In the mid-1990s, a 性视界 radio reporter broadcasting from a helicopter described a line of students stretching from Steele Hall across the Quad to College Place and beyond鈥攁ll waiting to register for classes. Ann Marie McGinnis was listening on her way to work聽as the University鈥檚 associate registrar for registration and scheduling.

“As the person who managed the process, I knew it would be a challenging day ahead,” McGinnis recalled years later. “Administrators vowed to never let it happen again.”

It was McGinnis who made sure of that.

McGinnis joined the University in 1977 as a student receptionist in the Registrar’s Office. Over the decades, she rose through eight roles鈥攆rom data coordinator to manager to director鈥攂efore landing in her current position, a data analyst in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs’ .

Her response to that infamous registration logjam became one of her most enduring contributions. McGinnis developed AutoReg, an automated system that built course schedules for incoming first-year students before they arrived on campus. The University has since moved to commercial scheduling tools, but AutoReg established the model still in use today.

She followed that with ePort, a degree-tracking check sheet she built, updated with every curriculum change and emailed to every A&S student before each registration period鈥攕omething no other office at the University did. A transfer credit database she developed became the foundation for a system later adopted university-wide by the Registrar’s Office. The First Term Enrollment System she built was eventually adapted into the University’s current Qualtrics process.

In her current role, McGinnis designs and maintains Tableau dashboards that give advisors real-time visibility into student enrollment status, holds, credit levels, flags and progress toward degree completion. The tool enables staff to intervene early rather than react too late.

Her degree certification dashboard cut the time required to process approximately 1,000 degrees each spring from six weeks to three. A separate retention tracking system monitors every incoming cohort from first semester through graduation, providing what Stephen LeBeau, director of operations for the Office of Student Success, calls the “gold standard” for understanding and improving student outcomes.

“At 48 years of service, Ann Marie remains on the front line of student success because of the unique way she adapts, modifies and evolves,鈥� says Steve Schaffling, assistant dean for student success. 鈥淲ithout her, our nationally recognized Office of Student Success would not be what it is.”

McGinnis has been recognized with the聽Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence in the category of Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and University Initiatives鈥攐ne of the University’s highest staff honors. The award caps a 48-year career that has shaped how A&S registers, tracks, advises and graduates its students.

“There isn’t a student or advisor who walks this campus today that hasn’t benefited from Ann Marie’s dedication,” Cindy Zazzara, an assistant director in the Office of Student Success, wrote in a nomination letter.

University Registrar Kelly Campbell, one of several colleagues who submitted letters of support, noted that McGinnis recognized early that effective advising requires both human expertise and the right tools. She spent her career building those tools before the rest of higher education caught up.

“Long before ‘analytics’ and ‘student success dashboards’ were common in higher education, she was designing proprietary tools and early appointment-tracking systems to streamline workflows and improve transparency,” wrote Francesco Riverso, the Falk College of Sport鈥檚 director of corporate partnerships and external advancement.

The Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence is presented annually at the聽One University Awards Ceremony, recognizing individuals whose work has enhanced the student experience or advanced the University’s mission.

Before the incoming class of sport analytics students take their first class in the聽, they receive a life lesson from , chair of the sport analytics department.

Paul, a sports economist, highlights how recent graduates are blazing a trail across the sports landscape. He then tells the newest sport analytics students that they, too, are destined to make a lasting impact as some of the best and brightest minds.

鈥淚t can be scary starting off at college, but when they think about all the wonderful things they are going to accomplish in their careers, it鈥檚 rewarding seeing how excited students get about their futures,鈥� Paul says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what keeps me going.鈥�

The message hit home for Gavin Stein 鈥�26 and Jacob Kalamvokis 鈥�26, who assembled the nomination that helped Paul receive the (SOURCE) Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring.

鈥淗e鈥檚 sharing how sport analytics graduates are taking over the world, and that you’re all going to continue that,鈥� Stein says. 鈥淭o an 18-year-old freshman who hadn’t even taken a class yet, Dr. Paul鈥檚 words left a lasting impression.鈥�

鈥淚 was nervous after that speech, because I was just starting here, but I was ready to run through a brick wall. I knew I could do anything I wanted to,鈥� Kalamvokis says.

An Investment in the Next Generation of Leaders

The annual SOURCE Award is based on student nominations, honoring faculty members who provide exceptional guidance to undergraduate researchers. During the ceremony, which was held on March 26, Kalamvokis and Stein presented the award to Paul, reading excerpts from their nominations to those in attendance.

Stein and Kalamvokis say Paul is passionate about supporting student-driven research, and that, through a willingness to lend a helping hand or offer constructive feedback, Paul exemplifies what it means to invest in the next generation of sport analytics leaders.

Paul views his role as part cheerleader, part coach: there to share his expertise and position the students in a place where they can succeed.

鈥淎s educators, our end goal is to help our students live out their dreams by working in this industry,鈥� Paul says. 鈥淭hey put their faith in us to help them fulfill those dreams. We encourage them and set them up for success once they graduate.鈥�

Wins on the National Stage

The confidence Paul instilled in them on day one has fueled their growth as researchers.

Competing head-to-head against teams of law school students from across the country, Stein and classmates Liam Roberts 鈥�26 and Sam Otley 鈥�26 became the first team of undergraduate researchers to Tulane Professional Basketball Negotiation Competition in February.

Stein and Kalamvokis have also presented their research at marquee events, including the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) Analytics Conference, the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference and the Arizona State NBA Trade Deadline competition.

鈥淔rom freshman year, I鈥檝e known I want to work in the NBA, but I truly couldn鈥檛 have imagined back then being in the position I am in now,鈥� Stein says. 鈥淭he trust and support that Dr. Paul showed in all of us from literally the second we stepped on campus is what has driven all of us to accomplish what we have at 性视界.鈥�

Kalamvokis and sport analytics Associate Professor presented 鈥淪tatistical Accuracy of Sports Betting Markets and Their Efficiency鈥� at the 2025 International Association of Sports Economists Conference in Las Vegas.

鈥淒r. Paul is a huge driving force for what the student researchers can do here. He鈥檚 such a special, unique leader,鈥� says Kalamvokis, named an inaugural Class of 2026 Falk College Scholar. 鈥淗e鈥檚 the beating heart of this program, the father of sport analytics on campus, and knowing he鈥檚 in your corner gives you freedom and the confidence to go out and pursue your dreams.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing to see what our students are capable of,鈥� Paul says. 鈥淕etting to watch our students grow and evolve, I鈥檓 blessed and lucky to be a part of that.鈥�

Three 性视界 University seniors are about to do something no one has done before: graduate with a degree in .

Ryan Blankenhorn 鈥�26, Cole Hilary 鈥�26 and Brianna Nechifor 鈥�26 were drawn to the interdisciplinary program for its blend of sport management, digital media and gaming through classes offered by the聽 and the .

