��isn’t��just about gifts—it’s��a global celebration where the��Orange��community comes together to make an impact!

Tomorrow, March 24, Syracuse celebrates 156 years of Orange pride, and Syracuse Giving Day promises a full day of energy, generosity and campuswide fun. From grabbing giveaways in Schine Student Center to supporting from wherever you are, Giving Day is all about fueling what makes Syracuse extraordinary.

What’s Happening on Campus?

Free Food, Giveaways and Stamp Card Rewards
Schine Student Center | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Energize your day! Make a gift, enjoy treats and earn your way to an Otto straw topper while supplies last. Visit the photo booth or record your own Giving Day video with a branded ring light to help you create your best Orange content. Watch live shows throughout the day for exciting student-created stories.

Goldstein Auditorium | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Discover the incredible work of 41 student organizations! Meet students, learn about their goals and support your favorites. When 150 alumni support any project, $2,100 in additional funding will be split among the top five groups thanks to the generosity of the Syracuse University Alumni Association Board.

Class of 2026 Donor Exclusive Party
Make your class gift, earn your grad cord and join Otto’s After Party from 6 to 8 p.m.

How to Make an Impact

• ! The University’s goal is to inspire 4,444 supporters on Giving Day. When there is at least one donor from every state and the entire map turns orange, $100,000 will go to Syracuse University thanks to our Regional Councils.
• ! You’ll receive an exclusive Syracuse gift wrap set.
• ! Create an account, share your personal link and earn Syracuse keyboard stickers.
• ! Whether it’s your favorite school, college or program, help unlock additional funding that will multiply your impact.

Let’s give Syracuse the best birthday gift: a powerful show of Orange pride and generosity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit the for the complete Giving Day experience.

The Syracuse University community will rally together on Tuesday, Dec. 2 for Giving ’CUSEday, our version of Giving Tuesday—a global movement of radical generosity—focused on supporting students facing food insecurity and funding scholarships.

Giving ’CUSEday raises funds for general scholarships through The Syracuse Promise, helping to remove financial barriers for students. When you that day, you support talented and deserving current students.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni can also participate by dropping off nonperishable food items at the Schine Student Center Atrium between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. or by to the Coach Mac Food Pantry.

The Forever Orange Student Alumni Council (FOSAC) is hosting the in-person collection drive at Schine, with donated items delivered directly to Hendricks Chapel the following day. Members of the Syracuse Alumni office will join the event to offer prizes and information on how alumni giving supports student scholarships.

“As a student who’s benefited from scholarship support, it means a lot to give back and help others access the same opportunities. Being part of Giving ’CUSEday lets me pay that support forward and make a real difference for other students,” says Jenna Orlando ’26.

Meeting a Growing Need

Since its founding in 2013, the Coach Mac Food Pantry has grown from a small initiative to a vital campus resource, now serving between 100–250 students each week across two campus locations—one in Hendricks Chapel and one on South Campus.

The pantry provides free food and personal care items to any student with a valid Syracuse University or SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry ID. It also connects students with resources to help build long-term stability. Monetary donations help stock the shelves with fresh produce, protein-rich snacks, soups, pasta and hygiene essentials.

How to Participate in Giving ’CUSEday

• Drop Off Donations: Visit Schine Student Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 2.
• Learn More: Visit the for additional ways to help support students facing food insecurity.
• Give Online: Make a gift to the .

Every gift matters. Every donor makes a difference. Let’s make this Giving ’CUSEday count—together.

Brendan Worobel ’26 and his twin sister Nicole ’26, seniors from Holmdel, New Jersey, found a home at the University’s Catholic Center. There, they found a welcoming community that helped them settle into life at Syracuse.

Brendan began attending Mass during his first year. Through the years, more of his friends, including his brothers from Theta Chi fraternity, have joined him for Mass and activities each week.

“It is incredible to see how big the community has grown,” says Brendan, a triple major in finance, business analytics and economics. “This community is one of my favorite things about being at this school.”

The Worobels are part of a remarkable surge in participation within the University Catholic community that has transformed the Catholic Center’s 110 Walnut Place location.

