| “Forever Orange” has become a fervent invocation for support of Syracuse University that spans the generations, from incoming freshman to elders who’ve each experienced a personal affinity for Syracuse University for decades. While young, new students living together in dorms and assorted housing complexes are making their own memories, a community for the older crowd is catering to forever feelings about the University just a few miles off campus. The partnership between the College of Professional Studies and The Nottingham, a part of the Loretto Health System, began in 2022 with an idea that Jeffry Comanici ’88 G ’23 helped turn into a reality. “My parents, who were residents of the Nottingham, really enjoyed the camaraderie they found there,” Jeff recalls. As he got to know the community’s professional leadership, he uncovered a strong connection between the University and the residents of The Nottingham, located just four miles from University Place. “We conducted an informal survey during 2020, followed by a focus group in 2021, and found that 30 percent of our residents had a strong connection to SU,” says Jennifer Ingerson, Loretto’s Vice President of Housing. Residents were graduates, faculty, staff or had a child or grandchild who attended the University. Orange Academy on Location, as it’s called, began at The Nottingham with a well-attended tailgate party there last October before a Syracuse football game. In addition to a performance by the Otto Tunes, several lectures rounded out the inaugural 2022-23 programming, including by Brian Taylor, professor and director of the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs; Mary Grace A. Almandrez, the University’s vice president for diversity and inclusion; and Derek Brainard, an instructor in the bachelor of professional studies program. Professor Emeritus of Biology Richard Levy resides at The Nottingham and appreciates the partnership between his new home and the University he served for 36 years. He says the tailgate event was a great display of Orange spirit, but he most appreciated the lectures presented. Dean Michael Frasciello sees social events like the tailgate party and intellectual offerings such as those by Taylor and Almandrez as integral elements of the mission of the College of Professional Studies to engender life-long learning. “Life is to be enjoyed and embraced, no matter what one’s age. Cultivating the thirst for knowledge and for human interaction is tantamount to what we do as a College and as a University,” he says. Loretto’s philosophy and approach to living echoes this sentiment. “We strive to provide an environment of purposeful and engaged aging,” says Kara Gemmell, director of independent living at The Nottingham. The new partnership is proof that “Forever Orange” is truly ageless. The 2023-2024 season of Orange Academy on Location at Loretto begins next month with a tailgating event prior to the Syracuse vs. Florida State game on Oct. 14. Are you interested in helping to nurture meaningful Orange Academy enrichment residents of The Nottingham? Learn more by contacting Executive Director, College of Professional Studies Post Traditional Advancement, Jeffry Comanici, ’88, G ’23, at 315.443.1409 or jjcomani@syr.edu. By Cheryl Abrams |