The Lunar New Year—also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival—marks one of the world’s most widely celebrated holidays, observed by as many as 2 billion people across Asian cultures. On Feb. 17, the Year of the Snake officially gives way to the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, enthusiasm and independence in the Chinese Zodiac.

Throughout the remainder of February, opportunities will be offered to celebrate this cultural milestone, giving the University community a chance to experience traditions that have been passed down for generations—from sharing meals and creating crafts to enjoying performances and exchanging red envelopes filled with blessings for the year ahead. Here is what’s planned in the weeks ahead.

Friday, Feb. 13: School of Architecture Lunar New Year Celebration

A will be held in Slocum Hall from 5 to 6:30 p.m., organized by international students in the School of Architecture and Dean Michael Speaks. The Slocum Hall atrium will be transformed into a festival-like atmosphere where students can take a break and engage in such activities as knot tying, calligraphy, fortune scratch-offs and a photo booth.

Food, chocolate coins and traditional candies, and tea with Dean Speaks will be served. A series of short presentations about East Asian culture and architecture, featuring School of Architecture faculty, is also planned to begin at 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 16: Asian American Journalists Association Celebration

The Asian American Journalists Association will hold its in 303 Newhouse 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The evening will include fun activities, delicious food and more! All are welcome to attend.

Tuesday, Feb. 17: Lunar New Year Craft Night

The Center for International Services will host its from 5 to 7 p.m. at 310 Walnut Place. Participants can join in crafts, build community and then head to one of three dining centers for a themed dinner celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Tuesday, Feb. 17: Dining Center Dumplings

During dinner service on Feb. 17, at Sadler, Shaw and Ernie Davis Dining Centers, including vegetable, beef and vegetable, edamame, pork shumai, chicken lemongrass and chicken teriyaki flavors.

Saturday, Feb. 21: Chinese United Student and Scholar Association Spring Festival Celebration

The Chinese United Student and Scholar Association will host its from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in Goldstein Auditorium. This event is both a talent showcase and a cultural celebration, providing a platform for students to share their cultures and talents with others.

Wednesday, Feb. 25: alpha Kappa Delta Phi Red Envelope and Zodiac Craft Workshop

alpha Kappa Delta Phi will host a from 7 to 8 p.m. in Lyman Hall. Participants can learn about Lunar New Year traditions while decorating red envelopes and creating zodiac-themed crafts. The event celebrates cultural appreciation through hands-on activities and provides a welcoming space to learn, connect and express creativity. Open to all!

For Rano Dilmurodova G’26, her first American Thanksgiving didn’t happen at a family table in someone’s home. Instead, the international relations student from Uzbekistan found herself among 600 others at the International Thanksgiving Celebration, in the JMA Wireless Dome on Nov. 20, discovering what she calls “one of my most memorable moments at Syracuse.”

“It made me feel truly connected to our international community. I had the chance to meet brilliant students and experts, exchange ideas about global development and learn more about each other’s cultures,” says Dilmurodova. “It was a beautiful moment to reflect on the past year and feel grateful for all of our collective efforts and experiences.”

She’s not alone in that sentiment. For 41 years, Syracuse University’s International Thanksgiving Celebration has transformed homesickness into community for thousands of international students—a tradition believed to be unique among U.S. universities.

A Legacy of Welcome

The celebration traces back to the 1980s when the late Rev. T.E. Koshy, then the University’s Evangelical Christian chaplain, and his wife, Dr. Indira Koshy, recognized a simple need: international students missed home during the holidays.

As an international student himself, Koshy understood the challenges of being far from home and family. Today, the family’s involvement continues through their son Jay, current Evangelical Christian chaplain, and grandson Josh ’24, both serving as table hosts at the event.

This year’s event, sponsored by the and the , honored Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, with a tribute video and ceramic bowl created by Peter Beasecker, professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Dr. Chen has overseen the International Thanksgiving Celebration and championed international students throughout her 12 years at Syracuse. Dr. Chen and Chancellor Kent Syverud will conclude their service to the University in June 2026.

“I really feel that I am home, even though I am on the other side of the earth,” says Ruohan Xu ’23, G’24, reflecting on Chen’s impact.

More Than a Meal

While Food Services served traditional turkey and fixings—including Kosher, Halal and vegetarian options—the evening also offered a spirit of community and family. Table hosts from faculty, staff and community members engaged students in conversations about both American traditions and their own cultures.

The ceremonial turkey carving by Associate Director Joe Sidoni drew eager photographers, while the Hendricks Chapel Choir performed under Professor José “Peppie” Calvar’s direction. Regina Jones of the Oneida Nation Turtle Clan delivered the Native American blessing, acknowledging the land’s original inhabitants.

Joseph Cobbinah, a linguistics master’s student from Ghana who emceed the event, had only heard about Thanksgiving from afar before experiencing it firsthand. “I realized the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and sharing warmth with friends,” he says. “I’m proud to be part of the Syracuse University Orange family.”

For longtime table hosts like Suresh and Ramani Thiagarajan, the joy comes from watching students recognize they’re valued. “They appreciate all the effort put in to make them special and acknowledge that they are a special gift to the University from various parts of the world,” Suresh says.

