Nearly four decades after the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 claimed 35 Syracuse University students, a new cohort of scholars is keeping their memory alive.

The Remembrance Scholarships, now in their 37th year, were founded as a tribute to—and means of remembering—the students studying in London and Florence through Syracuse University who were killed in the Dec. 21, 1988, bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Those students were among the 270 people who perished in the bombing. The scholarships are funded through an endowment supported by gifts from alumni, friends, parents and corporations.

Significant support for the Remembrance Scholarships has been provided by Jean Thompson ’66 and Syracuse University Life Trustee Richard L. Thompson G’67 in memory of Jean Taylor Phelan Terry ’43 and John F. Phelan, Jean Thompson’s parents; by Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus Steven Barnes ’82 and Deborah Barnes; by The Syracuse Association of Zeta Psi in memory of Alexander Lowenstein; and by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation.

Selection Process

Remembrance Scholars are chosen in their junior year through a competitive selection process. Applicants submitted an essay and a reflective response in multimedia, artistic, musical or written format as part of a comprehensive application. The application evaluation committee is composed of University faculty and staff and current Remembrance Scholars. The $5,000 scholarships are awarded on the basis of community impact, leadership, creativity and thoughtful academic inquiry.

“The Remembrance Scholars bring something exceptional to our University: a commitment to learning, to leading and to giving back. Through their accomplishments, they carry forward the legacy of the students for whom these scholarships were created. Recognizing them is both a privilege and a point of deep pride for Syracuse University,” says Lois Agnew, vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer.

The Remembrance Scholars plan the Remembrance activities held at the University each year, and the cohort will be recognized during a convocation in the fall.

2026-27 Remembrance Scholars

The 2026-27 Remembrance Scholars, their hometowns, majors and schools and colleges are the following:

• Victoria Alwar of Homa Bay, Kenya, a biology major and neuroscience major in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Madiou Bah of Bronx, New York, a broadcast and digital journalism major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and an economics major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and A&S;
• Sigourney Bell of Birmingham, Alabama, a broadcast and digital journalism major in the Newhouse School and member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Nasya Simone Bellard of Concord, North Carolina, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S;
• Tyler Branigan of Delhi, New York, a policy studies major and economics major in the Maxwell School and A&S, an environment, sustainability and policy major in the Maxwell School and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Teaghan Brostrom of Sacramento, Califorrnia, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S, a broadcast and digital journalism major in the Newhouse School and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Keona Bukhari-Adams of Springfield, New Jersey, a neuroscience major and psychology major in A&S;
• Mason Burley of Webster, New York, an inclusive adolescent education major in the School of Education and history major in the Maxwell School and A&S;
• Samuel Esteban Cornell of Houston, Texas, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S and finance major in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management;
• Eliora Enriquez of Doon, Iowa, a film major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA);
• Quinn Gonzalez of Wantage, New Jersey, a nutrition major in the David B. Falk College of Sport and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Jiya Gumaste of Ashburn, Virginia, a chemistry major and neuroscience major in A&S;
• Shivika Gupta of Rochester, New York, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S and law, society and policy major in the Maxwell School;
• Abigail (Abi) Handel of Newton, Massachusetts, a biology major in A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Alexis Heveron of Rochester, New York, a chemical engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS);
• Emily Hunnewell of Chicago, Illinois, a policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a business management major in the Whitman School;
• Daniella Jacob of Millburn, New Jersey, a health and exercise science major in the Falk College and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Sydney Kincaid of Seattle, Washington, a music education major in VPA and the School of Education;
• Kennedy King of Pasadena, California, an anthropology major and political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S, an art history major in A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Chloe Anjolie Kiser of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, an advertising major in the Newhouse School and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Carmen Lee-Bennett of Buffalo, New York, a biology major in A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Aaron Lener of Homer, New York, a linguistic studies major in A&S, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Haonan (Eric) Ma of Beijing, China, a student in the School of Architecture;
• Carter J. Moreland of Dallas, Texas, a political science major and an economics major in the Maxwell School and A&S;
• Darren Murphy of San Ramon, California, an applied mathematics major in A&S, an economics major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Sophia Hoyos Murray of Northborough, Massachusetts, a psychology major and biology major in A&S;
• Matilda Nichols of Fairfield, Connecticut, a chemistry major and forensic science major in A&S;
• Will Parsons of Albany, New York, a chemical engineering major in ECS;
• Alana Ramirez-Velez of Manati, Puerto Rico, a biology major and neuroscience major in A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Ella Roerden of Syracuse, New York, an anthropology major and international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S;
• Sreshtha Thangaswamy of Edison, New Jersey, a political science major and economics major in the Maxwell School and A&S;
• Halle Varney of Potsdam, New York, a psychology major in A&S;
• Cara Williams of Greenwood, Indiana, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S, a political philosophy major in A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Katie Wood of Clifton, Virginia, a musical theater major in VPA and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; and
• Chelsea Zhang of Suzhou, China, and Hayward, California, a student in the School of Architecture.

In Jamaica, where track and field stars like Usain Bolt (eight-time gold medalist) and Elaine Thompson-Herah (five-time gold medalist) captured national glory at the Summer Olympics, children grow up wanting to emulate their heroes.

But for every Bolt or Thompson-Herah, thousands of aspiring track and field athletes will never qualify for the Olympics. For them, they compete because they love their sport, not because they envision winning a gold medal.

