性视界 University has announced the appointment of two new members of the Board of Trustees. The newest members, David S. Klein 鈥�93 and Sean C. O鈥橩eefe G鈥�78, are both alumni who have earned accolades in their fields, including highest honors for their accomplishments, and both credit their studies at the University for providing the foundation and the tools for their success.

Also joining the board for the 2026-2027 academic year are new student representatives who will bring diverse viewpoints to board discussions. They are master鈥檚 student Thomas Andrew Kehoe III; third-year law student Anthony J. Ruscitto 鈥�22, G鈥�23, L鈥�27; rising junior Emily Castillo-Melean 鈥�28; and rising senior Asher Gonzalez 鈥�27. All representatives will report to the Board at Executive Committee and full board meetings.

鈥淲ith these two appointments, the board gains distinguished voices from industry and from public service鈥攁lumni who have reached the highest levels of their professions and remain deeply tied to 性视界. Further, adding someone with extensive experience in teaching and strategic management in higher education brings critical perspective to Board discussions and governance responsibilities,鈥� says Board of Trustees Chairman Jeff Scruggs. 鈥淲hat unites every member of this board is a deep commitment to 性视界 University and a shared desire to enhance the student experience and bring distinction to the academic and research enterprise. The student representatives add vital viewpoints to the work we do to strengthen the entire Orange community.鈥�

Continuing in their second terms to serve as are Dean Mark Lodato, academic dean representative; Professor Tula Goenka, faculty representative; and Andrea Rose Persin, staff representative.

David S. Klein 鈥�93

David Klein is founder and CEO of Greenwood Industries, a commercial roofing, architectural metal fabrication and custom building envelope solutions company. He also serves as CEO of Greenwood鈥檚 waterproofing and masonry subsidiary, TWC Phoenix. Greenwood Industries is the leading provider of commercial roofing and building envelope solutions in the Northeast and is the sixth largest roofing contractor and eighth largest masonry contractor in the United States.

Klein was in one of the first graduating classes of the precursor to the, the undergraduate program in information science and technology.

In March, 2025, he of the Board of Advisors to the iSchool. He serves on the Athletics Orange Council. In 2020, he and his wife, Elizabeth 鈥�93, established the George Klein Endowed Scholarship, honoring his father and providing students from the Worcester area with demonstrated financial need. He was a judge for the 2023 Whitman Orange Tank competition, and that year was presented with a 鈥機USE50 Entrepreneur Award, which celebrates the success of Orange business leaders across the globe.

Klein serves on the New England Center for Children President鈥檚 Council and is a member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, the National Roofing Contractors Association, the New England Roofing Contractors Association and the American Subcontractors Association. He was given the Worcester Business Journal鈥檚 Large Business Leader of the Year Award in 2023.

He and his wife reside in Southborough, Massachusetts, and are the parents of sons Jake 鈥�27 (Newhouse School of Public Communications) and Ben 鈥�30 (), and daughter, Callie.

Sean C. O鈥橩eefe G鈥�78

Sean C. O’Keefe is University Professor Emeritus of Public Administration and International Affairs in the , where he held the Howard G. and S. Louise Phanstiel Chair in Leadership from 2014 until his retirement in 2025. He concurrently served as a distinguished senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.

After earning a master of public administration at 性视界 University, he worked for the Department of Defense and the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.聽He returned to the Pentagon as Defense Department comptroller and CFO before serving as secretary of the Navy in the George H.W. Bush administration. 聽Later he served as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, and as deputy assistant to President聽George W. Bush before serving as聽NASA administrator.

Between public service appointments, O鈥橩eefe taught at Louisiana State University (LSU), as business school faculty at Pennsylvania State University and at Maxwell, first as the Louis A. Bantle Chair of Business and Government and director of the National Security Studies Program, then as University Professor and Phanstiel Chair in Leadership. He was chancellor at LSU in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

O鈥橩eefe was also chair of the board and CEO of Airbus Group Inc. and a vice president at General Electric Company. He currently serves as board chair of Satlantis, LLC, chair of the audit committee of the Battelle Memorial Institute, and board member of TexTech Industries and AIS, Inc. Previous board service includes DuPont, Computer Science Corporation, General Kinetics Inc., J. Ray McDermott S.A., and Sensis Inc.

In 1993, President George H.W. Bush and Secretary Dick Cheney presented O’Keefe with the Distinguished Public Service Award. He received the Department of the Navy’s Public Service Award in 2000 and has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees from five institutions, including Loyola University New Orleans, his undergraduate alma mater.

At 性视界 University, he serves on the Institute for Veterans and Military Families Advisory Board and is a former chair of the Maxwell Advisory Board and a member of the Council of Chairs. He was the 1999 faculty recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Public Service and the 2011 recipient of the Arents Award.

Sean and Laura O’Keefe reside in northern Virginia and in Skaneateles, New York, and are the parents of three adult children and have two grandsons.

Graduate Student Representative: Thomas Andrew Kehoe III

Thomas Andrew Kehoe III is a master鈥檚 student in higher postsecondary education in the and a graduate assistant for academic and career advising within the Office of Student Success in the and Maxwell. In this role, he advises undergraduate students on career readiness and connects them with resources to support their professional development.

Originally from Vermont, Kehoe earned dual bachelor鈥檚 degrees in business management and marketing, with a minor in statistics, from Vermont State University Castleton. He received the Abel E. Leavenworth Leadership Award and the Leonard C. Goldman Distinguished Senior Award and served as Student Government Association president, student orientation coordinator, senior class treasurer and a member of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice Advisory Committee.

At 性视界 University, Kehoe has deepened his commitment to student advocacy, contributing to the Academic Integrity Office, serving as a recruitment officer for the higher postsecondary education program, and working as a graduate research assistant on a qualitative study examining how practitioners foster student success. Driven by a passion for student-centered leadership, he aspires to a career in higher education administration.

As the graduate student representative for the 2026-27 academic year, Kehoe participates, ex officio, on the Academic Affairs and the Student Experience committees.

Law Student Representative: Anthony J. Ruscitto 鈥�22, G鈥�23, L鈥�27

Anthony J. Ruscitto is a third-year law student in the College of Law, a 2025 Tillman Scholar and president of the Military and Veterans Law Society. He serves as a law student ambassador for the College of Law鈥檚 Admissions and Financial Aid Office and provides legal assistance to veterans as a student attorney in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic. He has competed twice with the National Trial Team and completed an internship with the Onondaga County District Attorney鈥檚 Office, where he is returning as a 2L intern in summer 2026.

Prior to law school, Ruscitto earned a master of public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in 2023, during which he served as president of the 性视界 University Student Veteran Organization, and a dual B.S. in psychology and forensic science from 性视界 University in 2022. Throughout his studies, he volunteered as an EMT-B and CPR instructor with 性视界 University Ambulance.

Ruscitto served five years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, completing his honorable service in 2019 as a sergeant of Marines. As a weapons and tactics instructor and helicopter crew chief, he logged more than 1,000 mishap-free hours as Naval aircrew and served on two overseas deployments spanning more than 10 countries and territories.

As the law student representative to the board for the 2026-27 academic year, Ruscitto participates, ex officio, on the Academic Affairs and the Student Experience Committees.

Undergraduate Student Representative: Emily Castillo-Melean 鈥�28

Emily Castillo-Melean is a first-generation student from Miami and a rising junior in the Maxwell School and the College of Arts and Sciences, pursuing a double major in policy studies and citizenship and civic engagement.

A recipient of the Posse Foundation Full-Tuition Leadership Scholarship and an Our Time Has Come Scholar, she currently serves as president of the Student Government Association for its 70th session, having previously served as speaker of the Assembly. She represents the student body as a University Senator and as the undergraduate student representative to the 性视界 University Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Her professional experience includes work with the New York State Democratic Party and the Onondaga County Legislature. She has been recognized with the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award from the Our Time Has Come Program and the Robert F. Lucas Outstanding Lieutenant Governor Award from Key Club International (2024).

As undergraduate representative to the board for the 2026-27 academic year, Castillo-Melean participates, ex officio, on the Student Experience Committee.

Undergraduate Student Representative: Asher Gonzalez 鈥�27

Coming to 性视界 from Tampa, Florida, Asher Gonzalez is a rising senior, pursuing a dual major in television, radio and film in the Newhouse School and political science in the Maxwell School.

