Susan Wright ’26, a retired staff member, began pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the late ’90s and graduated Sunday with honors.
‘Don’t Give Up’: Part-Time Student Earns Degree Decades After First Class
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Powered by Community: A Part-Time Path Built on Connection and Support
For Shayne Turo ’26, community and education are synonymous. As a nontraditional student balancing work and school, choosing a part-time path at Syracuse University meant staying committed to a goal while navigating real life.
Along the way, it was the support from family, friends, mentors, and classmates that made the difference. Those connections provided encouragement during tough moments, accountability when it mattered most, and a sense of belonging that kept everything moving forward. In the end, this experience wasn’t just about earning a degree, it was about being lifted by community, growing in confidence, and realizing that you don’t have to do it alone to succeed.
In this Q&A, Turo shares how purpose, meaningful connections, and a strong sense of community shaped his educational journey.
Driven by Purpose: Balancing Work, Education, and Long-Term Goals
What motivated you to pursue your degree as a part-time student?
Having just graduated from Onondaga Community College, I knew I wanted to continue my education. However, as a nontraditional student having to maintain a full-time job, I knew going to school part-time was my only option. It was always a goal of mine to enroll at Syracuse University, so when I learned about the part-time opportunity, I took advantage of it.
How did your degree program and academic pathway reshape what you thought was possible for your education and career?
Being able to successfully navigate the path to my bachelor’s degree through its ups and downs has given me the confidence to pursue a master’s degree.
Being an African American Studies major allowed me to not just learn about my history and culture, but it allowed me to feel grounded. I feel grounded in the fact that even though I am still learning who I am, I have a deep understanding of where I come from.
What would you say to someone who’s interested but unsure whether an online and/or part‑time program is right for them?
Going part-time gives the flexibility you need to pursue your academic goals while being able to navigate life at the same time.
Finding Connection in a Nontraditional Path
How did community show up for you during your part-time journey?
My support system is second to none! With God first, I knew all things were possible. My family and friends were truly there for me when times got hard and “life got to life-ing” as they say. Without them, I am not sure I would be standing where I am today.
How did peer relationships impact your academic success?
I found it important, and almost necessary, to create study groups. Being able to connect with classmates and build a sense of community allows your learning to soar exponentially.
What role did faculty or advisors play in building that sense of community?
My advisors and professors truly helped me to navigate the academic journey. This journey felt like a roller coaster, but with the guidance of Mr. Wright and Dr. O’Reilly, I was able to stay on track.
Advocate, Connect, Succeed: Why Flexible Learning Makes Education Possible
What advice would you give to future online/part-time students?
Always, and I mean always, advocate for yourself.
Lastly, it is important to meet with all your professors during their office hours within the first two weeks of class. This gives you a chance to let them know who you are, how you take your education seriously, and that you are dedicated to your goals.
Why would you recommend your degree program and academic pathway as a part-time student?
I would recommend my journey because it made me who I am. I am an intelligent, educated, strong, confident Black man with integrity. My African American Studies degree program allowed me to see and understand the importance of being just who I am today: an intelligent, educated, strong, confident Black man. It is for these reasons and more that I would not only recommend my degree program, but the journey I took as well.
Ready to take the next step? Explore part-time learning and create a path that fits your life.
Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies Honors Class of 2026
Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies celebrated the class of 2026 on Thursday, May 7, at its 78th annual Convocation Ceremony.
View the 2026 Convocation live stream now.
College Marshal
Kristopher Plantz
Student Speaker
Shayne Turo
Student Recognition
Nancy C. Gelling Award
Presented to a commuter part-time undergraduate honors student who
demonstrates exceptional academic achievement while balancing the
demands of life and educational commitments.
Susan E. Wright
Dr. Frank E. Funk Military Student Excellence Award
Recognition of an actively serving military student pursuing a College of
Professional Studies undergraduate degree who demonstrates excellence in
academics, leadership, and perseverance.
James Tarby Jr.
College of Professional Studies Service Awards
Service awards were presented to those who serve as academic pillars in the Syracuse University community.
Dean’s Excellence Award
Amy M. Walker
Instructional Language Coordinator, English Language Institute
Faculty Excellence Award
Daniel Hebert, J.D., LL.M.
Assistant Teaching Professor and Program Director, Business Management
Faculty Career Achievement Award
Arthur P. Thomas, Ph.D.
Professor of Practice and Program Director, Project Management
Lessons Learned as an Online, Part-Time Student: Leadership Growth, Time Management, and Finding the Right Fit
Returning to school is both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. Balancing coursework with a demanding professional life requires intentional planning, self‑reflection, and adaptability.