Recognizing the important role support systems play in the development of teenagers into adults, a team of three students in the built a holistic vision for supporting elite youth athletes in Jamaica during the Grand Final of the fifth annual in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“Our focus was on preparing these students for a future outside of athletics. We wanted to give them the support they needed to succeed where they were at, but also to experience success once they’re done competing,” says Cooper Feldstein ’28, a sport management major.

The Falk students were invited to compete in the undergraduate event at the Grand Final after claiming first place in the semifinals back in December. , assistant teaching professor of sport management, served as the group’s advisor throughout the process.

Helping Athletes Feel Heard and Supported

At the Olympic Museum, Feldstein, Noah Bair ’28 and Angel Rooks Orton ’28 applied the lessons learned through their Falk College classes and presented their solution to a contemporary challenge in sports management.

The group selected Jamaica because of the country’s recognizable brand and success on the global stage, but also because of the national pride its citizens derive from the sport, and because of how many children take up sprinting.

To learn more about Jamaica’s youth track and field landscape, focusing on athletes ages 15 to 18, the students interviewed former Jamaican sprinter Kemardo Tyrell, now an assistant professor of research at Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management. Tyrell spoke to the unique pressures facing Jamaica’s youth athletes.

The group focused on increasing athlete retention (especially among girls), improving academic success and programming, enhancing sport participation and addressing growing mental health challenges.

Knowing most won’t make a successful career in athletics, the Falk team “wanted to help ensure that these elite athletes feel heard and are protected while they are committed to their sport,” Bair says.

“We wanted to look at what the path of a youth athlete looks like, not only in terms of athletic success and accomplishments, but in their academics and their life outside of track,” says Bair, a sport analytics major. “What we found was there are wide gaps in how well students can build a sustainable and enjoyable career in athletics.”

Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-Being

Their research into the trends among Jamaica’s youth track and field competitors showed that if an athlete didn’t develop a positive mindset from an early age, they wouldn’t be able to handle the pressure of competing at the highest level.

“We needed to understand how we could provide them with the stability that they would need to perform to the level that they can actually get to, with how much pressure these kids are facing every day,” Feldstein says.

As one of their cornerstones, the team proposed developing an app as an all-encompassing support system, serving as a communication tool between coaches and their athletes.

Wanting athletes to stay present and in the moment while balancing academics with athletics, the trio came up with weekly mental wellness check-ins where the youths could discuss what’s on their mind.

“These elite athletes are facing a ton of pressure to succeed,” says Rooks Orton, a sport management major. “There are needs we’re trying to meet in Jamaica, and the app can help athletes stay in their program longer, enjoy their sport more and build habits to be successful in sports and in life.”

Leveling the Playing Field

According to research conducted by the group, once a female athlete turns 13, the chances of her quitting her sport are two times greater than those of her male counterparts.

“These females often get discouraged from competing because there isn’t a great support system in place, and because, for many girls, they don’t have examples of successful female athletes to look up to,” Rooks Orton says. “With the app, girls can ask questions, learn from successful women athletes and get the support they need to stay in sports at a high level.”

While the Orange trio didn’t win the Grand Final, the lessons learned from this global experience will stay with them as they prepare for a career in sports.

“This has been a formative experience,” Feldstein says. “The opportunity to work on this high-level professional project will prepare us for the future.”

“It was an honor representing Falk College and Syracuse on the world stage,” Bair says. “We put our best foot forward thanks to the incredible work we’re doing at Falk.”

Rooks Orton agrees. “It’s cool to be in a position where we’re constantly learning about the industry,” she says.

This experience was made possible by the generosity of Jeff and Andrea Lomasky, whose son, Marc Lomasky ’12, is an alumnus of the sport management program.

The (CHB) in the (A&S) has awarded its first round of competitive grants for interdisciplinary and cross-institutional health and behavioral science research projects.

A total of $33,000 in seed funding has been awarded to six separate projects through the and the . The grants are intended to catalyze cross-university collaboration and position investigators for larger external grant submissions.

“The selected proposals span researchers from six Syracuse University colleges and institutes and eight departments, schools and centers, truly reflecting broad institutional engagement and collaboration,” says , director of the CHB and professor in the Department of Psychology in A&S. “The grants also illustrate CHB’s strategic role in seeding interdisciplinary research, strengthening university-Veterans Affairs partnerships, accelerating development of competitive external grant submissions and advancing impactful work across health and behavioral science domains.”

Projects include research on intimate partner violence among veterans, alcohol reduction messaging in Veterans Affairs primary care, heart rate training for entrepreneurs, healthy eating tools for young children, AI support readiness for family caregivers and virtual reality-based voice therapy for pre-service (student) teachers.

Several external partners are also included. Those projects involve researchers at , , and , as well as and industry partner .

Pilot funds were provided to CHB by the College of Arts and Sciences with direct support from Dean , Ditre says. The funds can be used for participant compensation, core facility access, data acquisition, study materials, software and other costs of launching new collaborative research. Projects begin this month and cover a 12-month period.