They entered with different esports backgrounds鈥擝lankenhorn as an avid gamer, caster and coach, and Hilary and Nechifor producing, directing and supporting the live streaming of varsity esports competitions鈥攁nd will leave as trailblazers, the first students with an esports degree.

鈥淚 came to 性视界 because I wanted to help this esports program grow, which I knew would advance my career at the same time,鈥� says Blankenhorn, who broadcasts 性视界鈥檚 varsity esports competitions. 鈥淭o be part of the inaugural class that sets the stage for future esports students really means a lot.鈥�

Leading up to Commencement, the trio reflects on making history and shares how the degree will help with their post-graduation career goals.

How special is it to be part of the inaugural esports graduating class?

Ryan Blankenhorn: 鈥淚 wanted to leave something behind not only as a legacy, but as something that future generations of students can build on what we started. This program required risk-taking, ambition and desire, and while there may only be three of us graduating now, there鈥檚 going to be a lot more students graduating in the next four years. I appreciate knowing there are people who are going to continue to grow that foundation.鈥�

Cole Hilary: 鈥淭his is a conversation starter and will give us a huge leg up. This degree gave all of us so many different skills, from communications to event management and event production, and those skills can easily transfer over to other industries. It鈥檚 a valuable degree that will open a lot of doors.鈥�

Brianna Nechifor: 鈥淚t’s amazing being part of this first class. That鈥檚 why I joined, to make a lasting impact. I wanted to take those first steps for students like me who want to make a career out of esports. I wanted to be part of making history. This has been a great experience. I鈥檒l be sad to go but I鈥檓 very happy we have left this imprint because esports is a major that offers students so many interesting opportunities.鈥�

How has the esports degree program left a lasting impression on you?

Hilary: 鈥淚 chose a business focus because I was receiving plenty of hands-on experience on the esports production side and I wanted to balance my skills. The business side has shown me how much I like marketing esports and working with companies to advance esports. Learning how to plan esports events helped me see the field in a different way.鈥�

Nechifor: 鈥淲hen the degree program became a reality, I wanted to gain tangible skills that can carry over to jobs in the fields of sports, esports, traditional entertainment and business management. It has been amazing, building up this program and being part of the first graduating class. I love the direction this program has taken.鈥�

Blankenhorn: 鈥淓sports is a relatively new industry. Whether you’re an event organizer, a coach, a student competitor or a caster, you鈥檙e constantly going to be changing as the industry evolves. I learned how to become a problem-solver while learning how to stay calm under pressure. This management major helped me understand that things are going to go wrong no matter how thorough your plan is. I鈥檝e learned how to become a leader, someone who knows how to adapt.鈥�

What are your post-graduation plans?

Nechifor: 鈥淚鈥檝e accepted a full-time role as a broadcast multi-skilled operator at Gravity Media on assignment with Riot Games. Gravity Media is a remote broadcast center for Riot Games. This is honestly my dream job! I鈥檒l be working in Washington state starting in June, and I cannot wait to make an impact there!鈥�

Blankenhorn: 鈥淚鈥檓 beginning a master’s in management and human resources program at the University of Tennessee while helping grow Tennessee鈥檚 esports program. They鈥檝e had an esports club program for more than a decade, and I want to help Tennessee become the first SEC Division I school to earn varsity esports status.鈥�

Hilary: 鈥淚 want to run my own production team or serve as a content director for a professional organization. I鈥檝e always enjoyed creating content, and with esports, I love being able to share that content and those stories live with the audience. Being able to tell a story live and use that content to entice and excite people to watch a competition motivates me.鈥�

The Class of 2026 is wrapping up final assignments, studying for exams and gearing up for their next adventure. But the days before Commencement are a chance to take in everything campus has to offer one last time, whether it’s a final cup of coffee at People’s Place in Hendricks Chapel, a farewell slice of pizza at Varsity or a laughter-filled stroll through the Quad with friends.

Eight seniors shared with 性视界 University Today the one thing they need to do before they go.

Daniel Baris, a sport analytics and statistics major in the and the (A&S): 鈥淲in a championship in intramural wiffleball. My team has come close in the past, and I feel like this could be our year.鈥�

Caiyan Bass, a communication sciences and disorders major in A&S and a Remembrance Scholar: 鈥淭ake a trip up the Mount to visit Flint Hall, my freshman year residence hall. Walking through campus and the Quad to get to the top of the Mount steps was something I did every day when I first got to 性视界. Going back would serve as a fun moment to not only remember that uphill trek, but also to reflect on everything the past four years have taught and given me.鈥�

Juinkye Chiang, an architecture major in the : 鈥淚 want to build a full-scale mockup of my architectural design, as this will be one of the only opportunities I will ever have to access the advanced fabrication facilities in Slocum Hall.鈥�

Tommy DaSilva, a public health, policy studies and citizenship and civic engagement major in the and a Remembrance Scholar: 鈥淗ave a movie night with friends. With college ending, I know that there is a very low possibility that I will live so close to all my friends again, so I want to make the most of our last few weeks together through our film nights.鈥�

Janese Fayson, a marketing聽and聽finance聽major in the聽 and executive vice president of the (SGA): 鈥淰isit every academic building on campus. Somehow, there are still a few I鈥檝e never stepped foot in, and it feels important to experience all the spaces that make up the University before I leave. It鈥檚 a way of fully taking in everything 性视界 has to offer while closing this chapter feeling complete.鈥�

Joy Mao, a television, radio and film major in the聽, policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a Remembrance Scholar: 鈥淚 took Fashion and Portraiture with Professor Gregory Heisler my sophomore year. It was an impactful class for my creative brain. One of the photographers we researched was Margaret Bourke-White, the first female photographer for Life magazine and the first female war correspondent. She gave her work to the University after she retired. I would like to visit the in Bird Library prior to graduation.鈥�

Emma Muchnick, a sport management major in the Falk College and a midfielder on the : 鈥淏efore I graduate, I want to win a national championship. To be able to bring back a national championship to 性视界 with this group would be so special and a perfect way to cap off my time as a student-athlete here. I’m so proud to represent this University and I want to do it on the biggest stage.鈥�

German Nolivos, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S, public relations major in the Newhouse School, SGA president and a Remembrance Scholar: 鈥淰isit the chimes in the bell tower in Crouse College. It鈥檚 such a meaningful and recognizable part of the University, representing the history and tradition that defines the 性视界 experience. Being able to stand there before graduating feels like a full-circle moment.鈥�

From partnering with students in the classroom to building cross-campus collaboration that led to real-time improvements, the University鈥檚 commitment to meaningful assessment took center stage at the seventh annual One University Assessment Celebration on April 10. The event, hosted by Academic Affairs and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE), included awards and poster presentations.

In her opening remarks, Julie Hasenwinkel, associate provost for academic programs, highlighted the importance of celebrating the many ways faculty, staff and students engaged in assessment across the University over the past year.

Awards were given in five categories.