As international students navigate being thousands of miles from home, this uniquely Syracuse tradition proves that family isn’t just about who you’re born to—it’s also about the tables where you’re welcomed.

For community member Cindy Inserra, the University’s International Thanksgiving Celebration for first-year undergraduate students is a family event.

Inserra’s family owns Syracuse Banana, a local distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables and a longtime donor to the celebration. Her in-laws began hosting a table at the very first celebration 41 years ago. Inserra and her husband then began hosting a table years ago with their young daughter.

Now, their 3-year-old twin granddaughters are asking when they can begin hosting a table.

Inserra says the the experience has been “monumental” to her family,�� becoming their own favorite family event. Her daughter, Nicolette, made a lifelong friend while hosting a table with her grandfather many years ago, and they are still in touch.

“There is such a feeling of gratitude in teaching new students about our American Thanksgiving tradition,” Inserra says.

“I love when I get questioned about the stuffing ingredients and how the gravy goes over everything on your plate,” she adds. “By the time we get to the spray whipped cream and how that works, we are all laughing and we all feel like family. I love this tradition with my family and my SU family. It connects us in so many ways, and I am proud to be a part of this wonderful experience.”

This year’s celebration will be held on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Miron Victory Court at the JMA Wireless Dome, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Email invitations have been sent to the University’s international student community; interested students must register in advance.

Started by the University in the 1980s by the late Rev. T.E. Koshy, the celebration is intended to introduce new international students to the American Thanksgiving experience. The celebration is sponsored by the and the .

“Each year, we look forward to extending the invitation to our international student community to come share a meal in gratitude and experience a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with friends old and new,” says Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, who will co-host the celebration with the Center for International Services. “It is an important part of Syracuse University’s mission to be a university that is inclusive and welcoming to all—and this annual tradition is one example of how we meet that mission with renewed energy and enjoyment.”

The meal, provided by , is served family-style and will include such traditional Thanksgiving fare as turkey and dressing (also known as “stuffing”), cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Kosher and Halal turkey will be available, as well as a variety of vegetable dishes for vegans or vegetarians. Students can indicate their dietary preferences when they register. Table hosts—faculty, staff and community members—will engage attendees in conversation and answer questions about the history and traditions of Thanksgiving.

“The International Thanksgiving Celebration is such a wonderful event and definitely a personal favorite,” says Meriel Stokoe, director of events and activities at the Center for International Services. “It is so nice to see the University community come together to share the traditions of Thanksgiving with our international students, right down to how to get the whipped cream out of the can! I am very grateful to Dr. Chen for co-hosting this event with the Center for International Services.”

With questions or for more information, contact Kelley Champa at 315.443.4439 or kachampa@syr.edu.

The , is the setting for a semester-long student research project focused on human rights, historical memory and social justice.

The project, conducted by student fellows Ohemaa Asibuo and Ayanna Hyatte under the direction of Santiago Center Director , is centered on the 1973–1990 Augusto Pinochet dictatorship, during which more than 3,000 people died or disappeared, 200,000 suffered exile and 27,000 were tortured.

While in Santiago, the student fellows will take the course Dictatorships, Human Rights and Historical��Memory in Chile and the Southern Cone, taught by Paredes.

They will also make hands-on enhancements to an exhibition at the (Museum of Memory and Human Rights) that memorializes during the Pinochet dictatorship and illustrates how commemorative education can help redress and prevent human rights abuses.��The fellows also plan to share their research findings with community audiences in Santiago.

Learning from Experts

Paredes is an expert on Chilean nationalism, internment camps, political memory and Latin American dictatorships—not just as a scholar but also as a former political prisoner of the Pinochet government.

He says the course will offer the fellows an unusual opportunity to discover the serious human rights violations that were committed by the Chilean dictatorship and others, and the ability to confront the issues of victims being forgotten and a veil of invisibility that has sometimes been created about state violence in Chile.

“Their work at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights research center will be with a team of experts in the field and with access to one of the largest databases in Chile for studying these topics. In addition, they will have the privilege to meet with and interview Chileans who are related to or are victims of political violence, which will undoubtedly contribute to the students’ immersion in this painful but necessary experience,” he says.

Program’s Academic Fit

Both Asibuo and Hyatte say the Lender Global program in Santiago fits well with their academic interests. Asibuo, a junior from Accra, Ghana, and Hyatte, a master’s student from Washington, D.C., are both international relations majors at the .

Asibuo previously studied in South America through the Syracuse University Abroad . Hyatte, as a former fellow in the Council for Opportunity in Education in The Hague, has experience in commemorative education and memorialization to address past injustices.

Lender Global is a collaboration between the and that aligns with the University’s vision of preparing students as citizens, scholars and leaders in a changing global society.

Spring Fellowship Open

The Santiago project will continue in Spring 2026 with a new cohort of study-abroad students building on the research of the Fall 2025 Lender Global fellows.

Students who are interested in the Lender Global fellowship and study at the Santiago Center can apply for the semester abroad in Chile . The Syracuse Abroad application deadline for the Spring 2026 semester is Wednesday, Oct. 1.