Researchers receiving grants and their projects are:

Understanding and Addressing Intimate Partner Violence Among Veterans: A Mixed Methods Study of Risk Factors, Experiences and Treatment Preferences

• , assistant professor of psychology, A&S
• , clinical psychology postdoctoral fellow, VA Center for Integrated Healthcare,

Nudge Messaging to Promote Alcohol-Related Behavior Change Among Veterans in Primary Care

• , research assistant professor, CHB/IVMF and clinical research program director, VA Center for Integrated Healthcare
• , research professor and professor emeritus of psychology, A&S

Family Caregiver Well-Being and Readiness for AI-Based Support

• , associate professor of senior research associate, ,
• assistant professor of faculty associate, , Maxwell School

Virtual Reality-Based Voice Therapy for Pre-Service Teachers: Initial Design of a VR Voice Intervention

• , assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, A&S
• , associate professor of industrial and interaction design, ,

A Sweet Texts Add-On to Identify Tailoring Variables and Decision Points for Reducing Energy-Dense Food Intake in Preschool Children

• , assistant professor of nutrition and food studies,
• , assistant professor of psychology, A&S

Physiological Self-Regulation as a Foundation of Entrepreneurial Functioning

• , assistant professor of entrepreneurship,
• , associate professor of entrepreneurship and academic director of the , Whitman School

A time-honored celebration of academic achievement, leadership and military history was on full display at the JMA Wireless Dome during the 109th Chancellor’s Review and Awards Ceremony on March 27.

The annual tradition brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni and University stakeholders to recognize the accomplishments and success of cadets from the University’s Army and Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs.

The event is one of Syracuse University’s oldest traditions, originating in 1917 under the direction of then-Chancellor James R. Day. Among the cadets reviewed in that inaugural ceremony was future Chancellor William Pearson Tolley, who would later play a critical role in expanding access to higher education for veterans through his contributions to the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as the G.I. Bill.

This year’s ceremony featured a formal inspection of the troops by Chancellor Kent Syverud, �����Ի� the presentation of awards recognizing academic, leadership and civic excellence. Both University leadership and representatives from local veteran service organizations were on hand to present awards to the deserving cadets.

“Over the course of time our success is attributed to our military-connected students, and how they achieve their post-graduation goals,” says retired U.S. Army Colonel Ron Novack, executive director of the (OVMA). “Those ROTC cadets who are graduating in five weeks are going to take a very big step in their personal and professional lives. They’re going to go out and lead, they’re going to take the values that they learn from their families, their parents, the values they learn here at Syracuse University, and the values of the Army and the Air Force, and they’re going to go out and lead with distinction.  We couldn’t be prouder of them as they go out and embark on their careers.”

Top Cadets Recognized for Leadership and Academic Excellence

Among the highest honors presented were the General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award and the Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award, given to top-performing cadets in the Army and Air Force ROTC respectively.

This year, the General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award was presented to Sophia Terlecky ’26, a U.S. Army ROTC cadet, for demonstrating exceptional officer potential and leadership. Terlecky, a Buffalo, New York,�� native, is enrolled  in the . She also serves as the cadet battalion commander for the Stalwart Battalion, and will receive a commission in the U.S. Army alongside 24 other Syracuse University Army ROTC cadets in May.

For the Air Force, The Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award was presented to Matthew Gratch, a cross-town ROTC cadet from Le Moyne College, for exemplary performance and inspirational leadership. Gratch, who is studying political science at Le Moyne, also serves as the mission support flight commander for Detachment 535 and will commission into the Air Force as an acquisitions manager.

“Being my fourth and final one, it hits a little different than it did in other years,” says U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet James Hrdy ’26, a senior in the . “This program really challenges you, it’s taught me to appreciate certain things and I’m looking forward to working in the U.S. Air Force.”

The ceremony closed with a formal pass in review, a military tradition symbolizing honor and respect, as the cadets marched in formation across the field in front of their families and University leaders to showcase the military precision of basic unit drill and individual standards of each cadet.

To view a photo gallery of this year’s event, visit the .

The Syracuse University has launched the nation’s first joint J.D. and M.S. in sport analytics program in conjunction with the . The joint program, to be offered starting the Fall 2026 semester, allows College of Law students to earn their J.D. and M.S. concurrently, typically graduating in three years and at no cost beyond that of the J.D.

College of Law on-campus students entering their second year can apply for the J.D./M.S., the College of Law’s 13th joint program.

The master’s degree requires 36 credits. A total of 15 credits from the sport analytics program can be counted toward the J.D. Further, six designated law credits will count toward both the J.D. and the M.S. electives. Law students enrolled in the joint JD/M.S. must take 72 unique law credits and 30 unique M.S. credits. Therefore, obtaining the joint J.D./M.S. requires completing 102 total credit hours.

“This is a program that only Syracuse can offer,” says College of Law Dean Terence J. Lau L’98. “Our College of Law and the Falk College of Sport are literally next door to each other, and that proximity translates into a truly integrated curriculum. No other law school in the country can pair a J.D. with a world-class sport analytics program under one roof.”

The joint J.D./M.S. is designed for law students interested in working in the front office of sports teams, the legal departments of sports leagues, sport agents, sport gambling companies and others involved in sport.

“Being able to combine a law degree with a master’s degree in sport analytics provides our law students with an advanced credential that will set them apart when entering the workforce,” says College of Law Professor Todd Berger.

The M.S. follows Falk College’s established graduate sport analytics curriculum that emphasizes applied statistics, econometrics, databases and machine learning, R/Python programming, sport gambling analytics and visualization, among other disciplines.

“There is increasing demand for professionals who can navigate the complex intersection of law, analytics and sport business. The combined J.D./M.S. degree prepares graduates to meet this demand by equipping them with both legal acumen and advanced quantitative skills these roles increasingly require,” says Rodney J. Paul, Ph.D., professor and chair in the Department of Sport Analytics at Falk College.