• Institutional Effectiveness Champions: This award honors campus community members who champion meaningful assessment and who have made outstanding contributions to the University鈥檚 culture of improvement. The recipients were:
  • Academic programs: Xiyuan Liu, associate teaching professor, Dean鈥檚 Faculty Fellow for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Co-curricular programs: Emily Dittman, director, 性视界 University Art Museum
  • Course feedback: Magdel铆n Montenegro, part-time instructor, Spanish, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Shared competencies: ‘Cuse Works
  • Shared competencies student champion: Fetch Collective magazine
• Outstanding Assessment: This award recognizes a distinguished academic, co-curricular and functional area for overall robust assessment. The recipients were:
  • Academic: Library and information science master’s degree program, School of Information Studies
  • Co-curricular: Disability Cultural Center
  • Functional: Office of Pre-College Programs
• Best Engagement Strategies: This award recognizes the engagement of faculty, staff and students in the assessment process. The recipients were:
  • Faculty engagement: Ash Heim and Vera McIlvain, the biology department, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Staff engagement: Arts at SU
  • Student engagement: Linguistic studies master’s degree program, College of Arts and Sciences
• Best Use of Results: This award recognizes an academic, co-curricular and functional area for how assessment results are used in making decisions. The recipients were:
  • Academic: Bachelor’s of biomedical engineering degree program, College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Co-curricular: LGBTQ+ Resource Center
  • Functional: 性视界 University Libraries
• Collaborative Inquiry and Action: This award recognizes a partnership that extends beyond a single school, college, division or unit and uses strong assessment methods and data as a catalyst for improvement. The recipient was:
  • First Year Seminar

Following the awards, 2025 poster presenters were acknowledged for their efforts to collaborate, experiment, reflect and innovate in their areas over this academic year. Assessment Leadership Institute faculty participants included:

• Ben Akih Kumgeh, Xiyuan Liu, Karen Martinez Soto, Anupam Pandey and Mehmet Sarimurat, mechanical and aerospace engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Alex M茅ndez Giner, film and media arts, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Ash Heim and Vera McIlvain, biology, College of Arts and Sciences
• Jane Read, geography and the environment, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Nancy Rindfuss, nutrition and food studies, Falk College of Sport

Recipients of the 2025-26 鈥淪tudent Engagement in Assessment鈥� grant included:

• Civil and environmental engineering: Yilei Shi
• Civil and environmental engineering: Svetoslava Todorova
• Communication sciences and disorders: Charles Nudelman
• Environment, sustainability and policy: Jane Read
• Nutrition science: Claire Cooney, Nikki Beckwith
• Setnor School of Music: Klark Johnson
• School of Social Work: Nadaya Brantley
• The Writing Center: Collie Fulford

Closing the event, Laura Harrington, director of institutional effectiveness, reflected on the deeper meaning of the work: “At its root, the word 鈥榓ssess鈥� comes from Latin, meaning 鈥榯o sit beside.鈥� This is what it asks of us: to sit beside our work, take stock of what we see, and take action鈥� Assessment isn鈥檛 a requirement. It鈥檚 a practice,” Harrington said.

Explore photos, award highlights and full poster presentations on the .

Story by A鈥檡la James

Students everywhere commonly dream of gliding straight from a high-profile internship into a job with the same employer. That dream came true for three sport management majors from David B. Falk College of Sport who interned at The Montag Group in recent years.

Based in New York City, The Montag Group represents more than 200 of the nation鈥檚 top sports broadcasters, along with coaches, chefs, and entertainers (see accompanying story). Its Founder & President is Sandy Montag 鈥�85, a highly respected 40-year veteran of the sports industry.

Using Falk College Connections

To get her internship, Caroline Johnson 鈥�21 started by connecting with Kate Ruben 鈥�15, who was The Montag Group鈥檚 intern coordinator. Today, Ruben is director of brand marketing for Excel Sports Management. She鈥檚 also a member of the , a group of Falk College鈥檚 most committed young alumni who provide guidance to current students.

Johnson interviewed and got the internship. But disaster hit only a few months before her start date. In March 2020, much of the country began shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Montag Group decided to continue its internships, but to make them remote.

鈥淚 was completely remote,鈥� Johnson says, 鈥渂ut I still loved it. They did a great job of making me feel like I was still part of the team.鈥�

The diverse projects helped her see what areas of sport management interested her the most,聽 Johnson says.

She interned from June through December 2020, an unusually long time because The Montag Group let Johnson add her capstone project to the normal three-month internship. Then near the end came a surprise: Ruben told Johnson that Sandy Montag was looking for a new executive assistant and asked if she was interested in the job.

鈥淚 obviously said yes,鈥� Johnson says.

She says she believes Ruben helped pave the way for her hiring.

Johnson still had to finish her final semester at Falk College, so between classes she had Zoom calls with Montag鈥檚 current assistant to learn the job. She started working at The Montag Group immediately after graduating.

The Montag Group was acquired in 2022 by THE路TEAM, and today, Johnson is senior manager of operations for the company’s in-house speaker鈥檚 bureau. Once a client signs a contract for a speaking appearance, Johnson takes over to handle all the logistics.

鈥淣o two events are the same,鈥� Johnson says, 鈥渟o it鈥檚 a lot of variation day-to-day, which I like.鈥�

Falk College鈥檚 sport management program is 鈥渃ompletely the reason I am where I am today in my career,鈥� Johnson says.

鈥淭he attention you get as a student is just one of a kind, and the professors are so knowledgeable and they have real-world experience,” she says. “They really stressed the importance of putting yourself out there professionally, putting your best foot forward professionally, and making connections as early as possible with people in the industry.鈥�

Johnson made many of those connections through her work with the 性视界 University chapter of , where she served as vice president and then president, and with the . In her junior year, Johnson co-chaired the club鈥檚 annual . Her work in both groups gave Johnson many opportunities to connect with Falk College alumni.

Creating His Own Job

As his remote internship at The Montag Group started winding down, Luca Giacobbe 鈥�22 was on a companywide Zoom call when someone said the agency was going to hire a couple of entry-level people.

鈥淚鈥檓 the only one on the call that wasn鈥檛 working for the company full time,鈥� Giacobbe says, 鈥淪o my alarm bells start going off. How can I get considered for one of these jobs?鈥�

He told the agency鈥檚 internship coordinator that he was 鈥渟uper interested鈥� in staying, and she told him to hang tight because they were early in the process. He continued working hard, both on projects and on developing his colleagues鈥� trust. Those efforts included spending a week in Manhattan at The Montag Group鈥檚 office so he could meet his colleagues in person.

A day or two before his internship ended, a new meeting suddenly appeared on Giacobbe鈥檚 calendar. It was with Sandy Montag.

Montag told Giacobbe that he鈥檇 done a great job, and a lot of his colleagues had advocated for hiring him. Would he like to be Montag鈥檚 executive assistant? After thinking it over, he said yes.

