Syracuse University’s Office of Multicultural Advancement will recognize seven accomplished alumni during (CBT), which will be held Sept. 12-15.

CBT is a triennial reunion that welcomes Black and Latino alumni back to campus to celebrate their accomplishments, meet current students and remain connected with the University. 2024 represents the 14th CBT reunion held on campus. In 2021, the University’s reunion raised $1.29 million for the Our Time Has Come scholarship.

This year, Abdul K. Abdullah ’10, Ada Agrait ’94, Tara Favors ’95, JaNeika James G’05, Jason Olivo ’95 and Savalle Sims ’92 will be honored with Alumni Awards. Sade Muhammad ’12 will be honored with the Young Alumni Award.

The award recipients will be celebrated by Chancellor Kent Syverud at the “Shades of Orange Sneaker Ball” fundraising gala on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 6:30-11 p.m. in the JMA Wireless Dome. The awards recognize the significant civic or career achievements by the selected. Since 1983, the ceremony has been a signature event presented at the CBT reunion.

“I am so pleased to celebrate these outstanding alumni at the 2024 Coming Back Together reunion,” says Chancellor Syverud. “Each of these awardees, through their careers and their commitment to Syracuse University, inspires the next generation of leaders. They give generously by mentoring current students and young alumni, creating new learning experiences, and encouraging their friends and fellow alumni to get involved. I am proud to honor the Orange leaders for all they do for their alma mater.”

“I am thrilled to join our Orange community in celebration of this year’s honorees,” says Rachel Vassel, associate vice president in the Office of Multicultural Advancement. “These individuals have achieved phenomenal success while also finding time to give back to current students and stay connected with the University and their fellow alumni.�� We are proud that they’re an active part of the Syracuse family.”

Read more about the recipients below.

Abdul K. Abdullah ’10

Abdullah is the founder and chief executive officer of AfroFuture Fest (formerly known as Afrochella). Founded in 2017 and held in Accra, Ghana, AfroFuture is a festival designed to highlight and promote talent from and within Africa.

AfroFuture became the anchor event of Ghana’s Year of Return tourism campaign in 2019, which encouraged people of African descent to return to their ancestral homeland. Since its inception, AfroFuture Fest has brought over 65,000 global travelers to Ghana, generating over $4 billion in tourism revenue and economic support and 6,000 local jobs. Abdullah was named Goodwill Ambassador of Tourism to Ghana, named an African Voices Changemaker by CNN and recognized as a Top 100 Under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent by MIPAD.

In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Abdullah is a global trial manager for Bristol Myers Squibb, a position he’s held since 2022.��Previously he was a global clinical trials manager for Syneos Health Clinical Solutions (2019-22) and held a variety of roles at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center culminating in the position of clinical research project manager.

Abdullah’s childhood and early education were spent in both Ghana and the United States.��At Syracuse, he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in biology from the College of Arts and Sciences. During his time as a student, he was involved in CSTEP and the PanHellenic Council as a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. He was also involved with the NAACP, the African Student Union and the Student African American Society. He graduated from Hunter College in 2013 with a master’s of public health degree.

Abdullah supports the University as an Our Time Has Come (OTHC) donor and by mentoring recent graduates and helping them with job opportunities and career advancement.

Ada Agrait ’94

Since 2022, Agrait has been the executive vice president and global head of corporate marketing for SAP, a business software management company. She is also a board member of Dress for Success Seattle and has served as the board president since January 2023. Prior to this, Agrait worked for Microsoft, starting as a director of MSN marketing in 2005 and advancing to the position of vice president of commercial marketing in 2021. She has also worked as an associate director for Ernst & Young, a director for the Association of National Advertisers, and a senior account executive for Dobbin/Bolgla Associates.

Agrait was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1994. During her time at the University, she was a member of the sorority Kappa Alpha Theta and studied abroad in London and Florence. She graduated from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business with an MBA in 2003.

Agrait is actively involved with the University. She is a supporter of the OTHC Scholarship Program, mentoring scholarship recipients, serving as a guest speaker for OTHC Leadership sessions and serving as a professional resource to the OTHC cohort.

During the Forever Orange Campaign, Agrait hosted local alumni during a Salon Event at her home in Seattle, and she has remained connected with Newhouse through activities, such as participation in Dean’s Roundtable. Additionally, Agrait has engaged consistently with University representatives in support of strategic priorities on the West Coast.

Tara Favors ’95

Since 2021, Favors has served as the chief human resources officer for Mutual of America Financial Group.��In this position, she is responsible for all aspects of human resources strategy for the company’s 1,100 employees. From 2019 to 2021 she served as the vice president of human resources business partners for American Express. Her career in corporate human resources also includes positions with Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Revlon and Deutsche Bank. Favors serves on the board of NJLEEP, a four-year college program serving underserved students in the greater Newark area. She also serves on the University’s Multicultural Advancement Advisory Council.

Favors earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1995. During her time as a student, she participated in the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs and the Caribbean Students Association. She graduated from the New School in 1997 with a master’s degree in human resources.

Favors is a loyal Syracuse alumna who continues to serve her alma mater. She was the lead donor of the OTHC Kevin Richardson Endowed Scholarship, leading fundraising ��amongst her Syracuse classmates to ensure that the fund was endowed. She supports the OTHC Scholarship and the OTHC Midwin Charles Endowed Scholarship, named for Midwin Charles, an alumna in law and media who died suddenly in 2021. Favors has also named the Brown Favors Quiet Lounge at the Barner McDuffie House. During the Forever Orange Campaign, Tara was a featured speaker during the Forever Orange Campaign Event in New York City where she shared her motivations for giving back. She currently serves as a CBT 2024 co-chair, and has been actively involved in planning and promoting the reunion among her numerous Orange connections.

JaNeika James G’05

James is an executive producer on Peacock’s “Bel-Air.” James and her identical twin sister and producing partner, JaSheika James, frequently work together in television.�� They have served as co-executive producers for Netflix’s “True Story” and HBO Max’s “Gossip Girl.” They rose from positions as staff writers to supervising producers on the Fox’s hit series “Empire” and have published an autobiographical book, “Living Double.”

James worked in scripted development at VH1 and for the producing team of Jennifer Crittenden and Gabrielle Allan (“Seinfeld,” “Scrubs,” “What’s Your Number?”) at ABC. She began her career working for Yvette Lee Bowser on the UPN show “Half & Half.”

She earned a master’s degree in television, radio and film from the Newhouse School in 2005. She graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor of science and majored in telecommunications.