“Analytics has been largely popularized in the sport industry, but it has the ability to impact many other industries. Based on my personal background as a sport lawyer, bringing analytics into the study of law is a natural extension for Falk College of Sport. But it is also an incredibly valuable tool for practicing attorneys and even judges to better understand trends and precedents in the law and to predict probable outcomes of cases,” says David B. Falk ’72, Syracuse University Life Trustee and founder and CEO, Falk Associates Management Enterprises.

Graduates will be uniquely positioned for roles in compliance, regulation, governance, player representation, sport betting and gaming law, collective bargaining and analytical decision-making across professional teams, leagues, sportsbooks and regulatory agencies.

Syracuse University is home to more than a dozen registered dietitians spread across the , , , and the . Recently, they started meeting as a cross-campus coalition.

The group came together through Molly Morgan, associate director of in Human Resources, who joined the University last year and quickly realized that dietitian colleagues were embedded across a range of schools, colleges and units.

She floated the idea of regular meetups, and the response was unanimous. The coalition’s goal: foster collaboration, align on best practices and amplify the collective impact of their work across the campus community.

As we celebrate in March, six dietitians with wide-ranging expertise share the myths they spend the most time correcting—and the tips they wish more people would actually try.

Myths Worth Busting

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The word “natural” on a label feels reassuring, but it’s an overgeneralization. Plenty of natural substances—lead and arsenic among them—are anything but good for you (remember the apple juice scare of 2024?). Meanwhile, some artificial additives serve real purposes: extending shelf life, improving texture or boosting a food’s nutritional profile. The takeaway? Read the full label, not just the buzzword. — Nikki Beckwith, M.A., RD, CDN, director of the master of arts in nutrition science program, Falk College

Carbs Are the Enemy

A lot of people think that carbohydrates make you gain weight, but in reality they are the body’s main energy source. Whole carbs like fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains deliver fiber, vitamins and sustained energy. The real issue isn’t carbs themselves; it’s the type and quantity people reach for. — Ashley Russo-Leone, M.A., RD, CDN, CNSC, assistant director of nutrition management, Campus Dining

Your Body Needs an Annual Detox or Cleanse

A common myth is that you need to detox or do a “cleanse” at least once per year. The human body has its own detoxification crew working around the clock: the liver, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system, colon and skin. Most healthy bodies do not need help eliminating toxins and harmful substances. They need consistent, balanced nutrition. — Ashley Russo-Leone, M.A., RD, CDN, CNSC, assistant director of nutrition management, Campus Dining

A ‘Nutritionist’ and a ‘Registered Dietitian’ Are the Same Thing

In most states, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist—no degree, no exam, no oversight required. Becoming a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), on the other hand, requires rigorous education, supervised practice hours, a credentialing exam and ongoing continuing education. If you’re managing a health condition, navigating food allergies or fine-tuning athletic performance, that distinction matters. — Molly Morgan, RDN, CDN, CSSD, associate director of health and wellness for faculty and staff

Tips Worth Trying

Think 80/20, Not All-or-Nothing

Dietitians are not the food police. A more sustainable framework: about 80% of the foods you choose should align with your health goals and nutritional needs, leaving 20% for flexibility. Perfection isn’t the point, consistency is. — Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, CSCS, FAND, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, Falk College

Push Back on the Protein Hype

From protein coffee foams to meat add-ons at every counter, today’s marketing makes it seem like more protein is always better. It’s important, sure, but excess calories from protein can lead to weight gain just like excess calories from anything else. Most people can meet their daily needs without the extras, and over-focusing on protein can crowd out variety and other essential nutrients. Unsure how much you actually need? A registered dietitian can help. — Nikki Beckwith,��M.A., RD, CDN, director of the master of arts in nutrition science program, Falk College

Breakfast Breaks the Fast—Literally

After a full night of sleep, your body’s energy tank is running on empty. Skipping breakfast extends that deficit and can leave you dragging well into the afternoon. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even a small meal with protein and complex carbs can make a noticeable difference. — Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, CSCS, FAND, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, Falk College

Feeding Kids? Stock Smart and Let Them Play

When it comes to young eaters, two strategies go a long way. First, focus less on curating a perfect diet and more on what’s visible and convenient in the house. Kids tend to grab what they see, so keeping fruit, yogurt, nuts and whole-grain snacks at eye level—while limiting ultra-processed options—quietly shapes better habits without mealtime battles.

Second, let little ones explore. Touching, smelling, squishing, and yes, making a mess with food are legitimate steps toward acceptance. Food play is food learning, and pressuring a child to “just take a bite” often backfires. — Maryam Yuhas, Ph.D., RD, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, and Lynn S. Brann, Ph.D., RDN, FAND, associate professor of food and nutrition studies, Falk College

Hungry at Night? Eat. (Just Eat Smart.)

Hunger is hunger, regardless of what time the clock reads. If you’re genuinely hungry at night, eat something, ideally a reasonable portion with both carbohydrates and protein. Protein promotes fullness and helps slow the rate at which carbs hit your bloodstream, which beats the alternative of raiding the chips bag on autopilot. — Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, CSCS, FAND, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, Falk College

Twelve graduating seniors have earned the title of 2026 Syracuse University Scholar—the highest undergraduate honor the University awards—recognized for their academic excellence, independent research and creative work, and contributions to their fields. The scholars were selected by a Universitywide faculty committee.