Gonzalez has demonstrated a strong commitment to student leadership and campus life, serving as vice president of university affairs for the Student Government Association and as the president of the Chabad House at 性视界 University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He will serve as the University Senate student caucus chair for the 2026鈥�2027 academic year. This past semester, he was one of 70 students selected globally to attend the McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character at the United States Military Academy at West Point, an honor for which he was nominated by Chancellor J. Michael Haynie.

In April 2026, Gonzalez received the 44 Stars of Excellence in Innovation: Event/Initiative Spotlight Award for leading the Universitywide Harvest Fest event in fall 2025. He is also a founding father of the Alpha Chi chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha at 性视界 University, where he served as the chapter鈥檚 first external vice president. Additionally, he is a former member of the University cheerleading team, contributing to school spirit and community engagement across campus.

As undergraduate representative to the board for the 2026-27 academic year Gonzalez participates, ex officio, on the Student Experience Committee.

Chancellor Kent Syverud showed his Orange spirit and strength to the Class of 2026.

Although unable to attend Sunday鈥檚 Commencement exercises due to his recent medical diagnosis, Chancellor Syverud was recognized with an honorary degree and emeritus status and sent a congratulatory video message to the graduates, sharing the day with them in spirit.

鈥淚鈥檓 sorry I cannot be there to celebrate this joyous day with all of you. Know that I am thinking of you and that I鈥檓 cheering you on as you take on your careers, seek further studies and pursue your passions,鈥� Chancellor Syverud said. 鈥淵ou will do as Orange has always done. Change the world.鈥�

In recognition of Chancellor Syverud鈥檚 leadership and legacy, Jeffrey Scruggs, chairman of the University Board of Trustees, announced Chancellor Syverud鈥檚 new richly deserved designation.

鈥淐hancellor Syverud鈥檚 impact on 性视界 University will be felt for generations to come,鈥� Scruggs said. 鈥淎nd that is why today on behalf of the Board of Trustees and with the approval of the University Senate, I am proud to announce the election of Kent Syverud to Chancellor Emeritus of 性视界 University.鈥�

The recognition is not a ceremonial gesture but is among the highest of the University鈥檚 honors, Scruggs said.

鈥淚t is reserved by policy and tradition for those who have made extraordinary contributions over a sustained period of service,鈥� he said. 鈥淔or chancellors, it is not granted routinely and is reserved for those academic leaders whose impacts and legacies have forever transformed and strengthened our university.鈥�

Led With 鈥楽teadiness, Pride and Purpose鈥�

The title is now bestowed on Chancellor Syverud as his presence at 性视界 has left an enduring mark and a connection that is forever part of the University鈥檚 storied history.

鈥淎s the University鈥檚 12th chancellor, Kent Syverud led this institution through periods of challenge with steadiness, pride and purpose,鈥� Scruggs said. 鈥淗e strengthened our academic mission, deepened our commitment to students and positioned 性视界 to strive for generations to come. He did so with integrity and with care for his community and with a genuine devotion to what 性视界 University represents.鈥�

Chancellor Syverud was among those formally conferred with emeriti status, including faculty and librarians, as recommended by the University Senate and authorized by the Board of Trustees, during Commencement.

An Honorary Doctor of Laws and a Congratulatory Message

In another recognition of gratitude to Chancellor Syverud鈥檚 service to the University, he was granted an honorary degree. Chancellor Syverud鈥檚 son, David, accepted the honor on his behalf.

鈥淐hancellor Kent Syverud, distinguished legal scholar, bold leader, dedicated teacher and a man of integrity. Your vision transformed 性视界 University, bringing distinction in academic and research excellence and a student experience that shapes global leaders,鈥� College of Law Dean Terence Lau said, in reading the citation. 鈥淵our promise to veterans established a national model for opportunity and dignity. You forged partnerships and fostered investments strengthening campus infrastructure and driving regional development. We celebrate your extraordinary legacy with this Honorary Doctor of Laws.鈥�

In his video message, Chancellor Syverud, who said it has been 鈥渢he honor of my lifetime鈥� to serve as chancellor, was grateful to all those who make up the Orange family.

鈥淵ou have made these last 12 years more than I could possibly have imagined,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 will carry you with me always.鈥�

To the Class of 2026, Chancellor Syverud wished them all the best.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 wait to see what you will do next,鈥� he said. 鈥淕o Orange!鈥�

Congratulations, Class of 2026! Surrounded by family, friends, faculty and their fellow students, the University celebrated its newest graduates during the annual Commencement ceremony in the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday, May 10.

NBC Sports broadcaster Mike Tirico ’88 returned to campus to deliver the keynote address. Acting Chancellor J. Michael Haynie conferred degrees on approximately 6,679 candidates.

These photos capture the energy, emotion and Orange pride of this milestone weekend. For more Commencement coverage, check out the keynote address by Tirico, Acting Chancellor Haynie’s remarks, a tribute to Chancellor Emeritus Kent Syverud’s leadership and student speaker and University Scholar Sadie Shaula Meyer ’26 addressing her fellow classmates.

(Photos by Amy Manley unless otherwise noted)

has called Super Bowls, NBA Finals, the Olympics and the Kentucky Derby from broadcast booths around the world. On Sunday, he returned to where it all started to send 性视界 University鈥檚 Class of 2026 off with a challenge: keep chasing your dreams, and 鈥渄on’t leave your childlike wonder behind.鈥�

鈥淎ll of you have a 性视界 story,鈥� Tirico told the approximately 6,679 graduating students inside the JMA Wireless Dome. 鈥淗ere, you formed a foundation of resiliency. You learned to deal with the curves that the road ahead provides. I hope in years to come, when you tell your 性视界 story, it involves your dreams and it’s eventually going to include how you kept chasing them.鈥�

Tirico, who serves as vice chair of the , is the of 鈥淪unday Night Football鈥� and 鈥淣BA on NBC,鈥� and serves as the primetime host for NBCUniversal鈥檚 coverage of the Olympics. He has interviewed such elite athletes as Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, four-time NBA champion LeBron James, and Olympic gold medalists Michael Phelps, Simone Biles and Lindsey Vonn.

Tirico compared the graduates to those world-class athletes, encouraging them to draw on the same traits that carried them through 性视界 to achieve professional success.

鈥淭hey thrived because of their minds, their strength and their ability to out-plan, to outthink and to withstand the scrutiny,鈥� said Tirico, a member of the . 鈥淭hey share a commonality [with you]. They loved what they did and love what they do. Go out and find what you love. Go find what makes you happy and let that fuel you to your future.鈥�

With his mother, Maria, and his wife, Deborah Gibaratz Tirico 鈥�89, in attendance, Tirico took a moment to celebrate the moms who were cheering on their graduating students. Tirico asked the Class of 2026 to get out of their seats and give the moms a round of applause and a big wave while wishing them a happy Mother鈥檚 Day.

Tirico recalled growing up in a single-parent household, crediting the support he received from 鈥渁 village of amazing family members鈥� with helping him become a first-generation college student. Tirico earned dual bachelor鈥檚 degrees in political science from the聽聽and the聽,聽and in broadcast journalism from the聽.

He emphasized maintaining the strong relationships the Class of 2026 formed with their friends and professors while on campus.

鈥淢any of you are surrounded right now by your closest friends and you鈥檙e sitting with your crew. Forty years after starting the journey, for me, my life is still filled with my day ones from 性视界. The people I met in that very first class at Newhouse. The people who I called games with on ,鈥� Tirico said. 鈥淢any of those people are going to be your people for the rest of your life.鈥�

Tirico closed by welcoming the newest members of the 性视界 University alumni network, consisting of more than 250,000 alumni worldwide.

鈥淪ince I live in the space of sports, today is one of the best game days of the year because we get a few thousand new teammates,鈥� Tirico said. 鈥淵ou are now part of the 性视界 alumni team, and it’s the best team in the world.鈥�

For many students, the path from a degree to a career can feel uncertain. Over spring break, 16 A&S | Maxwell undergraduates traded that uncertainty for firsthand experience in seeing exactly how their liberal arts education gives them an edge.

This spring, a cohort of students from the and the traveled to New York City for the 18th Winston Fisher Seminar, one of the A&S | Maxwell Office of Student Success’s signature聽.