For Jonathan Schulz ’26, enrolling as an online, part-time student at the College of Professional Studies was a transformative step in his academic journey and career. Navigating virtual classrooms while managing real‑world responsibilities pushed him to rethink how he approached learning, time management, and goal‑setting.
Reflecting on his educational experience, Schulz shares three important lessons he learned along the way.
1. Understanding My Strengths as a Leader and Learner
As a College of Professional Studies student with a major focusing on Business Management, I have an interest in business development and potentially running my own business. I gained skills in self‑assessment, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing areas for growth.
Taking multiple leadership classes, helped me become more of a successful manager and evaluate areas that I may have struggled in before. Introduction to Knowledge Management was valuable because it helped me see that information can be stored, shared, and conceptualized through different models to help highlight and examine different elements in business structures.
Additionally, the program taught me how I learn best. There were teaching methods that worked better than others and that helped me to become a better manager and teacher myself.
2. Time Management is a Skill You Have to Build
As a working professional with 45-50 hours of work a week, completing classes online, part-time made it easier to attain my degree. Sometimes it was challenging, and I had to get creative with multitasking. I would plan my free time around schoolwork in order to have a proper school-work-life balance.
Having access to the Syracuse University Libraries and Microsoft Office allowed me to keep myself engaged in my education. I would write down when assignments were due on a calendar in order to make sure they were completed in a timely manner.
Intentional time management is key!
3. Choosing the Right Path When You’re Ready
I took an 8 year break from my education and when I returned to it, I was much more focused than when I started. I took the time to research and thoughtfully choose an online, part-time program that was right for me. I had a friend who was doing her graduate program online at Syracuse and she motivated me to go to online as well.
Ready to take the next step toward your future?
Whether you’re advancing your career, changing paths, or finishing what you started, an online, part-time degree can fit your life and goals.
NFL Players Association and Syracuse University Announce Educational Program for Players, Alumni, and More
National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and Syracuse University have launched a new program to provide access to market-relevant online degrees, certificates, and career development opportunities through the University’s nationally ranked online degree and certificate programs.
The NFL Players Association Education Program provides access to high‑quality online degrees and certificate programs designed to advance the long‑term career growth of active and former NFL players, NFLPA staff, and eligible family members. United by a commitment to professional development and expanded opportunity across the NFLPA community, the initiative offers flexible academic pathways tailored to diverse goals. These programs draw upon the expertise of Syracuse University’s renowned schools and colleges, including the Falk College of Sport, the Whitman School of Management, the Newhouse School of Public Communications, and College of Professional Studies (CPS).
“As a Syracuse alum, I can speak firsthand to the University’s prestige and the doors it opens — both on the field and in the boardroom. Syracuse has a rare ability to connect with athletes in a real and meaningful way, and that shared commitment is what brought us together. Partnering with NFLPA is a natural extension of everything the University already stands for,” said Justin Pugh, a former NFL lineman and Syracuse graduate.
NFL Players Association Education Program Highlights:
Nationally Ranked Online Programs:
Syracuse University develops and delivers a wide range of nationally recognized, fully online degree programs strengthened by dedicated online student support advisors who provide individualized guidance throughout each learner’s academic journey.
Career‑Focused Curriculum:
Programs in fields such as business and project management are intentionally structured to equip modern learners with the knowledge and competencies required to advance in their current careers or transition into new professional pathways.
Support for Non‑Native English Speakers:
An online pre‑academic English program is available to help non‑native English speakers build the language proficiency necessary for success in their selected programs, courses, and workshops.
“My fellow deans and I are excited to partner with the National Football League Players Association to provide the Syracuse University experience to current and former players and their family members who are interested in pursuing our robust academic offerings,” said Falk College Dean Jeremy Jordan, who earlier this year helped establish similar partnerships with MLS, NHL, MLBPA and NWSL. “For athletes and professionals with unpredictable schedules, our online programs offer the perfect balance of flexibility, extensive academic support, and real-world applicability–all without compromising the demands of their careers or personal circumstances.”
Educational offerings will be accessible online, on campus, and at Syracuse’s “away” centers in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Dedicated admission specialists and academic advisors will work with each participant to tailor academic pathways aligned with their goals.
For more information regarding NFLPA’s partnership with Syracuse University, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/nflpa.
About the NFL Players Association
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the NFL and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of protecting the health, safety and financial future of its more than 2,000 player members, who are the backbone of North America’s most popular and highest revenue-generating sport. Through a wide offering of programs, resources and engagement opportunities, the NFLPA provides world-class service to players throughout their career lifecycle and builds solidarity to advocate on their behalf in the areas of healthcare, revenue, compensation and working conditions. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 season. Learn more at nflpa.com.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors closes the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives, and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals, and impact beyond what’s possible.