James is a supporter of the OTHC Scholarship Program and is a member of the Office of Multicultural Advancement Advisory Council. She has participated in several alumni panels, including events at SU in Los Angeles and during the Coming Back Together reunion. In 2022 she attended Forever Orange Salon Event at the home of Roland Williams in Los Angeles. She and JaSheikia hosted donors for a tour and a cast meet and greet on the set of Empire in Chicago. Most recently, James spoke with student-athletes during a visit to Los Angeles.

Jason Olivo ’95

Olivo is a senior vice president for investments at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A, a position that he has held since 2003. From 2000 to 2003 he was a vice president and director for Prudential Securities. Previously, he served as senior vice president at Kaufmann Brothers L.P., where he worked on initial public offerings and private placements in the technology industry. Olivo also holds a professional license as an insurance agent in many states. Olivo was involved in the J.P. Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge in 2009, 2010 and 2013. He has been a National Achiever from 2004 to present and a member of the President’s Club from 2010 to present. He is also a JPMorgan Syracuse University internship mentor from 2015 to present and participated in the Our Time Has Come Virtual Immersion with his colleagues at JPMorgan.

Olivo earned a bachelor’s degree in information management and technology from the School of Information Studies. During his time at Syracuse University, he was a member of the Lambda Upsilon Lambda fraternity, studied abroad in London, and was involved with Black and Latino IST Support (BLISTS). Olivo was one of the lead donors of the first Latino Fraternity Endowment Fund at Syracuse University through the Our Time Has Come program–the La Unidad Latina Endowment Fund. He volunteered at Syracuse Stage, worked in Schine Student Center Security and was a member of Inroads. Olivo also interned at Carrier Corporation, where he managed infrastructure projects both locally and abroad.

Olivo is the proud father of three boys and enjoys coaching his sons’ baseball and AAU basketball teams.

Savalle Sims ’92

Sims serves as executive vice president and general counsel for Warner Bros. Discovery, overseeing the company’s global legal teams and managing legal issues across 20 worldwide offices.��She played a key role in AT&T’s sale of WarnerMedia and the subsequent creation of the new company, Warner Bros. Discovery.

Sims worked for Discovery Inc. as an executive vice president and general counsel, where she managed Discovery’s Litigation and Trademark legal teams, handling legal efforts around Discovery’s intellectual property. She was named to the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications’ (NAMIC) Luminary Class, has been recognized on Cablefax’s Diversity List each year since 2013 and was featured in the Black General Counsel Project as part of Bloomberg Law.

Sims earned a bachelor’s degree in transportation and distribution management from the Whitman School of Management in 1992. She earned a juris doctorate from Notre Dame in 1995.

A loyal and generous supporter of Syracuse, Sims is a supporter of OTHC, Syracuse Black Law Alumni Collective, William H Johnson Endowed Scholarship, Inclusive U and Athletics (Women’s Basketball, Lally Complex Fund, and the Football Head Coach’s Fund).�� Recently, she was a speaker at the Orange Central Multicultural Breakfast, attended the Forever Orange Salon Event in Bronxville, New York (hosted by SUMA Council Member Sammy Cueva), and returned to campus to accept an award at the Black Excellence Gala hosted by the Black Student Union. She hosted a half-day immersion at Warner Bros. Discovery for the OTHC scholars in April.

Sims is married to former Syracuse University football player Turnell Sims Jr. ’90 (College of Visual and Performing Arts) and her sister, Marie Davis ’03, is an alumna of the School of Social Work in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics.

Sade Muhammad ’12

Muhammad is the chief marketing and impact officer of Time, where she oversees Time’s newest and emerging go-to-market sales products, including events and paid social, as well as content platforms, such as The Closers and Time Impact House.

She has over a decade of experience in marketing, digital transformation, ad products and organizational change via diversity, equity and inclusion. She founded the Representation and Inclusion Practice at Forbes, a revenue-generating ad business centered on equity as a path to marketing innovation and cultural change. Her work has been celebrated in Digiday, Adweek, PRSANY and more. Prior to Forbes, Muhammad helped bring digital products to life at NBCUniversal.

Muhammad serves on the University’s Multicultural Advancement Advisory Council and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She contributes to the OTHC Delta Sigma Theta Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Over the four-day CBT weekend, workshops, receptions, social events and cultural activities will be offered to attendees. Highlights include the CBT Celebrity Classic basketball game, a comedy show featuring comedian Roy Wood Jr., the fundraising gala and awards ceremony and a Sunday worship service featuring the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble and Grammy-winning gospel artist Erica Campbell.

For a full list of CBT events and registration information, visit��.

A news conference at the JMA Wireless Dome Tuesday had the feel of a family reunion. There was plenty of ribbing between participants about growing older and their skills fading, but make no mistake, their competitive nature still exists. After all, these are athletes who played at a very high level.

“We’re all competitive,” said John Wallace ’96, a former member of the Syracuse men’s basketball team. “That’s why we came to Syracuse.”

Wallace is part of a large group of returning Syracuse University athletes participating in the CBT Celebrity Classic basketball game on Sept. 12. The game is part of . Every three years, Black and Latino alumni come back to campus to celebrate their accomplishments, meet current students and remain connected with the University.

On Tuesday, organizers revealed the list of returning athletes who plan to be on hand for the game. Among them is Vera “Sweet V” Jones ’88, a Syracuse Hall of Fame basketball player. Jones joined the news conference from Florida, pausing briefly to mention she was still getting alerts in the wake of Hurricane Debby passing nearby.

“Speaking of which, I plan to be a hurricane on the mic and am very excited to be coming back,” said Jones, who will serve as game announcer. “This game is for those who can walk the walk. I can talk the talk and that’s what I plan to do.”

Rachel Vassel ’91, associate vice president from the Office of Multicultural Advancement, mentioned that while players enjoy coming back to play against one another, there is a real excitement for being back in front of the fans.

“Fans in Syracuse have rallied behind our teams, and we consistently hear from those who have played in previous CBT Celebrity Classics about their fond memories of playing before the home crowd,” Vassel said.

“When we think about community and bringing people together, Syracuse University athletics has a very strong attraction, and at the heart of it are the men and women who left it on the court and the field,” said Melanie Littlejohn, president and CEO of CNY Community Foundation and a sponsor of CBT. “The excitement that Syracuse athletics has brought to this community is something the Community Foundation wanted to get behind because we recognize that together we are absolutely stronger.”

And of course, about family.

“It’s all that brotherhood and sisterhood from being at Syracuse,” said John Wallace, “and bleeding Orange.”

