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College of Professional Studies to Recognize 11 Post-Traditional Students Inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society

Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society 2023 Inductees

Alpha Sigma Lambda is the nation’s largest and oldest chapter-based honor society for nontraditional students. The Society was founded in 1945-46 and today has more than 300 institutional chapters. The Syracuse University chapter is the Beta Delta Chapter and was established in 1977.

Alpha Sigma Lambda’s aim is to recognize the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work. Alpha Sigma Lambda is dedicated to the advancement of scholarship and recognizes high scholastic achievement in an adult student’s career. By so doing, this Society encourages many students to continue toward and to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees.

To be considered for membership a candidate must be matriculated and have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours and represent the top twenty percent of the class, with a minimum grade point index of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.

On April 6, the College of Professional Studies will recognize the following students at the 2023 Honors Reception ceremony:

  • Eric Tremblay, Cybersecurity Administration, B.P.S.
  • Guy George, Liberal Studies, B.A.
  • Jesus Adkins, Liberal Studies, B.A.
  • Lauren Roberts, Knowledge Management, B.P.S.
  • Lynn Post, Liberal Arts, A.A.
  • Jonathon Campbell, Creative Leadership, B.P.S.
  • Lorri O’Dell, Liberal Studies, B.A.
  • Mackenzie Anderson, Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
  • Maxamillian Crawford, Cybersecurity Administration, B.P.S.
  • Rodney Brooks, Liberal Arts, A.A.
  • Ryan Fishman, Liberal Studies, B.A.

Better Off Ted, S.W.A.T. Star Jay Harrington Headlines SU Student, Alumni Event in Los Angeles

by Cheryl Abrams

The College of Professional Studies is rolling out the proverbial red carpet for acclaimed actor Jay Harrington VPA ‘93, during an exclusive reception and program in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 19.

That evening, the College is also putting down the Forever Orange carpet to welcome post-traditional, online and executive education students and alumni attending this special Syracuse University event.

The College provides access to and support for post-traditional students from across the world to obtain their college degrees either through on-campus class attendance or online course offerings. More than 360,000 post-traditional alumni have been identified and Syracuse University is working to connect with these former students in more personal ways.

“The Syracuse Orange spirit is strong, and cultivating meaningful relationships with College of Professional Studies alumni are vital to our ongoing success and that of our current and prospective students,” says College of Professional Studies Dean Michael Frasciello. “We need to learn from their experiences and expertise as we continue to expand our position as a global university.”

In recent months, the University has held well-attended networking receptions in New York City and Washington, D.C., and is planning another event on May 22 in Albany. Over 2,000 SU post-traditional alumni reside in the Los Angeles area, working in many fields, including entertainment.

A familiar face on the SU campus in the early1990s, Jay Harrington has become widely known for his role as the title character in the ABC sitcom “Better Off Ted” and has just finished filming his sixth season as Sgt. David “Deacon” Kay in “S.W.A.T.” on CBS, for which he also directed his first episode in the series. Previous credits include starring alongside Eliza Coupe in the USA Network’s “Benched.”

During the program, the College of Visual and Performing Arts graduate will invoke memories from his student days and talk about why he’s stayed so connected with his alma mater. Jay returns to campus for events and routinely meets with current students in the Syracuse University Los Angeles programs. He’ll also provide an inside look at what it’s like to work in Hollywood and the acting industry.

In addition to Dean Frasciello, greeting guests will be Jeffry Comanici, ‘88, executive director of post-traditional advancement for the College of Professional Studies, and Joan Adler, assistant vice president for regional programs in Los Angeles.

The reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 7:30, at Craft, 10100 Constellation Blvd., in Los Angeles.

Registration is requested by April 12 and can be made at cc.syr.edu/LAPost-Traditionalreception. Contact Maureen Downes in the College of Professional Studies at 315.443.3510 or madownes@syr.edu with any questions.

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies Appoints Noura Allen as Director of Diversity and Inclusive Excellence

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies announces the appointment of Noura Allen as director of diversity and inclusive excellence.

Allen will lead, develop and implement strategies to align the College of Professional Studies’ diversity, equity, inclusion and access (DEIA) initiatives. Allen will also consult and partner with University departments to advance efforts across the college to provide a welcoming and affirming environment for all post-traditional Syracuse University students.

“We are extremely excited to have Noura joining the college and the senior leadership team at this important and transformational time,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility extends from our staff and faculty to the differentiated programming and services we provide to our students. Noura will build that commitment into a model of excellence within and beyond Syracuse University.”

Allen joins Syracuse University from Virginia Commonwealth University, where they served as the assistant director of residence life for multicultural affairs since 2018. Allen’s career additionally includes serving as the assistant director for residence life and housing at the University of Mary Washington from 2016 to 2018 and residence director for the STEM Residential College and South Campus at Syracuse University from 2012 to 2016.

With a master of science in higher education leadership from Old Dominion University and a bachelor of science in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, Allen has presented research and facilitated a series of courses and training regarding DEIA initiatives in the workplace.

Allen has served on various DEIA committees for residential life and housing in Richmond, VA, which includes chairing the Inclusive Action Committee as well as serving on the Diversity, Equity, Belonging, Inclusion Council, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy and Procedure Committee, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training and Development Committee.