After that date, all students accepted for the abroad semester in Chile will receive more information about applying for the Lender Global fellowship. In the spring semester, the fellowship offers a special opportunity for students having an engineering and/or technical background to support a public installation exhibition that will showcase the research project at a partner museum in Santiago.

Lab THRIVE, short for The Health and Resilience Interdisciplinary collaboratiVE, is making significant strides in collegiate mental health research.

Launched by an interdisciplinary Syracuse University team in 2023, affecting college students’ adjustment to campus life, with an emphasis on both risk and protective factors that influence psychological well-being.

The lab combines quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods to analyze student mental health trends and to develop strategies to improve campus support systems. In just over a year, researchers have already published academic papers in competitive journals and launched several studies examining resilience, belonging, help-seeking behaviors and mental health outcomes among Syracuse students.

Born to THRIVE

The lab’s interdisciplinary approach brings together researchers from counseling, public affairs and policy.

It is co-led by , associate professor of counseling and counselor education in the School of Education; , associate director of health and wellness research at the ; and , associate professor of public administration and international affairs in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

“It started when Dr. Yu invited me to join the Barnes Center’s research committee,” Liu says. The committee, formed in 2022, focused on Universitywide data related to student wellness and program effectiveness.

As Liu, Yu and Ueda-Ballmer examined the data, their overlapping research interests became clear. For instance, Liu’s expertise in positive psychology and the mental health of marginalized youth complemented Ueda-Ballmer’s work on social determinants of health and suicide prevention.

Liu saw an opportunity to create a structured research hub that would not only deepen their understanding of student mental health but also train doctoral students. “Our doctoral students were eager to engage in meaningful research,” Liu says. “We wanted to create a space where they could contribute to projects with real-world impact.”

Data-Driven Support

By 2023, Lab THRIVE was established as an interdisciplinary hub.

“Many research projects conducted within the lab aim to offer a holistic view of the integrated health and wellness of Syracuse University students,” Yu says. “The primary goal is to better understand the predictors and protective factors that influence students’ overall well-being, providing valuable insights into the areas that need the most attention for improving student health and wellness.”

The lab’s pilot study used two years’ worth of data to examine the association between students’ engagement in wellness activities—such as physical exercise, the ��and the —and their mental health outcomes. This research identified wellness activities as predictors of reducing depressive symptoms among students.

Another study explores international students’ help-seeking behaviors, identifying the importance of resilience in improving students’ mental health.

“All our studies provide data-driven support for strategic planning within the University’s health and wellness initiatives,” Yu says, “ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and addressing the most critical factors influencing students’ well-being.”

Clear Intentions

Sarah Litt, a second-year doctoral student in counseling and counselor education, says that her work with Lab THRIVE is a benefit of attending ��Syracuse: “Opportunities for research like this are rare in counseling programs.”

Litt contributed to the project addressing international students’ help-seeking behaviors, which became one of Lab THRIVE’s .

The paper—narrowing on gender identity, sexual minority status and academic level—revealed that male-identifying international students were less likely to seek help, while students identifying as gender or sexual minorities were more likely to seek formal support, highlighting a need for targeted advocacy and outreach.

“I learned so much from Dr. Yu about refining research questions and statistical analysis,” Litt says. “I started with a clinical focus, but the project pushed me to think more critically about data and methodology.”

Lab THRIVE’s research pipeline also complements student support programming at Syracuse. “Our findings are helping the Barnes Center understand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to supporting student well-being,” Liu says. “We may not see a whole lot of products now, but what is most important is the development of a solid pipeline and clear intentions about every project we initiate.”

Sense of Belonging

A key element of Lab THRIVE’s success is its wider cross-campus collaborations. The lab works closely with the Barnes Center at The Arch, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, TRIO Student Support Services (part of the School of Education’s ) and the to recruit participants for ongoing focus groups. Starting in fall 2025, these focus groups will explore how students experience campus life and seek mental health support.

“We want to understand not just the barriers to help-seeking but also what promotes a sense of belonging,” Ueda-Ballmer says. “We’ve learned that students who feel connected to their peers and the campus community report lower levels of loneliness and distress.”

Doctoral students such as Litt are actively involved as facilitators in these focus groups, gaining hands-on research experience while contributing to meaningful data collection. “It’s a unique learning opportunity,” Litt says. “I’m getting exposure to public health and data analysis alongside my counseling training.”

Yu adds, “These conversations provide rich qualitative data that helps us better understand how students find community and feel a sense of belonging at Syracuse University.”

Building a Legacy

Lab THRIVE’s work is offering insights to professionals beyond Syracuse. Last year, Liu, Yu and Ueda-Ballmer presented their findings at national conferences, including at the 2024 Association for Psychological Science Annual Convention.

“We were part of a panel on loneliness,” Ueda-Ballmer says. “The audience was surprised to learn that college students experience such high levels of loneliness despite being surrounded by peers. That reinforced how critical it is to promote belonging and support.”

Fittingly, given her research interests, Litt finds the lab experience supportive on a personal level: “It can be a really lonely journey at times with doctoral studies, but when collaborating, especially with people going through a similar process, it really creates a sense of community.”