From that start, Giacobbe has risen to become the agency鈥檚 communications manager 鈥� a new position he created with guidance and support from his colleagues.

鈥淭here鈥檚 opportunity for our agents and our clients to be out talking about the sports industry and to position ourselves as thought leaders,鈥� Giacobbe says.

Speaking engagements, panel discussions, podcasts, social media, article placements and other outlets all offer opportunities, he says.

At Falk College, Giacobbe remembers that professors and advisors, including advisors specifically dedicated to internships, emphasized networking and connecting students with alumni.

鈥淭he biggest thing that I learned from 性视界 was about relationships and building meaningful ones, not just having a call with someone and not talking to them again,鈥� Giacobbe says.

For more than a decade, The Montag Group, the New York City agency that represents many of the nation鈥檚 top sportscasters, has been a pipeline into sports broadcasting and management for interns from the and seniors pursuing their capstone projects.

Sandy Montag 鈥�85, the company鈥檚 founder and president and a legend in the sports industry, admits he bleeds Orange. But Montag says he鈥檚 partial to 性视界 University students because they鈥檙e better prepared than students from other universities.

鈥淚 think with 性视界 interns you know what you鈥檙e getting,鈥� Montag says. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e hardworking and they really have their finger on the pulse of the industry. They鈥檝e studied it, they鈥檝e asked the right questions, they鈥檙e industrious, they take charge and they don鈥檛 always need a lot of direction.鈥�

That strong background is essential because interns at The Montag Group may undertake a variety of projects involving research, marketing, development and team building.

鈥淚 have found that 性视界 students are the best positioned to really jump into a company and do some real work while they鈥檙e here,鈥� Montag says.

Some Falk College interns slide straight into full-time jobs at The Montag Group when their internships end.

Most of The Montag Group鈥檚 200-plus clients are sportscasters, including industry leaders such as Bob Costas 鈥�74, Mike Tirico 鈥�88, Scott Van Pelt, Beth Mowins G鈥�90, Jim Nantz, James Brown, Tracy Wolfson, Rebecca Lobo and Julie Foudy. It also represents entertainers, chefs, coaches and athletes in their off-the-field projects.

Communication is key to the agency鈥檚 business, and Montag says 性视界 students have better communications skills than most others.

鈥淪ome students that come in want to tell you everything that they know,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 was taught that you learn more by listening than by talking. 性视界 students ask really good questions, not just how I got started but questions specific to our industry about representation and what we look for in a good broadcaster. I like inquisitive people who ask good questions and who you can tell have a real interest in what you鈥檙e doing.鈥�

A large majority of The Montag Group interns are from 性视界, Montag says. Most are from Falk College, although some come from the . The agency typically has one or two interns each semester and two or three in the summer, along with capstone students.

Learning the Business With John Madden

Montag was a sports nut from a young age. He remembers at age 8 waiting after the end of basketball games at Madison Square Garden so he could snag the notes and stat sheets of his idol, Marv Albert 鈥�63, commonly known as 鈥渢he voice of basketball鈥� for his broadcasts of NBA games. Ironically, years later Montag became Albert鈥檚 agent.

He was on the varsity basketball and soccer teams in high school but didn鈥檛 play much. While on the bench, he kept stats. He also started writing game stories for his local newspaper.

The powerful relationship between Montag and 性视界 University almost didn’t happen. Dreaming of a career in sports broadcasting, he applied for admission into Newhouse. The alternative that was presented to him by 性视界 was a degree in speech communications in the , which he accepted, knowing he could still take a few classes at Newhouse outside of his major.

“I quickly pivoted into production and stats work,” he says.

Montag honed his resourcefulness during his years at 性视界. He got a job writing for the , the independent student newspaper. When a guy in his dorm who was the lead football manager said the team needed another manager, Montag jumped at the opportunity.

As he worked in the athletic office one day, someone said ESPN was on campus and needed a person to do stats for that night鈥檚 basketball game.

鈥淚鈥檓 like, I鈥檒l do that in a second,鈥� Montag remembers.

He sat in the front row at the game next to broadcaster Dick Vitale, to whom he fed point and rebound stats. ESPN paid him $50. Forty years later, Vitale has been a longtime client and friend of Montag.

The ESPN producer said he鈥檇 pay Montag $100 the next week for two days鈥� work if he could get to Pittsburgh. Recalling that an upstart airline, People Express, had an ad in the Daily Orange offering an hourly wage and free travel to employees, Montag hustled to the 性视界 airport. He got a job doing reservations one day a week and made it to Pittsburgh.

It was the first of 100 such assignments that eventually found him working stats after graduation for John Madden, who had shifted from an accomplished NFL head coach to sportscaster. That led to him becoming Madden鈥檚 assistant, traveling with him from game to game by train (Madden鈥檚 preferred mode of travel). Without the distraction of cell phones and other electronic devices, they talked, played cards and drank beer.

鈥淲e hit it off and developed a relationship,鈥� Montag says.

Seven faculty members will leverage 性视界 University鈥檚 for research and program development this summer, supported by funding from the .

The initiative, launched this year, provides full-time faculty members with $10,000 for high-impact summer projects based in Los Angeles, New York City or Washington, D.C.

鈥淭hese faculty members will chart new territory, using study away sites to push disciplinary and interdisciplinary research forward, forge partnerships across sectors and reimagine how students learn,鈥� says , associate provost for strategic initiatives. 鈥淲e are excited to see the new initiatives that grow out of these summer projects.鈥�

Los Angeles

, assistant professor of fashion design in the College of Visual and Performing Arts鈥� School of Design, will conduct a one-week research 鈥渟print鈥� investigating adaptive apparel needs for disabled performing artists, a population that is largely overlooked in existing research. Through interviews with disabled performers, Jiang will examine pain points around range of motion, quick changes, heat management, assistive device interfaces and aesthetic expression. The project will conclude with an Inclusive Performancewear Listening Session and the development of an Inclusive Adaptive Performancewear Design Requirements Toolkit.

Following the summer project, Jiang will bring VPA faculty and students into the research as stakeholders and collaborators and focus on developing prototype garment directions informed by the toolkit. She plans to return to LA next summer to engage in wear trials, follow-up interviews with original participants and the creation of a refined toolkit.

, associate professor of sport management, and , senior associate dean and professor of sport management in the David B. Falk College of Sport, plan to develop two new interdisciplinary courses and advance a growing research agenda. The first course, Sport Business, Hip Hop and Fashion, will examine the commercial and cultural intersections of sport, hip hop and the global fashion economy, using LA鈥檚 streetwear ecosystem and athlete-driven enterprises as living case studies. The second, Venue Hospitality: Sport Facilities as Engines of Experience, will use LA鈥檚 facility landscape鈥攊ncluding the Intuit Dome, SoFi Stadium and Crypto.com Arena鈥攖o explore the idea of modern sport venues as hospitality enterprises. The pair will meet with venue directors and industry professionals to generate curriculum content, confirm guest lecturers and support Falk College鈥檚 newly funded research partnership with a leading stadium technology company.