“Bell hooks wrote, ‘Honesty and openness is always the foundation of insight dialogue.’ The College of Professional Studies is poised to be a trailblazer for DEIA initiatives at Syracuse University through their approach to transparent and authentic leadership,” says Allen. “I believe that my lived experience has uniquely prepared me to lead this team, and I am excited to do the hard work that needs to be done.”

About the College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to diverse students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate, or education experience.

New Sustainability Leadership Program Aims to Create Visionary and Ethical Leaders

Learn to take a proactive approach to addressing sustainability challenges and create positive impact by promoting sustainable practices.

Climate change and environmental degradation are among the greatest challenges facing our planet. Humanity has solutions in hand to address the impacts of climate change, yet we are not making the necessary adjustments quickly enough. Sustainability leaders can help address these challenges by promoting sustainable practices and developing innovative solutions.

By taking a holistic approach to leadership, sustainability leaders consider the long-term impacts of their decisions on the environment, society, and the economy. They are committed to promoting sustainable practices in their organizations and communities, and they encourage others to do the same.

In partnership with One Earth Leadership, Syracuse University announces a three phase Sustainability Leadership Program. Phase I of the program is a two-part virtual session engaging participants in discussions facilitated by instructors Karin Botto, senior human resources business partner at Syracuse University and Hilary McManus, professor of biological and environmental sciences at Le Moyne College. Phase II is an in-person, on-site retreat hosted at Syracuse University’s Minnowbrook Conference Center in Blue Mountain Lake, NY from June 3-6, 2023. Phase III is an additional virtual session to solidify the key learnings from the program.

Throughout the Sustainability Leadership Program, participants will:

  • Learn about climate change issues by connecting the dots between personal, organizational, and planetary thriving.
  • Deepen self-awareness, personal well-being, and resilience through learning a variety of contemplative practices aimed at mitigating eco-anxiety.
  • Develop and present SMART leadership goals for yourself, your community, and/or your organization.
  • Engage with change management practices to support your leadership goals.
  • Experience a variety of peer coaching methods and professional mentoring.
  • Expand their network of change-makers to enhance community engagement.

Upon successful completion of phases I-III of the program, participants will earn a foundations microcredential. Additionally, participants can continue to earn an impact microcredential by completing a portfolio review.

The registration deadline for the Sustainability Leadership Program is May 5, 2023. Interested participants can register here.

Register Here

About the Instructors

Karin Botto
Senior Human Resources Business Partner at Syracuse University

Karin Botto portrait

Dr. Karin Botto has worked in higher education for more than three decades in areas such as leadership development, human resources, enrollment management, strategic planning, mission integration, and faculty development. She currently serves as Senior HR Business Partner at Syracuse University where she partners with senior leaders to shape, develop, and deliver plans and strategy in line with the needs and priorities of the organization including organizational development, performance management, talent management, professional development, workforce planning, and employee relations. She also teaches Individual & Collective Discernment in the Master of Business Administration program at Le Moyne College.

Botto holds a Master of Science in Training & Organizational Development from Saint Joseph’s University and earned a Doctorate of Education from Creighton University in Interdisciplinary Leadership. Her dissertation research focused on developing the ecological self for sustainability leadership. She was recently interviewed by Jesuit Schools Network about her research for the Ignatian Inquiry Podcast.

In 2015, Botto co-developed a leadership model published in the Journal of Jesuit Business Education (2015). She co-authored a chapter of Success After Tenure (2019) by Stylus Publishing and wrote a chapter of Women Courageous: Leading through the Labyrinth (2021) by Emerald Publishing.

Botto’s specialties include sustainability leadership, group dynamics and decision-making, leadership development, coaching and mentoring, management training, and integrating contemplative practices into one’s life and leadership. Her most important role is mother to Jack, Gwyn, and Gavin.

Hilary McManus
Professor of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Le Moyne College

Hilary McManus portrait

Hilary McManus is Professor of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. She teaches about the science of the climate crisis in the classroom and local community and aims to nurture the current and next generations of environmental stewards through hands-on experiences connecting with nature. Hilary co-chairs Le Moyne’s Environmental Sustainability Steering Committee, developing a comprehensive campus-wide framework for a greener campus, and is also a certified executive leadership and career coach.

In 2018, Hilary was selected as a participant in Homeward Bound, a global leadership development initiative for women in STEMM, which culminated in a 3-week voyage to Antarctica with 78 other women from around the world. Currently over 700 women strong, the network continues to grow as an international collaboration of women scientists aiming to lead and influence decision making as it shapes our planet. Hilary is also a member of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps founded and led by Al Gore. She delivers presentations with interactive components that offer audience members an opportunity to brainstorm climate action items on the individual, community, and policy levels.

Hilary’s time away from Le Moyne is spent with her two sons, hiking, camping, gardening, and sitting zazen.

Ukrainian Student Finds New Opportunities Through English Language Institute

It started with an opportunity. Eduard Gusak sat down with his family and friend as they presented the life altering news to him. Months had passed since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and Gusak was unsure of what his future held, but he knew he had to move forward.

“They told me I had an opportunity to study in the United States,” Gusak says.

With a bachelor’s degree in political science from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Gusak dreamed of continuing his education at Syracuse University. He wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to attend, but the U.S. government pathway program “Uniting for Ukraine” gave him the chance to see his future clearly.

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