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Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies Honors Class of 2024

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies celebrated the Class of 2024 on Thursday, May 9, at its 76th annual Convocation Ceremony. Eighty-three students, in total, were recognized for completing their program of study in 2024, representing eight schools and colleges within the University.

Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56

Keynote speaker Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56, a life trustee and head of Heritage Management Company, LLC, inspired students to explore the curiosities and wonders of life.

“We learn that every problem is an opportunity when we begin to seek and dig down and discover what we are made of,” Seinfeld said.

Leondra Tyler ’24

Graduating cum laude with dual degrees in neuroscience and psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Professional Studies through the part-time Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Leondra Tyler ’24 served as the student speaker and delivered a motivating message on the power of community. Although this marks the end of an academic chapter, Tyler said Syracuse will always feel like home. 

To view the live streamed convocation ceremony, visit go.syr.edu/uc/convocation2024.

Student Recognition

Recognition of the Alumni Scholar with the highest grade point average

James Edward Bennett

Maxamillian Crawford

Ryan Thomas Simmons

William Hayden Stewart

Sylvia Wyckoff Award

Recognition of outstanding achievement in the College of Visual and Performing Arts

Katherine Vincent

Alumni Scholars

Members of the Class of 2024 with the highest grade point averages

Jesus E Adkins

James Edward Bennett

Maxamillian Crawford

Lyneisha N Dickenson

Kelly Haley

Walter Ellis Hunt Jr

Jenny Ragan

John Carmen Rose

Ryan Thomas Simmons

William Hayden Stewart

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

Jacqueline Monsour

Assistant Director of the English Language Institute

Faculty Excellence Award

Emily Luther

Bachelor of Professional Studies Instructor

College of Professional Studies Announces 2024 Convocation Keynote Speaker

Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56, a life trustee and head of Heritage Management Company, LLC, will deliver the keynote speech during the College of Professional Studies’ 2024 Convocation, on Thursday, May 9 at 6 p.m. inside Hendricks Chapel. A reception will follow at 7 p.m. on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle.

A woman smiles while posing for a headshot.

Seinfeld is the fourth-generation head of Heritage Management Company LLC, a long-standing real estate investment, development and management company based in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Before joining Heritage, Seinfeld was the founder and president of Judith Greenberg Gallery, a jewelry design company, and she was also an executive vice president at Balenciaga Perfumes. A longtime patron of the arts, Seinfeld is the co-founder of the Nantucket Comedy Festival and the producer of several Tony award-winning plays.

Seinfeld earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University’s School of Education, and a master’s degree in administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, in 1957. In addition to her current role as a life trustee participant on the Academic Affairs committee, Seinfeld’s service to the University includes previous positions on the boards of the School of Education and the School of Architecture. Her service also includes assisting in establishing the Seinfeld Housing Initiative, the Judith Greenberg Seinfeld Distinguished Fellowships and the Judith Greenberg Seinfeld Prize for Creative Teaching Endowment.

Seinfeld resides in Saddle River, New Jersey, and Nantucket, Massachusetts, and is the mother of Jeffrey Greenberg and the late Steven Greenberg.

For more information on the celebration, visit the 2024 College of Professional Studies Convocation page.

 

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.

Everything You Need to Know About Cannabis Studies

Are you looking to learn more about the cannabis industry, but aren’t sure where to start?

If so, our cannabis studies certificates, microcredentials or minor may be the right choice for you.

The College of Professional Studies cannabis studies programs have the option to be fully online and are aimed at educating students who want to learn more about cannabis cultivation, business practices, and policy. 

Cannabis expert and Syracuse University professor Dr. Junella Chin, who teaches CAN 320: Cannabis Science and Health, says that cannabis education is crucial in today’s landscape. 

“It helps mitigate stigma, promotes regulatory compliance, advances research, and is crucial from a harm reduction perspective,” says Chin. “Educating consumers fosters responsible use, enabling individuals to make informed decisions, understand potential risks, and seek professional guidance when needed.”

In 2022, there were over 417,000 full-time employees in the cannabis industry in the United States, according to Vangst Jobs Report 2023.

So which cannabis studies program is the right fit for you?

Cannabis Studies Minor

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. 

Students enrolled in this minor learn a wide variety of skills, including identifying the difference between marijuana and hemp products, defining the legal and regulatory systems governing the industry, and learning the science behind the use of cannabis-derived products.

So what kind of courses does this minor entail? Students enrolled can take a wide range of cannabis-centered courses, ranging from classes on startups (CAN 310 – Cannabis Startups) to social justice (CAN 315 – Cannabis Law, Policy and Social Justice).

This minor is open to all Syracuse University undergraduates in good standing with the approval of their home college and must enter the program no later than the first semester of junior year.