Tickets for the game are available at or 888-DomeTix (366.3849).

The net portion of the proceeds from the CBT Celebrity Classic Basketball Game will support the Women’s Basketball Head Coach’s Fund.

Partial roster of participants:

• Billy Owens (Men’s Basketball)
• John Wallace (Men’s Basketball)
• Lawrence Moten (Men’s Basketball)
• Lazarus Sims (Men’s Basketball)
• EJ Dowdell (Football)
• Will Hunter (Football)
• Vera Jones (Women’s Basketball)
• Mookie Jones (Men’s Basketball)
• Scoop Jardine (Men’s Basketball)
• Tyus Battle (Men’s Basketball)
• Naje Murray (Women’s Basketball)
• Jason Poles (Football)
• Dave Byrd (Football)
• Roxi McNabb (Women’s Basketball)
• Mark Pryor (Track and Field)
• Maurice Jackson (Football)
• Iasia Hemmingway (Women’s Basketball)
• Brandon Triche (Men’s Basketball)
• John Bol (Men’s Basketball)
• Isis Young (Women’s Basketball)
• Elimu Nelson (Men’s Basketball)
• Patrice Brown (Women’s Basketball)
• Gabriel Cooper (Women’s Basketball)
• Artie Vaughn (Track and Field)
• Dwayne Murray (Track and Field)

A trio of first-generation college students have demonstrated hard work and resiliency and shown how they ultimately set themselves on the path that will culminate Sunday morning inside the JMA Wireless Dome when they become the first members of their families to earn college degrees during Syracuse University’s .

• Melanie Salas ’24 was inspired by a high school coach to challenge herself to realize that she could do anything she set her mind to.
• Jean Castilla ’24 worked hard to strengthen his knowledge base and earn admission into a prestigious New York City high school that would prepare him for the rigors of college.
• Brianna Gillfillian ’24 pushed the limits of her comfort zone to leave her home country of Jamaica to earn a college degree and rely on the kindness of strangers to pay her way to Syracuse University through a GoFundMe account.

Surrounded by the nearly 6,700 fellow degree recipients, and in front of their families and friends, Salas, Castilla and Gillfillian will join the ranks of the more than 250,000 proud Orange alumni around the world, knowing that, hopefully, their stories will inspire other would-be college students to overcome their fears and blaze their own paths.

Leading up to convocation, these talented first-generation students sat down with SU News to discuss the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned and their plans for after graduation.

Melanie Salas ’24

Path to Syracuse University: “When I was in elementary school, people always told me I wouldn’t be anything in life. It motivated me and forced me to grow into the person I am today. When I was in high school, my softball coach helped me discover that I could do anything in this world, and that really inspired me to go out and learn as much as I can. My parents [Juan Salas and Lorena Granados] did everything for me to get to Syracuse University and now I am set to graduate early, and I’m just so thankful for the mentors on campus who helped me overcome the struggles I faced.”

Academic major: Biology ()

Involvement on campus: Our Time Has Come Scholar, Ronald E. McNair Scholar, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, orientation leader, Research Experience for Undergraduates, research assistant with SUNY Upstate Medical University, Food Recovery Network (part of the Catholic Center)

Best piece of advice: “Always put your foot in every single door, because you never know when the opportunity will come along that could change your life. Whenever I could, I represented myself, stood up and spoke out and from those moments, I grew into the person I wanted to be, who helped make change on campus. All those people who told me I would never be anything inspired me to bring about change to my community. You truly start on the path toward your dreams once you come to campus.”

Plans after graduation: Will be enrolling in Baylor University’s cell, molecular, health and disease biology graduate program, with the goal of earning a Ph.D. and one day opening her own research lab focused on studying ways to improve the overall health and well-being of society. “I want to help those who don’t have access to opportunities I’ve had. I want to give back to those less fortunate and help make a difference in our community.”

Jean Castilla ’24

Path to Syracuse University: “It’s been a mission of mine to attend college since I was in middle school. When I was in the eighth grade, instead of playing with my friends or playing video games, I was studying for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test, which is used to determine who gets into one of the top eight specialized high schools in New York City. I was admitted into the High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College, and was on a path to college from there. The decision to focus on my studies changed the trajectory of my life and my family’s life. My mom, Rosa, made a lot of sacrifices so I could pursue an education, and knowing what she sacrificed drove me and inspired me.”

Academic major: Entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises ()

Involvement on campus: Our Time Has Come Scholar, Hendricks Chapel Scholarship, Whitman Internship Scholarship, Veteran Legacy Fund Scholarship, Lois and Martin J. Whitman Scholarship, Office of Veterans and Military Affairs Scholarship, Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Florence Scholarship, student liaison in the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs

Best piece of advice: “Especially for my fellow first-generation students, a big thing is to have faith that everything will work out. Having faith in yourself and believing in your abilities is something we all need to practice. If you can’t believe in yourself, it won’t happen. I know I’ve gone through a lot of obstacles and adversity in my life, but every time I remind myself that I’m just being tested to see if I’m ready to move on to the next chapter in my life.”

Plans after graduation: Castilla currently serves as a crew chief in the Air National Guard’s 174th Attack Wing and has a job lined up in the military once he graduates. He’s also planning on continuing his career as an entrepreneur, “creating an established business where I’m the CEO and I can help other people in my community. That’s my ideal situation. I want to be able to give back because I’ve been helped tremendously on my journey.”

Brianna Gillfillian ’24

Path to Syracuse University: “My high school curriculum in Jamaica emphasized math, English and information technology, so I had a lot of experience in those fields and it was something I was genuinely good at and enjoyed. My parents didn’t graduate from high school, so after I graduated, people asked me ‘why don’t you stay in Jamaica for college?’ I knew I had to come to America, but I didn’t have the money to pay for a flight to Syracuse, so I personally launched a GoFundMe to get me to Syracuse. Because nobody in my family went to college, I relied on my high school guidance counselors for advice, and in terms of my finances, I had to do everything on my own. I learned that I am resilient from this process. It would have been easy to just stay in Jamaica, get a scholarship and get my degree but I knew if I didn’t go away to college I would regret it. I had a vision for myself and would stop at nothing to make it happen.”

Academic major: Computer science ()

Involvement on campus: Our Time Has Come Scholar, National Society of Black Engineers, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program, Alpha Kappa Psi (business fraternity), Delta Sigma Theta (sorority), Kalabash Dance Troupe, Scholars on a Mission, Save our Child’s Heart Foundation

Best piece of advice: “I feel being as outgoing as possible helped me connect with the University and discover my community. I love being involved in organizations, and I feel that through my involvement I was able to put myself out there and become the person and the leader I wanted to be.”

