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English Language Institute Students Win Contest and Trip to United Nations

four students standing outside in front of row of international flags
English Language Institute students visited the United Nations where they took a tour. From left are students Mengyao (Wendy) Wang; Junhui (Carol) Yang, Miwa Mashiko and Haohui (Nate) Pan.

Five English Language Institute (ELI) students were among the winners of the Pan Global Challenge, a project sponsored by Blackstone LaunchPad to address the issues of cultural and language barriers between domestic and international students. Students were asked to develop innovative solutions that could be products, services or technologies that lead to better global communication.

ELI students Junhui (Carol) Yang and Haohui (Nate) Pan won first place for proposing that students receive academic credit for joining and participating in Syracuse University clubs and organizations.

ELI students Miwa Mashiko, Mengyao (Wendy) Wang and Merve Gencturk won third place for their idea of creating a Syracuse University dictionary app. The app would allow international students to ask questions about common names or terms on campus, such as “What is HBC Gifford?”

First place students received a monetary award and several winning ELI students traveled to New York City in March for a tour of the United Nations.

Wang says the experience was magnificent, especially seeing the 193 flags on display outside the United Nations building. “I was so proud when I saw my country’s flag,” she says. “I learned a lot from the tour guide, but also from the Syracuse alumna who met us in New York City.”

The students also had the opportunity to view the art collection. Each country is allowed to bestow one gift to the United Nations. The collection represents a diversity of cultures and periods in history. “Gifts included a Peace Bell from Japan, a Buddha statue from Thailand and artwork representing significant and historical events that took place throughout the world,” explains Pan.

Yang was most impressed with the general assembly hall. “Delegates from all over the world gather there to negotiate for the same goals; for peace and a better future,” she says. “In that hall, nobody is mediocre; everyone is equal.”

The English Language Institute (ELI) provides intensive English instruction to international students and visiting professionals at all proficiency levels.

Following in His Mother’s Footsteps, As She Leads by Example

woman and her son standing next to her
Angela Gunn and her son, Ronnie Holmes III

Ronnie Holmes III knew by fourth grade that he wanted to pursue a career in engineering. And he knew that the Syracuse City School District’s Say Yes to Education program would make it possible for him to earn the college degree needed to achieve that dream. After attending five different schools in the district, Holmes graduated from the Syracuse Academy of Science in 2016 as class salutatorian.

Holmes says that he strived to be the best student he could be and was motivated by his own personal desire to succeed. “But the majority of my motivation comes from my mother, who is earning a degree in political science through University College,” he says.

Holmes saw firsthand the struggles and challenges his mother overcame as she worked full time while raising a family and attending college as a part-time student.

In May, Holmes will be in attendance when his mom, Angela Gunn, graduates from Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School. “I feel a great sense of pride knowing that, against all odds, she was able to persevere and conquer such adversity. It is difficult to describe how I will feel when I watch my mom walk the stage,” says Holmes.

Like her son, Gunn looked for an affordable way to attend college. She found it through the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program, which provides access to Syracuse University for economically and educationally disadvantaged students from New York State.

“You face many challenges as an adult student,” said Gunn in a 2016 interview for the UC Priorities newsletter. “A heavy workload, chapters to read, papers to complete, lots of studying and being in classes with students the age of your children can be intimidating.”

But throughout her academic career, Gunn always put her children first. “Ronnie and his three sisters are what keeps me motivated,” says Gunn. “I want them all to make the most of what purpose they have for being here on this earth. Their talent is not for them, but to help or assist someone else.”

Gunn’s children have many individual talents, and Holmes found his talent at an early age. “I knew that Ronnie had the potential to do something big,” she says. “I used to buy him different types of toys that he would have to put together and sure enough, he would. I wasn’t surprised that he decided to make a career out of it.”

man seated in chair doing homework

Ronnie Holmes III

Holmes also began his career at Syracuse University as a part-time student at University College. And, like his mom, he works full time while attending college. Holmes works as an assistant manager at Finish Line.

“Studying part-time made it easier to balance working and attending college,” he says. “The time I spent as a part-time student helped me familiarize myself with what college is like and gave me a chance to get comfortable with the academic environment on campus.”

After two-and-a-half years at University College, Holmes is now enrolled full time in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, working toward a degree in aerospace engineering. “A STEM career has always seemed the best fit for me due to my curiosity and desire to understand the world around me and how things work,” says Holmes. “As an aerospace engineer, I will be responsible for the development of aircraft and space craft. I am intrigued by the idea of being a part of the development of what we put in the air in the near future.”

The pair motivate each other to succeed. “My mother inspires me to never settle for less. I have seen how hard she has worked to get where she is today and I would like to do the same in my own life,” says Holmes.

Gunn has dreams of her own as well. “I would actually like to go graduate school and pursue a career in law,” she says. “That’s my dream job.” Gunn says that having a college degree means she won’t have to place any limitations on what job she can have in the future.

“People should know that their plans are not impossible and their goals are not out of reach,” added Holmes. “I’ve conquered what I would otherwise have thought impossible by having faith.”

