'Cuse Conversations

Instead of feeling pride over being the first member of his family to earn a college degree, Ruchatneet Printup '23 felt trapped in a dead-end job that lacked purpose, meaning and fulfillment after earning a biomedical computing degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1988. More than three decades later, after embarking on an unconventional path that took him from an office job in Philadelphia to serving his community as a non-profit advocate on the Tuscarora Reservation, Printup was driving a truck delivering the Buffalo News when he had a life-changing epiphany. As he meditated, he realized he needed to pursue his passions and return to school to earn a film degree. This week, Printup will graduate from Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) with a film degree. One of 12 University Scholars, the highest undergraduate honor the University bestows, Printup has made the most of his second undergraduate experience. A Haudenosaunee Promise Scholar, Printup plans on using his degree to ensure more Native Americans' voices and stories are represented in film. Printup shares how he will make a difference as a film director, how the University's well-rounded course load made him a better storyteller, and why as soon as he walked into his first class at Syracuse he knew he was where he was meant to be. Printup, who says he had to venture outside of his comfort zone and become fearless while making the difficult adjustment of going back to college later in life, shares how he inspired his daughter, Gehnew, to follow his lead and pursue her dreams as a fashion design student in VPA.

The United Kingdom is about to hold the country’s first elections where voters are required to show ID when they vote. The reason behind the policy change is a growing mistrust in the election process, and the new laws closely follow those in the U.S. Gretchen Coleman '22, who is currently pursuing a master's degree in political science, democracy and elections at the University of Manchester, has researched voter ID laws in the U.S. Now, she’s shifting her focus to U.K. elections, thanks to a Fulbright postgraduate award. Coleman will analyze materials sent to voters informing them of the policy change to examine how well-informed voters were about the policy shift. Coleman’s findings will be used for a report on how the U.K. can improve its elections. Coleman stops by to discuss her research and how she became interested in politics and elections, compares voter ID laws in the U.S. with the U.K., addresses the growing concern in the U.S. over voters not trusting election results, and shares how she wants to use this research to make election laws less discriminatory and more representative.

April is a time for the Syracuse University community to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Community Coming Together: Strength in Unity," representing the University's diverse AAPI community uniting across our differences to demonstrate they are a strong voice that can face challenges together. It's an important and timely theme, especially following the challenges of the last three years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a troubling rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and bias incidents. On this student-centric 'Cuse Conversation, we hear from AAPI Planning Committee members MaryKate Keevins '24, who is studying television, radio and film in the Newhouse School and political science in the Maxwell School, and Lia Margolis ’23, a student in the School of Architecture. They discuss planning this year’s celebrations, why they wanted to get involved, what their cultural heritage means to them and how their time at Syracuse University helped them discover more about their identities.

Bob Costas '74 grew up idolizing New York Yankees' Hall of Fame outfielder Mickey Mantle, and he loved listening to baseball on the radio. When he arrived at Syracuse University in the fall of 1970, Costas just wanted to one day land a radio play-by-play job in baseball. Little did Costas know he would one day wind up in Cooperstown as a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer alongside Mantle and his childhood heroes. Costas' broadcasting career has included winning 28 Emmy Awards, calling 12 Olympics, and covering multiple World Series, Super Bowls and NBA Finals. On this 'Cuse Conversation, Costas discusses his love for baseball and the new rules changes meant to speed up the pace of play, reveals which broadcasters inspired him, remembers thinking his career was doomed to fail after hearing his first sportscast, shares how WAER and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications helped him develop his voice and his style, and relives his most memorable sportscasting moments.

Brianna Sclafani L’23, G’23 is a 3L law student in Syracuse University’s College of Law, graduate student in the Maxwell School’s master of public administration program, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Global Rights and Organizations/Impunity Watch and chair of the University’s inaugural Community Review Board. The Community Review Board (CRB) was established in 2021 following an independent review of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and is responsible for providing oversight for key DPS functions that impact the University community. Growing up in Newtown, Connecticut, and attending Virginia Tech as an undergraduate, Sclafani’s life has been irrevocably influenced by the gun violence that has impacted her communities. Her decision to pursue a career in law and her ongoing commitment to public service and giving back were inspired by these events. Sclafani discusses her experience as a student in the J.D./M.P.A. joint degree program, the work of the CRB, and ways students, faculty and staff can get involved in its mission to improve transparency, accountability and community relations on campus.

Like most children, Thomas Wilson '23 grew up watching television. But his preferred shows weren't cartoons. Rather, he loved watching the local and national newscasts, dreaming of one day being a reporter. A senior studying broadcast and digital journalism in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and political science in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Wilson is now living out his dreams, thanks to Syracuse University and its InclusiveU program, which brings students of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities to campus to experience college life in a fully inclusive setting because of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education. Wilson recently was named one of this year's recipients of the Unsung Hero Award in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A news anchor on Citrus TV, Wilson is also the executive producer and creator of “Thomas on the Town”, a show where Wilson interviews University community members. He is a leader who inspires colleagues and community members to be better.

For the last 19 years, the WellsLink Leadership Program has transformed the lives of first-year students of color at Syracuse University through mentoring and a series of structured academic, social and cultural enrichment activities. Scholars like Josh Ortega '25 and Sophia Moore '25 achieve success and develop into leaders on campus through their time in WellsLink, a nationally-recognized leadership program. Ortega and Moore stop by to discuss how the program facilitated their transition from high school to college, how they honed their leadership and academic skills, how they thrived through hands-on peer mentoring, and why they are driven to make a positive impact in their communities through their experiences with WellsLink.

Ian McIntyre took over the Syracuse University men’s soccer program in 2010, and the Orange won five matches combined over his first two years. But from the moment he assumed the role of head coach, McIntyre has been building up the program, and on Dec. 12, his team reached the pinnacle, claiming Syracuse's first national championship thanks to a thrilling win over Indiana University in penalty kicks. The dramatic performance in the championship of the College Cup was the perfect ending to the best season in school history, as the Orange claimed this year’s national championship, ACC postseason tournament title, and the ACC regular season division championship. McIntyre relives the night Syracuse was crowned champions of the collegiate soccer world, shares how his student-athletes and coaches celebrated their national title, recounts when he felt his team was capable of making a deep run in the postseason, discusses the vital role support from the campus community and alumni played in the team's postseason run, and more!

As she looks to make her mark on the Syracuse University women's ice hockey team, Britni Smith, just the second head coach in program history, is relying on a key principle that helped the Orange soar to new heights in recent seasons: No one will outwork the Orange. Smith comes to Syracuse with a decorated resume, excelling as both a defenseman with St. Lawrence University and an accomplished assistant coach at Clarkson University and with Hockey Canada. On this 'Cuse Conversation, Smith discusses why she wanted to become the Orange's next head coach, how she relates to her student-athletes, how she created a team-first culture and what makes Syracuse University a special place. Smith also shares her coaching philosophy, why she's a talented recruiter, what it was like to earn her first win with the Orange and how she fell in love with hockey while playing on a homemade rink in her hometown of Port Perry, Ontario.

Diane Schenandoah ’11 joined the staff at Syracuse University last July as Honwadiyenawa’sek—the Haudenosaunee word for “one who helps them.” Firmly rooted in her Haudenosaunee heritage—her mother was a clan mother of Oneida Nation’s wolf clan; her father an Onondaga Nation chief—Schenandoah brings teachings of gratitude, faith, peace and inner resilience to students who meet with her. As Honwadiyenawa’sek, she offers a range of healing modalities, including energy work and acupressure, art therapy, dream interpretation, tuning forks, and ritualistic smudging with sage and tobacco, to help students find their center in today’s hectic world. On this ’Cuse Conversation, Shenandoah shares about her life growing up on Oneida Nation lands with her close-knit family; her spiritual principles and practices; her role as faithkeeper; her art and singing careers; and her experience at Syracuse since joining the team at the Barnes Center.

Food was always at the epicenter of Ashia Aubourg's '18 life, and she dreamed of being a chef until an experience at an award-winning restaurant in Boston helped Aubourg realize an important lesson: not everyone has the same access to food. Aubourg started thinking about food inequality and food justice, and headed to Syracuse University to be one of the first students in Falk College's fledgling food studies program. Today, Aubourg serves as the lead of Asana's global culinary program, blending her love of food and communications with a drive to empower her community. Aubourg discusses food justice and food insecurity and how these issues affect millions of Americans, how food plays an important role when it comes to social justice, healing and culture, how she's helping to mobilize Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)-owned businesses to help everyone gain access to healthy and nutritious food, and how her time at Syracuse University helped fuel her passions.

