News

As the recently appointed executive director for advancement at University College, I am excited about the opportunity to connect and reconnect with members of our Orange family. As University College alumni, you have had a different experience at Syracuse University than the traditional full-time student, and we greatly value you as part of our campus community. As such, I would like to encourage you to become an active and engaged member of our alumni base through the three W’s―“Wisdom, Work, and Wealth.”

Wisdom—By sharing what you experienced during and after your education, you can help us continue to enhance the way UC staff engage with current and former students. Additionally, by offering to mentor current students, you can help the next generation of part-time learners succeed.

Work—Many of you earned or are earning your degree part-time while working, serving in the military, raising a family and managing competing priorities. Your stories will encourage others to continue with or begin their journey of lifelong learning. Hearing firsthand from people who have struggled yet succeeded provides the inspiration our current students need to remain motivated and moving forward. You are the role models for those who are earning a Syracuse University degree online or on campus—in upstate New York and across the world.

Wealth—For generations, University College students have benefitted from the generosity of UC alumni and friends. When a student receives financial assistance for tuition, books, supplies or other expenses, it may eliminate another barrier and allow them to focus on their studies. Every gift, large or small, makes an impact in helping further the education of lifelong learners.

I encourage you to visit part-time.syr.edu/alumni to learn more ways to connect and create your own three W’s. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at jjcomani@syr.edu or 315-420-9330. Together, we can pay it forward!

 

Forever Orange,

Jeffry Comanici ’88

Executive Director for Advancement

University College

In 1946, Dr. Kenneth G. Bartlett, founding dean of the newly chartered University College, shared his philosophy with the inaugural class of part-time students, staff and faculty:

“University College is an idea…that in an age of continuous change, learning must be continuous as well. In an age of rapid change, democratic institutions need the steadying influence of continuous education. That is our purpose….”

University College staff and faculty practice this belief every day through their unwavering commitment to the foundational ideals of Syracuse University—to promote a socially diverse climate; to support an inclusive community; and to promote a culture of awareness, innovation and discovery.

Throughout our history, we have seen UC students graduate and carry these ideals out into the world, leading authentic lives—knowing who they are—their values, their principles and their life goals. We have seen thousands of part-time students move these ideals forward—demonstrating fearlessness, strength and brilliance—shaping their personal and professional relationships through engaged, informed, and civil discourse—and becoming stewards and champions of civility, fairness, diversity, equity and inclusion.

As we reflect on a year of institutional, national and international change, UC is moving boldly forward as the steadying influence Dean Bartlett imagined more than 70 years ago. Like the 1946 inaugural class who would use their education to mend a world devastated by global conflict, this generation of graduates is responding to dramatic cultural changes and rapidly evolving global economic and social conditions.

Today, University College remains committed to the foundational ideals of Syracuse University—preparing engaged citizens, scholars and leaders for participation in a changing society. We are proud to Be Orange!

In your service,

Michael J. Frasciello, Dean

“Self-development is not selfish; it is a combat multiplier. The more educated and mentally sound you are, the more you will be able to help and educate others. In other words, prioritizing self-development is critical to the long-term sustainment of the U.S. Army.” – Sgt. Maj. Horval

The USASMA Fellowship Program at Fort Bliss, Texas is a broadening program which, selects highly qualified sergeants major candidates every year to attain a master’s degree in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education from Pennsylvania State University or a degree in Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation (IDD&E) from the School of Education, Syracuse University. Students in the IDD&E program at Syracuse University are supported by the Online Student Success team at University College—reinforcing Syracuse’s commitment to veterans and military-connected students!

Read the full article here

Ben Vasquez ’18 and his sister Lauren shared a passion for helping others. Ben’s leadership skills and altruism shine through each day in his role as a police officer with the Village of Waterloo. Lauren also had a positive influence on those around her, through her acts of kindness. “She had a deep impact not just on her family and friends, but on everyone who crossed her path,” says Vasquez. “I remember when she was a student at Monroe Community College, she used her limited funds to buy another student a winter coat. That’s just the type of person she was.”

Read the full story here

Ryan O. Williams, Ph.D., has joined University College as associate dean of academic affairs. Williams will serve as chief academic officer providing leadership for and coordination of the college’s academic mission. He will be responsible for researching, developing and launching new market-sensitive undergraduate and graduate programs. He also has been appointed as an associate teaching professor in political science at the Maxwell School. Williams has worked at Syracuse University since 2002.

Williams began his career at the University as the assistant director of SU Abroad before becoming associate director of graduate studies in Maxwell’s International Relations Program. In 2009, Williams accepted a leadership position for the Maxwell School in Washington, D.C., serving as the assistant dean for Washington Programs. In this role, Williams led 200 students, 24 faculty and four staff members at the off-campus academic center. He reviewed and coordinated all aspects of the curriculum for graduate and undergraduate programs focused on international relations and public policy. Williams also managed and developed Maxwell partnerships with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and proposed and directed the Maxwell-CSIS Washington-based executive master’s program in international relations.

“Ryan brings to University College a broad knowledge of the University’s academic policies and protocols, a depth of experience designing innovative curricula, and a record of leadership and success building and implementing academic programs,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of University College. “With Ryan on our team, we are better positioned to execute the next phase of our institutional strategy to dramatically expand the University’s online programs portfolio.”

Williams earned a bachelor’s degree from Nazareth College of Rochester, a master’s degree in law and diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, an M.B.A. from the Institut Supérierur Des Affaires, Hec School of Management in France, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the Maxwell School.