Providing an onramp to higher education access by driving opportunities toward attaining a degree at Syracuse University is at the heart of the mission of the College of Professional Studies.
At the intersection of student need and donor generosity lie scholarships that can help bridge a gap in what it takes financially to continue a path to academic advancement.
Two primary types of scholarship giving exist: named scholarships and endowed scholarships. Named scholarships provide funds that are used to support current students. Endowed scholarships establish perpetual funds that allow the college to invest the donor’s principal and then use interest earned to award aid to students based on scholastic merit or financial need.
A recent graduate, Joseph Carringer personifies how an endowed scholarship through the college fueled his degree completion. More than 25 years had passed since the small business entrepreneur enrolled in a Syracuse University course. Carringer, a didgeridoo sound therapist, and chief executive officer of a sustainable apparel consulting firm, returned to the University to study online during the Spring 2020, when the pandemic afforded him more time to focus on classes. Yet affording in terms of paying for his education was severely impacted by lessened work opportunities.
“I had to leave Syracuse University originally due to inability to pay,” says Carringer. This time around, however, as a recipient of the Distant Drums Native American Endowed Scholarship, he was assured the financial relief needed to complete his post traditional education. He graduated with a double major in creative leadership and liberal studies, along with three minors in anthropology, philosophy and project management. Carringer is now on his way at the University toward earning a master’s in project management.
“Post-traditional students often depend on scholarships to reduce tuition costs and other expenses associated with completing their degrees,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The growing portfolio of scholarships at the college draws from a range of resources including government-sponsored student assistance programs, privately funded education initiatives, and college-specific aid. If a student qualifies for aid, we will work tirelessly to find the support.”
A recent expression of a meaningful endowed scholarship came from Dolores “Lor” and Steve Speach. The couple honored their many educational and career achievements by establishing an endowed scholarship through the college to celebrate the memories they hold dear of their time at Syracuse University.
“I am continually humbled by the generosity of all donors, whose gifts come to the college in varying amounts and for varied reasons,” says Frasciello. “Those with the means to establish an endowed scholarship signal a strong commitment to the ongoing success of the college and our students.”
While grateful for the funding provided by the Distant Drums Native American Endowed Scholarship, Carringer, part Cherokee, says he has been emotionally moved by the support and assistance of his alma mater. “The College of Professional Studies has proven to be the key to my development as a professional and a more well-rounded individual.”
The College of Professional Studies congratulates each of the recipients of a donor funded scholarship during the 2022-2023 academic year:
Women of the University Community Mildred Eggers Scholarship
Victoria Ann Barnum
Liberal Studies
Zhane Briggs
Business Management
Aglaeth Vazquez
Social Work
Bethaida “Bea” Gonzalez Endowed Scholarship
Andrew Ostrander
Political Philosophy
Timothy Sullivan
Knowledge Management
Pearl Ness Clements Endowed Scholarship
Autumn Patricia Battle
Liberal Arts
Cindy Cunduff
Liberal Studies
Gillian Knafelc
Women’s and Gender Studies
Distant Drums Native American Endowed Scholarship
Joseph Brian Carringer
Liberal Studies
Skuse Family 5×5 Scholarship
Alyssa Diaz
Cybersecurity Administration
Robert O’Connell Kelley
Cybersecurity Administration
Syracuse University Alumnae Club Endowed Scholarship
Kyrissa Maria Difabio
Business Management
College of Professional Studies OTHC Scholarship
Kenneth Iheanyichuckwu
Creative Leadership
Leondra Jeanne Tyler
Psychology
Elizabeth (BJ) Ryan Metz Scholarship
Olivia Grace Sauta
Management
Class of 1950 Continuing Education Scholarship
Timothy Moses
Liberal Studies
To learn how to establish a scholarship through the College of Professional Studies, contact Jeffry Comanici, executive director, post-traditional advancement, at 315-443-1409 or jjcomani@syr.edu.
By Cheryl Abrams