As a student at Oberlin College, Ethan Bair experienced such a meaningful connection with Hillel and with his rabbi that he was inspired to become a rabbi. Something about building community and teaching the ways of the Torah to college students resonated with Bair, who earlier this summer was named Hillel at Syracuse University's new rabbi and will serve as Jewish chaplain at Hendricks Chapel. An accomplished Jewish community leader, Rabbi Bair shares how he assists with the holistic development of Syracuse University's Jewish students, why he's passionate about forming meaningful connections and impactful relationships with the campus community, the importance of finding your joy and passion, and why being part of the multi-faith community at Hendricks Chapel is such a blessing.

The Office of Community Engagement is hosting Food Insecurity Awareness Week to raise awareness about food insecurity issues on the Syracuse University campus and in the city of Syracuse. On this 'Cuse Conversation, we spotlight the incredible, data-driven work being done on campus to address food insecurity and food justice. Colleen Heflin, associate dean, chair and professor in the Maxwell School’s Public Administration and International Affairs (PAIA) department, and Len Lopoo, a Maxwell PAIA professor and Director of the Maxwell X Lab, explain how the Maxwell School and the Maxwell X Lab partner with respected public policy leaders on campus to study human behavior, turning policy into practice to combat food insecurity and other issues affecting our citizens.

For the first time in more than a decade, the Syracuse University women’s volleyball program has a new head coach: Bakeer Ganesharatnam, the seventh women's volleyball coach in school history. Ganesharatnam boasts an impressive coaching resume and has a reputation for helping student-athletes achieve success on the court and in the classroom. Ganesharatnam discusses what made the position so appealing, why he was the right person to lead the Orange, how he'll use analytics to help his team get better, how he develops a positive team culture, and why his team enjoys a unique home-court advantage.

Leaving behind your family and friends and embarking on your Syracuse University journey can feel daunting to both the student and their family members. As the University prepares to welcome thousands of first-year students to campus for Syracuse Welcome, we invited Amie Freling '89, a well-known interior decorator, home décor expert and social media influencer, to share her tips on how to take a residence hall room and make it feel like home. Freling, who earned a bachelor's degree in illustration and design from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, has a keen eye for taking spaces and sprucing them up, adding life and color to even the most drab of rooms. The owner and operator of Meme Hill Studios outside of Rochester, Freling discusses how to decorate a room on any budget, the importance of going vertical to maximize the room's space and storage, how accent pieces can make a room feel more welcoming, how to add color to any room and common mistakes for parents and students to avoid when it comes to decorating.

More than 12 million Ukrainians have fled their home since Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded the sovereign nation on Feb. 24. Facing a violent present and an uncertain future, the fates of these women, children and elderly Ukrainians is up in the air. But one organization is providing medical assistance to these refugees: Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders as it is known in the United States. Sana Bég ’04 is the director of communications for Doctors Without Borders in South Asia. Bég discusses how Doctors Without Borders assisted those Ukrainian refugees, the atrocities her organization witnessed while providing relief, and the toll the war has taken on these citizens. A proud member of an Orange Legacy family— Bég is one of four Syracuse graduates in her family— Bég shares how Syracuse helped her discover more about her identity and cultivate her storytelling skills, why she wanted to be a voice for the voiceless, and why she became forever curious.

As the United States celebrates Pride Month, the 'Cuse Conversations podcast wanted to spotlight the LGBTQ+ community here at Syracuse University. Alex Middleton '22 recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology from the communication sciences and disorders program in the College of Arts & Sciences. Alex discusses how they knew since middle school they wanted to be a speech pathologist, providing people with the voice to advocate for themselves. They share how a paperweight convinced them to travel across the country and pursue their speech pathology degree at Syracuse, and why the University’s LGBTQ resource center provided a home and a solid support system on campus. Note: This podcast includes discussion of potentially sensitive topics. Please listen with care.

Dino Babers is a family man. Entering his seventh season as Syracuse University's head football coach, Babers has always preached the value and importance of family as Syracuse’s head coach. On a special Father's Day 'Cuse Conversation, Babers shares stories from a childhood spent growing up on a military base with a father, Luther, who served in the Navy for 21 years, how that upbringing influenced his coaching style and how his father taught him discipline. Babers also shares why he treats his football team as a second family (Babers admits he has "104 stepsons" under his watch) and how his life forever changed when the first of his four daughters, Breeahnah, was born.

Father Gerry Waterman has been making a difference in the lives of Catholic students on the Syracuse University campus since 2016. As the University's Catholic Chaplain, Father Gerry brings people together for sermons and service, and he is proud to share his faith with the campus community. Father Gerry discusses how the Catholic Center provided a sense of community to Syracuse students during the pandemic, how a fateful encounter while out for a run convinced him to join the Syracuse University community, why he was beyond humbled to receive the Chancellor’s Forever Orange Award and why he's passionate about making wine.

After spending the last 25 years in leadership roles in higher education, Mary Grace Almandrez takes over on June 1 as Syracuse University’s new vice president for diversity and inclusion. Almandrez discusses why she is so passionate about making the Syracuse University campus a welcoming place for all, shares what diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility means to her, and explains why the Filipino phrase "Bayanihan" (building community) has played such an important role in her life.

April is a time for the Syracuse University community to come together and celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Regrounding: Celebrating Our Identity,” focusing on sharing and celebrating the pride, strength and joy demonstrated by our on-campus AAPI community. It’s an important theme, especially following the challenges of the last two years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a troubling rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and bias incidents. On this student-centric 'Cuse Conversation, we hear from Merci Sugai G’22, the AAPI Planning Committee co-chair, and Hyejun Yoo ’22, who moderated the commemorative lecture Q&A with Michelle Zauner. They discuss planning this year’s celebrations, why they wanted to get involved and how their time at Syracuse University helped them discover more about their identities.

Katie (Rowan) Thomson '09, G’10 helped grow the Orange women’s lacrosse program into a perennial power during her four years on campus. An electrifying playmaker, Thomson graduated as Syracuse’s all-time leader in points (396) and assists (164). A three-time All-American, Thomson’s teams won the program’s first-ever NCAA tournament game in 2007 and later reached its first Final Four in 2008. Thomson became the first female lacrosse player and second female student-athlete to have her jersey retired when her No. 21 was raised to the Dome rafters on Feb. 20. Thomson shares how she was blown away by the honor of having her jersey retired, her favorite memories from her time with the Orange, and how she’s applying the lessons she learned at Syracuse to the next wave of talented Division I standouts as the head women’s lacrosse coach at the University at Albany.

Andrew Siciliano '96 doesn't know how he got so lucky. Every Sunday is surreal as he brings highlights from around the NFL to millions of fans around the world as host of DIRECTV's RedZone Channel. As Super Bowl 56 approaches, Siciliano will be in Los Angeles as part of NFL Network’s coverage of the big game. On this 'Cuse Conversation, Siciliano discusses the Super Bowl and the role he will play for NFL Network. He shares the biggest ways Syracuse University and WAER impacted his broadcasting style, reveals the big break that launched his career, and gives advice to sportscasters looking to follow in his footsteps.

The Winter Olympics are underway in Beijing, and Team USA’s top athletes have their sights set on winning gold on the world stage. But before these athletes compete, many of them work on developing healthy nutrition habits with Maggie McCrudden '14, the food and nutrition registered dietitian for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee who leads Team USA’s nutrition program. McCrudden, a former rower at Syracuse University, discusses how she developed a lifelong appreciation for food and its impact on our bodies, and how her approach to nutrition incorporates data and science with meeting people where they are. She shares how being a former Division I student-athlete helps her gain the trust of these Olympians, and why her four years at Syracuse University were truly transformative.

When Jared Kraham '13 was sworn in as the mayor of Binghamton on Jan. 1, he made history as the youngest mayor in the city’s 220-year history. On this Cuse Conversation, Kraham shares how his time at Maxwell and Newhouse influenced him to become a politician, and why Syracuse University inspired him to join the next generation of policymakers and make a difference in his hometown. Kraham discusses the challenges of leading during COVID-19, how he convinced voters to entrust the future of their city to a 30-year-old, why his whole life was building up to serve as Binghamton's mayor, and why he was determined to help save Binghamton's minor league baseball team.