Weekend Masses now draw close to 400 people, while Thursday Mass and fellowship dinners attract 130 attendees—numbers that overwhelmed the previous all-purpose room with its makeshift chair setup.

And now the increase in attendance has led to answered prayers.

Honoring the Past in the Present

A transformational gift from Life Trustee and alumnus Daniel D’Aniello ’68, H’20 and his wife, Gayle, through the Forever Orange campaign supported the construction of a new chapel and renovations to modernize and expand the building. The new chapel was blessed and dedicated Nov. 5 by Bishop Douglas Lucia of the Diocese of Syracuse, marking a milestone for the community that dates back to 1908.

The renovations include thoughtful personal touches: a large outdoor column at the front illuminates in colors corresponding to the Catholic church’s liturgical season, stained glass salvaged from the former chapel and a painting of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Eucharistic Chapel dedicated to Beatrice D’Aniello, Daniel D’Aniello’s mother.

Serving the Needs of the Community

For Nicole, a biotechnology major, being able to share her faith with her twin brother has been one of the most meaningful parts of her college experience.

“The Catholic Center has given us a space to continue living out the values we grew up with, and to support each other as we navigate this new chapter in our lives,” she says.

Members of the Catholic community will tell you that the growth in Mass attendance, service outreach and fellowship activities can be attributed to Father Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv., the University’s Catholic chaplain since 2016.

“Father Gerry has created such a vibrant and diverse community of Catholic students and has created an environment where students like me feel comfortable and excited to deepen their faith in God,” says Blake Stevens ’27, a data analytics and business analytics major from Chester, New Jersey, and president of Theta Chi.

The growth, while celebrated, strained the physical capabilities of the Catholic Center building. In addition to Masses, sandwiches for the local community are prepared once a month, and numerous activities such as service outreach planning, Bible study and Christian initiation preparation programs are regularly held.

The renovations have resulted in a proper chapel for the celebration of Mass and other sacraments, as well as space to support the community’s outreach and fellowship activities.

Numerous donors, local contractors and the University’s Office of Campus Planning, Design and Construction were integral to the project.

“What a blessing to open the doors to our new Catholic Center and chapel—a sacred space where faith, community and belonging come together,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “I am grateful to Father Gerry Waterman for nurturing our students, and to the extraordinary generosity of Life Trustee Dan D’Aniello, and his wife, Gayle. Their transformative gift has made this vision a reality for generations to come.”

Fostering Important Work

A gift from alumna Judith Pistaki Zelisko ’72 and her husband, Paul, enabled renovations to the building’s study lounge and library. She has fond memories of her four years on campus, during which the Catholic Center played a significant role.

“My hope is that the study lounge and library, which my husband and I support, will become a haven for students, a place for study and scholarship, but also a place for reflection,” she says.

The transformed physical space helps to foster the important work that goes on inside the building. Waterman, now in his 10th and final year as chaplain, has worked to feed his students spiritually and physically.

“If you like something, you want to share it with somebody else. I attribute our growth to that,” he says.

Jessica Gutierrez ’26, a computer science major from Los Angeles, has been involved in the Catholic Center since her first year and currently serves as president of the Catholic Student Association.

“The Catholic Center has helped me transform, both spiritually and personally, giving me a sense of belonging and purpose,” she says. “With its welcoming design and expanded opportunities for gathering, reflection and service, the new Catholic Center will be an even better place for students to grow in faith and connection.”

Are you a faculty or staff member who wants to make a difference in the lives of people in Central New York? Consider contributing to the University’s annual employee giving campaign, an initiative supporting the vast impact United Way has in our community and empowering their work.

The employee giving campaign runs from Monday, Oct. 20, through Friday, Dec. 12. Celebrating 103 years of impact in the local community, the ��funds human service programs and projects at 35 nonprofit partners.

First-time campaign co-chair L’98, dean of the College of Law, draws his inspiration to serve from United Way-funded organizations themselves. “In neighborhoods across our community, families are struggling with challenges that no one should face alone—poverty, food insecurity, inadequate access to health care and education. The United Way doesn’t just write checks—it funds organizations that show up, day after day, to meet people where they are and help them build better lives.”