Plans after graduation: Will be enrolling in Syracuse University’s engineering management program in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, with the goal of one day working in product management or project management within the field of technology or engineering. “I’m a very creative person, and I’m always thinking in terms of the user experience and design when it comes to the different apps. I want to make sure that whatever product I’m helping to develop is suitable and maximizes the user experience.”

Syracuse University’s has received the prestigious 2024 Alumni Association Inclusive Excellence Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. This award brings national distinction to the team that supports and advocates for underrepresented alumni and students, raising funds for more than 50 scholarships and hosting the iconic Coming Back Together (CBT) reunion event.

According to Diversity Inc., the Alumni Award honors alumni association programs, culture and initiatives that encourage and support diversity, inclusion and a sense of belonging for all alumni, regardless of racial or ethnic background, sexual or gender identity, religion, socio-economic status, world view and more.

“We know that alumni associations are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion and belonging,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We are proud to honor these college and university alumni associations as role models for other institutions of higher education.”

“I am grateful to our team in Multicultural Advancement, which has been building on a 40-plus year commitment to students and alumni with diverse backgrounds,” says Rachel Vassel ’91, G’21, Multicultural Advancement’s associate vice president. “This accolade recognizes their hard work, which is having measurable impact across the University.”

Vassel cites the growth of CBT, the triennial reunion for Black and Latino alumni, which drew 50 alumni to campus in its first year and is now in its 14th year, drawing 1,500 alumni back to campus to engage with students and network with each other. “CBT has truly become part of the fabric of Syracuse University,” Vassel says. “It is a unique example of targeted programming that taps into the special interests of our Black and Latino alumni. From engaging speakers and VIPs to cultural food and entertainment, CBT speaks to a network of alumni who serve as inspiration to today’s students.”

Vassel says the dramatic increase in alumni engagement—along with the eight-fold increase in Black and Latino alumni giving during the Forever Orange campaign—helped Syracuse University stand out among alumni association programs competing for the award. “I often hear from other academic institutions wanting more information about targeted engagement,” says Vassel. “I’m pleased that Syracuse University is now a case study for others who are hoping to more effectively engage various alumni segments.”

Vassel describes their fundraising approach as “community-based” and closely partnered with groups that mobilize and empower individuals to understand the greater power of the collective. She cites as an example the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

“A key part of our culture as Black women is working together to get things done,” says Vassel. “When the Delta’s of Syracuse University decided to create a million-dollar endowment, they reached that goal by helping their members understand the multiple avenues to philanthropy, from cash donations to stock transfers to planned gifts. We would not have many of those new donors if it weren’t for the support of the sorority working in partnership with our office and the University.”

Over the past seven years, the Office of Multicultural Advancement has been recognized by CASE (the Council for Advancement and Support of Education) for the CBT 2017 reunion, diverse volunteer engagement, their targeted magazine (Syracuse Manuscript) and for its virtual CBT reunion in 2021.

“I’m really proud of the good work this team has done to cultivate deep and meaningful relationships with members of our alumni community, increase our pipeline of donors, and diversify our alumni volunteers,” says Tracy Barlok, senior vice president and chief advancement officer. “Their work is critical to the division and the university at large.”

The new award, presented to the Office of Multicultural Advancement in the June issue of Diversity Inc. magazine, is also recognition of the close-knit community of alumni of color and the 30-member Multicultural Advancement that helps to drive alumni engagement. “They give real meaning to the importance of connectedness and the power of community,” says Vassel.

Eric Watson ’91 wasn’t envisioning himself as a U.S. Marine Corps aviator when he first came to Syracuse University. The Washington D.C., native originally intended on studying computer science, but as is the case with many college students, Watson realized his actual interests weren’t aligned with his studies. During his time as an undergraduate, he says he learned a lot more about himself and the value of community while on campus.

“One of the biggest things I learned during my time at Syracuse is association with my fraternity brothers,” says Watson, who was a member of Omega Psi Phi. “They helped me understand how to be a part of a group, or a team, and how to work collectively with others.”

Watson had grown up as a traditional latchkey kid and being the only child of a single mother had made him fiercely independent. At an early age, Watson learned to cook for himself, care for himself, and take care of things around the house while his mother worked two, sometimes three jobs to pay the bills.

Watson says his mother’s determination still serves as a guiding beacon and that her work ethic continues to be an influence on him today.

“At the end of the day, I didn’t even graduate with a computer science degree. I was just into the philosophical aspect of computer science,” says Watson, who graduated with a degree in philosophy from the with a minor in math. “The philosophy behind all of it, and how it works in the background was intriguing to me, but the actual X’s and O’s of the operations of making things happen was just not my cup of tea at the time.”

As a young man, another thing that intrigued him was the prospect of doing something exciting after graduation. Watson was in the Schine Student Center while a U.S. Marine Corps selection officer had a table display set up featuring a video of the various military aircraft used by the Marine Corps. The thought of flying seemed cool, and after speaking with the recruiter about how to become a pilot, Watson’s intrigue became focused on a goal.

The fact that the Marine Corps was the only branch that offered a guaranteed flight option was the most appealing aspect to Watson, who reported to Officer Candidate School at Marine Corps Base Quantico in April 1992. If Watson had joined another branch, there was a chance he would have been ed in another job, something Watson didn’t care for.

After two years of flight training in Pensacola, Florida, Watson became a certified AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter pilot. The Cobra is a lightweight, nimble attack helicopter that provides close air support for Marine Corps ground forces. Cobra pilots are often forward deployed, meaning the Marines they support from the air are also the same Marines they eat meals with. When Watson spoke to ground units on the radio while he was in the air above them, it wasn’t a stranger’s voice speaking back to him, and Watson’s voice was often a welcome relief for his fellow Marines on the ground.

Watson bounced around between flying and serving in staff positions as a commissioned officer. A few promotions later, Watson wound up switching platforms to fly the UC-35 Cessna Citation, a small business jet the Marine Corps uses for passenger and cargo transport. Watson flew the Citation around the world, in and out of places like Qatar, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Jordan among others.

“Flying was great, I could still fly today but it would take the money away from my kids’ activities,” says Watson, who with his wife, Tammie, has raised four children; Erykah, Taneya, Eric, and Teyana, ranging in age from 15 to 27.

“I think, for me, it was just being exposed to the different cultures around the world and being able to go different places and see different things that I never would have experienced had I not been in the Marine Corps.”