When he was in the third grade, Marv Albert '63 decided he wanted to become a sportscaster. Albert followed his passion and studied journalism at Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Before long, Albert was calling Syracuse Chiefs games alongside fellow Orange legend Carl Eilenberg H'53. But Albert's big break came when another all-time Syracuse great, Marty Glickman '39, hired Albert to be his researcher, spotter, statistician and backup announcer. After a decorated career that spanned 55 years and saw him call 13 NBA finals, eight Super Bowls and eight Stanley Cup finals, Albert retired following the 2021 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. On the latest Cuse Conversation, the Hall of Fame broadcaster discusses his legendary career, how he came up with his signature "YES!" call, how he found his voice at Syracuse University and on WAER, and why calling the 1992 Dream Team’s gold medal-winning performance stands out among a litany of amazing sportscasting moments.

Felisha Legette-Jack ’89 was a standout for the Syracuse University women's basketball team who recently became the University's first female student-athlete to have her jersey number retired high atop the Dome. Playing basketball and earning dual degrees in child and family studies and psychology transformed Legette-Jack's life, and now, Legette-Jack is helping to change the lives of her student-athletes as the head women's basketball coach at the University at Buffalo. Hear how Legette-Jack, who grew up in the shadows of the Dome, transformed her life thanks to her time at Syracuse University, why she wanted to establish a dominant women's basketball program on campus, how an injury opened her eyes to becoming a coach, and why she preferred playing in the intimate Manley Field House atmosphere compared to the Dome.

Greg Sankey G’93 never forgot the important lessons he learned about leadership and crisis management during his pursuit of a master’s degree in education from Syracuse University's School of Education. As COVID-19 was threatening to shut down college athletics in the spring of 2020, Sankey, the commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, relied on his Syracuse education to guide one of the most powerful conferences in the NCAA through the global pandemic. Sankey reveals how those lessons learned at Syracuse University helped him lead the SEC through COVID-19, discusses the changing landscape of college athletics, shares the important place Syracuse holds in his life, and much more.

Bana Miller's '04 career focuses on advocating for our nation's veterans and their families. And with good reason, as Miller's husband is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Miller has seen first-hand the difficulties facing veterans and their families as they transition from active duty to civilian life. This summer, Miller was accepted into the 2021 Class of the George W. Bush Institute's Stand to Veterans Leadership program, one of a select group of executives from across different industries who are committed to serving the military connected community. Miller, who currently serves as director of marketing and communications for Team Red, White and Blue in Virginia, helps connect veterans to their community via physical and social activities. She discusses how being a Bush Institute scholar will further her efforts to make an impact for our veterans and the military-connected community, how she enjoyed a transformative experience at Syracuse University, and her best advice for current students.

When he was just 14 years old, Kevin Richardson H'20 and four of his friends were arrested and charged with raping and beating a white woman in Central Park. The case flamed racial tensions across the country, as Richardson and his friends, who would be known as the Central Park 5, were vilified in the media and deprived of their rights by the police during a three-day interrogation. Without forensic evidence, and despite their continued cries of innocence, the Central Park 5 were coerced into confessing to these crimes, serving anywhere from five to 12 years in a juvenile detention facility or a prison. In 2002, thanks to DNA evidence and a confession from the real perpetrator, Richardson was finally released after serving more than seven years. Richardson shares how his faith got him through those trying times, how he and the Exonerated 5 are making a difference and reforming the criminal justice system through their work with The Innocence Project, and how receiving an honorary bachelor of fine arts degree from Syracuse University this fall is the realization of a dream delayed 32 years.

Jeff Rossen '98 has established himself as one of television's top consumer reporters through his "Rossen Reports" series. He's won awards for his work on NBC's Today Show and as Hearst Television's national consumer correspondent. 

On Sept. 11, 2001, Rossen was a rookie reporter for WABC-TV in New York City. In this 'Cuse Conversations podcast, he talks about what he experienced and what he learned reporting on 9/11 in Lower Manhattan two decades ago.

Scott Hanson '93 has enjoyed a decorated sportscasting career since graduating with a broadcast journalism degree from Newhouse in 1993. But the role that he's best known for is hosting NFL RedZone, the live, whip-around the league show dedicated to providing fans of all 32 teams with an up close look at every touchdown, every big highlight, and every dramatic finish. It’s a unique role for Hanson, a former walk on and four-year member of the Orange football team. For seven consecutive, commercial-free hours each Sunday during the regular season, Hanson acts as the eyes, ears, and voice of the NFL through his fast-paced and frenetic show. It's a role Hanson's been training for ever since he was a child. Hanson discusses how he prepares for his hosting duties, how a persistent letter writing campaign to Coach Dick MacPherson earned Hanson a spot as a walk-on for those talented Orange football teams of the late 80s and early 90s, and, of course, his legendary iron bladder as Hanson has only taken one bathroom break during his 13 years hosting NFL RedZone.

Kevin Dong '09, G'11 didn't know what direction he wanted to take his career, until a transformative experience at Syracuse University helped Dong find his wings. An operations analyst for JetBlue Airways, Dong collects and studies data and feedback from customers to improve the flying experience. Dong discusses how COVID-19 impacted the airlines and how the airlines are working to make customers feel safe when they fly, how Syracuse helped him discover his voice, how the loss of his father to cancer inspired him to give back to his community, his advice for students and more!

U.S. Army veteran Matt Zeller G’06 wouldn't be alive if it weren't for the heroic actions of Janis Shinwari, the interpreter who intervened when Zeller's unit was ambushed in Afghanistan. Now, Zeller is fighting to save thousands of U.S. allies who played a pivotal role for the military in fighting the Taliban through an organization he co-founded, No One Left Behind. Zeller discusses the efforts to rescue these allies, who are being hunted down and killed by the Taliban for supporting the U.S. Zeller relives how Shinwari saved his life, shares how the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks motivated him to enlist, and reveals why he owes everything to Syracuse University.

For someone who didn't start competitively racing until his sophomore year of high school, Justyn Knight '18 certainly has made quite the impression. Knight is the most decorated distance runner in Syracuse University history, winning two individual NCAA titles (in cross country and the 5,000-meter indoor race) and 11 individual ACC championships while earning 10 All-American honors. Knight will showcase his talents before a global audience when he competes for a medal in the 5,000 meters with Team Canada during the upcoming Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Knight enters the Olympics a man on a mission. He shares how he altered his training regimen during COVID-19, the difficulty of training his body and mind for the Olympics, how the sting of missing out on the 2016 Olympics by less than one second fueled him over the last five years, and why he discovered a unique family atmosphere and sense of community at Syracuse University.

Ever since he attended a sports broadcasting summer camp as a teenager, Chris Lewis '13 dreamed of pursuing a career in sports broadcasting. Thanks to his strong storytelling skills, Lewis will take that next step in his broadcasting career on one of the biggest stages: the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Lewis will make his Olympic broadcasting debut as NBC's official voice of its table tennis coverage. Lewis, who was active with Citrus TV, Z89 and WAER as a Syracuse University student, is the longtime radio voice for Boise State Athletics. He discusses how he landed the role of a lifetime, how he is preparing for this latest broadcasting challenge, the lessons he learned from his time at Syracuse University and his advice to aspiring broadcasters. He also debunks the stick to sports philosophy and shares how he serves as a voice for social justice issues.

Jourdan Bennett-Begaye G’16 serves as managing editor of Indian Country Today, a national multimedia news publication covering Indigenous issues, including the COVID-19 global health pandemic. With a background in public health, Bennett-Begaye created a real-time COVID-19 database that tracked the number of cases, tests, vaccinations and deaths among Native American communities, the first database of its kind to benefit Indigenous people. Bennett-Begaye discusses her work developing this invaluable database, how COVID-19 impacted Native American communities differently, the culture of mistrust around the vaccine on reservations, why she transitioned from being an athletic trainer to a journalist, how she discovered a strong Native American support system on Syracuse University's campus, her social activist roots and more.