When asked where she thinks the lab’s future lies, Liu points to expanding its research capacity and increasing student involvement: “We hope to publish more studies and attract more doctoral students to the lab. It takes time to build momentum, but we’re already seeing meaningful results.”

Yu says another exciting direction is expanding the lab’s interdisciplinary collaborations: “We are actively seeking partnerships with researchers from other fields to examine how emerging areas—such as artificial intelligence—can contribute to a deeper understanding of students’ mental health.”

Litt agrees with this outlook, concluding, “There’s so much crossover between psychology, counseling, sociology and public health. I hope Lab THRIVE continues to grow as a model for interdisciplinary research and training.”

Story by Ashley Kang ’04, G’11

The Student Experience division is honored to announce the selection of Chidera Olalere ’26 and Silke Pion ’26 as the Class of 2026 Senior Class Marshals. As the all-University representatives for their class, in this role they will help to recommend the Commencement speaker, offer insights and suggestions to the student experience, participate in campus events and conclude their service by leading the student procession during the 2026 Commencement ceremony.

“Leading with heart, purpose and unmistakable Orange pride, Chidera and Silke have made a lasting impact on our Syracuse community through their dedication to campus involvement, community service and academic excellence,” says Sheriah N. Dixon, associate vice president for the��, dean of students and chair of the selection committee. “As the Class of 2026 Senior Class Marshals, they embody the true spirit of Syracuse University—guiding us with vision, unity and distinction as we step boldly into the future.”

Chidera Olalere

Home is where you find community and belonging and for rising senior Chidera Olalere, her homes include Nigeria, North Yorkshire, England, and Syracuse University. Driven to immerse herself in learning experiences in and beyond the classroom, Olalere joined the Orange community as an international student and soon after, quickly began building a student experience unique to her passions, goals and academic pursuits.

“I have been introduced to opportunities that I would not have known existed otherwise and I have been given mentors in more spaces and fields than I could have imagined. The people at this University invest in you and as I have been thinking intently about how I want to close out my time at Syracuse University, I knew I wanted to pay all this forward,” says Olalere in reflection of what motivated her to apply for Senior Class Marshal. “I am also excited to represent all my different experiences at the University, my background and hopefully show other students the value of being open to the opportunities around them and pursuing the things they are passionate about.”

Within the Olalere is pursuing dual majors in biochemistry and forensic science, with a minor in economics. Highlighted scholarly accomplishments include being a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program and a recipient of the Invest in Success and 1870 scholarships. Bridging what is learned in the classroom to future professional endeavors, Olalere has entered her second year as an undergraduate research intern within the Upstate Medical University Bourboulia Lab, working to identify potential new therapeutic agents for cancer therapy.

Driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact, Olalere is deeply involved in the campus community. She supports student success as a Stevenson Education Center tutor and cultivates community connections as a residence assistant. As a student leader she has consistently sought opportunities to support her peers. Additional highlights include serving as an Office of Academic Integrity student hearing panelist, a first-responder EMT on the Syracuse University Ambulance team, as a college ministry worship leader and a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences.

“To me, being Orange has looked like inviting people into your life and loving them well. Whether the interaction is one minute or semester long, being Orange is being enthusiastic and supportive, and using what you have learned to help those coming up after you,” says Olalere. “The legacy I have found at Syracuse University is one of joyful service and community and that is the same legacy I hope to leave behind.”

Silke Pion

As a California resident, contemplating leaving the West Coast for Syracuse University was at first a daunting decision for Pion, a junior in the and pursuing bachelor’s degrees in political science, finance and business analytics. Soon after starting her first semester, it became clear that not only did she make the right choice by pursuing Syracuse University but the opportunities for student success were limitless.

“I want my legacy to remain here at Syracuse University and remind students who may second guess themselves that they are worthy of every opportunity in front of them. Before Syracuse University, I would have never applied for opportunities such as being a Senior Class Marshal—out of pure fear of rejection,” says Pion. “My time here has demonstrated that rejection is not the end of the world and often leads to some other unexpected surprises.”

As a recipient of the Chancellor’s and Invest in Success scholarships, in addition to being a member of the dean’s list, Renée Crown University Honors Program and the International Business Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma, Pion quickly dove into the student experience, facing uncertainty head-on and working to earn success both inside and outside of the classroom.

Throughout her undergraduate career, Pion has immersed herself into a variety of student experiences focusing on professional development, leadership and community service. Within the campus community she has led Alpha Gamma Delta as the director of finance, served as a Martin J. Whitman School of Management Marshall House teaching assistant and Harrison House leader, as president and service chair for Challah for Hunger: A Project of MAZON, community service chair under Syracuse Hillel and as a member of Beta Alpha Psi: Finance and Accounting Professional Fraternity.

When working to build a strong launchpad for the future, Pion prioritized finding personal success just as much as finding success for others within the communities she supports. Immersing herself in professional development within the greater global community, her experience includes being a junior analyst for The Orange Value Fund, LLC, policy analyst intern within the New York State Assembly Member Pamela Hunter’s district office, communications and community coordinator for the Kenya Immersion Experience and an active member of the Goodman IMPRESS Program and volunteer in the Syracuse community.