This year’s group visited top firms in finance, law, sports, media, publishing and the arts, such as Fisher Brothers, Latham & Watkins, the National Basketball Association, AlphaSights, BBDO, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, WeWork, Teach For America, Penguin Random House, Morgan Stanley and Bloomberg. These experiences allowed students to gain exposure to the many different directions their degree can take them.

The weeklong experience gives undergraduate students from across all majors the opportunity to explore how a liberal arts education translates into real-world career success in the business world. Students spend their time developing and presenting business plans, meeting with industry leaders and building critical networking skills alongside 性视界 University alumni.

Founded in 2006 by Fisher Brothers partner, AREA15 CEO, Dean’s Advisory Board member and Life Trustee Winston Fisher 鈥�96, the seminar has for nearly two decades connected students with a wide range of professional environments, helping them see the breadth of opportunities available to them after graduation.

“The Winston Fisher Seminar proves that a 性视界 liberal arts education opens doors,” says, director of employer and alumni engagement. “Students gain direct access to accomplished alumni and top employers in the world’s most competitive city. It builds connections that launch careers and a mindset that helps students thrive. For 18 years, Winston has delivered something no classroom can replicate鈥攑roof that a liberal arts education is a professional advantage.”

Take a peek at scenes from the 2026 Winston Fisher Seminar below.

John Riley was just 16 years old when he set foot on the 性视界 University campus. It was a dream come true for the young man of modest means, the first in his family to go to college. He was awarded a scholarship that allowed him to get a degree, but he couldn鈥檛 afford to live on campus, commuting all four years by bus from his family home on 性视界鈥檚 North Side.

鈥淛ohn missed out on that total student experience, because he didn鈥檛 live on campus,鈥� says his wife, Diane.聽 鈥淗e couldn鈥檛 join a fraternity or participate in sports.鈥� That鈥檚 why Diane decided that the best way to pay tribute to her late husband, who passed away on June 1, 2024, was with an extraordinary legacy gift to the Orange Hall Facilities Fund that ensures residential housing in the center of campus for generations of students.

In recognition of her generosity, Orange Hall will be renamed H. John Riley Hall. A dedication event is planned for Saturday, May 9, during Commencement Weekend. 鈥淛ohn believed that 性视界 University gave him the education and opportunities to be successful,鈥� says Diane. Riley graduated in 1961 with a degree in industrial engineering from the . 鈥淚 think he would be proud鈥攁nd humbled鈥攖o have his name on this beautiful building that provides a home to the students he loved to serve.鈥�

鈥淛ohn was all about service to his alma mater, always looking for ways to provide opportunities that would position our students for personal and professional success,鈥� says Chancellor Kent Syverud. 鈥淗e was an engaged alumnus, a dedicated trustee and, along with Diane, a most generous and thoughtful benefactor.鈥�

An Inspired Journey

Riley鈥檚 own journey from university graduate to successful businessman was inspiring, taking him from his first job in the mail room at Crouse-Hinds, the electrical products manufacturing company, to the executive suite as CEO of Cooper Industries, the multi-billion-dollar parent of Crouse-Hinds.

Riley was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2004 and served as a voting trustee until 2016, chairing the Student Experience Committee from 2008 to 2012. He continued his service as a life trustee and, at the time of his passing, was tri-chair of the National Campaign Council Executive Committee for the University鈥檚 Forever Orange Campaign, which achieved its fundraising goal of more than $1.5 billion.

Over the years, the Rileys targeted their philanthropy to improving the student experience, both inside and outside the classroom. A 2017 endowed gift established the H. John and Diane M. Riley Dual Engineering/MBA Program Endowed Fund designed to give students a distinctive edge, allowing them to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in engineering along with an MBA in just five years. When the Rileys recognized the need for a new home for the University鈥檚 School of Management, they endowed a classroom in the state-of-the-art building, helping prepare future business leaders. They supported many other initiatives at the University, including 性视界 University Athletics and the Winnick Hillel Center for Jewish Life.

鈥淛ohn and I had been discussing what form our next gift should take, but he died before we could make a decision,鈥� says Diane. She says it was Chancellor Syverud who proposed the idea for Riley Hall. 鈥淚 felt incredibly honored and was so touched by his enthusiasm.鈥� She took the idea to the family who ultimately decided that it was 鈥渁 no brainer鈥� and a fitting way to honor their father.

Family Stories

Son Patrick 鈥淧at鈥� E. Riley 鈥�90, who graduated from the Newhouse School, says their father鈥檚 name will no doubt live on in the stories future students will tell about life in Riley Hall. That鈥檚 especially meaningful for the Riley family, which made many of its own memories at that same site when it was the Sheraton 性视界 University Hotel & Conference Center. 鈥淚 think I had my first drink there when I was a senior and my sister came to visit and stayed at the hotel,鈥� Pat says. 鈥淚t was always the place where our family socialized.鈥� The Sheraton was closed in 2024 for extensive renovations and transformation into a modern residence hall.

Diane also remembers gathering at the Sheraton bar and restaurant with the spouses of other board members while John was attending trustee meetings. And it was the place to stay when visiting their grandchildren who attended 性视界 University (Megan graduated in 2024; Tristan will graduate this year; and John will attend in the fall.).

鈥淭he location of Riley Hall at the center of campus is such a fitting tribute to John,鈥� says Allen Groves, senior vice president and chief student experience officer. 鈥淎s a trustee, John was always focused on how best to meet the evolving needs of students. He was both a visionary and a passionate champion for students.鈥�

At his memorial service, Riley鈥檚 daughter Beth talked about the values her father taught to his family, values that clearly shaped his commitments to 性视界 University. 鈥淗e was a rock of stability, good judgment, fun and common sense,鈥� Beth said at the service. 鈥淢y dad had a no-nonsense way about him that cherished truth over fanfare, responsibility over impulsiveness, long-term value over short-term gain.鈥� Son Tom said, 鈥淗e was a great executive, leader, servant. Along the way, he always had mom by his side.鈥� Son Pat recalls his father reassuring his family that no matter what challenges they faced, 鈥淵ou鈥檒l always make it through. You鈥檒l all be OK.鈥�

Recently, Diane and all the children and grandchildren (Beth, Marcus, Tom, Lizabeth, Pat, Beatrice, Emma, Charlotte, Matthew, Megan, Tristan, John and Connor) completed a trip to Egypt that John had been planning for them before his passing. 鈥淗e was so detailed in his planning, and we carried out many of them on the trip,鈥� says Pat. 鈥淎s in life, here was Dad behind the scenes, telling us what to do鈥nd how to do it right!鈥�

Diane says that the life of Riley was defined by 鈥渄oing things right the first time and doing the right things.鈥� Riley Hall is one of those right things done right.

A distinguished scientist and educator, a physician and healthcare innovator, a pioneering entrepreneur, a ground-breaking academic leader, a distinguished public servant and a transformative national leader in higher education will be recognized with honorary degrees from 性视界 University at the .

Dr. Ruth Chen, a professor of practice in biomedical and chemical engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at 性视界 University; Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor and the Alan and Marlene Norton Presidential Chair at Upstate Medical University; Clifford J. Ensley 鈥�69, 鈥�70, G鈥�71, founder and chief executive officer of Leisure Merchandising Corporation; Linda M. LeMura G’83, G’87, president of Le Moyne College; Joanne M. Mahoney 鈥�87, L鈥�90, president of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry; and Chancellor Kent Syverud, the 12th chancellor and president of 性视界 University, will be honored for their outstanding professional contributions, achievements and service to their communities and the public good.

Dr. Ruth Chen
Doctor of Science

An environmental toxicologist, Dr. Chen has built a distinguished career at the intersection of environmental science, public health and policy, and has had an indelible impact on the 性视界 University community and Central New York through her commitment to students, scholarship, service and the public good.

Dr. Chen holds a Ph.D. and M.P.H. in environmental toxicology from the University of Michigan and an M.S. in biomedical sciences from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Prior to academia, she served as state toxicologist for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, where she was responsible for risk assessment and risk management decisions across programs in permit, remediation, corrective action, combustion facilities, toxic substances and landfills. She provided expert counsel to multiple state divisions on issues of human health and toxicology while simultaneously managing Tennessee鈥檚 Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program. She secured federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency, and was a staff fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), working on pharmacokinetics.