Ryan McNaughton '96 still vividly remembers the Tuesday night, while watching television with his parents, he determined Syracuse University was going to be the place for him to attend college. Now, as McNaughton begins his two-year term as president of the Alumni Association and Syracuse University Trustee, learn more about the origins of his Orange pride and passion, his career in broadcasting and beyond and his plans to connect more alumni with their alma mater. 

When Derrell Smith '10, G'13 was at Syracuse University, he excelled as a linebacker on the football team and was known for forcing fumbles and causing chaos on the field. Today, his cooking show, "Mad Good Food," blends preparing and enjoying delicious meals with telling stories that are representative of Black culture. Smith discusses why cooking is about more than just eating a good meal, it’s about emphasizing community and spending time with loved ones. He shares how he serves up love and soul through his dishes, how the strong females in his family brought out his culinary skills, the role Syracuse University played in his career as a chef, why he ties in social justice issues to his cooking, how he felt right at home the first time he stepped onto the Syracuse University campus, and why he is proud to be Forever Orange.

Chris Williamson ’14 is a former walk-on with the Orange football team, a product of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and an anchor for SportsNet New York (SNY) who has discovered a life equation that works for him: Authentic Voice + Powerful Platforms = Meaningful Purpose. In this ’Cuse Conversation, Williamson talks about what brought him to Syracuse University, lessons he’s learned in his fast-rising broadcast career and why he prefers to have a difficult and uncomfortable conversation than to “stick to sports.”

Growing up in the Bronx, Kevin Michael Richardson ’88 developed a knack for studying other people's voices. Richardson loved to impersonate characters from his favorite television shows and movies, and would entertain his friends and family members with his spot-on impressions. Today, Richardson is one of the best known voiceover talents in the world with more than 530 credits to his name, including animated TV shows like “Family Guy,” “The Simpsons,” "The Cleveland Show," “Sponge Bob Square Pants,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “American Dad,” and more. Richardson shares how he went from a classically trained actor to the world of voiceovers, his all-time favorite voiceover roles, how Syracuse University pushed him to pursue his dreams of being an entertainer, how he honed his voiceover skills impersonating Barry White as a child (complete with his best Barry White impression), and more!

Kate Ryan ’22 is a rower studying biology and ecology at Syracuse University. She's a driven STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) scholar who wants to solve the growing problem of mercury exposure in our waters. Before the pandemic, Ryan was among a select group of Syracuse honors students chosen to attend the prestigious Conference of the Parties to the Minimata Convention on Mercury in Geneva, Switzerland. Ryan, who has always loved being around water, shares why she's passionate about ecology and solving the mercury issue, how being a student-athlete has helped with her time management skills, the expectations for the eighth-ranked women's rowing team at the upcoming ACC championships, why she was drawn to study at and row competitively for Syracuse, and more. Give it a listen!

Mitchell Kuga '09 is a fourth generation Japanese American, and he also self-tokenizes as a queer Asian person. As part of Syracuse University's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrations, we tell Kuga's story of struggling to embrace his identity. Kuga discusses using writing to learn more about himself, overcoming the tension that came with growing up as a Japanese American and a queer Asian person, how Syracuse University helped him come to terms with his identity, and how he's seen the Asian American community rally together during this recent rash of bias incidents.

Amanda Gorman mesmerized the country with her passionate recital of her poem, "The Hill We Climb" during the inauguration of President Joe Biden L'68 and Vice President Kamala Harris. Before she captured a nation, Gorman was another at-risk young girl from Los Angeles who had her life transformed by WriteGirl, a writing and mentoring program that launched in 2001 thanks in part to Allison Deegan '80. Each year, more than 500 girls in grades 8 through 12 hone their writing skills, discover their voice and develop into college-bound young women thanks to this mentoring program, which has placed 100 percent of its participants in college. It's the type of program Deegan would have enjoyed and benefitted from when she was growing up, and it's a remarkable story of how this program is putting these at-risk young women on a path to lifelong success. Deegan discusses how WriteGirl empowers these teenagers, how the program helps them become confident leaders, how COVID-19 helped WriteGirl expand its reach across the country, and the important role Syracuse University has played in her life.

In the rich, storied history of the Boston Red Sox, one voice has called more games on the radio than anyone else: Joe Castiglione G'70, who has been the voice of the Red Sox since 1983. Castiglione was the first broadcaster to proclaim “The Boston Red Sox are World Series champions" after they snapped an 85-year championship drought by winning it all in 2004, and he has been on the mic for four World Series championships over the last 16 years. With the start of the Major League Baseball season around the corner, Castiglione discusses the challenges of calling games during the pandemic, how he became passionate about sports play-by-play and how Syracuse University and WAER helped him find his voice. He also recalls the time he broadcast a triple overtime basketball game between Jim Boeheim ’66, G’73, Dave Bing ’66 and Syracuse vs. Colgate and shares his advice for aspiring broadcasters.

Jacqueline Welch '91 is a highly successful human resources professional and award-winning leader in diversity, equity and inclusion. Welch's leadership style concentrates on a company's moral obligation to the employees while focusing on the human in human resources, a field that has forever been impacted by COVID-19. Welch discusses how the pandemic has altered workplace environments and attitudes towards remote work, how she came to embrace a non-traditional human resources view, how a Syracuse co-op experience led her to become a human resources professional, and the lasting impression that Syracuse University African American studies associate professor Dr. Janis Mayes made on her during her time at Syracuse.

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Maria Palmer '03 idolized her father, Joseph Costanzo Jr., the owner of the popular Primadonna Restaurant who reinvented himself by building a world-renowned Italian restaurant. Costanzo was rose to fame as a successful restaurateur who was heavily involved in the Pittsburgh community, but he experienced a sharp fall, eventually serving time in a federal prison for tax evasion. It was an eye-opening incident for Palmer, whose upcoming book, On the Rocks, recounts her father's rise and fall. Having an incarcerated father ignited a passion in Palmer to advocate for marginalized members of society. It's a far cry from the career Palmer envisioned when she was studying public relations at Syracuse University. Palmer shares why she's driven to help those less fortunate as a community advocate, her work connecting children with their incarcerated parents, how Syracuse influenced her career, and how she's making a difference for at-risk citizens in Paterson, N.J. as a grant writer/development associate for St. Paul’s Community Development Corporation.

Tia Thevenin '18, L'23 was a standout hurdler on the Syracuse University track and field team during her time on campus. Before COVID-19, Thevenin entertained dreams of qualifying for the Summer Olympics in the 100-meter hurdles. But after COVID postponed the Tokyo Olympics, Thevenin decided to walk away from track and focus on her other passion: making the legal system more accessible for disenfranchised citizens by studying at Syracuse University's College of Law. Thevenin also sees a future in sports and entertainment law or corporate law. Whichever direction her legal career heads, she is striving to do the greatest good for the greatest number. On this 'Cuse Conversation, Thevenin shares why how she became interested in making the justice system more accessible for disenfranchised citizens, her passion for helping those less fortunate, why trading in her track spikes for a law career was the most difficult decision of her life, and how Syracuse University helped redefine her perspective.

Bershan Shaw ’95 was given a death sentence in 2009 when she learned she had stage four breast cancer, the cancer that killed her mother. Rather than wallow in pity over her second cancer diagnosis in three years, Shaw used this devastating news as a wakeup call, choosing to thrive in the face of adversity. Shaw turned her pain into purpose, reinventing herself through a healthier lifestyle, daily affirmations and a positive mindset. Today, Shaw is celebrating 12 years being cancer-free, and she aims to inspire others to transform their lives, overcome their obstacles and never give up on their dreams. A leadership coach, motivational speaker, women’s empowerment advocate and reality TV star, Shaw shares her Warrior Way, how her cancer diagnosis was a gift, why Oprah Winfrey chose to tell her story on the reality TV show "Love in the City," why she loves telling the stories of successful women, and how Syracuse University taught her she could accomplish anything.

Since taking over the Syracuse University women’s basketball program, head coach Quentin Hillsman has transformed the Orange into a national championship contender during his 15 seasons. Hillsman, the winningest coach in program history, has led the Orange to unprecedented heights, including the program’s first appearance in the NCAA Division I title game, seven trips to the NCAA Tournament, 18 all-conference selections, five All-Americans and four WNBA Draft picks. Hillsman, who recorded win number 300 with the Orange last February, discusses transforming the program into a national power, using basketball to bring out the best in his student-athletes, playing games during the pandemic, how star Tiana Mangakahia’s recovery from stage 2 breast cancer is inspiring the team, his snazzy fashion sense and more.