“No opportunity or experience stands alone, instead, it’s the result of the hard work and commitment of others who came before. I want to continue the tradition of paying it forward and spread the message across campus.” Pion shares as she eagerly prepares for her final chapter as an undergraduate student and looks to how she can support future generations of students. “Although my time at Syracuse University is quickly coming to an end, a piece of my heart will always be here. I want my legacy to remain here at Syracuse University and remind the students who may second guess themselves that they are worthy of every opportunity in front of them.”

The invites the campus community to attend the fifth annual on Sunday, April 6, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center.

This event is a collaboration between the Center for International Services and registered student organizations (RSOs) on campus, celebrating the many global communities that make up the University community. The festival will feature a global variety of food, cultural exhibits, artistic presentations and performances.

“The International Festival creates an opportunity for our campus community to connect with student organizations, build intercultural understanding, learn more about the cultural traditions of the student organizations participating and celebrate our student body,” says . “The students have put a lot of work into preparing for the festival and we are looking forward to a great event.”

Below is a list of participating RSOs:

The festival is free to attend and includes a punch card to enjoy a selection of food samples from the participating student organizations.

For more information, contact the at international@syr.edu or 315.443.2457.

The (ITS) team has received reports of a scam targeting international students. Attackers are impersonating government agencies (such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) via email and phone calls, falsely claiming there are visa or immigration issues. Victims are pressured to stay silent and make urgent payments to the scammers—often using gift cards.

ITS offers up the following advice should you receive one of these calls or emails:

• Government agencies and legitimate businesses will NEVER demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers;
• If you receive a threatening email or call, do not respond—immediately report it to the ITS Helpdesk (315.443.2677) for assistance;
• Verify any requests by contacting the agency directly using official contact details.

While many people here in the U.S. celebrated the start of a new year when the Gregorian calendar flipped from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, as many as 2 billion people from Asian cultures around the globe will begin to observe the Lunar New Year—also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival—this week.

On Jan. 29, we bid farewell to the Year of the Dragon and usher in the Year of the Snake, which, according to the Chinese Zodiac, represents harvest, spirituality and good fortune. Lunar New Year celebrations last up to 15 days and include such various customs as gathering with family, preparing traditional foods, artistic performances and the gifting of red envelopes to pass on good fortune and blessings to the younger generations.

For international students on campus looking for a taste of home or for anyone who simply wants to celebrate a new beginning based on the lunar calendar, check out the following selection of Lunar New Year events being held on campus.

Tuesday, Jan. 28—Asian American Journalists Association Celebration

The will hold a Lunar New Year Celebration in Newhouse 1 Room 303 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be fun activities, delicious food and an amazing night planned for all!

Wednesday, Jan. 29: Food Services Pop-Up

Campus Dining centers will host pop-up events in all dining centers at dinnertime, with a build-your-own stir fry station featuring noodles, rice and extra toppings; dumplings and spring rolls.

Wednesday, Jan. 29: Newhouse International Students Association Tabling Event

The will host a tabling event in food.com, located on the second floor of Newhouse 3, from noon to 1 pm. Stop by to get your lucky red envelope and Asian treats to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

Friday, Jan. 31: School of Architecture Lunar New Year Celebration

A will be held in Slocum Hall from 5 to 7:30 p.m., organized by international students in the and Dean Michael Speaks.��Students can engage in a wide range of activities, such as knot tying, calligraphy, fortune scratch-offs, Chinese horoscopes and a photo booth. There will also be musical and vocal performances and a dancing dragon. Food, chocolate coins and traditional candies, and tea with Dean Speaks will be served.��A series of short faculty presentations on East Asian culture and architecture will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 31: Orange After Dark/Center for International Services Lunar New Year Celebration

��The campus community is invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year with Orange After Dark and the from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. in 304 ABC Schine Student Center.��There will be a light Chinese buffet and activities, including making a Chinese lucky knot, creating PaperCut, origami, Wish Tree, chopstick bean relay race and calligraphy. Tickets can be obtained through the .

Friday, Feb. 7: Chinese United Student Association and Chinese Student and Scholars Association Chinese New Year Party

The and the will host a Chinese New Year Party at 6 p.m. in the Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium. There will be programs relating to Chinese culture, dance, martial arts and music.

Share Your Lunar New Year Photos With Us!

However you decide to celebrate—whether at the events mentioned above or elsewhere—send your photos to SU News! Email��newsphoto@syr.edu��and we’ll share a selection of Lunar New Year pictures in the weeks to come.

The University’s International Thanksgiving Celebration marked its 40th anniversary on Nov. 21 in the Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium. The beloved University tradition is believed to be the only celebration of its kind on a college campus in the United States.

The seed for today’s celebration was planted in 1965 when T.E. Koshy left his home in India and came to Syracuse to pursue a doctoral degree in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. With no family in Syracuse, no car and few resources, he found himself homesick, recalls his son, Jay Koshy.

“He was in his room one day, probably feeling a little bit lonely, and came up with an idea. God was speaking in his heart, telling him to reach out to fellow international students and be a blessing,” Koshy says.