Before joining 性视界 University, Dr. Chen served on the faculty at the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Washington University in St. Louis, where she led a professional engineering master鈥檚 degree program and an international education program. At 性视界, she is admired for her ability to translate complex topics into accessible and inspiring learning experiences, with courses that bridge theory and application and empower students to see engineering as a vocation.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Chen鈥檚 leadership has strengthened student and community life in extraordinary ways. She has championed an award-winning International Student Success Model and hosts an annual International Thanksgiving Celebration for students who cannot travel home for the holidays. She is an advocate for Women in Science and Engineering and a consistent presence at student performances and athletics, ensuring every student feels they have a place at the University.

Dr. Chen鈥檚 impact extends well beyond campus. She has served on the boards of United Way, Interfaith Works and 性视界 Stage. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped procure masks for the community. She launched Operation Orange Warmup, the University鈥檚 winter coat drive, and through her support of local nonprofits, she has turned generosity into action across Central New York.

Dr. Mantosh Dewan
Doctor of Science

A physician scientist who has made significant contributions to clinical psychiatry, neuroimaging, psychotherapy and mental health systems, Dewan has dedicated his career to advancing medical education, expanding access to mental healthcare and serving the Central New York community.

Dewan began his career at SUNY Upstate in 1975 as a mixed medicine/psychiatry intern, becoming chief resident in psychiatry before joining the faculty as an assistant professor. Over the decades he has served as director of undergraduate education, director of residency training and chair of the Department of Psychiatry, and as interim dean of the College of Medicine from 2016 to 2017.

His scholarly output encompasses more than 80 papers, 35 books and book chapters, and hundreds of presentations on topics ranging from brain imaging and the economics of mental healthcare to psychotherapy and medical education. His research has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration. He is co-editor two books: 鈥淭he Difficult to Treat Psychiatric Patient鈥� and 鈥淭he Art and Science of Brief Psychotherapies,鈥� a best seller now in its third edition, translated into five languages and chosen for the American Psychiatric Association鈥檚 Core Competencies in Psychotherapy Series.

Dewan鈥檚 leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was transformational. Under his direction, Upstate developed the world鈥檚 most sensitive saliva diagnostic test and provided over four million tests to 60 of the 64 SUNY campuses, enabling all of SUNY to remain open and in-person. 性视界 University partnered directly with Upstate in this critical effort. Reflecting Dewan鈥檚 vision for leveraging technology to expand access to care, Upstate provides tele-psychiatry diagnostic and treatment services to students at 56 SUNY campuses. More recently, Dewan launched Upstate Biotech Ventures with $6 million in seed funding to cultivate biotech companies incubated at the medical center.

Listed in The Best Doctors in America and a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Dewan has received numerous honors, including the APA鈥檚 George Tarjan Award, designation as an 鈥淓xemplary Chair鈥� by SUNY, 性视界 University鈥檚 Chancellor鈥檚 Medal in 2021 and an honorary degree from Onondaga Community College. He is also an affiliated professor at J枚nk枚ping University in Sweden.

Dewan鈥檚 career reflects intellectual curiosity, innovation, ethical leadership and a deep commitment to using science and medicine in service to society. His accolades and leadership reflect a career that has made profound contributions to science and to improve the well-being of the Central New York community.

Clifford J. Ensley 鈥�69, 鈥�70, G鈥�71
Doctor of Humane Letters

A dedicated University trustee, accomplished entrepreneur and a celebrated student-athlete, Ensley has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to his alma mater through service, philanthropy and unwavering Orange spirit.

Ensley arrived at 性视界 as a walk-on with the football team after no Division I programs recruited him. His tenacity on the practice field earned him a scholarship from head coach Ben Schwartzwalder, and by his sophomore year he was starting on the varsity squad.

Ensley went on to become the last three-sport letter winner in 性视界 University history, earning letters in football, wrestling and lacrosse. He was an honorable mention All-American in football, set interception and special teams records as a defensive back and delivered a record-setting 76-yard punt return for a touchdown against Navy.

He was captain and most valuable player of the lacrosse team and was named the 1969 性视界 University Athlete of the Year, joining a distinguished list that includes Jim Brown 鈥�57, Ernie Davis 鈥�62, Floyd Little 鈥�67, H鈥�19, Dave Bing 鈥�66, H鈥�06 and Larry Csonka 鈥�68. Ensley received the Letter Winner of Distinction Award from 性视界 University Athletics and the Varsity Club in 1993 and the Dritz Rookie Trustee of the Year Award in 2018. A champion of volunteerism, he also founded Athletes Who Care in 2022, an organization that partners with 性视界 student-athletes to support charitable causes and community organizations in Central New York.

Ensley earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the and an MBA from the . He was a member of the U.S. Army ROTC and Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After his military service, Ensley entered the luggage industry. Drawing on his education, his experience in retail luggage sales and a perseverance built on the playing fields, he launched his idea for a wholesale luggage and accessories manufacturing business in 1978 with $2,500. The founder and chief executive officer of Leisure Merchandising Corporation grew the business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with a brand presence in thousands of retail locations.

Elected to the Board of Trustees in 2015, Ensley currently serves on the Athletics, Advancement and External Affairs, and Facilities committees. Together with his wife, Sue, he has provided lead gifts for the Ensley Athletic Center, the Chris Gedney Endowed Football Scholarship and the Orange Forever Endowed Memorial Fund, which provides keepsake blankets to the families of every deceased former student-athlete. They have also lent their support to initiatives in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the Whitman School, the Maxwell School, the Catholic Center and the Sala Family Plaza, among other numerous initiatives.

Linda M. LeMura G鈥�83, G鈥�87
Doctor of Humane Letters

LeMura鈥檚 career has been defined by groundbreaking leadership, scientific excellence and an unwavering commitment to educational equity and access.

LeMura graduated from Bishop Grimes High School as a three-sport athlete and honors student. She earned both a master鈥檚 degree (1983) in physical education and a Ph.D. (1987) in applied physiology from the at 性视界 University, where her academic training laid the foundation for a distinguished career. Her research in pediatric obesity, pediatric applied physiology and lipid and energy metabolism has produced more than 30 peer-reviewed articles, two books and 26 externally funded grant proposals. She has served as a research consultant for both the U.S. and Italian Olympic committees. She has consistently included students as co-investigators and co-authors in her work, highlighting her work as a mentor and a commitment to the next generation of scientists.

After serving as a professor, research scientist and graduate program director at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, LeMura joined Le Moyne College in 2003 and held leadership roles as dean of arts and sciences and provost before making history in 2014 as the first female layperson to serve as president of a Jesuit institution of higher education in the U.S. Her appointment opened pathways for women鈥檚 leadership across Jesuit higher education, with 10 additional women now serving in presidential roles at Jesuit institutions.

Under her leadership, Le Moyne has raised roughly $200 million, achieved eight consecutive years of record enrollment and led the college鈥檚 strategic transition to NCAA Division I athletics as a full member of the Northeast Conference.

LeMura co-chairs the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council. She was actively engaged in the Central New York鈥檚 efforts to bring Micron鈥檚 microchip manufacturing facility to the area and has aligned Le Moyne to the resulting workforce demand through new semiconductor-focused programs and the college’s ERIE 21 partnership with Micron.

She holds board positions with the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and the International Association of Jesuit Universities. Her awards include the 2023 性视界 University Tolley Medal, selected by the School of Education; the 2019 性视界 Key4Women Achieve Award; the 2017 Temple Adath Yeshurun Citizen of the Year Award; the 2017 Bishop鈥檚 Award from the Diocese of 性视界 Catholic Charities and recognition as a 2016 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction.

The relationship between 性视界 University and Le Moyne College has grown in collaboration during LeMura鈥檚 presidency through joint academic initiatives, community engagement projects and shared commitments to excellence.

Joanne M. Mahoney 鈥�87, L鈥�90
Doctor of Laws

Mahoney has built a career defined by her commitment to community, environmental stewardship and the advancement of Central New York. She earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing management from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management in 1987 and a juris doctor from the College of Law in 1990. She credits her legal education as the foundation of her career in public leadership. Her late father, Bernard J. Mahoney L’69, was also a graduate of the College of Law.

Mahoney began her legal career in private practice at Harris Beach before serving for five years as a criminal prosecutor in the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. She went on to serve on the 性视界 Common Council from 2000-03. In 2008, she became the first woman elected Onondaga County Executive, a position she held for three terms while overseeing a county government serving approximately 460,000 residents.