Growing up, Malaka Gharib '08 struggled to find her identity as a first-generation American and didn't know how to balance embracing her Egyptian and Filipino roots with assimilating into American culture. Eventually, Gharib learned it was up to her to define her cultural identity. Today, Gharib covers the global health beat for NPR and is an award-winning author, illustrator and cartoonist. Gharib is also the author of "I Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir" and is working on a new book, "It Won't Always Be Like This." Gharib discusses how she found her identity, her adjustment to life in the U.S., what it has been like reporting on the pandemic, how Syracuse University prepared her for a career as a journalist, and the most valuable piece of advice she ever received at SU.

Chris Snow '03, the assistant general manager of the NHL's Calgary Flames, is engaged in the fight of his life as he battles ALS, the degenerative disease that has already taken the lives of Snow's father, two uncles and a cousin. Snow, who was diagnosed in June of 2019, was given a "death sentence" of 12-18 months to live, but he is making remarkable strides in his battle thanks to an experimental gene therapy that is slowing the progression of this deadly disease. Snow discusses how the gene therapy is making a difference, why he is grateful for every day, how his wife, Kelsie, and their two children have served as his support system, and how he has maintained a positive outlook through it all. Snow also shares why he transitioned from a sports journalist to a front office executive, how Syracuse University and The Daily Orange influenced his career, and why he proudly bleeds Orange.

For more than three decades, John Murphy '78 has worked in the Buffalo Bills' radio booth, broadcasting NFL games to Bills fans around the world. While Bills Stadium is usually filled with raucous fans, this year has been different, as Murphy has called home games before an empty stadium while doing road games from Buffalo with the help of the television broadcast due to COVID-19. As Buffalo prepares to host a home playoff game for the first time in 25 years, Murphy reflects on his career as a sports broadcaster and his path to the NFL, the challenges of calling games during the pandemic, the success of the long woebegone Bills, how Syracuse University influenced his career, his favorite memories from Syracuse and his advice to aspiring sports broadcasters. 

As a certified child life specialist, Emma Simches ’18 supports children dealing with illnesses and their families. Through her work with Team IMPACT, Simches matches children with college student-athletes and coaches to form unique relationships. Simches makes a difference in the lives of these children, and on this 'Cuse Conversation, Simches discusses her career, how Team IMPACT is a win-win for both the children and the partner student-athletes and coaches, why she's passionate about this line of work, and why she always knew she would study at Syracuse.

Wherever you are on your career journey, the Office of Alumni Engagement has resources to help advance your career. On this 'Cuse Conversation, Jenna Collins G'19, the associate director of alumni professional development in the Office of Alumni Engagement, discusses the launch of our redesigned #HireOrange job board — where alumni can post jobs and search openings around the world. Collins also highlights the revamped career services offerings available to alumni and shares an exclusive new career design fellowship with Mission Collaborative. Russ Terry G'00, the featured career coach for December, then offers pointers for alumni who lost their jobs or are looking to switch careers, shares how he transitioned from a sports reporter to a life coach, discusses why he focuses on the holistic approach to being a life coach, and more.

When Chris Licht '93 came to Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, he thought he was setting off on a path to become a television news anchor but when he entered the world of journalism, he discovered a passion - and a tremendous skill - for producing. His professional journey has taken him to the top of the mountain in both the news and entertainment industries. His resume includes being the first executive producer on "Morning Joe" on MSNBC, launching "CBS This Morning" as executive producer in 2012 before taking over the network's "Late Show with Stephen Colbert" as executive producer and showrunner in 2016. In this 'Cuse Conversation, Chris talks about his successful career, his Syracuse University education and experience, and the responsibility he feels as an alumnus.

Matthew Berry '92 is one of the best known and most respected voices in the world of fantasy sports. Better known as the Talented Mr. Roto, Berry has carved out an impressive career discussing fantasy football as the Senior Fantasy Sports analyst at ESPN. After graduating from Newhouse with a degree in producing for electronic media, and at a time when fantasy sports were starting to rise in popularity, Berry seized on the opportunity and has been helping fantasy owners set their lineups ever since. A best-selling author, Emmy winner and member of two fantasy sports Halls of Fame, Berry shares how he became the king of fantasy football after a career as television and film writer in Hollywood, the growth of fantasy sports, how he became fascinated with fantasy sports as a teenager, how he honed his writing style at Syracuse and learned to write on deadline as a humor columnist with The Daily Orange, some of the weirdest places where people ask him for fantasy lineup advice, and much more!

From an early age, Elizabeth Strout L'82 was fascinated with seeing life through someone else's perspective, so it's no surprise she envisioned a career in writing, penning works of fiction as a teenager. Upon arrival at Syracuse University's College of Law, Strout aspired to be a lawyer during the day and an author at night. While her legal career was short-lived after graduating cum laude from Syracuse, Strout's writing career has taken off. An accomplished and acclaimed novelist, Strout's books have garnered major literary awards, including a Pulitzer Prize for "Olive Kitteridge" in 2008, which was adapted into an Emmy Award-winning mini-series starring Frances McDormand. Strout discusses how she creates her characters and the authors who inspire her, reveals how she was virtually the last person to know about the Pulitzer Prize, and shares how Syracuse shaped her development both as a person and as an author by teaching her to think differently.

When Patrick Garrigan '01 was studying musical theater at Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, he learned to be fearless, to think audaciously, and to go after what he wanted in life. Those core tenets have served him well as Garrigan has carved out a successful career in the communications field, including his current job as Global Head of Bloomberg Live at Bloomberg Media Group. Garrigan discusses how the COVID-19 global pandemic affected his job, how he transitioned from a musical theater major to a creative communications and marketing professional, why he loves producing live news events, how Bloomberg relies on a data-driven approach to communicate the news to its audience, and why he's grateful for the lessons learned and the people he met at Syracuse University.

In the spring of 1970, Greg Allen '73 and seven of his teammates on the Syracuse University football team, frustrated at how they were treated by the football coaches, sacrificed their shot at glory and took a stand for equality by boycotting spring practices. Among their demands: a more diverse and integrated coaching staff, equal access to academic support and medical care, and playing assignments determined by merit and not the color of their skin. When their demands were denied, the Syracuse 8 decided to sit out the 1970 season, putting their desire to right the wrongs they observed ahead of their own personal glory. Allen, who was recruited to follow in Syracuse's long line of talented running backs, discusses the racial climate on campus back then, why the Syracuse 8 fought to ensure life was better for future generations of students, how their efforts ultimately led to change at Syracuse University, how they laid the foundation for future athletes to take a stand for social justice, and the role faith and forgiveness played in the healing process with his alma mater.

If you’re a Syracuse University alumnus, you probably haven’t heard of John and Jerry Dellas, but chances are good that you’ve been inside one of their restaurants before. John and Jerry co-own the Varsity, which has occupied the same location at the corner of Marshall St. and Crouse since its founding in 1926, when John and Jerry’s grandfather, Jerry Dellas, built the Varsity.  From its humble beginnings, the Varsity has evolved into a staple for Syracuse University Alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the Orange for nearly 100 years. John Dellas '77 discusses how the Varsity came to play such a prominent role, how former head football coach Dick MacPherson came up with its most famous tradition of flipping over the opposing football team's banner whenever Syracuse gets a win, and the lessons he learned from his days as a Syracuse student.

What started with a surprise gift from his grandfather led to quite the career for Ben Clymer '05, the founder and CEO of Hodinkee. After receiving his grandfather’s OMEGA Speedmaster watch, Clymer began blogging about vintage watches in 2008, and he quickly discovered there was a tremendous market out there for content about watches. Today, Hodinkee has grown from a one-man shop to a company with more than 60 employees. Hodinkee buys and sells new and vintage watches as part of its growing e-commerce arm of the business, while featuring a print magazine, a podcast, and a series of videos with watch aficionados like musician John Mayer, actor Fred Savage, comedian Aziz Ansari, and golfers Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. Clymer, who holds dual degrees from Whitman and the iSchool, discusses his passion for watches, his keys to growing Hodinkee, the role Syracuse University played in his career, and how smart watches will help keep us healthy. 