Join the Movement

University employees are encouraged to consider making a voluntary pledge through the United Way’s ePledge platform. Options are available for either a one-time donation or a recurring donation through payroll deduction each pay period. University retirees are also invited to participate as many enjoy the longstanding tradition and generous spirit of this annual event. For those who prefer, a paper pledge card may be obtained by contacting the University’s Office of Community Engagement at oceed@syr.edu��or 315.443.4137.

Every dollar raised remains in Central New York to help the United Way address various community needs. Faculty and staff are encouraged to unite with their Orange colleagues to give hope to those with the greatest need in our community.

“The United Way makes a direct impact on people through supporting a variety of thoughtful initiatives and programs within our community. You will treasure the feeling when you know your dollar helped make a profound difference in someone’s life, perhaps even a family member or a friend in need,”�� says , deputy athletics director and senior woman administrator, who also serves as campaign co-chair.

Through the employee giving campaign, faculty and staff can give back to this initiative that supports and empowers the United Way to continue making a vast impact in our community.

“I challenge us to come together to make an impact and set records this year for the Syracuse University campaign—to not only reach our monetary goals, but more importantly the goals of making our community stronger, prouder and more united than ever before,” Elleby says.

In addition to the co-chairs, the annual campaign is led by a collection of team leaders from colleges and departments across campus who collaborate to promote the campaign and encourage their colleagues to participate. Many departments organize activities to raise additional funds to be donated to the campaign. Fundraising activities have included bake sales, raffles, contests and gift baskets.

“Seeing some of the creative ideas from our campus partners is one of the most rewarding parts of coordinating the campaign out of our office,” says Jake Losowski, associate director in the Office of Community Engagement. “Some groups get out in the community and volunteer directly with United Way-funded organizations, while other departments hold special events that serve a dual purpose of team building while raising funds for the campaign. There are options for every area of the campus to get involved in a way that makes sense for them.”

“This campaign touches so many different aspects of peoples’ lives,” says , access services librarian with Syracuse University Libraries, about the campaign’s community impact. “It’s how can we take these funds and find the most important or the most critical or the ideal place to help the community in the best way possible.”

No gift is too small and every dollar helps change lives. Together as One University, we can make a positive impact in our community through our collective support of the United Way of Central New York.

The third annual fiscal-year end poster campaign is a wonderful way to celebrate Syracuse pride, expand your art collection and make a meaningful impact on the Orange community. As a token of appreciation for their generosity, the first 500 donors to contribute $25 or more to any Fund for Syracuse fund through the by June 30 will receive a limited-edition poster. Less than 200 remain!

This year’s design features a sunset over Crouse College, captured and submitted by Ken Milch ’91, a graduate of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. ��Milch describes Crouse College as an integral part of his Syracuse University experience, a space where he not only performed and studied, but built lasting friendships.

“As part of the Chimesmasters, I was fortunate to climb the ladder into the bell tower and ring the bells that echo across campus. It is a stunning and inspiring building inside and out, and I was grateful every single day that I was able to experience it,” Milch says. “It is the place I always want to visit when I return, the place I first wanted to show my family and the place that holds some of my most powerful memories.”

Beyond their breathtaking architecture, Syracuse University’s buildings are home to students and educators driven to make a difference in their chosen fields.

Reflecting on his Syracuse years, Milch highlights the dedication of professors who genuinely cared about their students and brought passion to their work. “Whether they realized it or not, they were doing more than teaching—they were inspiring,” he says.

Milch’s experience is just one of countless stories shaped by the opportunities Syracuse provides—opportunities made possible through the generosity of those who believe in the power of education and community.

When you make a gift, you make it possible for future generations to experience the enduring spirit of Syracuse, where historic halls inspire and passionate professors shape futures.

For more information and to make your gift, visit .

Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 27—it’s Giving Day at Syracuse University! It’s our chance to show the world what Orange pride really means.

We’ve set an ambitious goal of 6,600 donors this year. When we unite as one Orange community, even small gifts create massive impact. It’s not about the size of your donation—it’s about joining together with fellow Syracuse supporters worldwide.

Ready to join the friendly competition?