During her tenure, she created the nationally acclaimed Save the Rain green infrastructure program and helped lead efforts that transformed Onondaga Lake to swimmable water quality. She maintained the county’s highest bond ratings among all New York State counties and championed the Say Yes to Education partnership. Governing Magazine named her Public Official of the Year in 2011.

In November 2020, Mahoney was appointed president of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), the first woman to lead the institution in its more than 110-year history. Under her leadership, SUNY ESF has risen in the Princeton Review’s rankings of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges.

She serves as co-chair of SUNY’s systemwide Sustainability Advisory Council and has sustained the historic partnership between SUNY ESF and 性视界 University, ensuring collaborative academic programs, shared student opportunities and joint diplomas.

Mahoney has also served as chair of the New York State Thruway Authority, where she oversaw completion of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, one of the nation’s largest infrastructure projects. She currently serves on the College of Law’s Board of Advisors and has supported the Hon. Theodore A. McKee L鈥�75 Endowed Law Scholarship and WAER.

Chancellor Kent D. Syverud
Doctor of Laws

Chancellor Syverud has led 性视界 University through 12 years of transformational change, reshaping the campus, strengthening research and academic excellence, and expanding 性视界 University鈥檚 impact in Central New York and beyond.

Hailing from Irondequoit, New York, Chancellor Syverud earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree magna cum laude from Georgetown University鈥檚 School of Foreign Service, a law degree magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School and a master鈥檚 in economics from the University of Michigan. He counts among his closest mentors the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O鈥機onnor, for whom he clerked. His career in legal education spans three decades, including deanships at Vanderbilt University Law School and Washington University School of Law. An elected member of the American Law Institute, he received the 2024 TIAA Institute Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence, one of the highest national honors in higher education.

Since becoming chancellor in 2014, Chancellor Syverud has placed students at the center of the University鈥檚 mission. Under his leadership, 性视界 has seen record applications and enrollment, invested over $100 million in student life鈥攊ncluding the Barnes Center at The Arch, a renovated Schine Student Center, two new residence halls and a transformed JMA Wireless Dome鈥攁nd expanded global learning programs across five international centers and domestic sites in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Chancellor Syverud played a central role in Central New York鈥檚 economic resurgence, including the University鈥檚 work to attract Micron Technology to build its largest American fabrication facility in the region. He directed the hiring of more than 700 faculty, helped the University achieve Research 1 status and oversaw the Forever Orange Campaign, which raised more than $1.59 billion鈥攖he largest fundraising effort in University history鈥攁s the endowment more than doubled to over $2 billion.

His dedication to veterans and military families stands among his most profound contributions. The expansion of 性视界 University鈥檚 D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families and the creation of the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D鈥橝niello Building set a national standard for research, policy development and support to those who have served, and veteran enrollment has more than tripled since 2014. Throughout his chancellorship, Chancellor Syverud has continued to teach negotiation courses at the College of Law and the Whitman School of Management, embodying the teacher-scholar ideal.

Chancellor Syverud’s commitment to service extends beyond the University. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Coast Conference, having previously served as its president, and as an ex officio trustee of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He is a trustee of Crouse Hospital and of Le Moyne College, and, by appointment of the governor of New York, serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

The 性视界 University Alumni Association will honor Chancellor Kent Syverud and Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, with the George Arents Award, the University鈥檚 highest alumni honor, at the 2026 Alumni Awards Celebration on Thursday, April 23, in Hendricks Chapel. The event is free and open to all alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the University.

Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m., with the awards ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. A complimentary reception with food and refreshments follows from 6 to 7:30 p.m. inside the Miron Victory Court.

Chancellor Syverud has led 性视界 University through a period of transformational change over the past 12 years, overseeing record enrollment, a landmark fundraising campaign and the establishment of 性视界 as the nation鈥檚 premier private university for veterans and military-connected students. His leadership has reshaped the University鈥檚 academic profile, physical campus and national standing.

Dr. Chen has built a distinguished career in environmental toxicology spanning state government, the National Institutes of Health and higher education. Throughout her tenure at 性视界, she has brought deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to students and the broader University community.

The 2026 Alumni Awards Celebration will also recognize four additional honorees: Ronald J. Taylor 鈥�15, G鈥�16, who will receive the Generation Orange Award for a career spanning education leadership, youth development and technology policy; Daniel A. D鈥橝niello 鈥�68, H鈥�20, who will receive the Military/Veteran Alumni Award in recognition of his distinguished U.S. Navy service and decades of transformative support for 性视界 University; Akima H. Rogers 鈥�92, who will receive the Volunteer of the Year Award for his deep and enduring engagement with the University community; and Diana Wege 鈥�76, who will receive the Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award for her loyalty, service and distinguished career as a conceptual artist, curator and activist.

The event is complimentary, but seating is limited. to join the University community in honoring this year鈥檚 recipients.

On Friday, April 17, 性视界 University paused to say thank you to students, faculty and staff at its annual One University Awards ceremony.

Two major awards鈥攖he Chancellor鈥檚 Medal and the Chancellor鈥檚 Citation for Excellence鈥攚ere bestowed. The ceremony also included the presentation of the Student-Athlete Award, Seinfeld Scholarship, Meredith Professorship for Teaching Excellence, Teaching Recognition Award, Enduring Values Award, William Pearson Tolley Medal, Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Innovation and the Chancellor鈥檚 Forever Orange Award.

Emeriti faculty who retired in 2025 and employees who celebrated years of service milestones in 2025 were . This year鈥檚 University Scholars, Senior Class and School and College Marshals and Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars were also .

Award Recipients聽

罢丑别听Chancellor鈥檚 Medal聽is the University鈥檚 highest honor and is awarded to individuals in honor of their trailblazing and extraordinary contributions to the University, to an academic body of knowledge or to society.

This year鈥檚 recipients are , senior vice president and chief student experience officer, and , senior vice president and chief marketing officer.

罢丑别听Chancellor鈥檚 Citation for Excellence聽recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions in four overarching categories:

• The award for聽Excellence in Student Research聽recognizes students who have engaged in collaborative research that has the potential to make a deep and lasting impact on greater society. This year鈥檚 recipients are Paul Sagoe, doctoral student in biomedical and chemical engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (graduate), and Sadie Meyer 鈥�26, a biomedical engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and mathematics major in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S).

• The award for聽Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and University Initiatives聽acknowledges faculty and staff who, through their work, enhance the undergraduate experience for students or make invaluable contributions to supporting and advancing the University鈥檚 mission and goals. The recipients are聽, teaching professor, director of clinical education and director of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic in the College of Law (faculty);聽, data analyst for advising and career services, A&S (professional staff); and , office manager for the Intercultural Collective in the Student Experience division (support staff).
• 罢丑别听Faculty Excellence and Scholarly Distinction聽award is intended for faculty members who are collaborators in work of intellectual richness that has the potential for future impact. The work of these nominees offers possibilities for collaboration within the University and outside in partnership with others. This year鈥檚 honoree is , professor of psychology in A&S and director of the Center for Health Behavior Research and Innovation.
• Chancellor鈥檚 Citation for Excellence, Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors those who have made extraordinary contributions toward advancing all four pillars of excellence over the arc of their careers while at 性视界 University and beyond. This year鈥檚 recipient is聽, professor in the School of Art, College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Other Awards Presented

罢丑别听Student-Athlete Award聽recognizes the top male and female student athletes and presented to the senior student-athletes with the highest cumulative grade point average over the course of their academic and athletic careers. This year鈥檚 recipients are Ruben Rojas Betanzos 鈥�26, a bioengineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, an MBA student in the Whitman School of Management and member of the men鈥檚 cross-country team; and Nora Radke 鈥�26, a biology major and neuroscience major in A&S and member of the women鈥檚 rowing team.

Seinfeld Scholarship: Each year the University honors the talents of outstanding faculty or students through an award made possible by Judith Greenberg Seinfeld 鈥�56, H鈥�25, a distinguished alumna and member of the University Board of Trustees. Awards are made to those who have been determined by their peers to have made outstanding contributions to the beauty of the world, to have added to human values and to ending human abuse anywhere in the world, and to have demonstrated passion for excellence, creativity and originality in academic or artistic fields. This year, the designation is bestowed upon , associate professor and Dean鈥檚 Professor of Community Engagement in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric and Composition in A&S.