Since its founding in 1987, the Our Time Has Come Scholarship has changed the lives of more than 1,500 Black and Latino students at Syracuse University. On this 'Cuse Conversation, current scholar Sofia Rossi '22 shares how the scholarship has made an impact on her life, helped her find her community at Syracuse and cultivated her leadership skills. Rachel Vassel '91 and Maria Lopez '05, G'12 with the Office of Multicultural Advancement provide historical context on the scholarship, discuss why it is an important opportunity for Black and Latino/LatinX students to connect with notable alumni, and share how alumni can support this scholarship. 

Hattie Taylor '17 felt lost living in Melbourne, Australia on her gap year between high school and college when she was approached by a women's rowing coach from Syracuse University. Intrigued by the recruiting pitch, Taylor, a native of the United Kingdom, went on to earn a political science degree as a four-year member of the women's rowing team. An All-American, Taylor credits rowing with bringing purpose and direction to her life. She uses those lessons of resiliency and overcoming adversity when mentoring young adults in the United Kingdom. Taylor reminisces about Syracuse, why she relishes the school pride associated with being an alumna, the joy she felt qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, and how she's motivated to requalify after COVID-19 delayed the Games.

When it comes to your favorite films, the actors and actresses deliver memorable performances, and the screenwriters put together an entertaining script. But before you see the movie, Selena Saldana’s '05 job is to market these films to a wide audience. Saldana, the vice president of publicity for FilmNation Entertainment, has promoted films at the Oscars and nearly every major film festival from Sundance and Cannes to London and Toronto. Saldana shares her fascinating career journey, which has included handling publicity for Oprah Winfrey’s multimedia production company, Harpo Productions, and the Weinstein Company. She shares how COVID-19 has impacted her job, the best advice she ever received, why Syracuse University was the only school she applied to, and how her life was forever changed by a semester abroad in Australia.

Orchestrating the Daytime Emmy Awards is difficult enough during a normal year. But in a world grappling with COVID-19 pandemic, David Parks '83, the Executive Producer and Director of the Daytime Emmy Awards, responded to the challenge by planning and executing large-scale, live awards shows to honor television's best. Parks — whose 25-year career in entertainment and broadcast production has included live events, network TV news and sports, motion pictures, reality television, documentaries, award shows and scripted television — discusses how the virtual Daytime Emmys went off without a hitch, how Syracuse University cultivated his passion for the entertainment industry, provides advice for students who want to follow in his footsteps, relives his Syracuse men's soccer career, and more.

People have lost loved ones, their jobs, their sense of security, and even their sense of purpose during COVID-19. Brian Konkol, Dean of Hendricks Chapel, says there is another side that can be nearly as devastating: the damage done to our mental and spiritual well-being. Social distancing has changed how we interact with our friends and family members. We’re all learning to live through this unprecedented period of uncertainty, shock, sorrow and fear. Konkol discusses the healing “power of presence” and what it can teach us during times of crisis, why it's important to find community, and why this disease can’t cancel what matters most: relationships, conversations and our faith.

Charity Purchas '13, G'19 is passionate about two things: providing assistance to vulnerable residents, and Syracuse University. In her role at the Huntington Family Centers under fellow alumna and executive director Mary Lou Sales G'93, Purchas helps people in need get access to essentials like food, water, clothing, personal hygiene items and diapers. Purchas shares her passion for service, why it's important to always show love to people in need, advice for people considering a career in social work, how Syracuse University prepared her for this line of work, and why she bleeds Orange.

For 17 years, Keri Potts '98, G'99 guided strategic communications efforts around ESPN's college sports businesses, created engaging promotional content for the network's NFL and NBA coverage, the 30 for 30 documentary series, the ESPY's awards show and more. But her true passion was advocating for women's empowerment issues, and this summer, Potts became vice president of external relations with the Institute for Women's Policy Research in Washington, DC. Potts earned both her bachelors and master’s degrees from Newhouse while excelling as a member of the volleyball team. She recounts her harrowing escape from a would-be-rapist in Italy and how that encounter fueled her desire to become a women's empowerment and victims rights' advocate. She also discusses her career, why she bleeds Orange and how Syracuse University feels like home. Hear her story on our 44th podcast!

Everything Flose LaPierre '14 does is driven by a desire to make society better.  After graduating from Syracuse University with dual degrees in sociology and public relations, LaPierre worked to help Miami-Dade County adopt affordable housing policies while learning first-hand the important role community organizing plays in bringing about change. As the world grapples with issues of racial injustice and police brutality, LaPierre is rallying her fellow Los Angeles residents to stand up and speak out against injustices. This fall, she is launching a 21-day challenge to teach people to become active and involved citizens, and she’s leading a push to get more people registered to vote. Through her Write to Heal Workshops, LaPierre is encouraging participants to harness the power of writing to heal from trauma. A writer, poet and community organizer, LaPierre discusses why she's driven to make a difference while empowering people to speak up, seek justice and make the world a better place. 

Andrew Lunetta G'14 is the founder of A Tiny Home for Good, a not-for-profit organization in Syracuse that designs and builds single-resident houses for homeless people in and around Syracuse. Since its founding in 2016, they have built 21 homes from the ground-up for homeless tenants across Syracuse, with half of the homes going to our nation's veterans. Lunetta discusses why he's passionate about addressing the problem of homelessness, how receiving the gift of shelter has helped these people turn around their lives, and how his time at Maxwell helped fulfill his vision for how his company could impact these vulnerable residents. 

Alex Kline has always had an eye for talent on the basketball court. When he was 16, Kline started his own recruiting website, The Recruit Scoop, earning a reputation as a scout with reliable and useful intelligence. While earning his undergraduate degree in broadcast and digital journalism from Newhouse, Kline landed a job with the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, first as a basketball operations assistant and later as an intel scout. Now, Kline's a scout with the New York Knicks. With the NBA season set to resume, Kline discusses his meteoric rise as a scout, his front office aspirations, his time at Syracuse, and how his efforts to honor his late mother have netted more than $200,000 for cancer research.

2015 Miss Rhode Island Allie Curtis '14 is more than just a former Miss America contestant. A second lieutenant in the Rhode Island National Guard, Curtis graduated from the U.S. Army’s Field Artillery Basic Leadership Course, becoming the FIRST woman field artillery officer in Rhode Island. A public affairs officer, Curtis will help integrate more women into combat arms, part of her mission to empower women and girls for a brighter future. Curtis discusses her passion for elevating women into leadership roles in underrepresented fields, how she used the beauty pageant circuit to promote her "Leading Ladies" leadership platform, and how her time at Syracuse drove her to level the playing field for women in politics.

If you’re a fan of baseball, you’re familiar with Jayson Stark ’73. He’s the senior baseball writer for the Athletic, an MLB Network studio analyst and a Baseball Hall of Famer - the 2019 J.G. Taylor Spink Award recipient.

In this ’Cuse Conversation, Jayson talks about his lifelong connection to Syracuse University, shares stories from his career and previews the 2020 MLB season, which is certain to be the most unusual of our lifetime.

From an early age, Doug Robinson '85 envisioned a career in the entertainment industry, preferably as a producer. Robinson worked his way up from the Creative Artists Agency mailroom to become an agent, and eventually he was a partner and co-founder of the talent division at Endeavor Talent Agency where he represented Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, Will Smith, Jennifer Garner, Wesley Snipes, Ashton Kutcher and more. After these successes, Robinson reinvented himself as a television producer, and his executive producer credits include "Rules of Engagement," "The Goldbergs," and "Schooled."  His latest television project, "For Life," is a fictionalized legal drama following a prisoner who becomes a lawyer and fights to overturn his life sentence for a crime he didn't commit. Robinson discusses how he went from the mailroom to a career as a decorated Hollywood agent and producer, how Syracuse University taught him how to create his own personal narrative, and why he helped start the Syracuse University Los Angeles semester program.

Growing up, Sarah Kamya '17 loved to read books, but she struggled finding stories and characters she could identify with as a Black child. Today, Kamya is the creator of the Little Free Diverse Library Project, which aims to amplify Black voices while supporting Black authors and Black-owned bookstores. Kamya has raised more than $10,000, purchased more than 500 books written by Black authors from Black-owned bookstores, and received more than 400 books through her Amazon Wish List. These books are being distributed in 28 states around the country. Kamya discusses why this is a passion project, how these books are leading to conversations that could spark change, and how Syracuse prepared her for her career as a school counselor. 