The courses, which Pauline and Tainsky plan to launch next spring, will be designed for sustained industry engagement through recurring guest speaker infrastructure and applied student projects, while the relationships developed in LA will be expanded into internship and capstone opportunities for sport management undergraduates.

New York City

, assistant professor of sport analytics in Falk College, will begin building the groundwork for a repeatable women鈥檚 sports analytics study away program that will be centered on the city鈥檚 concentrated women鈥檚 professional sports ecosystem and emphasize city-specific partnerships, hands-on student experiences and exclusive data access. She will conduct exploratory meetings with leadership at organizations including WNBA headquarters, NWSL headquarters, Gotham FC, the New York Liberty and the New York Sirens, as well as with sports analytics firms and women鈥檚 sports media companies.

Rubenstein plans to establish relationships with multiple organizational partners, secure letters of intent or MOUs, complete a feasibility report and develop a draft curriculum and syllabus informed directly by industry input. She envisions the program generating a network of industry partners committed to ongoing data sharing for research, internships and classroom collaboration, with findings integrated into coursework. The program also has potential as a student recruitment tool, and as a pathway for faculty research through sustained engagement with the New York study away site.

, associate professor of public administration and international affairs in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, will build a sustained, credit-bearing study away program centered on peacekeeping and global governance. He will conduct archival research at the United Nations Dag Hammarskj枚ld Library and think tank collections to support ongoing work on multilateral diplomacy and peace operations. He will also cultivate relationships with alumni, practitioners and New York-based NGOs working on human rights, peace building and sustainable development; these organizations will serve as sources of guest speakers, internship opportunities and potential research collaborators for Maxwell students.

The project is designed as a catalyst for a repeatable, on-site intensive course offered at the 400/600 level and open to undergraduate students in international relations, political science and policy studies as well as master鈥檚 candidates in international relations. That would bring Maxwell students into direct engagement with the UN, international NGOs, think tanks and global financial institutions, while partnerships with New York organizations would potentially generate collaborative projects that connect scholarly analysis to real-world advocacy and program design.

, assistant professor in the School of Education and VPA鈥檚 Setnor School of Music, will deepen partnerships with K-12 schools that are leading the way in modern band and popular music pedagogy. DeAngelis will meet with music educators and administrators at current and prospective partner schools, with a particular focus on programs that blend modern band and contemporary music approaches with traditional models. These efforts will broaden field placement opportunities for University music education students pursuing New York State K-12 certification.

Two high-visibility events will result from the project: a Fall 2026 professional development day at the Fisher Center featuring workshops and a panel discussion on contemporary music pedagogy with New York City-based educators and leaders in this field; and a Spring 2027 NYC music workshop that will bring partner school students to the Fisher Center for collaborative jam sessions, ensemble coaching and songwriting. These initiatives aim to create a sustained 鈥渇eedback loop鈥� between the University鈥檚 music education program and New York City schools and students, strengthening and expanding New York-based field placements, elevating 性视界鈥檚 profile as a leader in contemporary music education, attracting prospective students and ultimately extending the School of Education鈥檚聽聽student teaching program to include music education.

Washington, D.C.

, teaching professor and executive director of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic in the College of Law, will utilize the University鈥檚 Washington, D.C. site as a sustained hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, alumni engagement and experiential learning in military and veterans law, administrative practice and public policy. She plans to formalize relationships with federal agencies and adjudicative bodies central to military and veterans law and host a reception for stakeholders in these areas. The event will serve to convene agency leaders, alumni and faculty, and engage University government relations and alumni affairs colleagues to build a coordinated institutional strategy and durable programming infrastructure.

The project will include early-stage development of an interdisciplinary speaker series in collaboration with that explores issues at the intersection of military and veterans policy, federal administration and institutional reform. Looking ahead, Kubala aims to establish a three-credit intersession residency course in Washington, serving both residential J.D. and hybrid-online JDi students, with a companion speaker series and alumni event to deepen professional networks. This will position the D.C. campus as a recurring convening hub that integrates academic programming, alumni relations, collaborative research and sustained federal partnerships across the College of Law and the broader University.

In its inaugural year, the Study Away Summer Awards drew 20 applications from faculty across eight schools and colleges. A review committee evaluated proposals based on five key areas: site engagement, research and creative merit, sustained impact, strategic alignment with the priorities outlined in the University鈥檚 academic strategic plan, 鈥�,鈥� and strength of partnerships.

Recipients will participate in a Universitywide showcase during the 2026-27 academic year, helping establish best practices and inspire broader faculty engagement with the University鈥檚 study away sites.

For more information about the awards, contact Dekaney at 315.443.0768聽or聽emdekane@syr.edu.

Nearly four decades after the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 claimed 35 性视界 University students, a new cohort of scholars is keeping their memory alive.

The Remembrance Scholarships, now in their 37th year, were founded as a tribute to鈥攁nd means of remembering鈥攖he students studying in London and Florence through 性视界 University who were killed in the Dec. 21, 1988, bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Those students were among the 270 people who perished in the bombing. The scholarships are funded through an endowment supported by gifts from alumni, friends, parents and corporations.

Significant support for the Remembrance Scholarships has been provided by Jean Thompson 鈥�66 and 性视界 University Life Trustee Richard L. Thompson G鈥�67 in memory of Jean Taylor Phelan Terry 鈥�43 and John F. Phelan, Jean Thompson鈥檚 parents; by Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus Steven Barnes 鈥�82 and Deborah Barnes; by The 性视界 Association of Zeta Psi in memory of Alexander Lowenstein; and by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation.

Selection Process

Remembrance Scholars are chosen in their junior year through a competitive selection process. Applicants submitted an essay and a reflective response in multimedia, artistic, musical or written format as part of a comprehensive application. The application evaluation committee is composed of University faculty and staff and current Remembrance Scholars. The $5,000 scholarships are awarded on the basis of community impact, leadership, creativity and thoughtful academic inquiry.

鈥淭he Remembrance Scholars bring something exceptional to our University: a commitment to learning, to leading and to giving back. Through their accomplishments, they carry forward the legacy of the students for whom these scholarships were created. Recognizing them is both a privilege and a point of deep pride for 性视界 University,鈥� says Lois Agnew, vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer.

The Remembrance Scholars plan the Remembrance activities held at the University each year, and the cohort will be recognized during a convocation in the fall.

