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The Thursday, Feb. 3, program of the Institute for Retired Professionals will feature Gregg Tripoli, executive director of the Onondaga County Historical Society (OHA). Tripoli will discuss how the Historical Society is contributing to economic development in the community, which includes a new educational program, “Our Entrepreneurial History.” The OHA uses compelling stories from local history as case studies to help encourage entrepreneurship.

Tripoli received a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College and a M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. After four years as a banker on both U.S. coasts, he relocated to Italy to serve as the special assistant to the minister of economic affairs for the Republic of San Marino. For the next 20 years, Tripoli traveled the world as a management consultant for a group of multinational companies headquartered in Kuwait.

Since February 2008, he has been the executive director of the OHA, which operates a museum and research center on Montgomery Street. Tripoli is also vice president of Cathedral Square Development Corp., a member of the Arts and Cultural Leadership Alliance (ACLA) and the Cathedral Square Neighborhood Association. He serves on the board of directors of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, the advisory board of Art-In-Motion and several committees for Syracuse University’s South Side Initiative, the Connective Corridor and Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. He is a 2010 recipient of the YWCA’s Academy of Diversity Achievers Award.

For more information on this program, call University College of Syracuse University at 315- 443-4846.

Eileen Jevis, public relations manager at University College of Syracuse University, was recently awarded the Commander’s Award for Public Service by the U.S. Army. The award recognizes exceptional public service that contributes significantly to the accomplishment of the mission of an Army activity, command or staff agency. Jevis coordinated the University’s Veterans Day Ceremony on campus on Nov. 11, an event that included a major program in SU’s Hendricks Chapel with Whitman School of Management Dean Melvin Stith delivering the keynote address. This was followed by a wreath and flag ceremony on the Quad, and a luncheon for 250 people. A special guest at the event was well-known country singer Michael Peterson, who sang the National Anthem and his popular solo “You Could Hear a Pin Drop” in Hendricks Chapel.

The Commander’s Award is the fourth highest honor the United States Department of the Army can bestow upon a civilian, ranking directly below the Outstanding Civilian Service Award. It can only be approved by a commander with the rank of colonel and above. Lt. Col. Susan Hardwick, commander of the Army ROTC program at SU, nominated Jevis for the award.
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“Eileen’s leadership in executing this first ever Veterans Day Ceremony at Syracuse University created an awareness about veterans on campus and allowed the University to honor those who serve in the military,” says Hardwick.”The ceremony was extremely well done, honoring past and present veterans of Syracuse University in a very respectful, dignified and moving way. Eileen’s passion, energy, and work ethic in organizing this event were tremendous.” The award was approved and signed by Col. Glenn H. Goldman of the 2nd (Freedom) Brigade at Fort Dix, N.J.

Hardwick, a career officer, Iraq War veteran, and chair of the Department of Military Science at SU, noted that Jevis had no precedent from which to draw plans and ideas for the event. “Everything had to be done from scratch,” says Hardwick, “but she was able to bring together many different people on campus for committee meetings, which resulted in a very successful program. Already there is talk about planning for next year’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Eileen has started a legacy at Syracuse that will now be an annual event.”

Jevis, a Camillus resident who joined the University College community five years ago as public relations manager, expressed gratitude for the extraordinary tribute. “I am humbled and honored to receive such a prestigious award,” she said. “I accept it with great appreciation for the recognition that must be shared with so many others across campus who assisted in the planning and execution of this inaugural Veterans Day event.” She added, “It is very gratifying to be able to honor the students, faculty, and staff who have served our country with such allegiance. To witness their pride of country, dedication to mission, and willingness to sacrifice is truly humbling. They are the ones who deserve our thanks.”

Jevis noted that she received assistance and guidance from various departments on campus as the event planning progressed, especially from Hardwick, her staff, and the ROTC units on campus. “I learned a lot about military protocol and was impressed with the depth of knowledge I found right on campus,” says Jevis. “It was a pleasure to work with Lt. Col. Hardwick and members of the ROTC. In the true spirit of collaboration , the Office of Special Events, the Marketing Department at University College, and many others came together to make the event successful and memorable.”

The Dec. 16 session of Thursday Morning Roundtable (TMR) features Linda Wright, executive director of the Salvation Army; Anthony Discenza, housing program coordinator for the Community Development Division of Onondaga County; Michael Melara, executive director of Catholic Charities; and Sarah Merrick, social services program coordinator for Onondaga County Department of Social Services.

The panel will discuss reasons for the increase in the homeless rate from 2008 to 2009, how the demographics of the homeless have changed in recent years, and how the current economy impacts the social service programs in Onondaga County.

TMR meets from 8:15-9:15 a.m. at Drumlins, 800 Nottingham Rd. For further information, contact Sandra Barrett, director of community programs, (315) 443-4846. The TMR program is broadcast on WCNY-FM, 91.3 on Sundays at 8 p.m. and at http://www.wcny.org/tmr.

On Thursday, Dec. 16, the Institute for Retired Professionals (IRP) will host members of the Syracuse New Horizon Music Ensemble, who will present an interactive program. In addition to music selections, members of the group will lead a discussion centered around music participation by senior citizens. Jean MacLeod-O’Leary, owner of the Greater Syracuse School of Music, and Don Goodness, music director of the ensemble, will raise awareness of the important role that music plays in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

MacLeod-O’Leary received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, and a master’s degree in education from SUNY Oswego.

Goodness earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego and a master’s degree in music from The Catholic University of America. He completed advanced study at the Eastman School of Music.

The Institute for Retired Professionals, established by University College of Syracuse University, provides opportunities for retired people to stay intellectually active, to expand interests and make new acquaintances. Presentations are made by Syracuse University faculty and specialists within the community.

The program is free and open to the public. Meetings are held the first and third Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Syracuse, 5833 E. Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville. Several times each year, members may take part in special activities such as day trips, tours and luncheons.

For more information on this program, call University College of Syracuse University at (315) 443-4846.

A delegation of professionals from the Singapore Workforce Development Agency and the Employment and Employability Institute will visit Syracuse University on Thursday, Dec. 9, and Friday, Dec. 10. At Syracuse, the delegation is interested in the design and use of adult learning spaces, use of technology to support adult learning and practical environmentally friendly and sustainable building designs. Additionally, the delegates will meet with Tom Hadlick and Andrea German-Willis, director and assistant director of the WorkKeys Center at University College; Carol Hill, director of Workforce Solutions and Community Relations at Center State CEO; Dave Wall, director of Corporate and Public Partnerships at Onondaga Community College; and Karen DeJarnette, director of Workforce Development Initiatives at Empire State Development Corporation. The Syracuse based Work Keys and workforce administrators are interested in learning more about the Singaporeans’ job analysis process and how that relates to the development and delivery of adult education/training, particularly in the foundational skill area, and to see if they share many of the same challenges as their counterparts in the United States. In turn, Mohamad Latiff, deputy director of the campus project office at the Singapore agency stated, “I would also like to learn how SU establishes connections with and support from business and industry, as we are using online instructional programs for building foundational skills. I am interested in seeing what models you are exploring and showing you the system we are using.” Michael Frasciello, director of Information Technology Systems at University College, will also meet with the group to explain the use of smart technologies and classrooms. He will share information on the online platforms used by students, as well as the online support services provided for students. The group will also meet with Peter Weinhold, assistant dean for Information and Technologies and Michael O’Mara, computer consultant from the S.I. Newhouse School of Publications, to learn about the development challenges and achievements of the recently built Newhouse III building, followed by a tour of the facilities. From there, they will be transported to the Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems for a tour of the facility. The delegation will also visit MIT, Northeastern University and Smith College.