Clad in Gray, the Orange Family Shows Up

From students to senior leaders, the University community rallied behind Chancellor Syverud with a walk, prayers and letters of support.

Kelly Homan Rodoski May 1, 2026

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They came walking en masse down the Einhorn Family Walk—a 250-person strong contingent of students, faculty, staff and senior leaders led by Otto the Orange. They walked past the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications complex and past tulips wobbling in a brisk spring wind. They walked toward Crouse-Hinds Hall with a single, steady purpose: to rally in support of Chancellor Kent Syverud.

The “Go Gray in May Walk” was conceived by the Student Government Association (SGA) and held with the support of more than 60 recognized student organizations. The walk on April 28, had a dual purpose: to raise funds for the , in honor of Brain Cancer Awareness Month, and to support Chancellor Syverud, who announced on April 15 that he has been diagnosed with brain cancer and is undergoing treatment at University of Michigan Medicine.

Staff members of Syracuse University in DC also walked on April 28 in support of Chancellor Syverud and in solidarity with the Syracuse campus.

Letters and Messages of Support

In front of the Schine Student Center, before the walk, University community members, many clad in in gray, gathered to write personal letters of caring to Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Ruth Chen. Large posters with such messages as “Facilities Services (heart) U!,” “Stand With Our Orange Family” and “No One Fights Alone” were displayed on the façade of Schine.

“Being here is a deeply meaningful experience for me on both a personal and community level. It gives me the opportunity to stand in support of my first University boss and Chancellor during an incredibly difficult time, while also honoring the memory of my uncle, who lost his life to this disease,” said Liz Costa, office coordinator with Facilities Services. “Being surrounded by others who are here for similar reasons creates a strong sense of connection and shared purpose.”

Four women pose and smile in front of a wall covered with handmade supportive signs, including "Nobody Fights Alone," "Thank You Chancellor," "Strength in Numbers," and "Facilities Services ♥ U! — Staff members from Facilities Services send their support to Chancellor Syverud. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Offering Prayers

Once gathered at Crouse-Hinds Hall, the Rev. Devon Bartholomew, Christian Protestant chaplain at Hendricks Chapel, thanked those assembled.

“Thank you all for coming today. Thank you Student Government Association for responding to Chancellor Syverud’s diagnosis by asking the right question: How do we respond? You have responded well with conscience and clarity,” Barthlomew said.

He then asked those gathered to join arms in prayer. “We pray for Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen and for their continued strength when they feel weakest. Let them experience peace and rest when things are uncertain. Give their sons courage as they support their father and mother. Fill each one with the love and the support that we are sending them from Syracuse when they feel alone.”

Bartholomew asked for prayers for all who are involved in the fight against cancer: for the diagnosed and the undiagnosed, for the families and friends, for the support services, for the doctors and nurses, for the counselors and chaplains, for the researchers and innovators. “We pray that progress is made in the advances of cancer research to prevent cancer and detect it early. We pray for treatments that will give longer life to those fighting cancer. We pray for families who support their loved ones,” he said.

“Lastly, I pray for those in our Orange Family who have been impacted by brain cancer, that they would be cared for by us as they work or study at Syracuse University and ESF,” Bartholomew said.

A man in a suit speaks into a microphone on a small stage at an outdoor event, while a group of attendees stands nearby with heads bowed. Several people wear "Nobody Fights Alone" shirts. One attendee holds a small dog. — Rev. Devon Bartholomew, Christian Protestant Chaplain, leads those assembled at Crouse-Hinds Hall in prayer. (Photo by Amy Manley)

Max Lachut ’28, vice president-elect of SGA, was one of the walk’s organizers and leaders in the walk to Crouse-Hinds. He wanted to support Chancellor Syverud, appreciative of the Chancellor’s leadership and care for students.

“Chancellor Syverud has been extremely receptive and approachable. I emailed him after a University Senate meeting about a topic I was concerned about. He heard me out and provided valuable insight, and I felt truly heard,” he said. “That level of accessibility shapes the culture of an entire institution. It showed me how he views shared governance, and it is a standard I carry into my own leadership.”

More than 50 of Theta Chi’s Syracuse membership turned out to participate in the walk and posed for a group photo outside Crouse-Hinds Hall afterwards.

“We have had several members in the house whose family and friends have dealt with cancer or had cancer scares themselves, so we recognize the importance,” said Jake Karedes ’27. “We really wanted to come out here and show support for the community.”

SGA President German Nolivos estimated that more than $1,000 has been raised for the Brain Tumor Foundation, with donations continuing to come in. “What happened here on Tuesday is uniquely Syracuse—we show up for each other, we care and we are a family,” he said.

Well wishes for Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen can be shared on the .