2026-27 Remembrance Scholars

The 2026-27 Remembrance Scholars, their hometowns, majors and schools and colleges are the following:

• Victoria Alwar of Homa Bay, Kenya, a biology major and neuroscience major in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Madiou Bah of Bronx, New York, a broadcast and digital journalism major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and an economics major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and A&S;
• Sigourney Bell of Birmingham, Alabama, a broadcast and digital journalism major in the Newhouse School and member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Nasya Simone Bellard of Concord, North Carolina, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S;
• Tyler Branigan of Delhi, New York, a policy studies major and economics major in the Maxwell School and A&S, an environment, sustainability and policy major in the Maxwell School and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Teaghan Brostrom of Sacramento, Califorrnia, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S, a broadcast and digital journalism major in the Newhouse School and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Keona Bukhari-Adams of Springfield, New Jersey, a neuroscience major and psychology major in A&S;
• Mason Burley of Webster, New York, an inclusive adolescent education major in the School of Education and history major in the Maxwell School and A&S;
• Samuel Esteban Cornell of Houston, Texas, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S and finance major in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management;
• Eliora Enriquez of Doon, Iowa, a film major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA);
• Quinn Gonzalez of Wantage, New Jersey, a nutrition major in the David B. Falk College of Sport and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Jiya Gumaste of Ashburn, Virginia, a chemistry major and neuroscience major in A&S;
• Shivika Gupta of Rochester, New York, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S and law, society and policy major in the Maxwell School;
• Abigail (Abi) Handel of Newton, Massachusetts, a biology major in A&S and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Alexis Heveron of Rochester, New York, a chemical engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS);
• Emily Hunnewell of Chicago, Illinois, a policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a business management major in the Whitman School;
• Daniella Jacob of Millburn, New Jersey, a health and exercise science major in the Falk College and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Sydney Kincaid of Seattle, Washington, a music education major in VPA and the School of Education;
• Kennedy King of Pasadena, California, an anthropology major and political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S, an art history major in A&S and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Chloe Anjolie Kiser of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, an advertising major in the Newhouse School and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Carmen Lee-Bennett of Buffalo, New York, a biology major in A&S and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Aaron Lener of Homer, New York, a linguistic studies major in A&S, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Haonan (Eric) Ma of Beijing, China, a student in the School of Architecture;
• Carter J. Moreland of Dallas, Texas, a political science major and an economics major in the Maxwell School and A&S;
• Darren Murphy of San Ramon, California, an applied mathematics major in A&S, an economics major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Sophia Hoyos Murray of Northborough, Massachusetts, a psychology major and biology major in A&S;
• Matilda Nichols of Fairfield, Connecticut, a chemistry major and forensic science major in A&S;
• Will Parsons of Albany, New York, a chemical engineering major in ECS;
• Alana Ramirez-Velez of Manati, Puerto Rico, a biology major and neuroscience major in A&S and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Ella Roerden of 性视界, New York, an anthropology major and international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S;
• Sreshtha Thangaswamy of Edison, New Jersey, a political science major and economics major in the Maxwell School and A&S;
• Halle Varney of Potsdam, New York, a psychology major in A&S;
• Cara Williams of Greenwood, Indiana, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S, a political philosophy major in A&S and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Katie Wood of Clifton, Virginia, a musical theater major in VPA and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program; and
• Chelsea Zhang of Suzhou, China, and Hayward, California, a student in the School of Architecture.

In Jamaica, where track and field stars like Usain Bolt (eight-time gold medalist) and Elaine Thompson-Herah (five-time gold medalist) captured national glory at the Summer Olympics, children grow up wanting to emulate their heroes.

But for every Bolt or Thompson-Herah, thousands of aspiring track and field athletes will never qualify for the Olympics. For them, they compete because they love their sport, not because they envision winning a gold medal.

Recognizing the important role support systems play in the development of teenagers into adults, a team of three students in the built a holistic vision for supporting elite youth athletes in Jamaica during the Grand Final of the fifth annual in Lausanne, Switzerland.

鈥淥ur focus was on preparing these students for a future outside of athletics. We wanted to give them the support they needed to succeed where they were at, but also to experience success once they鈥檙e done competing,鈥� says Cooper Feldstein 鈥�28, a sport management major.

The Falk students were invited to compete in the undergraduate event at the Grand Final after claiming first place in the semifinals back in December. , assistant teaching professor of sport management, served as the group’s advisor throughout the process.

Helping Athletes Feel Heard and Supported

At the Olympic Museum, Feldstein, Noah Bair 鈥�28 and Angel Rooks Orton 鈥�28 applied the lessons learned through their Falk College classes and presented their solution to a contemporary challenge in sports management.

The group selected Jamaica because of the country鈥檚 recognizable brand and success on the global stage, but also because of the national pride its citizens derive from the sport, and because of how many children take up sprinting.

To learn more about Jamaica’s youth track and field landscape, focusing on athletes ages 15 to 18, the students interviewed former Jamaican sprinter Kemardo Tyrell, now an assistant professor of research at Temple University鈥檚 School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management. Tyrell spoke to the unique pressures facing Jamaica’s youth athletes.

The group focused on increasing athlete retention (especially among girls), improving academic success and programming, enhancing sport participation and addressing growing mental health challenges.

Knowing most won鈥檛 make a successful career in athletics, the Falk team 鈥渨anted to help ensure that these elite athletes feel heard and are protected while they are committed to their sport,鈥� Bair says.

鈥淲e wanted to look at what the path of a youth athlete looks like, not only in terms of athletic success and accomplishments, but in their academics and their life outside of track,鈥� says Bair, a sport analytics major. 鈥淲hat we found was there are wide gaps in how well students can build a sustainable and enjoyable career in athletics.鈥�

Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-Being

Their research into the trends among Jamaica鈥檚 youth track and field competitors showed that if an athlete didn鈥檛 develop a positive mindset from an early age, they wouldn鈥檛 be able to handle the pressure of competing at the highest level.

鈥淲e needed to understand how we could provide them with the stability that they would need to perform to the level that they can actually get to, with how much pressure these kids are facing every day,鈥� Feldstein says.

As one of their cornerstones, the team proposed developing an app as an all-encompassing support system, serving as a communication tool between coaches and their athletes.

Wanting athletes to stay present and in the moment while balancing academics with athletics, the trio came up with weekly mental wellness check-ins where the youths could discuss what鈥檚 on their mind.

鈥淭hese elite athletes are facing a ton of pressure to succeed,鈥� says Rooks Orton, a sport management major. 鈥淭here are needs we鈥檙e trying to meet in Jamaica, and the app can help athletes stay in their program longer, enjoy their sport more and build habits to be successful in sports and in life.鈥�

Leveling the Playing Field

According to research conducted by the group, once a female athlete turns 13, the chances of her quitting her sport are two times greater than those of her male counterparts.

鈥淭hese females often get discouraged from competing because there isn鈥檛 a great support system in place, and because, for many girls, they don鈥檛 have examples of successful female athletes to look up to,鈥� Rooks Orton says. 鈥淲ith the app, girls can ask questions, learn from successful women athletes and get the support they need to stay in sports at a high level.鈥�

While the Orange trio didn鈥檛 win the Grand Final, the lessons learned from this global experience will stay with them as they prepare for a career in sports.

