opportunities for students and professionals, from personal branding to influencer law.
• Speaker series and showcases: A stage for creators, social media executives and digital entrepreneurs.
• On-campus incubators and makerspaces: Mentorship and funding for student ventures.
• Research and thought leadership: Sponsoring and publishing research on creator economy trends.
• College athletics: Partnering with and the to help student-athletes and the University compete in the changing athletics landscape.

“This center speaks directly to the aspirations of current and prospective students, many of whom already see themselves as creators, innovators and entrepreneurs,” says Newhouse Dean . “It’s about meeting them where they are—and preparing them to lead in the world that’s coming.”

The center will be jointly overseen by the Whitman and Newhouse deans, in collaboration with the Falk College and . Syracuse will conduct a national search for an executive director, supported by faculty co-directors and a network of faculty fellows spanning the University’s 13 schools and colleges. A Student Engagement Council will offer student-driven insight, while an Industry Advisory Council of creators, media executives, brand managers and investors will guide the center’s vision.

A Strategic Move for the Future

This initiative reinforces Syracuse University’s commitment to bold, forward-looking academic leadership. By aligning strengths in entrepreneurship, media, communications, athletics and digital infrastructure, the University is charting how higher education can prepare students for the 21st-century economy.

“The creator economy is not a passing trend—it’s a generational transformation,” says , interim dean of the Whitman School. “Through this center, Syracuse University is not just responding to change; we’re helping shape what comes next.”

Syracuse will celebrate the center’s launch later this fall with on-campus events and simultaneous programming at its campuses in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

For more information, visit .