A family affair: Three generations of Flanagans at SU

Flanigan Family portraitValerie Flanagan had been away from school for 37 years when she made the decision to redirect her life by earning a college degree. She was working full time as a health care assistant, but envisioned a career as a social worker, teaching parenting skills to teenage mothers. Valerie enrolled in classes at Onondaga Community College and was awarded an associate degree in Human Services in May 2017. Her next step was to enroll at Syracuse University as a part-time student through University College. “Acquiring a degree at this point in my life when I am actually close to retirement requires passion and determination,” she said at the time. Tragically, Valerie would never witness the fulfillment of her dream. She died last September after a brief illness.

The Flanagan family has an impressive history at Syracuse University. Valerie was proud of her family connections to the University, and wanted their story told. In a message to University College last April, she outlined her message. “Three generations of my family are attending college, have graduated, or are working at Syracuse University,” she said. “I think it’s a story that will inspire others to realize a college education is possible.”

Valerie’s son, Kemet High, is currently enrolled in the master’s degree program in magazine, newspaper and digital journalism at the Newhouse School of Public Communications, after graduating last year from the College of Arts and Sciences. During his time at Syracuse, Kemet made the most of every opportunity to become involved and expand his skillset. He did internships at Atlantic Records and Revolt TV, a digital cable music network founded by Sean “Diddy” Combs. Kemet also interned at The Fader, a New York City magazine that covers music, style and culture. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and he was a founding member of Mixtape magazine, the University’s first and only magazine devoted to Hip Hop.

Valerie’s niece, Angela Flanagan, was the oldest of four children in a household where education was highly valued. All four earned bachelor’s degrees, and three went on to earn master’s degrees. Angela was determined to finish her degree despite numerous real-life responsibilities. In 1996 she was a single mother to son Brendan while working at Newhouse as a production assistant. “I had the good fortune to get a job that provided tuition benefits for employees, so I enrolled as a part-time student through University College. It was a great start for a better future,” Angela says.

It took many years, and it wasn’t easy, but Angela persevered semester after semester. “Attending college as an adult can be intimidating,” Angela recalls, but she was focused on her son and wanted to be a role model for him. She completed her degree in 2002, and her good intentions have come to fruition. Brendan is enrolled at Syracuse University as a part-time student through University College, pursuing a degree in psychology. He works part time at Kinney Drugs, and is weighing future career options, including being a psychologist.

Brendan’s aunt Valerie won’t be here to see him graduate, but her words resonate in the educational path he has chosen.

“I see some very bright young minds being developed at Syracuse University,” Valerie said, “and I know they will make a difference in the world.”

“Non-traditional” no more

Michael Frasciello PortraitNot long ago, students who attended college part-time were called “non-traditional” students. The definition assumed that “traditional” students were recent 18 to 22 year-olds attending college full-time, living in dorms, taking classes 4 to 5 days a week, studying, and participating in campus life. Historically, University College students fell into the non-traditional category, as all of our students attend Syracuse University part-time. A majority work full-time, care for families, and manage life responsibilities outside the classroom.

But an interesting change is occurring across higher education. Non-traditional students are now traditional. Where once we were primarily adult learners, today non-traditionals represent the largest population of students seeking a college education—young adults; active military; non-residential; part-time, working professionals; reskilling; transitioning careers, etc. Today, you are the 32% of full-time students at colleges and universities who also work full-time. You are the 37% of all students who attend college part-time. And you are the remaining 31% of students who do a mix of both on their journey to complete a college education.

To be a non-traditional student at Syracuse University is to not be labeled and/or categorized. Here, you are recognized as a valued member of an evolving campus community. At Syracuse University you are the students who know what they want out of life. You are the students who are accountable for your education, and who know what life is like without a degree. You are the students who bring to this magnificent university the maturity and wisdom gained through life experiences.

Labels like “non-traditional” are obsolete because the future traditional Syracuse University student is you. Following the path of the students who preceded them, future SU students will complete their degrees all while working full-time, starting and stopping their studies, raising families, and juggling life’s challenges. Just like you.

As you make the decision to start or continue your Syracuse University studies through University College, know that you are defining the future of a University with an unwavering belief in you and your ability to transform your life through education.

In your service,

Michael J. Frasciello, Dean

University College staff participate in inaugural First-Year Experience

Nine University College staff volunteered to act as trainers and facilitators in a signature experience that introduced first-year students to the University and its culture. The First-Year Experience program was identified in Syracuse University’s Academic Strategic Plan and was supported by the work of the Chancellor’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion.

The campus-wide initiative helped first-year students become engaged in the campus community through dialogue about identity and belonging, health and wellness, and diversity and inclusion.

Elizabeth Green, director of Online Student Success, trained lead and peer facilitators on the content of SEM 100—a shared reading discussion. “It was an incredible experience to learn more about the perspectives of the facilitators and their innovative ideas for how to engage students in meaningful ways,” Green said. “Trevor Noah’s book, Born a Crime, was an exceptional choice for this shared reading experience.” She said that the themes of inclusion, social injustice, and belonging provided a framework for rich and engaging dialogue.

Charlotte Stahrr, program administrator at University College, acted as a facilitator. “The students were engaged and insightful during our discussions,” said Stahrr. “While we did occasionally go off topic, I think it helped the students get to know each other better and realize that people from different backgrounds are more alike than they thought.”

“The facilitators and students both felt supported in stepping out of their comfort zones and pushing their awareness on important and relevant topics,” Green added.

The five-week shared experience enrolled 3,778 students. “I definitely think the students found real value in the exercise,” said Stahrr. “They learned more about their peers—and about themselves.”