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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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Jay Harrington ’93, S.W.A.T. Actor, will Serve as Special Guest at Post-Traditional Reception in Los Angeles on April 19

On April 19th, the College of Professional Studies is hosting Jay Harrington portraita reception for alumni, current online and executive education students, and friends of Syracuse University in Los Angeles, CA. The reception will be followed by a program at 7:30 p.m. featuring American actor, Jay Harrington ’93.

Harrington is an actor known for his role as the title character in the ABC sitcom “Better Off Ted” in 2009-2010 and has just finished filming his 6th season as Sgt. David “Deacon” Kay in “S.W.A.T.”, where he also directed his first episode in the series. Previous credits include starring alongside Eliza Coupe in the USA Network’s “Benched.” Harrington is a 1993 graduate of the theater program at Syracuse University.

The reception will be held at Craft on Constellation Boulevard, from 6-8:30 pm. There is no cost to attend the event.

Registration for the event is requested by April 12. For questions or more information, contact Maureen Downes at madownes@syr.edu or 315.443.3510.

College of Professional Studies Financial Aid Advisor Appointed Regional Chair of New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association

Janet Lafata PortraitJanet Lafata, financial aid advisor in the College of Professional Studies, has been appointed Chair of the Central NY region (Region III) of the New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association (NYSFAAA).

NYSFAAA is volunteer association that was formed in 1968 to serve the financial aid community. Today, it serves over 1,200 practicing financial aid professionals working in student financial aid offices throughout the state of New York. The Association consists of eight regions across the state. As chair of Region III, Lafata will oversee representatives from 12 counties surrounding the Central New York region. 

The association and its members advocate for and promote equal access to post-secondary education for all students by providing outreach activities to assist students and families as they work to understand the student financial aid process.

“We hold monthly meetings to discuss important topics on financial aid, inclusive of staying abreast of legislative updates,” Lafata says. “As a community, we participate in trainings, webinars, and events with financial aid subject matter experts. Additionally, we volunteer at high school FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) filing events, participate in yearly Student Aid Advocacy Day in Albany, liaise with Regional and National Associations and attend financial aid conferences.”

Lafata has worked at Syracuse University for over 21 years cumulatively. She has spent 14 years working in financial aid, nine of those years most recently within the financial aid department at the College of Professional Studies. She has been a member of NYSFAAA for 21 years.

As a financial aid advisor, Lafata assists students seeking support in financing their education at Syracuse, specifically post-traditional students who come to the University while likely handling many responsibilities in life, like full-time or part-time work and/or raising a family. These circumstances often make it difficult for post-traditional students to find the resources to dedicate towards their academic goals.

The College of Professional Studies financial aid department proactively identifies scholarship or grant opportunities for current and incoming students. Eligible students are either selected and notified or invited to apply each year for awards available the following fall/spring. By having an intimate understanding of and frequent communication with students, the financial aid department can help students focus on their academic pursuits by helping to find financial solutions.

“Being a part of NYSFAAA has been a great experience. I look forward to the future, serving as Chair, to continue the work we have done, hope to do, and put into practice all that we learn to effectively serve our students and provide them with the best financial aid opportunities to help them achieve their educational goals,” Lafata says.

Executive Director of Online Student Success Joins New York Air National Guard

Liz Green recites the Air National Guard oath to Major Squier.

When Liz Green began her career in higher education, she didn’t expect joining the military to be a part of her journey.

In February 2022, Green found herself spending a significant amount of time at the Hancock Field Air National Guard Base advising members of the 174th Attack Wing. Nearly weekly, the executive director of Online Student Success could be found speaking with prospective military students interested in online programs at Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies. The more that Green connected with students of various backgrounds and career fields, the more she found herself drawn to the mission and community that surrounded the Air National Guard.

 “Can a civilian just join the military?” Green asked herself.

Although it was a simple question, it felt loaded with opportunity. Just like higher education, a career in the military was all about service. Both required commitment, leadership, and a passion to transform lives. While joining the military was an extension of an existing career built on service, this new career path would cultivate a deeper understanding of what it means to be military-connected in higher education.

But Green didn’t just join on a whim.

“When I had the thought, I laughed it off in my head,” Green said. “But it’s like what we tell our [College of Professional Studies] applicants: don’t self-select out. At least ask the question because you never know what you might learn in the process.”

As a full-time employee, PhD student, and a mom, could Green squeeze in another commitment? A two-hour conversation with a recruiter answered her question, which made her realize it was an oddly perfect fit. Green imagined a Venn diagram of her life and how this opportunity would blend into her other roles.

“It dawned on me that our presence on base was having an impact,” Green said. “I was an accessible person to talk to about degrees and there was a lot of enthusiasm. I want to keep doing what I can for this group of people and also serve the mission that they serve.”

Green began the five-month preparation of paperwork, exams, and medical clearances it would take to officially commission. On Nov. 4, Green was sworn into the New York Air National Guard, three weeks shy of her 40th birthday. Upon completion of officer training school, Green will be a second lieutenant and will be formally assigned to the public affairs career field.

“I didn’t even know this opportunity existed,” Green said. “But I’m so glad it evolved the way it did.”

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.