• ��and watch your impact multiply! Last year’s advocates TRIPLED the number of gifts made. Share your unique link, track the donations you inspire and claim your exclusive “Geared Up Otto” sticker!
• Get in early!�� now and challenge your Syracuse friends to match you. Every contribution moves us closer to our 6,600 donor goal.
• Follow the action live��at —our real-time leaderboards show which schools, programs and classes are leading the charge. Can your favorite area take the top spot?

Whether you support scholarships, campus improvements or groundbreaking research, your participation matters. Together, we’re not just giving—we’re competing to create the strongest possible Syracuse for generations to come.

Don’t sit on the sidelines for #CuseGivingDay. Join the thousands of Orange supporters worldwide to help us hit that 6,600 donor goal and write the next chapter in Syracuse University’s story!

Syracuse University head women’s basketball coach����grew up in Syracuse, and she understands the importance of charitable giving back to the local community. One of the biggest ways Legette-Jack feels the University community can make a difference in the lives of area residents is through supporting the����employee giving campaign.

With a little less than two weeks remaining in this year’s campaign, there’s still time for University employees to make a gift of any size to support their fellow Central New Yorkers in need. The campaign kicked off on Oct. 18 and runs through Friday, Dec. 13.

“Syracuse is a strong, blue-collar city. When we do things together, when we do things united, my hope is I am going to be living proof of what giving back to our community looks like,” Legette-Jack says.

The United Way of Central New York has been��providing residents with access to essential resources for 102 years, funding 73 different human service programs and projects at 34 nonprofit partners. Through the employee giving campaign, faculty and staff have supported the vast impact United Way has in our community while empowering its work for the last 52 years.

“The United Way gives us that opportunity to make sure we are helping those who have the biggest needs. This is the community we live and work in, and so when we talk about an obligation and responsibility to the community, these are our neighbors, these people are us. This includes individuals within the University who benefit from these programs. The University’s commitment to the United Way, if it’s not seamless, it’s almost symbiotic,” says , dean of the .

This year’s employee giving campaign runs through Friday, Dec. 13.

University employees are encouraged to consider making a voluntary pledge through MySlice. Options are available for either a one-time donation or a recurring donation through payroll deduction each pay period. University retirees are also invited to participate as many enjoy the longstanding tradition and generous spirit of this annual event. For those who prefer, a paper pledge card may be obtained by contacting campaign coordinator Jake Losowski at��jjlosows@syr.edu��or 315.443.4137.

Every dollar raised remains in Central New York to help the United Way address various community needs. Faculty and staff are encouraged to unite with their Orange colleagues to give hope to those with the greatest need in our community.

In case you need inspiration for why your gift matters,�� featuring co-chairs of the University’s employee giving campaign, , the deputy athletics director and senior woman administrator, and , vice president of enrollment services, along with other University employees discussing the importance of contributing to the United Way.

“The United Way is literally changing lives through the work that they do in partnering with other organizations. You never know when your friend, your neighbor, your family member is going to benefit from some of the good that United Way does, so I think it’s really important for us to give back,” Elleby says.

In addition to the co-chairs, the annual campaign is led by a collection of team leaders from colleges and departments across campus who collaborate to promote the campaign and encourage their colleagues to participate.

“The United Way is really the hub of the nonprofit community in Central New York. We have a lot to be fortunate for, so giving back is a way to acknowledge that and make a difference,” says Cristina Hatem, director, strategic marketing and communications for Syracuse University Libraries.

No gift is too small and every dollar helps change lives.

Are you a faculty or staff member who wants to make a difference in the lives of people in Central New York? Consider contributing to the University’s annual employee giving campaign, an initiative supporting the vast impact United Way has in our community and empowering their work.

The employee giving campaign runs through Friday, Dec. 13. Celebrating 102 years of impact in the local community, the����funds 73 different human service programs and projects at 34 nonprofit partners.

“The United Way makes a direct impact on people through supporting a variety of amazing initiatives and programs within our community. You will treasure the feeling when you know your dollar helped make a profound difference in someone’s life, perhaps even a family member or a friend in need,” says , one of the co-chairs of the University’s employee giving campaign and the deputy athletics director and senior woman administrator.