Upon retirement, Watson transitioned within the Department of Defense from the U.S. Marine Corps to the Defense Health Agency. It was here he combined his interest in computers and technology with his background in managing operations as a Marine Corps officer as an information technology project manager.

“I think anything we do in our staff jobs as Marines is, in some way, shape, or form, associated with some type of project, it’s very project-oriented work and that was a natural progression for me and my career if I wasn’t going to fly,” says Watson, who earned his project management professional (PMP) certificate and became an Information Technology (IT) project manager after his military service.

Watson still works as a project manager in IT, but just like in his Marine Corps days, he’s focused on protecting people. Watson now works for the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, protecting consumers from predatory practices by banks, credit lenders and credit reporting companies alike. While not the same as flying attack helicopters and business jets, Watson says he leans on his military experience to find success in his current career.

“My military background definitely helps with the leadership and the prioritization of work. It helps in that it lets me maintain a level head in different situations and scenarios,” says Watson.

Living in Maryland, Watson now enjoys the opportunity to connect with other Syracuse University alumni in addition to his fraternity brothers and fellow veterans in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area. Special events on campus bring him back from time to time, but technology helps him stay connected to his friends too.

“You lose contact with a few people over the years, but then there’s a mechanism to reach back out and get back in contact with things like Facebook and social media,” says Watson. “I had a blast while I was at Syracuse University, but it’s always been the people that I’ve had a blast with while I was there, and still have fun with today.”

The connection to campus has encouraged Watson to give back to the community that had a distinct impact on his life. To support the , which provides critical financial assistance, leadership training, and alumni mentors for underrepresented students at Syracuse University, Watson established the Our Time Has Come Eric R. Watson Family Scholarship. Watson’s scholarship will contribute to those efforts with a preference towards military-connected students.

For more information on supporting the Our Time Has Come Eric R. Watson Family Scholarship, or to learn more about programs to support underrepresented students at Syracuse University, please visit the .

“Each One, Teach One.”

This powerful African proverb emphasizes how, after someone learns to read or write, they have an obligation and a responsibility to pass that knowledge on to someone else, thus spreading wisdom and education throughout their city or town.

Employing the same principles of uplifting and educating one’s community, the (MCI) began in 2020 with four Syracuse University students who were seeking to support and empower each other as they navigated their college journeys.

Through word of mouth, engaging programs and peer mentorship, MCI has developed into an impactful student organization and a true brotherhood for its members. The growth is impressive: The first class boasted 18 members. Four years later, during Friday’s annual —the culminating event of the inaugural Men of Color Initiative Week—approximately 64 students will be recognized as campus leaders during a ceremony inside the Regency Ballroom of the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center.

“Groups like the Men of Color Initiative are necessary for every person of color, to have a support system filled with people who are going through the same journey as they are and who can offer advice and guidance on their journey. Because I was able to help cultivate my leadership skills during my time with MCI, I’ve been able to influence and help other students of color who need advice,” says Ibraheem Ayinde ’24, a senior biology major in the .

“The induction ceremony is a special moment. We’re given our special MCI jackets and it’s a great feeling for everyone to be acknowledged and brought into this network of individuals striving for a better tomorrow. I know my induction ceremony was a pinnacle moment for me. Every single person who left that space was happy. For many of them, it was the first time their name was recognized in the presence of others for their accomplishments,” says Ryan Nkongnyu ’25, a junior studying communication and rhetorical studies in the (VPA).

MCI’s programs explore issues unique to the experiences facing men of color in higher education. Through peer, faculty and staff mentorship, MCI promotes leadership development, academic support and service-learning opportunities while cultivating the next generation of leaders by creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. Meetings often center on topics like financial literacy, self-branding, personal advocacy and what it means to be a man of color.

“Our meetings are big picture. We talk about how we interact with our community, how there are specific challenges facing men of color and how we can overcome those challenges, and about the long-term changes we want to see for our respective communities. We get to the root of these issues, and it’s been rewarding knowing I’m not alone in any of this,” says Zac Chavez ’26, a sophomore studying film in VPA.

Leading up to the ceremony, get to know Ayinde, Nkongnyu and Chavez, three of the group’s passionate student leaders.

Ibraheem Ayinde ’24

When Ayinde transferred to Syracuse in 2021, he had never heard of colleges offering programs like MCI. It wasn’t until his first week, as he was walking around getting acquainted with campus, that he came across Open House and discovered MCI. It was a life-changing event.

Ayinde hopes to become a physical therapist after he graduates. Perhaps it’s his commitment to helping people that made Ayinde a natural fit as one of MCI’s peer mentors and leaders.

“This group was born from that desire to want to do more for ourselves and for this campus. We’re all like-minded individuals that, regardless of our career interests, want to see people that look like us s쳮d. I just love helping people. If there’s somebody who leaves our meetings feeling empowered and like they’re not alone, I know I am doing well as a leader,” says Ayinde, who helped orchestrate the recent Black History Month MCI Basketball Classic on campus.

Recently, the first cohort of MCI alumni came back and spoke with students about their experiences—both on campus and in the real world. Ayinde is looking forward to maintaining a lifelong camaraderie with his fellow MCI alumni and says he’ll always make time to mentor current students.

Ryan Nkongnyu ’25

Nkongnyu is an involved student leader, serving as vice president of the , event coordinator for the , ambassador and peer mentor for the (J.U.M.P. Nation) at Syracuse University and chaplain for the .

A first-generation college student and an , Nkongnyu admits he initially struggled some adjusting to life on campus. But earning a college degree has been his lifelong dream, so Nkongnyu was committed to overcoming any obstacles he faced.

During his second semester, Nkongnyu found himself seeking out spaces where he could meet and connect with “like-minded individuals who wanted to shape and mold the future.” He was introduced to MCI and inducted in February 2023.

“I was looking for great personal connections in a space where I felt like I belonged. MCI has helped make me gain confidence and be a better person. I’m inspired by this group. We’re always talking about how we can support each other and build a community where we lift each other up. These people have my back, and we help each other out with the problems we’re facing. We’re a true brotherhood,” says Nkongnyu, who hopes to work in the entertainment industry, either as an anchor or a producer.

Zac Chavez ’26

Chavez is no stranger to peer mentoring groups. When he was in middle school, Chavez began dedicating himself to his studies. The goal: getting into the college of his choice.

Before he committed himself to a career in film, Chavez first envisioned becoming a lawyer, and he joined a local program called Legal Outreach, where, with the help of public and private law firms across Manhattan, he participated in legal debates based on real cases on the Supreme Court docket.