罢丑别听Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professorships for Teaching Excellence聽were created in 1995 to recognize and reward outstanding teaching among faculty. The 2026-29 Meredith Professors are , Milton and Ann Stevenson Endowed Professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, and chair of biomedical and chemical engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and , associate professor and chair of visual communications in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. The 2023-26 Meredith Professors, and , and a 2019-22 Meredith Professor, , were also recognized.

In 2001, the Meredith Professorship Program was expanded to recognize teaching excellence by non-tenured faculty and adjunct and part-time instructors. Awards are given in two categories:聽Early Performance聽补苍诲听Continuing Excellence.

This year鈥檚 honorees in the Early Performance category are , assistant professor in the School of Architecture; , assistant professor of political science in the Maxwell School; , assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in ECS; , assistant professor of anthropology in the Maxwell School; , assistant teaching professor of electrical engineering and computer science in ECS; , assistant professor of visual communications in the Newhouse School; and , assistant professor of writing, rhetoric and composition in A&S.

The two honorees in the Continuing Excellence category are , Distinguished Professor of Photography in the Newhouse School, and , associate teaching professor and graduate director of public relations in the Newhouse School.

罢丑别听Enduring Values Award recognizes an individual who is integral in helping students achieve academic excellence at a university that is welcoming to all. This year鈥檚 recipient is , associate dean of community and engagement and professor of public relations in the Newhouse School.

罢丑别听William Pearson Tolley Medal for Distinguished Leadership in Lifelong Learning聽is based in the School of Education and honors national or international leadership in support of lifelong learning. This year鈥檚 recipient is Alice Kendrick 鈥�70, G鈥�79, G鈥�93, retired superintendent of the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District.

The Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Innovation is bestowed upon an individual who advances academic and technical excellence through the introduction and implementation of extraordinary new methods and ideas to benefit the 性视界 University community. This year鈥檚 recipient is , senior vice president for digital transformation and chief digital officer.

罢丑别听Chancellor鈥檚 Forever Orange Award聽recognizes individual students, faculty or staff who鈥攂y virtue of extraordinary hard work, good values and commitment to excellence鈥攈ave come to embody the best of 性视界 University. This year鈥檚 recipient is聽 鈥�80, director of athletics.

When President Joe Biden L鈥�68, H鈥�09 first visited the 性视界 University campus in 1965, he knew he wanted to attend law school. So when he had a few hours to spare while waiting for his then-girlfriend and later first wife Neilia Hunter to finish work, he decided to explore the University鈥檚 library.

Instead, he ended up walking into the dean鈥檚 office.

The 46th president recounted his serendipitous start at 性视界 University to an audience packed into the Melanie Gray Ceremonial Courtroom in the ‘s Dineen Hall Tuesday for the unveiling of his portrait.

鈥淏y accident,鈥� Biden said. 鈥淚 swear to God, I thought I was walking into the library.鈥�

When the woman running the office asked if he was there to see the dean, he told her he didn鈥檛 mean to come in but was thinking about law school. Before he knew it, he said she had him talking to the dean, who arranged a financial aid offer and a resident advisor position. An application was filled out before he left.

性视界, he told the audience, is where he began to see the pieces coming together that would shape his approach to law and public service throughout his career.

鈥溞允咏� is a place where I began to develop an understanding of the powerful impact the law can have in making the world a better place,鈥� Biden said. 鈥淚 began to see how values I’ve learned at home, at my kitchen table with my mom and dad, were really reflected in American jurisprudence, in our institutions. As I saw through the torts and contracts and struggled with property law, my favorite course was constitutional law. I heard my parents’ words ringing in my ears, 鈥楧ignity, Joey, respect, fairness, equity, equality. That’s what America is all about.鈥欌��

A Portrait to Honor and Inspire

Celebrating Biden鈥檚 life of public service, the ceremonial unveiling of his portrait was witnessed by members of his family; University community members; and state and local officials, including Gov. Kathy Hochul 鈥�80.

College of Law Dean Terence Lau L鈥�98 told attendees the University was determined to honor Biden, who has maintained a close connection with the campus, delivering the Commencement addresses four times at the law school and at the University in 2009, in a way that was 鈥渋mpactful, lasting and inspirational.鈥�

The portrait was commissioned by the University and painted by artist , one of America鈥檚 foremost portrait artists, whose works hang in the U.S. Capitol, the Smithsonian鈥檚 National Portrait Gallery and the Pentagon.

鈥淥ur hope is that this portrait will inspire generations of law students to come, a proud reminder to every student who walks through our library doors of what is possible when you combine a 性视界 law education with the courage to serve something larger than yourself,鈥� Lau said.

Jeffrey Scruggs, chairman of the University Board of Trustees, noted in his remarks that Biden鈥檚 connection to 性视界 鈥渞uns deep and long鈥� and reflected on the former president鈥檚 impact on the community and Central New York though landmark legislation, including the and the .

鈥淧resident Biden had the will to invest in great cities like 性视界 throughout the nation, and it’s here in 性视界, at his beloved alma mater, where President Biden’s portrait will hang,鈥� Scruggs said.

Scruggs said in Biden鈥檚 portrait, law students will be able to look up and see the face of someone whose life of service started in the same place their own careers will begin.

鈥淭o our law students, may that always serve as a reminder that there are no limits to where a 性视界 Law degree can take you,鈥� Scruggs said.

A Lifelong Foundation and Community

Biden鈥檚 remarks reflected on the deep impact the University had on him both professionally and personally. He recalled the only head-to-head election he ever lost in his career was the race for class president his first year against classmate and Trustee William 鈥淏ill鈥� Brodsky 鈥�65, L鈥�68, who became a close friend.

鈥淪ince the time I left 性视界, life has handed me significant highlights and very low blows,鈥� Biden said. 鈥淭he 性视界 community has been with me through it all.鈥�

But what Biden said he was most proud of when he talks about 性视界 is his son, Beau L鈥�94, who died in 2015 from brain cancer, and in whose memory the University established a scholarship.

鈥淭o be very honest with you,鈥� Biden said. 鈥淚 assumed one day Beau would be standing here and not me. I give you my word for that. He was more qualified and a hell of a man.鈥�

Both he and his son took the legal grounding they found at 性视界 and carried it with them their entire time in public service, he said.

鈥淓verything I did as an elected official was all an extension of what I learned here at 性视界,鈥� Biden said.

Biden said studying the Constitution at 性视界, he began to understand democracy is the soul of the nation.

鈥淲hatever my legacy may be, I hope it will be said that I never stopped striving for the cause of democracy,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd I hope that long after I’m gone, future classes of 性视界 law students see the portrait and are reminded not of me, but of the greatness and power of our democracy.鈥�

Mike Tirico 鈥�88, acclaimed NBC Sports broadcaster and dedicated alumnus, will deliver 性视界 University鈥檚 address Sunday, May 10, in the JMA Wireless Dome. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m.

Tirico, who serves as vice chair of 性视界 University’s Board of Trustees, has built a career at the center of American sports broadcasting, calling play-by-play for 鈥淪unday Night Football鈥� and 鈥淣BA on NBC鈥� and serving as the primetime host for NBCUniversal鈥檚 coverage of the Olympics.

In February 2026, he became the first U.S. broadcaster ever to call the Super Bowl and host a Winter Olympics in the same year鈥攁 milestone that capped more than three decades in the profession he first pursued in the studios of WAER-FM, 性视界 University’s public radio station.

“Mike Tirico is the definition of an Orange success story,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “He began his career right here on campus, and has gone on to become one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting. His deep and lasting commitment to 性视界 University reflects the same values of excellence we hope to inspire in every graduate. We are honored and proud to welcome him home for this milestone celebration.”

鈥淭here is no place that has meant more to me than 性视界 University,鈥� says Tirico. 鈥淧ersonally and professionally so much of what has defined my life traces back to SU. It is an incredible honor to be asked to address the Class of 2026 and welcome them to our proud family of Orange alums. I can鈥檛 wait to share this special day with the next group that joins our Forever Orange family.鈥�

Broadcast Start

Tirico earned a dual bachelor’s degree in 1988 in political science from the and the and in broadcast journalism from the . He launched his broadcasting career at WAER-FM before joining WTVH-TV in 性视界 as sports director and serving as the play-by-play voice for 性视界 University basketball, football, lacrosse and volleyball.

