Chancellor Kent Syverud Honored as Distinguished Citizen of the Year at 57th Annual ScoutPower Event
Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud was recognized by Scouting America, Longhouse Council, as the Distinguished Citizen of the Year at the organization鈥檚 57th annual ScoutPower dinner. The annual fundraiser is one of the biggest scouting events in the nation and raised nearly $600,000 in support of programs that help build character, teach responsibility and instill lifelong skills in youth through scouting.
Chancellor Syverud, a native of Irondequoit, New York, has long been involved in the mission of scouting, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and previously serving on the board of the Longhouse Council. Chancellor Syverud and his wife, Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, have three grown sons, Steven, Brian and David, all of whom participated in scouting.
“I am honored to be named the Distinguished Citizen of the Year by Scouting America,鈥 says Chancellor Syverud. 鈥淪couting has been a meaningful part of my life for as long as I can remember鈥攆irst as a scout and now as a member of the Longhouse Council. I鈥檓 grateful for the friendships, bonds and connections I鈥檝e made, and I appreciate everyone who supports Scouting America and encourages young people to participate in scouting programs.鈥
This year鈥檚 ScoutPower event featured another Orange connection: NBC sports commentator Mike Tirico 鈥88 delivered the keynote. Tirico, an alumnus of the University鈥檚 Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences and well-known sports commentator, delivered an engaging and inspiring address. Tirico’s career includes notable coverage of 鈥淪unday Night Football,鈥 the Olympics and other high-profile sports broadcasts.
Syracuse University was the presenting sponsor of the event, along with JMA Wireless. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry President Joanie Mahoney 鈥87, L鈥90, who herself has a notable history with scouting and was named Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Longhouse Council in 2023, served as this year鈥檚 event chair.