Cannabis Studies Credit Certificate 

Similar to the minor, the 15-credit cannabis studies online credit certificate provides a comprehensive knowledge base across the cannabis industry. 

Students enrolled in the credit certificate can learn about cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution, as well as policy and business practices. 

Students enrolled can choose five of the six courses below:

  • CAN 301 – Cannabis Business Operations  
  • CAN 310 – Cannabis Startups  
  • CAN 315 – Cannabis Law, Policy and Social Justice  
  • CAN 320 – Cannabis Science and Health  
  • CAN 325 – Cannabis Cultivation  
  • CAN 330 – Cannabis Manufacturing, Processing & Distribution

Prior higher education experience is required for this certificate.

Cannabis Studies Microcredentials

The College of Professional Studies offers five cannabis education microcredentials: the Business of Cannabis, Cannabis Agriculture and Horticulture, Cannabis Healthcare, Medicine, and Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management, and Cannabis Product Development & Design Certificate.

The Business of Cannabis

Designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals, this program provides the essential knowledge and strategies to thrive in the dynamic world of the cannabis business.

From navigating legal and regulatory frameworks to understanding industry trends and effective marketing strategies, our experienced instructors equip students with the insights needed to make informed business decisions in this ever-changing industry. 

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a prestigious Business of Cannabis certificate of completion and a digital badge marking the verification of the skills learned in the program. This microcredential will enhance your credibility and provide a competitive edge as you pursue your entrepreneurial endeavors or advance your career within established cannabis companies.

Cannabis Agriculture and Horticulture 

Throughout this program, you’ll delve into the fundamental principles of cannabis agriculture, from seed selection and germination techniques to proper soil composition and nutrient management. 

Whether you dream of starting your own cannabis farm or joining a reputable cultivation operation, our online course provides you with a solid foundation to thrive in the world of cannabis agriculture and horticulture.

Cannabis Healthcare and Medicine

In this 100 percent online program, you’ll learn the intricacies of cannabis medicine, empowering you to feel confident in offering precise product recommendations and assisting individuals in treating various ailments and conditions with cannabis. Through our intentional curriculum, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the therapeutic potential of different cannabis strains, delivery methods, and dosages.

Upon completion of the cannabis studies programs, participants will gain access to the GF Institute Employer Network, a platform of cannabis companies eager to hire graduates with this type of qualification.

Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management 

In today’s cannabis industry, legal compliance is one of the biggest challenges for cannabis businesses of all sizes, soaring the demand for skilled cannabis compliance professionals. Our Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management program will give you the expertise to navigate this complex landscape, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this high-demand field. 

Upon completion, you’ll be fully prepared to pursue the Certified Commercial Cannabis Professional (CCCP) designation through the esteemed Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts (ACCCE). 

As a bonus, when you enroll in this program, you’ll receive a one-year ACCCE membership. This grants you exclusive access to additional resources and training materials designed to deepen your understanding of the complexities and risks inherent in the commercial cannabis industry.

Cannabis Product Development & Design 

The Cannabis Product Development & Design program has been crafted to guide you through the intricacies of cannabis product development. Begin with the foundational principles of cannabis science and discover industry terminology, decarboxylation, and various extraction techniques. Enhance your learning experience with interactive exercises, discussion forums, and hands-on projects.

“Collaborate with peers, explore career paths, and remain adaptable to the evolving nature of the cannabis industry. This dynamic mix will set you on a path for success. Remember that the cannabis industry is still evolving, so staying adaptable and open to new opportunities will serve you well,” Dr. Chin says.

Are you ready to begin your education in cannabis studies? 

Request more information about cannabis studies today!

By Isabel Bekele and Hope Alvarez

College of Professional Studies Helps Meet the Needs of Military-Connected Students

When it comes to providing impactful educational opportunities for service members, veterans and military family members, Syracuse University consistently ranks among the top schools in the country. A key component to that success is the ongoing innovation at the College of Professional Studies in adapting to the needs of military-connected students wherever they are in the world.

The College of Professional Studies was integral to Syracuse University being named among the top private schools for online bachelor’s degree programs for veterans, and that same commitment to military-connected students extends to graduates of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).

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College of Professional Studies Recognizes 12 Post-Traditional Students Inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society

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 March 8, the College of Professional Studies recognized the following students at the 2024 Alpha Sigma Lambda reception:

  • Marisa Ashworth
  • Victoria Barnum
  • Sarah Blair
  • Samantha Bonocora
  • Katie Brody
  • Alexander Cook
  • Teagan Dow
  • Miguel Rodriguez Peraza
  • Robert Salvato
  • Ryan Simmons
  • Jason Smith II
  • William Stewart III