“It is a great privilege to recognize our University Scholars and all they have accomplished—from academics to research to service—over the course of their undergraduate years,” says Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Lois Agnew. “These graduating seniors have truly distinguished themselves, and I have no doubt that the contributions they make beyond Syracuse will be as remarkable as the ones they have made here.”

The 2026 Syracuse University Scholars are the following:

• Daniel Baris, a sport analytics major in the David B. Falk College of Sport, a statistics major in the College of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Juinkye Chiang, a student in the School of Architecture and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Rylie DiMaio, a health and exercise major in the Falk College and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Julia Fancher, a physics major and an applied mathematics major in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Edward Lu, a music composition major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and a music history and cultures major in A&S;
• Gustavo Madero Carriles, a political science major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and A&S and a public relations major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications;
• Sadie Meyer, a biomedical engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) and mathematics major in A&S;
• Jorge Morales, a history major and anthropology major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Maya Philips, a biology major and communication sciences and disorders major in A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Nathan Torabi, a political science, citizenship and civic engagement and law, society and policy major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program;
• Gianna Voce, a computer science major in ECS and a neuroscience major in A&S; and
• Qiong Wu, a general accounting, finance and business analytics major in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management; an economics major in the Maxwell School and A&S; a mathematics major in A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program.

The scholars will be recognized at the University’s Commencement ceremony on May 10 in the JMA Wireless Dome. The student Commencement speaker will be chosen from among their ranks.

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

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

As college basketball fans prepare to fill out their March Madness brackets next week, one professor says the choices people make often have less to do with probability, and more to do with human nature.

, an associate professor in the Department of Sport Analytics, has studied how fans make decisions in wagering environments. He says the same behavioral patterns show up every March in bracket pools, where millions of Americans try to outguess each other and the NCAA Tournament.

“The biggest thing I’ve found is that people pick with clear and obvious biases,” Losak says. “Fans tend to favor teams they’re familiar with, regional teams, conference opponents or teams their school has played. Even a single game can create a sense of familiarity.”

That familiarity can cut both ways. A fan whose team lost to a tournament contender may overestimate that contender’s strength. Conversely, a fan might downgrade a top team that struggled against their school.

“It’s very normal,” he says. “When someone feels like they ‘know’ a team, even from one game, they’re more inclined to pick them, for better or worse.”

Head vs. Heart: Which Wins?

Every year, bracket‑fillers debate whether to trust their gut or stick to logic. According to Losak, the answer is clear, at least from a statistical standpoint.

“Gut and heart are not going to win you more money than logic,” he says. “They can win you one bet by chance, but not consistently.”

In traditional betting markets, Losak personally looks for places where the public is biased and goes the opposite direction. “If my gut says there’s no way the over can hit, and I know lots of people feel that way, that tells me there’s bias in the line. I’ll bet the over,” he says.

Bracket contests operate differently. Even so, the principle of avoiding conventional wisdom still applies.

In Bracket Pools, Pool Size Matters

One of Losak’s strongest pieces of advice: your strategy should change depending on how many people you’re competing against.

“In a large pool, you need to be contrarian,” he says. “If you go chalk—picking the higher seed in every matchup—you can’t win. Even if the favorites all advance, too many other people will have the same bracket.”

In smaller pools, however, Losak advises exactly the opposite.

“If you’re only playing against five or 10 people, go chalk the entire time,” he says. “Let everyone else take the risky upset picks. You give yourself a better probability of winning by staying conservative.”

For very large contests, he recommends resisting the instinct to choose a No. 1 seed to win the national championship.

“You will not win a very large pool if you pick a one‑seed,” he says. That’s because No. 1 seeds are massively overselected relative to their actual probability of winning.

Instead, Losak encourages bracket‑fillers to consider strong two‑ or three‑seeds that fewer people are selecting. “If that team wins it all, you may only need that one thing to happen,” he says. “You’re not fighting dozens of identical brackets.”

Smart Upsets and This Year’s Field

Losak cautions fans not to hunt for upsets simply because of historical patterns like the popular 5‑12 matchup.

“Don’t pick an upset just because it’s a 12‑5,” he says. “Look at betting markets the first weekend—they’re a great guide. Sometimes the spread will show you a matchup that’s closer than the seed line suggests.”

As for 2026’s field, Losak doesn’t see a dominant favorite. He suggests Duke may be overselected as the likely No. 1 overall seed, and says teams like Michigan or Arizona could be smart alternatives depending on pool size. He also predicts an early exit for Nebraska despite a likely top‑four seed.

Final Thought

At the end of the day, even experts get humbled by March Madness.

“My wife doesn’t watch college basketball all year and she beats me most years,” Losak says. “But if you understand biases, and play your pool size strategically, you give yourself a real edge.”

The University and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) have launched a to provide current and former players and their families with access to market-relevant online degrees, certificates and career development opportunities through the Syracuse’s online degree and certificate programs.

The collaboration will empower National Women’s Soccer League players and their families—as well as league and club staff and their families—to pursue customized degree programs and professional development resources designed for the unique demands of professional athletes.

With a shared vision of supporting professional development and expanding opportunities across the NWSL ecosystem, the initiative creates flexible pathways for a variety of academic offerings. Programs will draw on the expertise of the University’s renowned schools and colleges, including the , the , the �����Ի� (CPS).