During COVID-19, churches, mosques, synagogues and other houses of worship have been forced to transition their services online. Shayna Postman '95 is the cantor (prayer leader) and a teacher and counselor at the Town & Village Synagogue in New York City. Working with the rabbi, Postman has helped bring the synagogue's services online. Postman leads daily Zoom services for the congregation, teaches religious education classes for children and adults, has delivered supplies and resources to elderly and isolated members of her Manhattan community, and has even orchestrated virtual Zoom Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s. A graduate of the School of Music and member of the University Singers, Postman discusses the importance of staying grateful, optimistic and positive, how her community has come together during the pandemic, the lessons she learned at Syracuse University, and much more!

Sam Blum '16 reports on Southern Methodist University athletics and the Texas Rangers for the Dallas Morning News, but recently, his duties changed to include covering the impact of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter protests in and around Dallas. Blum has faced tear gas and had guns drawn on him while covering the protests. A graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a degree in newspaper and online journalism, Blum describes the chaos that was his first few days on his new beat, the lessons he's learned covering the protests, how the Daily Orange prepared him and what the return of sports might look like.

As Kieran Pickering '07 watched the COVID-19 news coverage depicting overwhelmed New York City-area hospitals, he had an idea: to fuel these front line health care workers with healthy snacks and beverages. Teaming up with Founders Give, Pickering used his company, Mitchell’s New York Logistics, to deliver more than two million products to 51 hospitals since the initiative launched two months ago. Pickering discusses why he chose hospital workers and first responders, how this cause has taken off, and why it was important to give back to his hometown during the pandemic.

As communities around the world search for solutions to COVID-19, Tito Bottitta '03, Jared Novack '06 and Mike Swartz '06 are using their company, Upstatement, to design three initiatives to contain the spread of this disease. Collaborating with doctors at Brigham & Women's Hospital, COVID Protocols created guidelines for treating COVID-19 patients. COVID Safe Paths is a contact tracing app that allows people to find out if they've been exposed to the disease while mapping out a digital record of infection locations for public health officials. Project Zero identifies what precautions businesses are taking to keep their customers safe during the pandemic. The three discuss the impact these groundbreaking initiatives are having in the fight against the coronavirus, share how their time at Syracuse University and The Daily Orange led to the formation of Upstatement, and much more!

Always the creative type, Joy Cho '01 founded the Oh Joy! blog in 2005 to market her work as a graphic and product designer. Cho combined her social media savvy with captivating content to launch her own lifestyle brand, Oh Joy!, and she has become a trailblazer in the world of personal style. A home design expert, Cho was one of the first users on Pinterest, and with more than 13 million followers she is now Pinterest’s most popular creative influencer. An accomplished entrepreneur and author, Cho shares her personal style preferences, discusses her love for bringing color into people’s day-to-day lives, dishes out advice to spruce up your home décor, and much more!

Lyric Lewis is an accomplished actress, hilarious comedian, and history buff who plays history teacher Stef Duncan on NBC’s hit show "A.P. Bio." Lewis, who earned a drama degree from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, has also starred on "MadTV" and Comedy Central’s "Drunk History." Lewis says she always wanted to make people laugh, and she is one of the funnier alumna you’ll hear from on this podcast! As Hollywood continue to deal with COVID-19, Lewis shares how this pandemic has impacted the entertainment business, what Hollywood will look like once the industry is allowed to resume filming, how she transitioned from a classically-trained theater major to comedian and improv expert, and how "Jurassic Park" made Lewis get into acting. 

Brittany Berry '18 and Logan Bonney G'17 are the co-owners of Anything But Beer, a brewery and taproom in Syracuse. Specializing in gluten-free and grain-free foods and beverages, Anything But Beer was only open for one month before COVID-19 forced the restaurant and taproom to close its dining room. Berry and Bonney shifted their focus to helping the area’s health care workers, many of whom have the same dietary restrictions as the restaurant. Thanks to donations made online, Anything But Beer is providing its gluten-free and grain-free meals to medical workers through a series of free deliveries, paid for by those online gifts. Berry and Bonney discuss why they're using their restaurant to give back to our health care workers, how this gives them a renewed sense of purpose and community, and how Syracuse played a role in launching their business.

Bryan Semaan is an assistant professor in the School of Information Studies (iSchool) at Syracuse University. Semaan's research exploring how we develop resiliency in the face of a life-altering disruption such as COVID-19 is more pertinent and relevant than ever before. Semaan shares how social media can both connect us and lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness, and why, even when we're isolated in our homes, it's important to cultivate a sense of community. Semaan offers insights into how we can restore security in our lives by developing a daily routine, by finding and creating connections with others during the age of social distancing, and by engaging in activities for the greater good.

As the world continues to deal with the fallout from COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, nurses like Katie McMurray '13 are doing their part to treat patients with the coronavirus.  McMurray, a progressive care nurse at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, Conn., is a member of an Orange Legacy family who earned her biology degree from the College of Arts and Sciences before entering the health care field. Her hospital has seen its share of coronavirus patients, including treating the state’s first COVID-19 patient, Chris Tillett, who was in a medically-induced coma before recovering. McMurray discusses how the hospital responds when someone is suspected of being COVID-positive, shares how she copes with the anxiety of being a nurse during this pandemic, and reveals how her time with Syracuse University Ambulance taught her to respond to emergency situations.

Much like the rest of the sports world, the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan have been affected by COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. For only the fourth time in the history of the Olympics, the games will not go off as scheduled, with the Summer Olympics postponed until July 23, 2021. Takaya and his colleagues spent seven years securing the Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games for Tokyo, only to have the Games be affected by this pandemic. Takaya, the communications director and official spokesperson for the Tokyo Organizing Committee, discusses how his time at Syracuse University shaped his career and the decision for organizers to postpone the Summer Olympics. He addresses how these games will convey a message to the world and the Japanese people about the importance of resiliency, recovery and hope for a country that nine years ago was devastated by a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami. 

We’ve all heard how our nation’s health care workers are putting their lives on the line each and every day in the fight against COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. Isaac Budmen '12 and Stephanie Keefe '12 are using their company, Budmen Industries, to produce 3D face shields to help keep our health care workers safe. In a span of two weeks, this grassroots movement has gone from a basement in Central New York to a global scale. Budmen Industries is providing digital instructions for printing up various components of these face shields on its website, budmen.com, while connecting 3D printing enthusiasts with hospitals around the world. To date, more than 240,000 requests have come in from people who want to help. Discover how Budmen and Keefe, who met on the Syracuse campus, have turned their Orange love into an inspirational story of Syracuse alumni responding to this pandemic to save lives.

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic expands around the globe and across the country, life has changed dramatically for everyone. For journalists, keeping up with constant developments can be a tremendous challenge in a 24-hour news cycle. Another challenge: staying well - both mentally and physically - as they, like all of us, try to balance the responsibilities of their jobs with the evolving responsibilities of their lives. In this 'Cuse Conversation, we'll hear from television reporters Lissette Nunez '15, Lauren Hall '10 and Scott MacFarlane '98, as well as newspaper editor Maggie Gordon '08 about how they're approaching their jobs and their lives in our "new normal."  

For many of us, sports is a welcome and enjoyable distraction. For many others, it’s a business, a job, a source of income. In this ’Cuse Conversation, we check in with ESPN play-by-play broadcasters Mike Couzens ’10, Kevin Fitzgerald ’14 and Jay Alter ’16 and WSYR-TV sportscaster Darius Joshua ’14. We talk about life without sports, the significance of sports in society and the importance of “coming together” in this time of social distancing to help one another.

Tired of hearing the negative stories about Baltimore, Aaron Robinson '03 decided to do something to change the narrative about his beloved hometown: he started his own podcast, No Pix After Dark, to tell the positive stories from Baltimore. Robinson, who earned a retail degree from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, knew nothing about creating a podcast, but he was passionate about storytelling, and dedicated himself to this new venture. One year later, Robinson has used his podcast to tell the stories of Baltimore residents who are committed to making a difference in their communities, and his podcast was nominated for best podcast in the Baltimore Sun's Best of Baltimore readers' choice awards. Robinson reflects on the lessons learned from his time at SU, tells some of his favorite stories from the podcast, discusses why he almost gave up the podcast, and shares why his love for Syracuse runs deep.