Tirico joined ESPN as a 鈥淪portsCenter鈥� anchor in 1991, eventually becoming the voice of 鈥淢onday Night Football鈥� from 2006-15, one of only four play-by-play announcers to call primetime NFL games for at least 10 seasons. Over 25 years at ESPN and ABC Sports, he called the NBA, college football, college basketball, golf’s Masters and The Open, the FIFA World Cup and tennis championships, the U.S. Open and Wimbledon. In July 2016, he joined NBC Sports.

At NBC, Tirico is the play-by-play voice of 鈥淪unday Night Football,鈥� primetime television鈥檚 most-watched show for an unprecedented 15 consecutive years, and has served as the network’s primetime host for the PyeongChang, Tokyo, Beijing, Paris and Milan Cortina Olympics. In February 2026, he called Super Bowl LX and then immediately shifted to host the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, an unmatched broadcasting double that drew widespread acclaim. He was named the 2010 Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association and has won five Sports Emmy Awards. In the summer of 2025, he was inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame by a vote of his peers.

Dedication to the University

Tirico has remained closely connected to the University throughout his career. Elected to the Board of Trustees in 2016, he was elected vice chair in 2025 and serves on the board鈥檚 Executive, Advancement and External Affairs and Student Experience Committees. He has served on the board鈥檚 search committees, including for the dean of the Newhouse School, the athletics director and, most recently, the chancellor. His University service also includes membership on the Newhouse Advisory Board and the Advisory Board.

He has been recognized with the George Arents Award, the University’s highest alumni honor, in 2005; the Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 1996; and the Newhouse School’s Marty Glickman Award for Leadership in Sports Media in 2017. He and his wife, Deborah Gibaratz Tirico 鈥�89 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management), established the Mike Tirico Scholarship Endowment and supported initiatives across the Maxwell, Newhouse and Whitman schools, WAER and 性视界 University Athletics.

The has announced that Jeannine Lostritto 鈥�90, a 性视界 University Trustee and member of the School of Architecture Advisory Board, will address graduates at the 2026 Convocation ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. in Hendricks Chapel.

Lostritto has parlayed her interest in architecture into her professional, personal and volunteer experiences, most recently through her engagement with the board of trustees of Friends Academy in Locust Valley, New York, an independent Quaker college-preparatory private school serving students from early childhood through 12th grade.

A former Friends Academy parent, Lostritto serves as a member of its Board of Trustees and on its Governance Committee, and helps oversee new building construction, campus maintenance and the stewardship of existing facilities.

After earning an undergraduate degree in architecture from the School of Architecture, Lostritto first took a job as an architectural consultant at Avis Rent-a-Car, working on commercial architecture projects. From 1995 to 1998, she was employed in the civil engineering division at Sear-Brown鈥攁n architecture, engineering, planning and construction services firm鈥攚here she worked on large highway and expressway projects, such as the renovation of the Queens Midtown Tunnel, as well as drainage and landscape architecture projects.

Lostritto is a former board member of her family鈥檚 real estate company, Steel Equities, and serves on the Board of Regents at NYU-Winthrop Hospital. She also helps to manage a food pantry and a faith formation program at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Brookville, New York, where she is a Eucharistic Minister.

Additionally, Jeannine and her husband, Glenn, actively support 性视界 University through contributions to such initiatives as the Lostritto Family Global Experience Scholarship, the Barnes Center at The Arch and the General Supported Scholarship Fund. The Lostrittos were the first donors to support The 性视界 Promise initiative, which aims to significantly expand scholarship support for high-achieving students.

鈥淛eannine Lostritto is among the school鈥檚 most engaged board members and supporters. She is also an active member on the Facilities Committee of the Board of Trustees and has contributed greatly to the positive transformation of our campus over the last several years,鈥� says School of Architecture Dean Michael Speaks. 鈥淧erhaps most importantly, Jeannine is a strong advocate and financial supporter for 性视界 Architecture student scholarships, especially those studying abroad in our outstanding Florence program. We are all looking forward to welcoming her as our 2026 Convocation speaker.鈥�

Lostritto lives in Old Brookville, New York, with her husband. They have three children, Domenica 鈥淪unny鈥� L鈥�23, Glenn Jr., and Joseph.

recently announced the spring 2026 recipients of the Orange Innovation Fund, awarding $5,000 grants to a cohort of student inventors and entrepreneurs advancing high-potential ventures across health care, financial technology, consumer products and enterprise software.

The Orange Innovation Fund is designed to accelerate student-led startups beyond the idea stage, supporting founders who have demonstrated meaningful progress through customer discovery, prototyping and early validation.

The fund emphasizes deep research and development work, along with comprehensive proposal development, and recognizes ventures that show strong execution, real-world traction and a clear path toward commercialization. Funding supports critical next steps such as product development, regulatory readiness, pilot testing and go-to-market strategy.

鈥淭he Orange Innovation Fund plays a critical role in SU鈥檚 entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling student founders to move beyond concept and into execution,鈥� says David Seaman, dean of Libraries and University Librarian. 鈥淏y supporting ventures at a pivotal stage of development, the fund helps transform promising ideas into scalable businesses with real-world impact.鈥�

Spring 2026 Winners

Celes Buffard 鈥�27 (School of Information Studies) for SecondWave

SecondWave is a financial wellness platform that helps users build personalized roadmaps to manage and grow their finances. The platform combines education, tools and vetted resources to guide users toward financial independence. Funding will support minimum viable product (MVP) completion, user testing, cloud infrastructure and trademark registration, as well as continued customer discovery.

Jayson Bromley (Martin J. Whitman School of Management) for Bromley Bio Med LLC 鈥� InDeazy

InDeazy is an integrated incision and drainage device designed to improve efficiency, control and safety in urgent care and emergency settings. Funding will support final design refinement and pilot manufacturing, including engineering updates, simulated workflow testing and Food and Drug Administration pre-submission readiness.

Nicholas Davis 鈥�26 (College of Engineering and Computer Science [ECS]) for Ethyra

Ethyra is an AI-native auto-grading and classroom analytics platform that helps educators save time and better understand student performance. Funding will support MVP completion, a version 1.0 launch and pilot testing at 性视界 University, the University of Washington and Eastside Preparatory School, along with learning management system integration and a study on grading efficiency.

Haley Greene 鈥�26 (Newhouse School of Public Communications) for Miirror

Miirror is a clinically guided, peer-led, tech-enabled platform redefining eating disorder recovery. Offering free, inclusive and stigma-free tools, support circles, crisis resources and therapy matching, the platform connects underserved communities with accessible recovery pathways. Funding will support completion of the MVP, regulatory compliance, technical infrastructure and a campus pilot at 性视界 University.

Ronan Hussar 鈥�26 (Whitman School) for MacroFlow

MacroFlow is an Excel add-in that automates macro creation, saving users significant time and increasing productivity. Funding will support development of secure AI implementation, full local functionality and enterprise-grade validation of macro generation capabilities.

Yasmin Madmoune G 鈥�27 (Whitman School) for Yas Apothecary

Yas Apothecary is a Moroccan-inspired body care brand with a long-term vision of building a cooperative-based production infrastructure. Funding will support equipment upgrades, production scaling, wholesale market entry and supply chain development.

Nathan Brekke 鈥�26 (ECS), G 鈥�27 (Whitman School) and Joshua Varkey 鈥�26 (ECS) for Phloat

Phloat is a magnetically attachable flotation device that deploys to bring a submerged phone back to the surface. Funding will support the first commercial-grade production run, field testing with beta users and development of a scalable manufacturing supply chain. The company has recently filed for a patent.

Jack Venerus 鈥�27 (School of Information Studies) for WingStat

WingStat is a business-to-business platform for aircraft transaction data in the pre-owned business jet market. Funding will support the transition from a no-code MVP to a production-ready platform, including backend infrastructure, authentication systems and automated data workflows.

性视界 the Orange Innovation Fund

The Orange Innovation Fund was initially established through a gift to the Libraries from Raj-Ann Rekhi Gill 鈥�98, an alumna, a member of the Board of Trustees and an operating partner at Silicon Valley Quad (an angel investing syndicate). The program is administered through 性视界 University Libraries as a Universitywide initiative, run in collaboration with multiple campus innovation and entrepreneurship programs. Proposal reviewers include entrepreneurial faculty and staff, along with alumni who have come through the ecosystem and are venture founders or in C-Suite roles at leading innovation companies.

has spent her career studying how the world moves鈥攖he migration of people across borders, the evolution of international norms and the political forces that shape both. Now, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs professor of political science has been named the inaugural Heighberger Family Faculty Fellow of Public Service, a recognition of scholarship that has influenced both academic debate and real-world policy.

