News

At the age of 17, Oubon Phommanyrath was living on her own in the Salvation Army Transitional Apartments on Salina Street in Syracuse. Phommanyrath had fled from a physically and emotionally abusive home life at age 14, ending up on the streets.

Despite her circumstances, Phommanyrath completed high school and was close to realizing her dream of attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City to study design. “I received an acceptance letter from FIT in New York,” says Phommanyrath. “I also had a four-year full scholarship from the University at Albany and SUNY Oneonta. But I chose to pursue my dream of attending a major design school.”

Three weeks after accepting FIT’s offer, Phommanyrath received news that all the dorms were full and she would have to find an apartment in New York. Her caseworker at the Salvation Army made dozens of phone calls to FIT, but was unsuccessful in securing a dormitory for Phommanyrath. “At the time, I was only 17 and still living in the transitional housing. I did not have the finances or resources to survive alone in New York City. I was emotionally devastated and mentally crushed, realizing the dream I had nurtured throughout high school was not going to happen.”

Later that week, Phommanyrath’s case worker called her into her office and gave her a brochure for Syracuse University. “I always admired SU for its reputation. The fact that it was local and I wouldn’t have to find a place to live was also positive,” she says. Phommanyrath applied and was accepted and is now proud to be a SU alumnus.

While she admits how difficult it was to work all day and then “run up the hill” to attend a three-hour class, she’s happy that through the help of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), she was able to earn a bachelor of professional studies degree from University College. “I am a product of what HEOP can do for students who, for one reason or another, could not afford to pay for college. It’s a gift that will live with me for years to come.”

Phommanyrath says her educational journey taught her a lot about patience. “It took me over 10 years to finish my program, and it did not come without a price,” she says. “I wanted to quit so many times. I was young and confused when I started here, but by the time I reached my junior year, I saw the path opening and I could see the end. I worked hard to improve my GPA and even made the dean’s list.”

Although Phommanyrath has reached such a significant milestone, she will continue to pursue her dreams. “I want to go on to graduate school and pursue a master’s degree in psychology, social work or fine arts,” she says. “I want to be able to financially support my mother and buy her a home. She loves to garden, and I want her to be able to retire in her own home, doing what she loves to do. I also want to make her proud because I am the first person in my family to attend and graduate from college.”

Phommanyrath also hopes her college degree will open new doors for her. “I experienced many losses, financial setbacks and emotional hardships. But by surrounding myself with people who cared about me, I was able to succeed. The University College staff is exceptional—everyone at UC is friendly, supporting and welcoming—from the financial aid office to the teaching staff.”

Phommanyrath says that her degree from SU means many things – tears of happiness, nights of studying and writing papers, and sacrificing time and sleep. The most rewarding moment came when she picked up her cap and gown, and was able to hold the little tassel that says 2011. “Learning will always be a part of my life, because I will always have a student mentality,” she says.

Geraldine de Berly, associate dean for academic affairs at University College, has been named senior associate dean.

De Berly, who also serves as the director of the English Language Institute, has worked at Syracuse University since 1998. Prior to joining SU, de Berly held several positions at New Mexico State University, including academic coordinator for International Teaching Assistant Training, associate professor of ESL and director of the Center for Intensive Training in English. Widely travelled, she taught at the University of Essex and was a visiting professor at the University of Costa Rica.

De Berly received her Ph.D. in educational administration from New Mexico State University, her master’s degree in applied linguistics from the University of Essex, England, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford University.

Rosemary Kelly, director of Student Administrative Services (SAS) at University College, was recently named assistant dean of SAS.

SAS, which encompasses advising, bursar, registration and financial aid departments, works with the part-time undergraduates from recruitment, admission and advising through to their graduation. The office is often a first point of contact for graduate students.

Kelly has worked in student services and administration in higher education for 30 years, with 24 years at Syracuse University. She received her bachelor of arts degree in from SUNY Albany and a master of science degree from SU.

Mike Frasciello has been named assistant dean of online learning and information services at University College.

In this role, he provides campuswide leadership in support of Syracuse University online teaching and learning initiatives. This includes working with various departments across campus to research, evaluate, approve, design, develop, implement and assess initiatives and strategies related to all aspects of online teaching and learning. Frasciello also continues to provide leadership in selecting and exploiting business, instructional and information technologies throughout University College’s operations, faculty and student support, information management and communication efforts.

Frasciello joined University College in 2000 as an information architect and technology editor. In 2005, he became director of information and learning systems at the college.

Prior to joining the University, Frasciello worked as a technical communications developer, technology editor and information architect on a wide range of commercial software packages. He has also designed, developed and taught online and resident courses (credit and non-credit) for SU, community colleges and private industry. His articles and technology reviews have appeared in Integrated Online Systems, Catalyst, Information Today, and Academic Exchange. He has also presented his independent research at the Access Conference, the National Online Conference and the E-Learn World Conference.

Frasciello holds a master’s degree from Westminster College and a bachelor of science degree from the University of Maryland. He is also a part-time Ph.D. student in Syracuse University’s Writing Program.

Ten Tons of Love (TTL) is Syracuse University and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s semi-annual food and clothing drive. Last year, more than 45 tons of donated goods were collected. The TTL program collects non-perishable food, clothing, furniture and other used items from on-campus and off-campus student residences.

Ten Tons of Love is only possible with the assistance of many volunteers to help load, move and sort all the donated items. The organizers are looking for volunteers to help with the drive. The items collected are distributed to local charities and individuals in need in the Syracuse community.

Volunteers are needed to assist with loading and moving April 27-May 16, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Volunteers should meet at Goldstein Student Center on South Campus and will travel to the residence halls to load donated items into trucks to be taken to First English Lutheran Church. The shift ends at 1 p.m. Transportation and lunch is provided. This opportunity involves some heavy lifting. To volunteer, register online at http://tentons.syr.edu.

To volunteer for opportunities that do not involve heavy lifting, call Paula Hughson at First English Lutheran Church at (315) 471-1678.

For more information, call (315) 443-5489 or email offcampus@syr.edu.