As Ed Levine '78 will tell you, he "talked his way" into the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in the mid-1970s and, as those who know him will tell you, Levine hasn't stopped talking. But that makes perfect sense for a man who has built a long and successful career in the radio business. Levine, who got his start at WAER while he was a student, is president and CEO of Central New York-based Galaxy Media, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. In this 'Cuse Conversation, Levine discusses how he built Galaxy into a local radio powerhouse, his love of radio and his passion and pride for Syracuse University.

Ever since he was a standout linebacker for the Syracuse University football team, Cam Lynch '14 envisioned a career in the media. A four-year varsity letter-winner, Lynch ventured into the world of sportscasting as a student-athlete, producing his own sports segment, "Cam's Cam," featuring interviews with teammates. Lynch has played five seasons in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, and while he still dreams of returning to the NFL, Lynch formed his own media company, Heart Work Media, to tell compelling stories. He provided color commentary on the radio for Super Bowl LIII after being selected from hundreds of applicants for the Broadcast Bowl. For this year's big game, Lynch is holding football camps with our troops in both Australia and Guam, capturing digital content for future television and online segments. Lynch discusses his passion for storytelling, how he built his career in media, and why no matter what happens in life, he never stops climbing up. 

Sherman Williams, a 25-year veteran of the United States Army, is an entrepreneur, a business owner and a proud graduate of Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families' (IVMF) Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans. A mechanic in the Army, Williams saw how our troops were struggling to fuel their bodies with healthy beverages that could both survive the harsh conditions of Iraq and provide essential vitamins and minerals, so he created Body Aqua. Williams discusses how his service to country helped him discover his own greatness, and shares the lessons learned from his time in the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans.

Director Leonard R. "Lenny" Garner came to Syracuse University hoping to become a professional actor, but thanks to the hands-on experiences and lessons learned from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, Garner instead developed into a respected television and motion picture director. After graduating, Garner moved out to Los Angeles where he received his big break: being accepted into an assistant director's training program designed to help women and minorities break into the business. His directorial career spans four decades, and his credits include hits like: "Miami Vice," "The Blues Brothers," "The Rockford Files," "Wings," "NewsRadio," "Just Shoot Me!," "Sister, Sister," "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "The King of Queens," "Rules of Engagement," and more. Discover Garner's Orange success story and hear his advice for students looking to break into the field.

Trailblazing sportscaster Beth Mowins G'90 made history as the first woman to handle play-by-play duties for a Monday Night Football game. Mowins, who joined ESPN in 1994, has called NCAA championships in basketball, softball, soccer and volleyball, and has served as the voice of the Women's College World Series for over 20 years. Mowins discusses growing up as a passionate Syracuse sports fan, why the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications was the perfect place to hone her craft, the path she took to broadcasting success, and more. Mowins also shares advice for students who aspire to follow in her sports broadcasting footsteps. 

We sit down with director Alexis Ostrander '07 to discuss her career in Hollywood and her penchant for telling compelling stories. Ostrander, who earned a musical theater degree from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, has directed television shows like FX's "American Horror Story: Roanoke," CW's "Riverdale," SyFy's "Deadly Class," and more. A member of the inaugural "Sorkin Week" immersion program as part of Syracuse University in Los Angeles, Ostrander has carved out an award-winning and Emmy nominated career as a director. Her work on the short film, "The Haircut," which premiered at the American Film Institute Festival, garnered 13 awards while telling the story of the first female class of recruits at the service academies. Ostrander describes what motivates her as a director, where she learned to tell compelling stories, how she continues to refine her voice as a director, and the role Syracuse University played in her career. 

Just five years out of college, Jonalyn Saxer '14 is building an impressive Broadway resume. After being part of the original Broadway cast of Mean Girls, she's currently playing the role of Karen Smith in the touring production of the show. In this 'Cuse Conversation, Jonalyn tells us how her Syracuse University education prepared her to stand out in a competitive field, talks about sharing the Broadway stage with other Syracuse alumni and provides some valuable advice for young actors who'd like to follow in her footsteps. 

Jeff Kurkjian ’15 stops by to discuss his successful career as a morning talk radio host. Kurkjian, whose career started in Cleveland right after graduating with a broadcast and digital journalism major, is currently a co-host on 102.7 the Coyote in Las Vegas. Kurkjian talks about his love of Syracuse University, the lessons he learned from his S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications faculty members and classmates, how WJPZ (Z89) prepared him for his career in radio, and what it was like being an Otto, Syracuse's official mascot.  Kurkjian also talks about his experiences forming Otto Tunes, the all-male a cappella group that performs around the country raising money for testicular cancer research, and the power of Syracuse's alumni network. 

Producer Monica Levinson '90 stops by to discuss her decorated career as a film producer, including her latest work on "Brian Banks," a tale of a football player whose dreams of playing in the NFL were derailed by accusations of rape and kidnapping. Banks, who was falsely incarcerated, was exonerated and now spends his time fighting for others who were falsely convicted of crimes. Levinson's career as a producer has included films like “Captain Fantastic,” “Zoolander,” "Private Parts," “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story," “Trumbo,” and “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.” Levinson reveals the break that launched her career in film, talks about reinventing herself, and shares the impact Syracuse University has on her life.

Ben Holtzman came to Syracuse University from New York City; Sammy Lopez arrived from Los Angeles. When they met on the first day of their first year on campus, the new roommates shared a similar dream -- both wanted to be Broadway performers. Now, more than a decade later, the two alumni of Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) are making their marks on the theater world... in a way they hadn't initially imagined. They worked together on the team that brought one of 2019's "buzziest" shows, "Be More Chill," to Broadway. Now, they're lead producers on "Gun and Powder," an original musical co-written by fellow VPA alum Ross Baum '12, which will premiere in early 2020 at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA. Ben and Sammy talk about their education and experience in the musical theater program at Syracuse, discuss the impact social media is having on entertainment and share the many ways they stay involved with the "family" they built at Syracuse University. 

2019 Generation Orange Alumni Award winner Kevin Belbey jokingly lives by a motto used by ESPNU - "never graduate." While he has, in fact, graduated (he has three degrees from Syracuse University!), Belbey remains passionate about and connected to his alma mater. He works alongside and represents many fellow alumni as director of sports broadcasting for the Montag Group. Belbey, who was a manager for the men's basketball team as a student, has brought Orange alumni together to compete in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) for the last four summers as general manager of Boeheim's Army. 

On the latest episode of the 'Cuse Conversations Podcast, May and Smith, a pair of Generation Orange alumni (graduates of the last 10 years) stopped by to discuss some of the exciting programming available to our young alumni. May and Smith are leaders on the Generation Orange Leadership Council, a collection of young alumni responsible for organizing programs like the GO (Generation Orange) Pro Series and professional development and networking nights. They share their advice to fellow young alumni while highlighting all of the ways you can get involved with Syracuse University where you live.

For over 20 years, Gianesini has forged a successful career at ESPN, working on popular shows like "Mike and Mike," "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," and more. Gianesini stopped by the 'Cuse Conversations Podcast to discuss his career in radio, the lessons he learned from his time studying broadcast journalism at Syracuse University, and his advice to aspiring journalists. 

Liddy recently retired as dean of the School of Information Studies (iSchool) at Syracuse University following an 11-year career as dean, and a 30-year career as a faculty member and researcher. On the latest 'Cuse Conversations Podcast, Liddy discusses her distinguished career, shares highlights from her time with the iSchool, and addresses the progress made in helping women and minorities discover careers in STEM. 

Daly went from a high school dropout to the president and C.E.O.  of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.  On the latest 'Cuse Conversations Podcast, learn how Daly became one of the world's most respected economists, and how her time spent studying economics and public policy in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs helped her devise fiscal policies geared at serving others. 

Co-hosts John Boccacino '03 and Chris Velardi '95 from Syracuse University's Office of Alumni Engagement introduce you to our new 'Cuse Conversations Podcast! Our first podcast sets the stage for what listeners can expect moving forward, while introducing you to our co-hosts, both proud graduates of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and longtime members of the media who know how to tell compelling stories.