T.E. Koshy, who later became the University’s Evangelical Christian chaplain, started serving free meals to international students, a practice that continues to this day through the Evangelical Christian chaplaincy at Hendricks Chapel, which Jay Koshy now leads.

T.E.’s wife, Dr. Indira Koshy, joined him in ministry to the campus community. They decided to start offering a free Thanksgiving meal to international students. “It was a great opportunity to provide a blessing to students, most of who had not experienced an American Thanksgiving meal and who could not go home for the holidays,” says Jay Koshy.

In the early years, the meal was offered in Rockefeller Church in the University’s eastern neighborhood. There, the Koshys and Indira’s mother, Dinah Perry, provided a sense of family and community for international students. In subsequent years, the celebration moved to campus.

The Nov. 21 celebration was sponsored by the Chancellor’s House and the Center for International Services. Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and Juan Tavares, director of the Center for International Services, serve as co-hosts. Stephanie Hua, an undergraduate student in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and David Ojo, a Ph.D. student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, served as the evening’s emcees.

This year’s event was attended by more than 600 people. During dinner, table hosts—faculty, staff and community members—engaged attendees in conversation and answered questions about the history and traditions of Thanksgiving. It’s also an opportunity for those attending to learn about different cultures. Jay Koshy, who has attended every celebration since its inception, offered the invocation and served as a table host. His son, Josh Koshy ’24, also attended.

The Native American blessing was given by Regina Jones, member of the Oneida Nation Turtle Clan and retired assistant director of the University’s Native Student Program, and Neal Powless, member of the Onondaga Nation Eel Clan and University ombuds.

Food Services prepared and served traditional Thanksgiving fare: 600 pounds of turkey, 15 gallons of gravy, 250 pounds of mashed potatoes, 200 pounds of corn and 135 pies. Kosher and Halal turkey and vegetarian options were also served. Vendors from the greater Syracuse area donated the food, linens and table decorations.

A highlight of the evening was the ceremonial carving of the turkey on the Goldstein Auditorium stage. Students, with camera phones in hand, eagerly crowded around Associate Director of Drumlins Food and Beverage Joe Sidoni as he carved the turkey.

A musical performance was given by Ania Kapplani, Catherine Cosenza and Kai Wong, jazz and commercial music studies students in the Setnor College of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The evening closed with a benediction by Christian Protestant Chaplain Devon Bartholomew.

“It was my honor to co-host the 40th Annual International Thanksgiving Celebration,” says Tavares. “I really enjoyed sharing this time at the table with nine students from different countries. I am especially grateful for the Chancellor and Dr. Chen’s continued support of this tradition.”

Tula Goenka, professor of television, radio and film in the Newhouse School, attended the first dinner 40 years ago. She was an international student studying for a master’s degree in the Newhouse School. She attended with her housemate, who was also an international student.

After years as a filmmaker, Goenka returned to the Newhouse School to teach. She has served as a table host at the celebration for many years. As the Newhouse Dean’s Leadership Fellow, one of her charges is outreach to international students.

“When I realized it had been 40 years since that first dinner, it was a full-circle Thanksgiving for me. I have been fortunate to not only teach hundreds of students over the years, but also help create a sense of belonging,” she says.

Jedidiah Koubiessi, a first-year student from Monrovia, Liberia, attended for the first time. This was her first experience with the traditional American Thanksgiving.

“It was a good way to bond and celebrate together,” she says. “Thanksgiving as a whole is very meaningful to me, as it is always good to reflect and see how far I have come, and be thankful for my journey so far.”

Jay Koshy says his parents, who have both passed away, would be proud to see the tradition that they established and nurtured continues to flourish today. “They would be thrilled that it is continuing and would be thrilled to see the care they have for their international students during Thanksgiving,” he says. “I am so thankful to Dr. Chen and Chancellor Syverud and to all who are involved. I know international students are thankful and blessed to be able to experience this.”

What does it mean to be a descendant of Latine/x/o/a and Hispanic heritage and trace your cultural roots to one of the more than 20 Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, Central America, South America or the Caribbean?

It’s impossible to come up with a singular defining trait, characteristic or value that represents Latine culture, but beginning this week and running through Oct. 26, the University community is coming together to learn more about the rich cultural history of various identities within the Latine community during Latine Heritage Month (LHM).

Three current students—Astrid Melendez ’25, Adalys Sanchez ’26 and Janese Fayson ’26—share what their Latine heritage means to them, how they’ve discovered a cultural home on campus and why they wanted to get involved in planning LHM celebrations.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Fronteras Sin Limites: Embracing our Borderless Cultures,” exploring the experiences of Latine communities who live along and across borders, both physical and cultural, and highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the Latine community who navigate multiple identities and spaces.

Learn the stories of how these three student leaders celebrate their cultures, then check out the complete schedule of��.

Astrid Melendez ’25

Academic major: Information management and technology ()

What is your cultural heritage? “My entire family is from Lima, Peru.”