But while the mentorship opportunities were meaningful, Chavez says he “struggled finding a mentor who looked like me.” That all changed when he joined MCI during his first year at Syracuse.

“It was a breath of fresh air to know there is a space and a program like MCI at Syracuse. It became a safe haven for me. Everyone has something positive or constructive to say, and there are different perspectives from people who have been through what you’re going through. It’s great to figure out how to navigate those issues from a multilayered perspective, and this experience has helped with my professional development,” says Chavez, who is also a member of the .

Chavez has also used the group to further his filmmaking skills, producing a documentary on both MCI’s basketball tournament and its upcoming induction ceremony.

Everywhere Sharon Barner ’79 has worked, she has achieved success at the highest levels of her field—as partner at a law firm, as deputy under secretary of commerce and deputy director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in President Barack Obama’s administration, as a trusted expert in intellectual property law and now as a corporate leader.

Barner says the strong foundation for her career accomplishments formed as she was earning dual undergraduate degrees in and from Syracuse University.

And now, Barner is paying it forward. Thanks to her generous and transformative donation as part of the Forever Orange campaign, Barner’s latest gift of $1 million will ensure the future of . In recognition of the gift, the building will be renamed the Barner-McDuffie House—in honor of Barner, a Syracuse University trustee, and her husband, Haywood McDuffie.

“Sharon and Haywood are passionate benefactors, ambassadors and supporters of Syracuse University, and especially our students,” says . “This gift allows the University to continue expanding meaningful opportunities for students to build a sense of belonging and community here at Syracuse. I am grateful to Sharon and Haywood for their generosity and vision and look forward to celebrating their philanthropy later this year during Coming Back Together.”

This is the first building on North Campus named by an African American family through philanthropic support. In addition to endowing 119 Euclid’s future, the gift will enhance scholarship opportunities for first-generation and underrepresented students and strengthen cultural, academic and social student-led activities that promote Black culture.

“I came through Syracuse University during a period of change across the 1970s. As an African American female, I found a community that was supportive of all the things I thought I could do with my life,” says Barner, who is now vice president and chief administrative officer at Cummins Inc., an Indiana-based multinational known as a global leader in power technology. “As I looked to give back, it was about both giving back to Syracuse and to people who had experiences like myself. I wanted to help make sure they had the foundations they needed, both through finding community and scholarship.”

Reflecting on her days on campus, which served as a formative experience, Barner felt there was something missing from her Orange journey: a dedicated space for Black students to gather, share their experiences and feel at home on the University campus. Barner is excited to see how her donation will inspire and make a lasting impact on students for years to come.

Creating Sense of Home and Family

The first time Barner walked inside 119 Euclid, she understood why this was a special place for Black students. From the friendly faces greeting her to the enticing aromas emanating from the kitchen, Barner says she instantly felt at peace and knew this was a project to which she wanted to contribute.

“It felt like there were a million mothers telling me to ‘come in and be comfortable.’ I felt like I was home. There was this sense of family. You have a community of people who are going to help keep you safe, mentally and physically, while helping you grow as a person,” says Barner, whose son, Haywood McDuffie III ’17, also graduated from Syracuse. “Students feel included when you have those kinds of spaces, knowing you have a village that supports you.”

“Affinity spaces such as the Barner-McDuffie House are critical for community-building, leadership development and student success. This space, under Marissa Willingham’s leadership, has helped our students cultivate a sense of belonging at Syracuse,” says . “I’m excited to see the innovative programs that will be hosted in and through the space.”

Besides her academic pursuits, Barner found her community through her involvement in a number of activities at Syracuse University—from being a cheerleader and joining the Delta Sigma Theta sorority to writing for The Daily Orange and teaching English as a second language to Spanish-speaking children in the City of Syracuse.

Inspiring Fellow First-Generation Students

A first-generation college student, Barner understands the financial stresses families can face trying to pay for higher education. That was the other driving force behind this gift, which will also support the , which provides critical financial assistance, leadership training and alumni mentorship for first-generation and underrepresented students at Syracuse University.

“I want those students to know that someone like me knows what they’re going through and is rooting for them to be successful at Syracuse University and beyond. I hope one day these students will look back, understand the value of their Syracuse education and feel compelled to give back to future generations of students,” says Barner, who as a trustee is currently on the search committee charged with identifying the University’s next chief information officer.

“When you think of all that Sharon has accomplished as a first-generation graduate of Syracuse University, it’s clear that the Syracuse experience is a game changer. It’s wonderful that she continues to think deeply about the needs of current students through her philanthropy,” says .

“Sharon’s generosity will help offer students more impactful programs and activities at the Barner-McDuffie House while furthering the space’s goals of providing a sense of community, a place to build connections and celebrate the outstanding contributions of the Black community on campus,” adds .

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors closes the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University

Orange isn’t just our color. It’s our promise to leave the world better than we found it. Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University is poised to do just that. Fueled by more than 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can enhance academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. Forever Orange endeavors to raise $1.5 billion in philanthropic support, inspire 125,000 individual donors to participate in the campaign, and actively engage one in five alumni in the life of the University. Now is the time to show the world what Orange can do. Visit����to learn more.

Most students who come to Syracuse University as wide-eyed first-year students think they have all the time in the world to institute the changes they wish to see in their communities and on campus.

But the reality can be somewhat different: four years as a college student can go by in a heartbeat.

For active and engaged student leaders like Jordan Pierre ’23 and Dylan Blaine France ’24, their time at Syracuse has been spent honing their academic crafts, finding community and developing lifelong passions as agents of change on campus.

For those passions as student advocates to carry on beyond their four years on campus, Pierre and France want to help a new generation of student leaders pick up where they left off.

That desire to ensure students have access to essential resources on campus drove Pierre and France to become more involved in the University’s annual Black History Month (BHM) celebrations, which began Jan. 31 and run through Feb. 28.

Get to know two of the many student volunteers who have made the University’s ongoing BHM celebrations a success.

Jordan Pierre ’23

Since his senior year began, Pierre committed to reevaluating his role as a leader, someone who will empower other students to get more involved in decisions that affect their University.

“I’m trying to learn how to step back and empower others to become leaders. There are certain things I advocate for that I’m not going to remain in this space long enough to see come to fruition. You’ve got to make sure that, as you’re advocating for these things, you’re also empowering others to step up into leadership roles,” says Pierre, a student in the who is minoring in in the .