鈥淭his has been a formative experience,鈥� Feldstein says. 鈥淭he opportunity to work on this high-level professional project will prepare us for the future.鈥�

鈥淚t was an honor representing Falk College and 性视界 on the world stage,鈥� Bair says. 鈥淲e put our best foot forward thanks to the incredible work we鈥檙e doing at Falk.鈥�

Rooks Orton agrees. 鈥淚t鈥檚 cool to be in a position where we鈥檙e constantly learning about the industry,鈥� she says.

This experience was made possible by the generosity of Jeff and Andrea Lomasky, whose son, Marc Lomasky ’12, is an alumnus of the sport management program.

The (CHB) in the (A&S) has awarded its first round of competitive grants for interdisciplinary and cross-institutional health and behavioral science research projects.

A total of $33,000 in seed funding has been awarded to six separate projects through the and the . The grants are intended to catalyze cross-university collaboration and position investigators for larger external grant submissions.

鈥淭he selected proposals span researchers from six 性视界 University colleges and institutes and eight departments, schools and centers, truly reflecting broad institutional engagement and collaboration,鈥� says , director of the CHB and professor in the Department of Psychology in A&S. 鈥淭he grants also illustrate CHB鈥檚 strategic role in seeding interdisciplinary research, strengthening university-Veterans Affairs partnerships, accelerating development of competitive external grant submissions and advancing impactful work across health and behavioral science domains.鈥�

Projects include research on intimate partner violence among veterans, alcohol reduction messaging in Veterans Affairs primary care, heart rate training for entrepreneurs, healthy eating tools for young children, AI support readiness for family caregivers and virtual reality-based voice therapy for pre-service (student) teachers.

Several external partners are also included. Those projects involve researchers at , , and , as well as and industry partner .

Pilot funds were provided to CHB by the College of Arts and Sciences with direct support from Dean , Ditre says. The funds can be used for participant compensation, core facility access, data acquisition, study materials, software and other costs of launching new collaborative research. Projects begin this month and cover a 12-month period.

Researchers receiving grants and their projects are:

Understanding and Addressing Intimate Partner Violence Among Veterans: A Mixed Methods Study of Risk Factors, Experiences and Treatment Preferences

• , assistant professor of psychology, A&S
• , clinical psychology postdoctoral fellow, VA Center for Integrated Healthcare,

Nudge Messaging to Promote Alcohol-Related Behavior Change Among Veterans in Primary Care

• , research assistant professor, CHB/IVMF and clinical research program director, VA Center for Integrated Healthcare
• , research professor and professor emeritus of psychology, A&S

Family Caregiver Well-Being and Readiness for AI-Based Support

• , associate professor of senior research associate, ,
• assistant professor of faculty associate, , Maxwell School

Virtual Reality-Based Voice Therapy for Pre-Service Teachers: Initial Design of a VR Voice Intervention

• , assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, A&S
• , associate professor of industrial and interaction design, ,

A Sweet Texts Add-On to Identify Tailoring Variables and Decision Points for Reducing Energy-Dense Food Intake in Preschool Children

• , assistant professor of nutrition and food studies,
• , assistant professor of psychology, A&S

Physiological Self-Regulation as a Foundation of Entrepreneurial Functioning

• , assistant professor of entrepreneurship,
• , associate professor of entrepreneurship and academic director of the , Whitman School

A time-honored celebration of academic achievement, leadership and military history was on full display at the JMA Wireless Dome during the 109th Chancellor’s Review and Awards Ceremony on March 27.

The annual tradition brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni and University stakeholders to recognize the accomplishments and success of cadets from the University’s Army and Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs.

The event is one of 性视界 University’s oldest traditions, originating in 1917 under the direction of then-Chancellor James R. Day. Among the cadets reviewed in that inaugural ceremony was future Chancellor William Pearson Tolley, who would later play a critical role in expanding access to higher education for veterans through his contributions to the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as the G.I. Bill.

This year’s ceremony featured a formal inspection of the troops by Chancellor Kent Syverud, 聽and the presentation of awards recognizing academic, leadership and civic excellence. Both University leadership and representatives from local veteran service organizations were on hand to present awards to the deserving cadets.

鈥淥ver the course of time our success is attributed to our military-connected students, and how they achieve their post-graduation goals,鈥� says retired U.S. Army Colonel Ron Novack, executive director of the (OVMA). 鈥淭hose ROTC cadets who are graduating in five weeks are going to take a very big step in their personal and professional lives. They鈥檙e going to go out and lead, they鈥檙e going to take the values that they learn from their families, their parents, the values they learn here at 性视界 University, and the values of the Army and the Air Force, and they鈥檙e going to go out and lead with distinction.聽 We couldn鈥檛 be prouder of them as they go out and embark on their careers.鈥�

Top Cadets Recognized for Leadership and Academic Excellence

Among the highest honors presented were the General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award and the Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award, given to top-performing cadets in the Army and Air Force ROTC respectively.

This year, the General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award was presented to Sophia Terlecky 鈥�26, a U.S. Army ROTC cadet, for demonstrating exceptional officer potential and leadership. Terlecky, a Buffalo, New York,聽 native, is enrolled聽 in the . She also serves as the cadet battalion commander for the Stalwart Battalion, and will receive a commission in the U.S. Army alongside 24 other 性视界 University Army ROTC cadets in May.

For the Air Force, The Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award was presented to Matthew Gratch, a cross-town ROTC cadet from Le Moyne College, for exemplary performance and inspirational leadership. Gratch, who is studying political science at Le Moyne, also serves as the mission support flight commander for Detachment 535 and will commission into the Air Force as an acquisitions manager.

鈥淏eing my fourth and final one, it hits a little different than it did in other years,鈥� says U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet James Hrdy 鈥�26, a senior in the . 鈥淭his program really challenges you, it鈥檚 taught me to appreciate certain things and I鈥檓 looking forward to working in the U.S. Air Force.鈥�

The ceremony closed with a formal pass in review, a military tradition symbolizing honor and respect, as the cadets marched in formation across the field in front of their families and University leaders to showcase the military precision of basic unit drill and individual standards of each cadet.

To view a photo gallery of this year’s event, visit the .

The 性视界 University has launched the nation鈥檚 first joint J.D. and M.S. in sport analytics program in conjunction with the . The joint program, to be offered starting the Fall 2026 semester, allows College of Law students to earn their J.D. and M.S. concurrently, typically graduating in three years and at no cost beyond that of the J.D.

College of Law on-campus students entering their second year can apply for the J.D./M.S., the College of Law鈥檚 13th joint program.

The master鈥檚 degree requires 36 credits. A total of 15 credits from the sport analytics program can be counted toward the J.D. Further, six designated law credits will count toward both the J.D. and the M.S. electives. Law students enrolled in the joint JD/M.S. must take 72 unique law credits and 30 unique M.S. credits. Therefore, obtaining the joint J.D./M.S. requires completing 102 total credit hours.