University employees are encouraged to consider making a voluntary pledge through MySlice. Options are available for either a one-time donation or a recurring donation through payroll deduction each pay period. University retirees are also invited to participate as many enjoy the longstanding tradition and generous spirit of this annual event. For those who prefer, a paper pledge card may be obtained by contacting campaign coordinator Jake Losowski at��jjlosows@syr.edu��or 315.443.4137.

In case you need inspiration for why your gift matters,�� featuring Elleby and her fellow University co-chair for the campaign, , vice president of enrollment services, along with other University employees discussing the importance of contributing to the United Way.

“Syracuse University is crucial to the vitality of the broad Syracuse community. When we partner with the United Way of Central New York, we ensure that services and supports are made available to community members who need them,” Williams says. “I have personally seen how United Way agencies change lives and knowing that Syracuse University faculty, students and staff contributed made it even more impactful.”

Every dollar raised remains in Central New York to help the United Way address various community needs. Faculty and staff are encouraged to unite with their Orange colleagues to give hope to those with the greatest need in our community.

“I challenge us to come together and make this year the best turnout ever for the Syracuse University campaign—to not only reach our monetary goals, but more importantly the goals of making our community stronger, prouder and more united than ever before,” Elleby says.

Many departments organize activities to raise additional funds to be donated to the campaign. Fundraising activities have included bake sales, raffles, contests and gift baskets. In the past, the Department of Public Safety held a step counting challenge, while Syracuse University Libraries held a bake sale that was popular with staff and students with all proceeds benefiting the United Way. Employees are encouraged to get involved, even if they have not participated in the campaign in the past.

In addition to the co-chairs, the annual campaign is led by a collection of team leaders from colleges and departments across campus who collaborate to promote the campaign and encourage their colleagues to participate.

“This campaign touches so many different aspects of peoples’ lives. It’s not just to give money to a company for them to do this one goal. It’s how can we take these funds and find the most important or the most critical or the ideal place to help the community in the best way possible,” says Kristin Jeter, access services librarian with Syracuse University Libraries.

No gift is too small and every dollar helps change lives.

“You don’t miss one or two dollars a week coming out of your paycheck. And that little bit can help make a big difference. Community is everyone working together for a common goal,” says Charlotte Stahrr, academic program administrator in the College of Professional Studies.

The Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving has launched the Fall 2024 Student Organization Challenge. The initiative is your chance to support students as they compete to raise funds toward their important goals and projects.

Eighteen student groups have been chosen to participate. You can help them s쳮d as they compete for the highest number of unique donors by the end of the challenge. In addition to the funds raised, the Student Experience team has offered $1,750 in challenge dollars for the following:

• $250 to the first organization to reach 50 donors
• $500 to the first organization to reach 100 donors
• $1,000 to the student organization with the highest number of donors at the end of the challenge

Whether it’s funding a new project, hosting an event or enhancing their operations, your gift can help these groups achieve their dreams.

Why Donate?

• Boost Campus Life: These student-led initiatives strengthen the sense of community and belonging on campus, making Syracuse University a more engaging environment for all.
• Support Students: We can’t do it without��you! Your participation means the world to our dedicated students.
• Maximize Impact: Every unique donor moves students one step closer to unlocking challenge dollars, meaning your generosity goes even further.

The challenge runs until Dec. 3, 2024. Visit to learn more about this year’s participating organizations and their goals.

Story by Brooke Merrifield-Hintz

Get pumped, Orange Nation! The 2024 football season is kicking off with a bang after a win against Ohio, and now it’s time for you to join the action with your very own Game Day Kit. Whether you’re rooting from the stands or your living room, this kit has everything you need to show your Orange pride and support our amazing student-athletes.

What’s in the Game Day Kit?

Inspired by favorite traditions like “beat buttons” and banner flips, the kit includes:

• An 11-inch by 17-inch poster featuring Coach Fran Brown to track the season’s games.
• An 8.5-inch by 11-inch sticker sheet with Beat [Opponent] banners, game dates and pennant stickers to customize your poster and follow our wins.
• Five Otto temporary tattoos to boost your game-day spirit.
• A small felt Syracuse pennant to add some Orange flair to any space.

How Can I Get One?

and make a gift of $10 or more to the Athletics Opportunity Fund, and a kit will be sent straight to you!