“Our mission at the NWSL has always been to champion our athletes not just as players, but as people with diverse ambitions and bright futures,” Briana Gilmartin, NWSL League Player Partner, says. “This collaboration with Syracuse University provides a critical bridge to success for our current stars, our storied alumni and their families. Furthermore, by extending these elite educational resources to our internal league and club staff, we are reinforcing our commitment to professional excellence across the entire NWSL ecosystem. We are proud to offer a pathway that turns ambition into tangible skill development, fueling the goals of our community on and off the pitch.”

Opportunities created through this initiative include:
• Flexible, 100% online degrees and certificates
• Pre-academic English language program
• Credit transfer assessment
• Career-focused programs in business, project management, leadership and sport analytics, among others
• Dedicated online student support

“My fellow deans and I are excited to partner with the National Women’s Soccer League to provide the Syracuse University experience to current and former players and their family members who are  interested in pursuing our robust academic offerings,” says Falk College Dean , who earlier this year helped establish similar partnerships with Major League Soccer and National Hockey League. “For athletes and professionals with unpredictable schedules, our online programs offer the perfect balance of flexibility, extensive academic support, and real-world applicability–all without compromising the demands of their careers or personal circumstances.”

Educational offerings will be accessible online, on campus and at Syracuse’s “away” centers in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Dedicated admission specialists and academic advisors will work with each participant to tailor academic pathways aligned with their goals.

For more information regarding NWSL’s partnership with Syracuse University, visit the .

Behind the scenes of every skating routine, ski jump and slalom race at the 2026 Winter Olympics, sophisticated analytics are at work, turning super athletes into record-breakers—and helping fans understand what makes these games extraordinary.

, assistant professor of sport analytics in the , studies how data transforms both athletic performance and sports storytelling. He shares in this SU News Q&A how analytics are changing the Olympic experience for fans and athletes.

In soccer, build-up play is when a team uses short passes to move the ball from the defensive third into the attacking half.

In many ways, the groundbreaking relationship between the sport analytics program in the Falk College of Sport and the in Oldham, Greater Manchester, England, has been a build-up play that’s resulting in unique “scoring opportunities” for sport analytics students and Oldham Athletic.

About four years ago,��Sport Analytics Professor met at a sports analytics conference in Spain. Reade is a professor of economics at the University of Reading in Reading, Berkshire, England, and a diehard Oldham fan.

Last year, when Sanders was working with Falk College student Ava Uribe and Associate Sport Analytics Professor on soccer-related research, he reached out to Reade for help with collecting data and ideas on how best to mine that data for actionable insights. With Uribe, a member of the women’s soccer team, as lead author, the research was selected among thousands of entrants as one of seven finalists in the research paper competition at the prestigious MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston.

In advance of the conference, Reade visited Falk College and was amazed to learn of the work being done by sport analytics students with Syracuse Athletics and professional teams and leagues around the world.

Darren Royle, the CEO of Oldham Athletic who has a background in sport analytics, created an Academic Advisory Board that includes out-of-the-box thinkers and passionate football fans like Reade (Oldham is the only professional club in England with such a board). Reade passed the idea of working with the University to Royle, who says there was a “keen appetite on both sides” to create an innovative partnership by sharing knowledge and providing opportunities for sport analytics students to work with Oldham.

“What we found was a real pool of talent and a high level of skill by the students with what they’ve done so far,” Royle says. “They’ve been very diligent around this, and their work already has fed into our (player) recruitment process.”

The build-up play of the partnership progressed in early December at the second hosted by Oldham in conjunction with the University and the University of Reading. Professor , chair of the Department of Sport Analytics, sport analytics graduate ’23, and Falk Director of Corporate Partnerships and External Engagement have been involved with the relationship from the start and played key roles in the conference.

“This was a rare opportunity to work with a club that combines deep tradition with a genuine commitment to innovation and education,” Paul says. “Oldham’s history gives the partnership immediate credibility, but what truly stood out was how deeply Darren and James care about education at every level, from young children to adults engaged in lifelong learning.”

“Their initiatives in Manchester have the potential to be transformative for the local community, and it was important to me that Syracuse and Falk College sport analytics be part of something that connects football, education, and social impact in such a meaningful way,” Paul says.

High-Level Insights

Starting in June, 15 sport analytics students embarked on a series of data analysis projects aimed at helping Oldham identify a player’s style of play, strengths and weaknesses, mindset and character (for example, how the player responds after a difficult match, proneness to injuries and salary expectations).

“Some of the work the students have been doing is novel; certainly, it hasn’t been done before in our league,” Royle says. “It has fitted as an extra resource for us since we had just got promoted back to the EFL and we didn’t have the structures and staffing in place that a team in the EFL might normally have.”

To oversee the students’ work, Riverso enlisted the help of Freson, a former senior data analyst for Oldham who is now an assistant data scientist for the Blackburn Rovers Football Club in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, and a data analyst for the Estonian Football Association. As a student in Falk College, Freson was the lead data analyst for the 2022 Syracuse University men’s soccer team that won the NCAA Division I national championship.

“James (Reade) and I created open-ended projects based on the needs of the club, and delegated groups of students to work on each project,” Freson says. “That allowed them to deliver high-level insights while developing their own skills and learning how to cater the end product to the end user.”