What role does your cultural heritage play in your life?��“It plays a very important role. Growing up in Germany and moving to the United States when I was in elementary school, I knew that my cultural background made me different. My parents left Peru when they were in their 30s, and growing up, my parents were still learning English. Spanish was my first language and no matter where I lived, our Peruvian culture was always prevalent in my day-to-day life. Especially when it came to language, food and our customs. When I am at Syracuse, I like to cook Peruvian meals and treats like Lomo Saltado and Alfajores. Back home, my family and I often go to Peruvian cultural events and restaurants.”

How have you found a cultural home on campus? “Joining SALSA [the South American and Latine Student Association] is the place I have been able to find a cultural home at Syracuse. Before SALSA, I had never met any other Peruvian my age that wasn’t related to me. It made me happy to not only get to meet other Peruvian college students, but also other students with South American heritage. SALSA and its members have turned into a family for me here.”

How has SALSA helped? “SALSA’s mission is to have a student organization focused on South American culture and we thrive creating events while educating and building a community for students belonging to or interested in South American cultures. I’m currently president, and this club is special and exciting! I’ve learned more about other South American countries and cultures and it’s been amazing working with the proud and passionate executive board members.”

Adalys Sanchez ’26

Academic major: Earth science with a minor in women and gender studies ()

What is your cultural heritage? “I am a first-generation college student who was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and I also have family roots in the Dominican Republic.”

What role does your cultural heritage play in your life?��“My Puerto Rican heritage shapes my perspective on resilience and community, influencing my drive to s쳮d as a first-generation student. It deeply influences my passion for environmental justice, as I’ve witnessed firsthand the effects of environmental inequality on marginalized communities. Part of why I wish to study environmental law is because I want to go back home and create sustainable policies that allow everyone to live in a safe and clean environment. My heritage is also important because it means that if I s쳮d in my career goals, I will be bringing a new and diverse perspective to the legal field.

“Whenever I’m home, I try to visit the different parts of the island to learn about our rich history. I also participate in local festivals such as Fiestas Patronales, where the streets come alive with music, dancing and traditional foods. And during the holidays, our culture really comes alive. At Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), we gather for large feasts of traditional food, including some of my favorite food like arroz con gandules (rice with peas), lechon (pork) and coquito (a coconut-flavored drink similar to eggnog). We also tell stories and do parrandas (similar to caroling).”

How have you found a cultural home on campus? “Through the student organizations I belong to, like the Puerto Rican Student Association, which allows me to connect with other people who celebrate Puerto Rican culture, discussing current events on the island and getting to organize events where we participate in our traditions. It really makes me feel like I have a little piece of home here with me at Syracuse. I’m also a member of the Raíces Dance Troupe since I’ve always loved dancing and I can enjoy my culture through music and movement.”

Why did you want to get involved in organizing the LHM celebrations? “Latinx culture is deeply rooted in community, joy and resilience, which are often expressed through vibrant celebrations, music and gatherings. My main role was organizing the (Oct. 10), where students can have fun roller-skating while enjoying one of the most prominent music genres in current Latinx culture. I want everyone, especially first-year students, to embrace their roots and do so in ways that educate the community while having fun and empowering ourselves. I want to show how important claiming your heritage can be to finding your place on campus and in society.”

Janese Fayson ’26

Academic majors: Marketing and finance ()

What is your cultural heritage? “I am a first-generation college student from Miami, Florida. I am Black and Puerto Rican.”

What role does your cultural heritage play in your life?��“My heritage influences so many things, from my style to my way of expressing myself, it is so inherently engrained in me. Good music, great food and amazing company is my go-to way to celebrate. I love my heritage.”

How have you found a cultural home on campus? “I belong to so many different organizations [including the Caribbean Student Association, the Black Student Union, Student Living and Student Association], not only because I enjoy being involved, but because I love being able to meet new people, some of whom share similar identities with me, and others who do not. I feel so immersed in culture when I am with them.”

How has the Caribbean Student Association helped? “I joined my freshmen year at the Welcome Fête and have been involved ever since, now holding the title of president. Our mission is to uplift, inspire and bring Caribbean people and the Syracuse community together. It has helped me find some of my favorite people and I learn something from them every day, whether about their culture, heritage or as individuals. Being president of such a vast organization is so fulling for so many different reasons and I have learned more about myself through it all.”

With just a few days away, there is so much for new students to do and so many opportunities to learn about everything Syracuse University! SU News has put together a summary of links and things you need to know.

OrangeNow Mobile App

Have Welcome Week information at the tip of your fingers by downloading the new����before heading to campus! The app, available on the����and��, provides convenient access to campus maps; transit, parking, dining and Wi-Fi information; event schedules and much more.

Schedules

There are so many fun and informative events planned in and around campus during Welcome Week. There is something for everyone! Below you will find links to the various schedules available for those who are participating in Welcome Week:

• : This link includes every event during Welcome Week, including some that do not apply to some students.
• : This link includes all events where parents, families and supporters are invited, including some that may not apply to all parents, families and supporters.
• : International undergraduate students are required to attend the international student orientation, Aug. 17-21. After international student orientation, undergraduates should plan to attend all required Welcome Week programming, Aug. 22-25.
• Schools and Colleges Schedules: In addition to the Universitywide events, students have required and optional events to attend hosted by their home school or college. Included in each schedule below are Welcome Week Signature Events, family and supporter events specific to that school or college and required events for students in each school or college. If you are a student who is dually enrolled, you should follow the schedule for your home school or college. If you have a dual advising meeting, it will be reflected in that schedule.