鈥淭his is a program that only 性视界 can offer,” says College of Law Dean Terence J. Lau L鈥�98. “Our College of Law and the Falk College of Sport are literally next door to each other, and that proximity translates into a truly integrated curriculum. No other law school in the country can pair a J.D. with a world-class sport analytics program under one roof.”

The joint J.D./M.S. is designed for law students interested in working in the front office of sports teams, the legal departments of sports leagues, sport agents, sport gambling companies and others involved in sport.

鈥淏eing able to combine a law degree with a master鈥檚 degree in sport analytics provides our law students with an advanced credential that will set them apart when entering the workforce,鈥� says College of Law Professor Todd Berger.

The M.S. follows Falk College鈥檚 established graduate sport analytics curriculum that emphasizes applied statistics, econometrics, databases and machine learning, R/Python programming, sport gambling analytics and visualization, among other disciplines.

鈥淭here is increasing demand for professionals who can navigate the complex intersection of law, analytics and sport business. The combined J.D./M.S. degree prepares graduates to meet this demand by equipping them with both legal acumen and advanced quantitative skills these roles increasingly require,鈥� says Rodney J. Paul, Ph.D., professor and chair in the Department of Sport Analytics at Falk College.

鈥淎nalytics has been largely popularized in the sport industry, but it has the ability to impact many other industries. Based on my personal background as a sport lawyer, bringing analytics into the study of law is a natural extension for Falk College of Sport. But it is also an incredibly valuable tool for practicing attorneys and even judges to better understand trends and precedents in the law and to predict probable outcomes of cases,鈥� says David B. Falk 鈥�72, 性视界 University Life Trustee and founder and CEO, Falk Associates Management Enterprises.

Graduates will be uniquely positioned for roles in compliance, regulation, governance, player representation, sport betting and gaming law, collective bargaining and analytical decision-making across professional teams, leagues, sportsbooks and regulatory agencies.

性视界 University is home to more than a dozen registered dietitians spread across the , , , and the . Recently, they started meeting as a cross-campus coalition.

The group came together through Molly Morgan, associate director of in Human Resources, who joined the University last year and quickly realized that dietitian colleagues were embedded across a range of schools, colleges and units.

She floated the idea of regular meetups, and the response was unanimous. The coalition鈥檚 goal: foster collaboration, align on best practices and amplify the collective impact of their work across the campus community.

As we celebrate in March, six dietitians with wide-ranging expertise share the myths they spend the most time correcting鈥攁nd the tips they wish more people would actually try.

Myths Worth Busting

鈥楴补迟耻谤补濒鈥�=贬别补濒迟丑测

The word 鈥渘atural鈥� on a label feels reassuring, but it鈥檚 an overgeneralization. Plenty of natural substances鈥攍ead and arsenic among them鈥攁re anything but good for you (remember the apple juice scare of 2024?). Meanwhile, some artificial additives serve real purposes: extending shelf life, improving texture or boosting a food鈥檚 nutritional profile. The takeaway? Read the full label, not just the buzzword. 鈥� Nikki Beckwith, M.A., RD, CDN, director of the master of arts in nutrition science program, Falk College

Carbs Are the Enemy

A lot of people think that carbohydrates make you gain weight, but in reality they are the body鈥檚 main energy source. Whole carbs like fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains deliver fiber, vitamins and sustained energy. The real issue isn鈥檛 carbs themselves; it鈥檚 the type and quantity people reach for. 鈥� Ashley Russo-Leone, M.A., RD, CDN, CNSC, assistant director of nutrition management, Campus Dining

Your Body Needs an Annual Detox or Cleanse

A common myth is that you need to detox or do a 鈥渃leanse鈥� at least once per year. The human body has its own detoxification crew working around the clock: the liver, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system, colon and skin. Most healthy bodies do not need help eliminating toxins and harmful substances. They need consistent, balanced nutrition. 鈥� Ashley Russo-Leone, M.A., RD, CDN, CNSC, assistant director of nutrition management, Campus Dining

A 鈥楴utritionist鈥� and a 鈥楻egistered Dietitian鈥� Are the Same Thing

In most states, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist鈥攏o degree, no exam, no oversight required. Becoming a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), on the other hand, requires rigorous education, supervised practice hours, a credentialing exam and ongoing continuing education. If you鈥檙e managing a health condition, navigating food allergies or fine-tuning athletic performance, that distinction matters. 鈥� Molly Morgan, RDN, CDN, CSSD, associate director of health and wellness for faculty and staff

Tips Worth Trying

Think 80/20, Not All-or-Nothing

Dietitians are not the food police. A more sustainable framework: about 80% of the foods you choose should align with your health goals and nutritional needs, leaving 20% for flexibility. Perfection isn鈥檛 the point, consistency is. 鈥� Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, CSCS, FAND, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, Falk College

Push Back on the Protein Hype

From protein coffee foams to meat add-ons at every counter, today鈥檚 marketing makes it seem like more protein is always better. It鈥檚 important, sure, but excess calories from protein can lead to weight gain just like excess calories from anything else. Most people can meet their daily needs without the extras, and over-focusing on protein can crowd out variety and other essential nutrients. Unsure how much you actually need? A registered dietitian can help. 鈥� Nikki Beckwith,聽M.A., RD, CDN, director of the master of arts in nutrition science program, Falk College

Breakfast Breaks the Fast鈥擫iterally

After a full night of sleep, your body鈥檚 energy tank is running on empty. Skipping breakfast extends that deficit and can leave you dragging well into the afternoon. It doesn鈥檛 have to be elaborate. Even a small meal with protein and complex carbs can make a noticeable difference. 鈥� Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, CSCS, FAND, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, Falk College

Feeding Kids? Stock Smart and Let Them Play

When it comes to young eaters, two strategies go a long way. First, focus less on curating a perfect diet and more on what鈥檚 visible and convenient in the house. Kids tend to grab what they see, so keeping fruit, yogurt, nuts and whole-grain snacks at eye level鈥攚hile limiting ultra-processed options鈥攓uietly shapes better habits without mealtime battles.

Second, let little ones explore. Touching, smelling, squishing, and yes, making a mess with food are legitimate steps toward acceptance. Food play is food learning, and pressuring a child to 鈥渏ust take a bite鈥� often backfires.聽鈥� Maryam Yuhas, Ph.D., RD, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, and Lynn S. Brann, Ph.D., RDN, FAND, associate professor of food and nutrition studies, Falk College

Hungry at Night? Eat. (Just Eat Smart.)

Hunger is hunger, regardless of what time the clock reads. If you鈥檙e genuinely hungry at night, eat something, ideally a reasonable portion with both carbohydrates and protein. Protein promotes fullness and helps slow the rate at which carbs hit your bloodstream, which beats the alternative of raiding the chips bag on autopilot. 鈥� Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, CSCS, FAND, assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, Falk College