News

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies Honors Class of 2022

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies celebrated the Class of 2022 on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Hendricks Chapel. Twelve students were individually recognized for completing a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree alongside 26 certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree candidates who studied part-time at Syracuse through other schools and colleges on campus.

Dean Michael Frasciello began the night applauding the graduating class for their high achievements. Keynote speaker Siddhartha Bhattacharya, associate vice president of marketing and communications at Syracuse University, spoke about the wisdom adult learners bring to the classroom.  

Syracuse University Chancellor and President Kent Syverud was in attendance to hear student, Victoria Baratta, a U.S. Army veteran, speak about how she earned her degree while working full-time as one of the first Black female police officers in the Syracuse Police Department. Chancellor Syverud recounted Barrata’s story on Sunday at the Syracuse University 2022 Commencement at the stadium, earning Barrata a standing ovation from the crowd, as her degree marked the completion of a 20-year journey.

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

Jonah Fugo
Online Success Advisor, College of Professional Studies

Staff Service Award

Daniel J. French
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Office of University Counsel

Faculty Excellence Award

Patrick J. Neary
Instructor, Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program

Online Teaching Award

Susan M. Conklin
Instructor, Bachelor of Professional Studies Program

University Holds First Post-traditional Alumni Event in Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital was the setting on April 26 for the first-ever networking reception for alumni and students from Syracuse University. Planning for the event was led by the College of Professional Studies.

“As the University has significantly expanded its commitment to access for learners, we were energized to greet our alumni in Washington, D.C. and share updates on how the college and Syracuse University Global are now positioned to provide global access and transformative educational opportunities,” says Michael Frasciello, Ph.D., dean of the College of Professional Studies.

More than 160 people registered to attend the evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Mayflower Hotel. The reception was a joint partnership between the College of Professional Studies, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, and Syracuse University in D.C.

J. Michael Haynie, Ph.D., Syracuse University’s vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, opened the program with brief remarks about the university’s presence in Washington, D.C. and its commitment to members of the military.

Dean Frasciello followed with comments about the College of Professional Studies and the Syracuse University Global initiative, and then introduced the evening’s special guest, former NASA administrator and University Professor Sean O’Keefe, who attended Syracuse University and has taught many post-traditional students. He currently holds the Howard G. and S. Louise Phanstiel Chair in Leadership at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs; serves as distinguished senior advisor for the Center for Strategic and International Studies; and is senior research associate at the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.

There are more than 341,000 Syracuse University post-traditional alumni, with over 7,000 students and alumni residing in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Engagement with these important members of the Orange family will continue, with plans to visit New York City, Los Angeles and other cities where the Syracuse University presence is strong.

“Engaging post-traditional alums is a priority of the University,” says Jeffry Comanici, executive director of post-traditional advancement. “These graduates are proud of their University affiliation, as well as the plans to expand the experiences they had as students to a global community.”

For questions or more information, contact Comanici at jjcomani@syr.edu or 315.443.1409.

Earn a Cannabis Studies Certificate Online

A fully online cannabis studies certificate is now available through the College of Professional Studies.

The 15-credit cannabis studies online credit certificate provides a foundation of knowledge across the cannabis industry including governing laws, plant science and extracts, medicinal properties, plant cultivation and harvesting, as well as business and employment opportunities.

During this certificate program, students will learn how to define the legal and regulatory systems governing the cannabis industry, assess the components of starting and maintaining a cannabis related business, and analyze the science behind cannabis derived products.

The dynamic online courses are built with a blend of both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students can participate in active conversations, receive immediate feedback, and interact personally with classmates and instructors during a required weekly meeting, resulting in a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

To learn more, visit https://professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/academics/online/cannabis-studies-certificate/.

 

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.

Passionate Donors Endow Undergraduate Scholarship

In the late 1960s when Dolores Speach began working on her bachelor’s degree at the former University College (now the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University), she was somewhat of an anomaly as a married woman with two young children.

Lor, as she’s known, recalls those days fondly. Her determination and thirst for knowledge were so strong that after earning a bachelor’s degree, she went on to complete a master’s degree at Syracuse University. Lor then taught for several years in Syracuse, including a full-time position as a Regents biology teacher at East Syracuse Minoa High School for two years before moving to the West Coast.

Now retired, Lor and her husband of more than 60 years, Steven Speach, have never lost their Orange spirit. They say it’s important for them to give back so other students can attain the same success and pride of accomplishment they both achieved at the university.

That’s why the Speaches recently established an endowed undergraduate scholarship at the College of Professional Studies as part of the Forever Orange campaign. Through estate planning, Lor and Steve, both life-long educators, are pleased to be able to assist a future generation of students realize dreams of their own.

“We have always tried to touch the lives of students in some meaningful way,” says the couple. “We are gratified that we can continue to help deserving individuals pursue higher education at Syracuse University.”

Dean Michael Frasciello is humbled by the Speach’s generosity and thoughtfulness, as well as their tremendous passion for continuing education. “Lor and Steve each pursued advanced degrees as they balanced careers and personal lives,” he said. “They’re not only honoring their educational triumphs, but most importantly, the memories they hold dear of their time at Syracuse University.”

Though the couple relocated to California, Central New York remains close to their hearts. They began to raise son, Steven, and daughter, Lorraine, in the Syracuse area, where they also set out on their educational and professional journeys. Steve graduated from Le Moyne College and completed 30 credits in the chemical engineering program at Syracuse University. Lor earned an associate degree in humanities from Onondaga Community College, setting her sights on continuing her education at Syracuse University.

In 1973, the couple moved to California to pursue career opportunities. Steve, who completed a Ph.D. at the University of California at Riverside in 1983, served many years as a teacher and administrator, retiring as a school district superintendent in Oceanside, CA. Lor worked as a special education teacher, counselor and administrator for 40 years and earned several additional master’s degrees along the way.

Enjoying a well-deserved retirement near the Pacific Ocean, Lor and Steve Speach continue to reflect on their humble beginnings in Syracuse. They share that through their endowed scholarship, they hope to lighten the financial burden “so students can focus on learning and achieving their maximum academic potential.”

To learn how to establish an endowed scholarship fund for College of Professional Studies students, contact Jeffry Comanici, executive director of post-traditional advancement, at 315.443.1409 or email jjcomani@syr.edu

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University

Orange isn’t just our color. It’s our promise to leave the world better than we found it. Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University is poised to do just that. Fueled by 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can enhance academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. Forever Orange endeavors to raise $1.5 billion in philanthropic support, inspire 125,000 individual donors to participate in the campaign, and actively engage one in five alumni in the life of the University. Now is the time to show the world what Orange can do. Visit foreverorange.syr.edu to learn more.

About the College of Professional Studies
The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to a diverse population of students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate or educational experience from anywhere in the world.

The College of Professional Studies Announces Cannabis Studies Minor

A fully online cannabis studies minor is now available to Syracuse University undergraduate students through the College of Professional Studies.

The 18-credit cannabis studies online minor provides a foundation of knowledge across the cannabis industry including governing laws, plant science and extracts, medicinal properties, plant cultivation and harvesting, as well as business and employment opportunities.

The dynamic learning environment for the online courses are built with a blend of both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Much of the coursework is designed to be completed on your own time, in combination with a required weekly meeting time which allows students to engage in active discussions, receive immediate feedback, and participate in personal interactions with classmates and instructors.

Syracuse University undergraduate students who wish to enroll must enter the program no later than the first semester of junior year and be in good academic standing with the approval of their home college. Students can register to start take courses in the fall when registration opens on Wednesday, April 13.

To learn more, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/academics/online/cannabis-studies-minor/.

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.