Campus Hours of Operation

To meet the needs of our new and returning students, many campus offices will have extended hours to accommodate the needs of those moving to campus, including the following:

• Apartment and Off-Campus Living | Student Living
• Center for Disability Resources
• Center for International Services
• College of Professional Studies
• Counseling at the Barnes Center at The Arch
• Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs
• Food Services
• Goldstein Student Center
• Health Care and Pharmacy at the Barnes Center at The Arch
• Housing, Meal Plan, and I.D. Card Services
• Information Technology Services
• Office of the Bursar
• Office of the Registrar
• Parking and Transportation Services
• Recreation and Fitness Center at the Barnes Center at The Arch
• Residence Hall Check-In
• Schine Student Center
• Student Employment
• Student Outreach and Support
• Syracuse University Campus Store
• Syracuse University Libraries
• Undergraduate and Graduate Enrollment Processing Center

Specific hours and the best way to connect with each of the teams listed above is .

Fun Events to Check Out

There is so much to do and so much to see. Check out some of these events you just don’t want to miss!

Tuesday, Aug. 20��

• (8:30-10 p.m.)

Wednesday, Aug. 21��

• (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• (6-8 p.m.)
• (6:30-7:45 p.m.)
• (8:15-9:30 p.m.)

Thursday, Aug. 22

• (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• (8-10 p.m.)

Friday, Aug. 23��

• (8-10 p.m.)

Saturday, Aug. 24

• (5:30-8 p.m.)
• (8:30-10 p.m.)

Important Links

Before pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the , Saraswati Dhakal G’24 served as a transplant coordinator and operation theatre nurse at the Human Organ Transplant Centre in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

In that role, Dhakal coordinated the center’s renal transplant services, delivering care and treatment to patients while providing counseling and guidance to both the recipients and the family members of the donors.

Dhakal experienced the challenging hardships of working with patients with terminal illness, and she saw firsthand the psychological impact it can have on a family watching a loved one go through their health battle.

Those interactions reinforced to Dhakal the importance of holistic health care while setting her on a path to become a professional counselor and mental health advocate once she graduates.

“Witnessing the impact of mental health challenges on individuals close to me sparked a desire to understand and support those struggling with such issues. Those experiences as a nurse and transplant coordinator further ignited my curiosity to learn more about mental health, which stems from a desire to better understand individuals’ experiences, motivations and resilience in the face of adversity,” Dhakal says. “I am continuously intrigued by the complexities of human behavior and the role of counseling in promoting well-being.”

During her time on campus, Dhakal was the graduate assistant at the Center for International Services, working with the staff to offer programming and services that support the well-being and overall success of the international student population while contributing to the center’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. She also was active with the , the counseling academic and professional honor society, serving as secretary during the 2023-24 academic year.

Dhakal will participate in the on Saturday, May 11, in the John A. Lally Athletics Complex.

Leading up to convocation, Dhakal sat down with SU News to discuss the challenges facing mental health care professionals and how she plans to utilize her degree to create a safe, accessible environment for everyone seeking help with their mental health.

April is a time for the Syracuse University community to celebrate��Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

Celebrated nationally in May, the University hosts its annual AAPI Heritage Month in April so all campus members can join in honoring the histories, cultural diversity, identities and contributions of AAPI communities.

This year’s theme is “Harmony in Heritage,” celebrating the rich diversity found within AAPI communities while also highlighting the unity and shared experiences that bring these varied cultures together. Asian Americans trace their roots to over 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia, each with its own unique histories, languages beliefs and traditions. Pacific Islanders represent another ethnically diverse group with Indigenous peoples from Hawaii, Guam, Samoa and other Pacific islands and territories.

AAPI Planning Committee co-chairs Annie Chen ’25 and Bettina Talento ’25 say the month-long festivities are the perfect way to showcase their proud cultural heritage while emphasizing that the differing heritages serve to unite the AAPI community.

“Harmony in Heritage aims to pay homage to our heritage and the different traditions that have been passed down and subsequently shaped our cultures. It’s important to recognize and celebrate our heritage while also welcoming the present,” says Chen, who is studying psychology in the and plans on pursuing a career promoting mental health and well-being once she graduates.

“It means finding our middle ground among the diverse cultures in Asia and the Pacific islands, where we all can thrive in harmony,” adds Talento, a dual major in advertising in the and marketing management in the who hopes to work in a role combining her passions for design and marketing.

Chen, Talento and Chelsea Kang ’24 served as AAPI Heritage Month co-chairs on the planning committee, and they worked alongside to��cultivate an highlighting and honoring the cultural heritage, history and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

The month opened with a celebration kickoff on March 31 and included speakers, exhibitions, performances and student organization events. Some of the remaining highlights include Friday night’s , (April 17), ��(April 19), the (April 20), and (April 20).

Chen and Talento sat down with SU News to share why they were passionate about planning this year’s events, the important role their culture plays in their lives and how their time on campus has strengthened their ties to their heritage.