鈥淎udie鈥檚 research on migration and international norms addresses some of the most consequential questions in global politics,鈥� says Dean David M. Van Slyke. 鈥淭his fellowship recognizes her work and provides resources to support it. We鈥檙e thrilled to honor her, and grateful for the generosity that made it possible.鈥�

A specialist in global migration, Klotz has shaped scholarly debates and public understanding of pressing issues in international politics. She has authored five books and contributed to an additional 15. Her work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Social Science Research Council, the MacArthur Foundation and the Fulbright Program.

Klotz鈥檚 many honors include Maxwell鈥檚 2023 Wasserstrom Prize for excellence in teaching and mentoring. She is the incoming president of the International Studies Association, one of the world鈥檚 oldest and largest interdisciplinary organizations devoted to the study of international and global affairs.

Klotz will hold the fellowship for three years.

Decades of Public Service

The fellowship takes its name from Eric Heighberger, a 1993 graduate of Maxwell’s international relations undergraduate program, and his spouse, Genevieve, whose combined careers span decades of public service. Eric held roles with the White House Homeland Security Council and Senate and House committees on homeland security, before serving as chief of staff at FEMA from 2017-21. He is now senior director of federal affairs for LA28, the organizing committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Genevieve has spent more than 20 years in public sector consulting, focused on FEMA and the local governments it serves.

鈥淏eing named the first Heighberger Family Faculty Fellow of Public Service is especially meaningful to me,鈥� Klotz says. 鈥淭heir careers using expertise in the service of others is how I think of my efforts to foster greater equity in academic communities. I am also grateful to the donors for recognizing the crucial place of public service within a school of citizenship.鈥�

The Heighbergers鈥� commitment to public service traces back to a pivotal time in their careers. After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Eric joined his longtime friend and fellow Maxwell alumnus Stephen Hagerty 鈥�93 M.P.A. at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where their team helped New York City access $8.8 billion in federal recovery funding. Genevieve joined them.

鈥淲orking on the World Trade Center recovery efforts gave both of us a sense of professional purpose that has stayed with us ever since,鈥� Eric says. 鈥淕enevieve and I are motivated by using our skills in the service of others, and Steve played a big role in shaping that, as a friend and as a mentor.鈥�

The fellowship was established through a gift from Hagerty, a Maxwell Advisory Board member and 性视界 University Trustee, and his spouse and fellow alumnus Lisa Altenbernd 鈥�93 M.P.A. With combined funds from the University’s Forever Orange Faculty Excellence Program, it totals $1 million.

鈥淣either of us would have had the careers we have had without Steve and Lisa鈥檚 friendship and mentorship,鈥� says Eric. 鈥淲e are so honored by their decision to include us in this gift.聽 Having our family name on a fellowship at Maxwell is a genuine honor, as the school shaped my professional path in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. To see it given to someone like Audie Klotz鈥攚hose work and mentorship embody everything Maxwell stands for鈥攎akes it even more meaningful.鈥�

One of 性视界 University’s most celebrated alumni is coming home. The University today announced that Gerry McNamara ’06, a member of the 2003 National Championship-winning team, has been named head coach of the . A Scranton, Pennsylvania, native, McNamara returns to lead the storied program where his legendary career began, following two seasons as head coach at Siena University where he engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in Division I basketball. His appointment, effective immediately, was approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.

“I love this place. I love what 性视界 means: to the fans, to the players who have worn this jersey, to the people of Central New York. This program has given me everything, and I am ready to give everything back to it,” says McNamara. “College basketball has changed. How you build a program, recruit talent, compete for resources and win looks different than it did even five years ago. I know that. I’m ready for it. What hasn’t changed is what Orange Nation expects, and what this place deserves. We are going to build something special here.”

McNamara spent 14 seasons as an assistant coach on Jim Boeheim’s staff before serving as associate head coach under Adrian Autry in 2023-24, then departing for Siena in March 2024. In his first season leading Siena, he guided the Saints to a 14-18 record, a 10-win improvement over the previous season that ranked among the top 10 turnarounds nationally and earned him recognition as one of 16 finalists for the CollegeInsider.com Joe B. Hall Award, presented annually to the nation’s top first-time Division I head coach. He opened his tenure with three consecutive victories, becoming the first Siena coach to start with three straight wins in more than four decades.

“Gerry McNamara is who our storied basketball program needs at this important moment,” says Bryan B. Blair, incoming director of athletics. “In every conversation, his competitive fire and passion was undeniable鈥攊t’s simply part of his DNA. He returns to 性视界 as a proven Division I head coach who led a program through a turnaround and back to the NCAA Tournament. At every stop in his playing and coaching journey, he has elevated those around him鈥攕tudent-athletes, staff and the broader community鈥攖hrough his energy, his standards and his ability to connect. While Gerry’s deep connection to 性视界 is meaningful, it’s simply a bonus to what he brings as a coach and leader. He honors our past, but he is driven to build for the future. This is a critical moment for 性视界 basketball, and it will take all of us鈥攅veryone connected to 性视界 University, 性视界 Athletics and Central New York鈥攍ocking arms and supporting this program like never before. We welcome Gerry home and can’t wait to see where he takes our program.”

“Gerry is a leader who brings out the best in people,” says John Wildhack, outgoing director of athletics. “I watched him for years as an assistant: in the gym, on the road recruiting and in conversations with players and their families. What has always distinguished him is the trust he builds. He has proven in a short time as a head coach that he knows how to build a program. I am proud that this was among the final pieces of work I had a hand in, and I have no doubt that he will make 性视界 and all of Orange Nation proud.”

A four-year starter from 2002-06, McNamara is the program’s all-time career leader in made three-pointers (400), free throw percentage (.888) and minutes played (4,799) and ranks among the all-time leaders in assists, steals and scoring. He was part of the 2003 National Championship team, earning All-Final Four honors after hitting six three-pointers against Kansas in the title game as a freshman. As a senior in 2006, he earned Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American honors and was named the Dave Gavitt Award winner as tournament MVP after leading 性视界 to the Big East Championship. His No. 3 jersey was retired by the University in March 2023. Following his collegiate career, McNamara accepted an invitation to Utah Jazz training camp and played professionally in Europe before returning to 性视界 to begin his coaching career.

As an assistant at 性视界, McNamara was a cornerstone of the program’s recruiting operation for 15 seasons, helping guide the Orange to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including Final Four runs in 2013 and 2016. He was a primary mentor for NBA players, including Michael Carter-Williams, Dion Waiters and Tyler Ennis, as well as Buddy Boeheim, Cole Swider, Michael Gbinije and Elijah Hughes.

“Gerry McNamara’s story is as authentically 性视界 as they come,” says Chancellor-elect J. Michael Haynie. “He came here from Scranton with something to prove and became one of the greatest players this program has ever seen and one of the most trusted coaches to sit on our bench. Now he’s coming home with a singular mission: to return 性视界 basketball to where it belongs, among the elite programs in the country. His coaching, recruiting and fundraising prowess, his passion and talent, and his deep belief in what it means to be Orange are exactly what we need. I could not be more excited to welcome Gerry, Katie and their family back to the Hill, and I can’t wait for the tip-off of the 2026-27 season.”

McNamara brings to the role deep and proven recruiting relationships, having spent well over a decade as the primary contact for elite guards and perimeter players nationally. During his time as an assistant, he was widely credited with building the pipeline of backcourt talent that kept 性视界 competitive at the highest level. Student-athletes who have played for McNamara consistently point to his accessibility, his direct communication style and his commitment to preparing players for life beyond basketball as hallmarks of his approach.

McNamara graduated from 性视界 in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in speech communications. He earned two AP Pennsylvania State Player of the Year honors at Bishop Hannan High School and finished seventh all-time in Pennsylvania high school scoring history. He is a gold medalist with the United States national team at the 2005 World University Games. McNamara and his wife, Katie, have four children: sons Gerry and Patrick and daughters Maggie and Grace.