“Hopefully one day I’ll be working in a front office or with the analytics’ staff for a top club like Tottenham and this internship has greatly helped me prepare for that,” says sport analytics major Gavin Anderson ’28. “It has offered me invaluable insight into the day-to-day operations of a club and what teams value in players and potential targets.”

Paul says perhaps the biggest benefit for the students is that they’re operating at a truly professional level in terms of expectations and impact as they’re working with real data, real constraints and real decision-making timelines.

“While we have strong partnerships elsewhere, the scope and continuity of the work with Oldham is unique; students are not just completing stand-alone projects, but contributing to an ongoing analytics and strategy process,” Paul says. “That level of immersion accelerates learning, builds confidence, and prepares students to operate in global sport environments in ways that are difficult to replicate in a classroom alone.”

‘We See The Synergies’

The Football Analytics Conference in December provided an opportunity for the Syracuse contingent and Oldham officials to discuss short- and long-term opportunities.

“I see this developing as a long-term partnership that allows Syracuse University students to gain invaluable professional experience while also allowing Oldham to conduct analysis way beyond their means otherwise,” Freson says.

“You guys are unique because of your founder (Paul) and your model for students,” Royle says. “We really like the thinking around it. So we’ve kind of mapped ourselves to your culture, philosophy, and strategy and we see all the synergies.”

When visited campus during an admitted students day, she didn’t think she would end up attending the University. That quickly changed.

“I had no intention of coming here,” says Rafferty. “I had just applied on a whim. And we got on campus and I said, ‘I think I’m going here.’”

Syracuse checked all the boxes for her: a larger school with a tight-knit feel; a student body and alumni network that took pride in its school; and a that could set her on the path toward her career goal of being a sports agent.

She enrolled as a sport management major and became highly involved on campus. As a  she gave campus tours to prospective students and families. The spring semester of her junior year was spent in ���ٳ���dzܲ�����. She joined the ,��, and the . Each experience helped shape her vision for her future.

In particular, the Sport Management Club and its annual  opened her eyes to a possible new career path. Each year, students in Sport Management Club hold an auction during a Syracuse men’s basketball game with all proceeds benefitting a Syracuse-area charity. During Rafferty’s junior year the beneficiary was the  of Central New York, which had a lasting effect on her.

“I really saw the impact of collective action,” Rafferty says. “That if a lot of people came together, and worked hard together, it could make an impact on the community. And I realized community-focused work and events were more so where I wanted to be.”

Even when the auction was over, Rafferty remained involved with the local Make-A-Wish chapter and later, when she moved to Philadelphia, was connected with the Make-A-Wish chapter there to continue her work.

Her senior year also opened another door. She met her future husband, Luke Rafferty ’16, a photojournalism major in the , through the University’s . Both were �����Ի� were members of the program’s Community Impact Committee.

They married in 2019.

In the years after graduating, Luke worked as a freelance videographer while Hannah worked in marketing before moving into corporate event planning. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, canceling events for the foreseeable future, Hannah’s position was eliminated. A few local nonprofits hired her to plan virtual events, creating the opportunity for the couple to work together.

“You needed videos for the virtual events, so Luke and I started working together that way,” she says.

It was the start of what would later become their company: , with Luke handling the technical side and Hannah using skills she honed through the sport management program to manage all production logistics and oversee client development and relationships.

Their client list includes the American Red Cross, Make-A-Wish, the Jewish Federation of Philadelphia and other Philadelphia area nonprofits. They also work with companies like American Airlines, JetBlue and Visa, showcasing their community initiatives.

Hannah was named a for their work at Filmiamo Productions.

In starting their company, they leveraged Syracuse’s expansive alumni network and community to connect with clients.

“[Luke’s] Syracuse connections lead him to a variety of different clients,” Hannah says. “Now we’re like five, six, seven steps removed from that, but probably 85% of our business stems back to connections at Syracuse.”

Her bond with the University and the Falk College of Sport is something she is passionate about continuing to grow. She joined Falk College’s (ELC), a group of young alumni who provide guidance to current students, assist with capstones and internships and help them prepare for their futures.

She joined the ELC with encouragement from fellow sport management alumna , who Hannah heard speak at the admitted students day she attended. By chance, Wood became her Peer Advisor freshman year and the two became close friends. Wood later served as a bridesmaid at Hannah and Luke’s wedding.

As an engaged alumna, Hannah has made a  gift through the  to help students access all types of experiential learning, something that, at times, felt out of reach for Rafferty as the daughter of a single mom.

“I recognize the value of experiential learning, and I didn’t always feel I could afford those experiences while I was in college,” she says. “I don’t want another student to have that financial barrier to having that hands-on experience that is so valuable to education.”

If you’re covering the fallout from the Buffalo Bills’ divisional loss to the Broncos—including the firing of head coach Sean McDermott, the promotion of general manager Brandon Beane and a press conference that further eroded trust among fans and raised questions about organizational leadership, University experts are available to speak to the issues. They can discuss leadership and management decisions, organizational trust and the public relations fallout from comments made during yesterday’s press conference, including the reaction involving wide receiver Keon Coleman. Their names, backgrounds and quotes are below.