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Pierre fell in love with the University’s energy during his first visit to campus, especially after witnessing John Gillon G’20 make a buzzer-beating three-pointer to lift the men’s basketball team to a thrilling win over Duke on Feb. 22, 2017.

Pierre has always been active on campus. He is one of Multicultural Advancement’s , volunteering on campus and in the Syracuse community, and he currently serves as president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Delta Zeta chapter. Pierre is a Global Ambassador for , and took his leadership skills overseas, participating in the 2022 .

Pierre also belongs to the and the , a mentorship program within the inner city of Syracuse whose mission is to reduce the high school dropout rate while increasing enrollment into institutions of higher education by creating a bridge for current Syracuse University students into the Syracuse community.

He’s thankful that, early on in his Syracuse career, two fellow Newhouse students—Cameron Simon ’21 and Daijha Thompson ’21—went out of their way to introduce Pierre to the faculty members who would play a large role in his academic pursuits. Their efforts helped create a sense of community and camaraderie for Pierre that has only strengthened as time passed.

“I had to get involved with our Black History Month celebrations. That’s just part of me playing my role. To make sure I’m building a blueprint for those who are coming after me. My mission in life is to bring hope to others, to equip people with the knowledge and tools to carry the baton when I leave. You want to make sure everything you helped to build sustains beyond your time here,” Pierre says.

Dylan Blaine France ’24

France, a native of West Orange, New Jersey, also felt that immediate connection to and affinity for Syracuse University. But her path to leadership encountered a massive roadblock when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March of 2020.

Moving into her residence hall her first year in the middle of the worst global health crisis in nearly a century made it difficult for France to find her community and her sense of belonging on campus. It wasn’t until her sophomore year, when France discovered 119 Euclid, a space to celebrate the Black student experience, that she finally started to feel like Syracuse University was home.

“I’m truly so grateful for 119 Euclid, which has been such a blessing and a safe haven for me. It’s a space where Black people can come together and be themselves. That’s where I found my people that I truly resonate with. Most of my closest friends at Syracuse came from 119 Euclid,” says France, a finance major in the Whitman School who is minoring in global political economy in the Maxwell School.

Motivated by the tight-knit relationships she formed, and the impactful programs offered at 119 Euclid, France felt emboldened to become more involved on campus. Last February, France helped launch the Black Student Union, where she held the roles of both an internal secretary and a vice president.

Among her involvement, France serves as one of two undergraduate student and is a finance board member with the Syracuse Student Association and a Whitman representative in Assembly. A member of the and the , France pledged to help celebrate the achievements of Black students, faculty and staff members across campus during BHM.

“Black History Month is a really important time for the Black students on campus. Our history should be constantly discussed and celebrated, as it is so heavily integrated into not only the American culture and history, but global history,” says France, a Whitman Leadership Scholar and proud alumna of the WellsLink Scholars Program.

How to Celebrate BHM on Campus

The campus community has been celebrating Black History Month through a series of programs, events and discussions. With efforts led by the Black History Month Planning Committee and coordination by Multicultural Affairs, the monthlong celebration is highlighting Black history, culture and rich traditions in alignment with this year’s theme of “Black Resistance: Building Bridges and Navigating Barriers.”

The monthlong celebration began with the annual on Jan. 31, which featured student groups and performances. On Feb. 2, George Johnson, a journalist, LGBTQIA+ activist and award-winning Black, non-binary writer, author, and executive producer, was , and on Feb. 10, Paul M. Buckley addressed students during the .

There are still a few more events planned, including:

• : Friday, Feb. 24, 7 to 9 p.m., Women’s Building, Gym
• : Saturday, Feb. 25, 7 to 10 p.m., Schine Student Center, Goldstein Auditorium. (Free tickets available through the Student Box Office)
• : Tuesday, Feb. 28, 4-5:30 p.m., Schine Student Center, Schine Underground.

Syracuse University’s Office of Multicultural Advancement today announced that five accomplished alumni will be recognized during Coming Back Together (CBT) this September. CBT is a triennial reunion that welcomes Black and Latino/a alumni back to campus to celebrate their accomplishments, meet current students and remain connected with the University. 2021 represents the 13th CBT reunion held on campus. In 2017, the weekend raised $1 million for the Our Time Has Come Scholarship Program benefitting underrepresented students at Syracuse University. In 2020, the University’s virtual CBT reunion raised an additional $800k for the scholarship.

Victor Holman ’82, Felisha Legette-Jack ’89, Dr. Gezzer Ortega ’03, Jacqueline Welch ’91 and Jasmine Jordan-Christmas ’14 will be honored for their extraordinary professional achievements by Chancellor Kent Syverud at an awards ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center.

“This year’s CBT alumni honorees are leaders in their fields with a commitment to giving back,” says Chancellor Syverud. “We are proud to recognize these five individuals as part of this year’s Coming Back Together celebration. We honor their contributions to Syracuse University, to the fields to which they have dedicated their lives and to the future generations of Orange students whom they inspire through their work.”

Presented to African American and Latino/a alumni during CBT, the awards serve to recognize the significant civic or career achievements by the selected winners. Since 1983, the ceremony has been a signature event presented at the CBT reunion.

“The 2021 awardees represent some of the University’s best, brightest and most engaged alumni,” says Rachel Vassel, associate vice president in the Office of Multicultural Advancement. “While achieving tremendous professional success across diverse fields, these five individuals are dedicated to Syracuse University and we are forever grateful to them for the many ways they support our work.”

Read more about the recipients below.

Excellence in Military Service: Victor Holman ’82

Holman, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army with more than 38 years of military and federal service, will receive the Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence in Military Service. Since beginning his military career at Syracuse University as a second lieutenant, Holman has served in numerous leadership and staff positions, leading organizations, operations, training, maintenance and contingency planning.

He currently serves as a senior director for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, where he directs key communications, budget management, administrative support and information technology for the commanding general and select staffs.

In 2014, Holman and his Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brother Keith Brown ’82 established an Our Time Has Come scholarship fund in support of underrepresented graduate students. He is a member of the Syracuse University Multicultural Advancement (SUMA) Advisory Council and recently, with his wife Dakota (Caine) Holman ’83, pledged a naming gift toward the revival and development of 119 Euclid Ave., an inclusive space for those wanting to celebrate and explore the uniqueness of Black culture and the Black student experience, opening this fall. Holman is also an avid supporter of Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families and a longtime attendee of CBT.