Get your Game Day Kit now and cheer on the Orange while supporting our student-athletes. It’s a win-win, just like we’re hoping this season will be. New coach, new rivals and a whole lot of Orange pride—let’s go, Syracuse!

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.

For those looking to voluntarily contribute to the distribution of holiday items to local nonprofit organizations in Syracuse, the makes this seamless. “As the holiday season approaches for this year, the Office of Community Engagement encourages the campus community to consider sharing with our neighbors in the City of Syracuse and the surrounding Central New York region,” says Cydney Johnson, vice president of community engagement and government relations. “Your gift of funds, items and time can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, many of whom are in need this year. As One University, we all can make a positive impact on our community.” Participation opportunities are available this year with PEACE, Inc., The Salvation Army��and the Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry.

Here are the ways individuals, departments or schools and colleges can help a family in need this holiday season:

PEACE, Inc.

, is a nonprofit, community-based organization with the mission of helping people in the community realize their potential for becoming self-sufficient.

Give-A-Holiday

• This program offers individuals and groups the opportunity to brighten up the holidays for families in need by supplying gifts during the holiday season in the form of a gift basket or a monetary donation. Syracuse University employees can .
• Monetary donations can also be made online on the .

For more information or questions, please contact PEACE, Inc. at 315.634.3740 or giveaholiday@peace-caa.org.

The Salvation Army

is a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting human needs without discrimination and encouraging and empowering those in need to reach their full potential.

• Each year, The Salvation Army of Syracuse helps provide Christmas food and toys to nearly 10,000 people with the help of dozens of community partners. There are several ways you can help brighten the holidays for others including the annual or .
• Monetary donations can also be made online on .

For additional information or questions, please contact Deanna Delmonico at 315.479.1162 or deanna.delmonico@use.salvationarmy.org.

Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry

The supports Syracuse University students by providing access to fresh and shelf-stable goods as well as personal care items. So far in the 2023 academic year, the pantry receives anywhere from 100-250 student visitors per week. There are currently two food pantries on campus, directly across from the dean’s suite in Hendricks Chapel and on South Campus. Both pantries rely on monetary and food donations. Monetary donations are used to buy items like fresh produce, protein bars, soups, pasta, snacks and personal hygiene items.

Hendricks Chapel relies on generous donations from the Syracuse University community to stock the food pantry. Ways to support the food pantry include:

• Donating food or personal care items: Physical donations may be dropped off at the Hendricks Chapel Dean’s suite. Items may also be ordered through our , which ships items directly to the pantry. All are encouraged to donate to the��.
• Donating financially:��All are encouraged to donate to the��. If you are a campus partner, Hendricks Chapel is now able to accept fund transfers to a Food Pantry operational account.��Please reach out to the Chapel Budget Manager, Maureen Verone at��mverone@syr.edu��to administer a journal entry.��Your donations are most welcome and appreciated.
• Holding a food and toiletry drive: Student groups, residence hall floors, offices and departments can hold food and toiletry drives to benefit the food pantry. Reach out to Leondra Tyler to learn how you can “Adopt-A-Month” for the pantry.

Syracuse University is a longtime supporter of the . Please consider uniting with your colleagues and making a contribution to sustain the long-standing mission of the United Way. The United Way supports 72 specially funded programs and projects by 33 nonprofit partners serving our community. Your support offers hope to those in our community who need it most.

from on .

runs��through Dec. 15. During this time, we encourage each University employee to consider making a voluntary one-time gift as your pledge. There is also an option to give through payroll deductions over the coming year. For those who prefer, a paper pledge card may be obtained by contacting our campaign coordinator, Jake Losowski at jjlosows@syr.edu or 315.443.4137.

If you have a favorite nonprofit organization that is not part of the United Way’s��, please be sure that they follow this specific criteria in order for them to receive the funds from the United Way:

• Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 health and human service agencies operating in New York state or other United Way chapters.
• For each designation outside of the standard United Way funded programs, there is a $100 or 15% administrative fee, whichever is less.
• The gift must be a minimum of $50 per agency, with a maximum of four designations.

The United Way of Central New York will also be collecting donations at the as a part of the overall University Giving Campaign for the United Way.