If you’re interested in speaking with any of them, please contact Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

, professor of practice in public relations in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, shared the following:

• “I agree with those who say the problem isn’t that they fired Sean McDermott, it’s how they fired him. Despite his strong coaching record, they didn’t make the Super Bowl in nine years, and they have a quarterback who may be the best player in the game. One could understand that the Bills aspire to a higher standard than making (and losing in) the playoffs. However, the press conference conveyed the message that the firing decision was made based on one game—it seemed hasty and reactive as opposed to a management decision that should have been considered over the course of an entire season.”
• “The criticism of Keon Coleman was horrible. Wonder how that made other players feel? Like commodities, I’d imagine. And for Bills owner Terry Pegula to shift the blame for drafting him to the coaching staff, who apparently made a case for him, rather than the GM who must approve and make all drafts, was petty and defensive.”
• “One unanswered or poorly answered question: why was the GM promoted when ample blame could be assigned to him for team deficiencies (e.g., poor defensive record in the playoffs)?”
• “In short, a press conference that ostensibly was to reassure the media and fans about the team’s decision-making and future direction, did exactly the opposite. The Bills had time for media training and scenario-planning for the owner and GM. Wonder if they bothered to do any.”

, professor in the Falk College of Sport, shared the following:

• “McDermott is a well-liked, capable coach with a winning record. He will likely land somewhere else as a head coach, perhaps providing a fresh start to another team in need of one.”
• “Pegula’s decision to terminate McDermott makes sense. McDermott was hired to win, not just in general, but AFC Championships, and a SuperBowl. He was not able to accomplish either of these goals, even with a premier, incredibly talented quarterback in Josh Allen. Nine years is long enough for a coach to prove himself.”
• “A termination like this also provides a ‘reset’ opportunity for a new coach to light a spark and shift dynamics in a clearly discouraged team. Everyone may need a change.”
• “Some things that were noteworthy about the termination:
  • “Characterizing the decision as a management restructuring decision rather than just a straightforward termination of a coach who didn’t win. This approach appeared to contribute to the narrative that there was a power struggle between McDermott and Brandon Beane, who received a promotion to head of football operations/general manager, with the new head coach now reporting to Beane instead of Terry Pegula. While this may be the case, there is no need to air this narrative in public: (a) it is fueling division within the team and its players; and (b) the restructuring explanation was not perceived as credible or the full story by the press or by the fans. Pegula should have just communicated that the termination was due to the lack of winning championships and the Super Bowl, and then stopped there.
  • “Pegula’s emphasis on Josh Allen’s and the team’s emotional state as a catalyst for the termination implies that the decision was spur-of-the moment and potentially unfair to McDermott, when in fact, Pegula’s decision was a sound one.”

, professor and department chair in the Falk College of Sport, is also available for interviews. He specializes in sport brand management, rebranding, how teams use media and marketing to achieve business goals and more. Before entering academia, he worked in marketing for the Buffalo Bills, giving him direct industry experience analyzing organizational decisions, brand trust and fan response.

The in the raised $76,540 for at its 21st Annual Charity Sports Auction. The ceremonial check was presented to Golisano officials Jan. 13 before the Orange men’s basketball game at the JMA Wireless Dome.

During the Syracuse men’s basketball game on Nov. 18, supporters purchased items and placed bids on sports memorabilia, electronics, jewelry, gift baskets, experiences and trips, among other items. In addition to the in-person event, an online auction ran through Nov. 23, allowing supporters to bid on hundreds of items.

served as Title Sponsor for the 2025 auction.

Proceeds from this year’s Charity Sports Auction benefited the Upstate Pediatric and Adolescent Center (UPAC) at the . UPAC is a full-service pediatric and adolescent primary care clinic that provides well-child care, adolescent medicine, foster care support through its ENHANCE program, behavioral health integration, immunizations, and other family-centered services to children, adolescents and young adults.

“At Upstate Pediatric and Adolescent Center, we take care of 11,000 patients from 25,000 visits every year,” says UPAC Director Dr. Steven Blatt. “These are children and families like every other family in the community, but often with economic or logistical challenges in their life. We at UPAC have done many things to help them, but the money the students have raised will help with the extras.”

The auction donation will create a Sport Management Club of Syracuse University Endowment in honor of Blatt and is being highlighted by recognition at the playground at , and naming in the UPAC elevator lobby on the fourth floor of the Nappi Wellness Institute.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Falk College Sport Management Club for their extraordinary generosity and commitment to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital,” says Dave Bartell, assistant vice president of development for The Upstate Foundation. “Through their leadership, dedication and passion for service, these students are making a meaningful difference for the children and families served by the Upstate Pediatric and Adolescent Center, and we are honored to partner with them in this important work.”

The Sport Management Club is a student-run organization. Since its founding in 2004, the club has raised more than $849,000 for local charities.

Previous beneficiaries of the club’s annual charity auction include Boys & Girls Clubs, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY, the Central New York SPCA, Upstate Cancer Center, Special Olympics New York, Food Bank of CNY, the Salvation Army, Rescue Mission Alliance, American Diabetes Association, Make A Wish CNY, Meals on Wheels, the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation, McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center, Vera House and Tillie’s Touch.

Over the years, the club has contributed more than $125,000 to , a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Notable gifts include $20,000 to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in 2009–10 and $30,444 to the Upstate Cancer Center in 2011–12.

“Students from the Sport Management Club, for the past 20 years, have done what I think is one of the most important activities you will do, not only in college but in your life, and that’s making efforts to help people in your community,” Blatt says.

The Sport Management Club meets weekly during the academic year. For more information about the annual charity auction, visit , , or the .

Story by James Stickel