Holman has received numerous awards for his achievements and service, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Superior Civilian Service Award and the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service. He earned a dual bachelor’s degree in English and psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences, a master’s degree in national strategy and security from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and a master’s in business administration from Central Michigan University. He is also a graduate of the School of Advanced Military Studies in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Excellence in Sports: Felisha Legette-Jack ’89

Legette-Jack, a former Syracuse University basketball star and current head coach of the University at Buffalo (UB) Bulls women’s basketball team, will receive the Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence in Sports. As the winningest coach in program history at UB, Legette-Jack currently owns a 318-270 career head coaching record across 19 seasons, having led the Bulls to eight straight winning seasons. Prior to UB, she served as head coach at Indiana University and Hofstra University, as well as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Syracuse women’s basketball from 1993-2000.

Legette-Jack is a Syracuse native who began her basketball career at Nottingham High School. While playing for the Orange, she scored 1,526 points and grabbed 927 rebounds, graduating as the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in program history. Legette-Jack now ranks fifth in scoring and third in rebounds. She won 1985 Big East Rookie of the Year honors, earned all-league laurels three times in her career and was the recipient of a LetterWinner of Distinction Award.

Legette-Jack participated in the Athlete’s Roundtable during CBT 2017. Legette-Jack is also an inductee into the Greater Syracuse Hall of Fame, the Syracuse Urban League Hall of Fame and the Syracuse University Orange Plus Hall of Fame. In 2017, she was named to Buffalo Business First Magazine’s annual Power 100 list of the most influential women in Western New York.

Excellence in Medicine: Dr. Gezzer Ortega ’03

Dr. Ortega, an instructor of surgery and lead faculty for research and innovation for equitable surgical care at the Center for Surgery and Public Health in the Department of Surgery at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School, will be honored with the Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence in Medicine.

Passionate about mitigating and eliminating disparities in surgery, Dr. Ortega currently serves as project director for the Provider Awareness and Cultural Dexterity Toolkit for Surgeons, a research project aimed at developing and evaluating a curriculum for surgical residents to improve cross-cultural communication and engagement. The project is currently being piloted at eight academic medical centers. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Patient Reported Outcomes, Value and Experience Center at Harvard.

During his time as an undergraduate at Syracuse, Ortega was a Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) Scholar, a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, a Gates Millennium Scholar, chapter president and brother of Alpha Phi Alpha, and a recipient of the Ruth Meyer Undergraduate Research Scholar Award. As an alumnus, he is a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Advisory Board, has guest lectured for health humanities courses, co-presented a professional development workshop at CBT 2014 and a CBT Virtual Connection panel discussion on Black and brown men’s health and wellness in 2020, was honored with the CSTEP Alumni Award in 2017, donates to the Our Time Has Come Scholarship Program, and most recently served as the 2021 Convocation Speaker for the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Ortega is also passionate about mentoring Syracuse University pre-medical students who are at various points in their journey to becoming a physician.

Born in a low-income Brooklyn neighborhood to immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic, Ortega is one of three siblings who are first-generation college students and alumni of Syracuse University; brother Oswaldo Ortega ’05 (School of Architecture) and sister Rosslyn Ortega ’06 (Whitman School). His work centers on improving surgical care for low-income and historically underserved populations and promoting language concordant care for patients with limited English proficiency. As co-founder of the Latino Surgical Society, which supports the advancement of Latino/a/x surgeons, he endeavors to diversify the academic physician workforce. In 2020, Dr. Ortega was recognized as Health Provider of the Year by Building the Next Generation of Academic Physicians and Young Physician of the Year by the National Hispanic Medical Society. He also participated in the Emerging Leaders Forum for the National Academy of Medicine.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the College of Arts and Sciences, Ortega went on to receive a medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and a master of public health degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Jacqueline Welch ’91: Excellence in Business

Welch, a seasoned corporate leader who was named executive vice president and chief human resources officer at The New York Times earlier this year, will be honored with the Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence in Business. Welch leads The Times’ human resources department and oversees all aspects of talent acquisition, career development, organizational development, equitable compensation practices, performance enablement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. She is the first Black woman in this role and only the second Black woman to be listed on the paper’s masthead. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles in human resources strategy and execution with Freddie Mac and Turner Broadcasting System.

Welch, a native New Yorker of Panamanian descent who calls her role at The New York Times her “dream job,” earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of Arts and Sciences. At Syracuse, she was a member of the Caribbean Students Association, resurrected The Black Voice newsletter with classmate Abenaa Abboa-Offei ’91 and competed on the women’s rowing team. Welch was inspired toward a future career in human resources during a summer job with the Urban League of Onondaga County when she placed an older gentleman in a much-needed job. His gratitude ignited in her a lifelong passion for helping people secure their livelihood. In March 2021, she was a speaker on the CBT Virtual Connection Series Women’s History Month Panel, and she is an Our Time Has Come scholarship donor.

Welch earned a master’s degree in human resources management from The New School, and her community involvement has included service on the boards of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia, Zoo Atlanta, United Way of Greater Atlanta and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta.

Young Alumni Award for Excellence in Fashion: Jasmine Jordan-Christmas ’14

Jordan-Christmas, a sports marketing professional for Nike’s Jordan brand, fashion influencer and 2014 graduate of the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics in sport management, will receive the inaugural CBT Young Alumni Award for Excellence in Fashion. The daughter of basketball legend Michael Jordan, Jordan-Christmas is forging her own legacy in the sports industry and has worked closely with some of the most notable brands in sports over her 10-year career.

In her current role as field representative for sports marketing, basketball and women’s, with Nike, Jordan-Christmas manages athletes who represent the Jordan brand. She recently led an initiative to shape the future of basketball culture for women and young girls by expanding the brand’s WNBA roster to eleven active players, the largest in the brand’s history. Previously, she worked as operations coordinator for the Charlotte Hornets.

Jordan-Christmas is married to former Syracuse basketball player Rakeem Christmas and the mother of a toddler son, Rakeem “Keem” Jr. She is an Our Time Has Come scholarship donor and supports her family’s philanthropic efforts through the Rakeem Christmas Foundation and the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina. She recently provided a special video message of encouragement for the Class of 2020’s virtual commencement.

The theme of this year’s reunion is “Celebrating 151 Years of Black and Latino/a Excellence at SU.” Over the four-day weekend, workshops, receptions, social events and cultural activities will be offered to attendees. Highlights include the CBT Celebrity Classic basketball game, a special concert featuring 90s R&B trio SWV, tailgate on the Quad and football game vs. Rutgers University, fundraising gala and awards ceremony, and a Sunday worship service featuring Grammy-winning gospel artist BeBe Winans.

For a full list of CBT events and registration information, visit .