Scholarships

College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University Announces Municipal Government and Community College Employees Tuition Incentive Program

The College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University announces the Municipal Government and Community College Employees Tuition Incentive Program.  

The tuition incentive program for municipal government and community college employees is open to any employee of a county, town, village, city, district, or authority (as demonstrated by a recent pay stub). Participants matriculating into any online, part-time undergraduate degree or credit certificate from the College of Professional Studies are eligible for a 50 percent discount off Syracuse University’s part-time rate and must not exceed 11 credits per semester.

“This new tuition incentive is one small part of Syracuse University’s larger commitment to the region,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “As the largest private employer in Central New York, we have an obligation to providing access to transformational education for individuals who serve and support the communities in which we live.”

As the College of Professional Studies continues to expand its program offerings, the Municipal Government and Community College Employees Tuition Incentive Program acknowledges those in our communities who are dedicated to public service and provides an accessible path for them to a Syracuse University education.

To learn more about the tuition incentive program, visit https://go.syr.edu/uc/onondaga-county.

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.

One Engine Behind Access and Opportunity: Endowed Scholarships

Providing an onramp to higher education access by driving opportunities toward attaining a degree at Syracuse University is at the heart of the mission of the College of Professional Studies.

At the intersection of student need and donor generosity lie scholarships that can help bridge a gap in what it takes financially to continue a path to academic advancement.

Two primary types of scholarship giving exist: named scholarships and endowed scholarships. Named scholarships provide funds that are used to support current students. Endowed scholarships establish perpetual funds that allow the college to invest the donor’s principal and then use interest earned to award aid to students based on scholastic merit or financial need.

A recent graduate, Joseph Carringer personifies how an endowed scholarship through the college fueled his degree completion. More than 25 years had passed since the small business entrepreneur enrolled in a Syracuse University course. Carringer, a didgeridoo sound therapist, and chief executive officer of a sustainable apparel consulting firm, returned to the University to study online during the Spring 2020, when the pandemic afforded him more time to focus on classes. Yet affording in terms of paying for his education was severely impacted by lessened work opportunities.

“I had to leave Syracuse University originally due to inability to pay,” says Carringer. This time around, however, as a recipient of the Distant Drums Native American Endowed Scholarship, he was assured the financial relief needed to complete his post traditional education. He graduated with a double major in creative leadership and liberal studies, along with three minors in anthropology, philosophy and project management. Carringer is now on his way at the University toward earning a master’s in project management.

“Post-traditional students often depend on scholarships to reduce tuition costs and other expenses associated with completing their degrees,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The growing portfolio of scholarships at the college draws from a range of resources including government-sponsored student assistance programs, privately funded education initiatives, and college-specific aid. If a student qualifies for aid, we will work tirelessly to find the support.”

A recent expression of a meaningful endowed scholarship came from Dolores “Lor” and Steve Speach. The couple honored their many educational and career achievements by establishing an endowed scholarship through the college to celebrate the memories they hold dear of their time at Syracuse University.

“I am continually humbled by the generosity of all donors, whose gifts come to the college in varying amounts and for varied reasons,” says Frasciello. “Those with the means to establish an endowed scholarship signal a strong commitment to the ongoing success of the college and our students.”

While grateful for the funding provided by the Distant Drums Native American Endowed Scholarship, Carringer, part Cherokee, says he has been emotionally moved by the support and assistance of his alma mater. “The College of Professional Studies has proven to be the key to my development as a professional and a more well-rounded individual.”

The College of Professional Studies congratulates each of the recipients of a donor funded scholarship during the 2022-2023 academic year:

Women of the University Community Mildred Eggers Scholarship

Victoria Ann Barnum
Liberal Studies

Zhane Briggs
Business Management

Aglaeth Vazquez
Social Work

Bethaida “Bea” Gonzalez Endowed Scholarship

Andrew Ostrander
Political Philosophy

Timothy Sullivan
Knowledge Management

Pearl Ness Clements Endowed Scholarship

Autumn Patricia Battle 
Liberal Arts

Cindy Cunduff 
Liberal Studies

Gillian Knafelc
Women’s and Gender Studies

Distant Drums Native American Endowed Scholarship

Joseph Brian Carringer
Liberal Studies

Skuse Family 5×5 Scholarship

Alyssa Diaz
Cybersecurity Administration

Robert O’Connell Kelley
Cybersecurity Administration

Syracuse University Alumnae Club Endowed Scholarship

Kyrissa Maria Difabio
Business Management

College of Professional Studies OTHC Scholarship

Kenneth Iheanyichuckwu
Creative Leadership

Leondra Jeanne Tyler
Psychology

Elizabeth (BJ) Ryan Metz Scholarship

Olivia Grace Sauta
Management
 
Class of 1950 Continuing Education Scholarship

Timothy Moses
Liberal Studies

To learn how to establish a scholarship through the College of Professional Studies, contact Jeffry Comanici, executive director, post-traditional advancement, at 315-443-1409 or jjcomani@syr.edu.

By Cheryl Abrams

How a Didgeridoo Sound Therapist Returned to Syracuse University 25 Years Later

By Hope Alvarez

World maps, used books, and didgeridoos line the walls of an office while sounds of a keyboard clacking taper off in the corner. Illuminated by his computer screen, College of Professional Studies student Joseph Carringer reviews his assignments for a liberal studies course.

It’s been over 25 years since the small business entrepreneur took a Syracuse University course. Now, he’s tackling two majors and three minors, an undertaking that wouldn’t have been possible when Carringer’s past self ran out of tuition funding. Now, scholarships fuel his education and it’s all possible through the plethora of scholarship opportunities funded by University donors.

When Carringer returned to Syracuse University to study online in Spring 2020, the pandemic offered more time to focus on education. However, work opportunities, which Carringer was depending on to support his education, dwindled. This limited the amount of courses Carringer could take and prolonged his estimated graduation date.

In the 2021-22 academic year, 51 scholarships were awarded to College of Professional Studies students. For students like Carringer, scholarships are vital to keeping to their education journey alive.

Carringer is a didgeridoo sound therapist and chief executive officer of a sustainable apparel consulting firm. As a recipient of the Distant Drums Scholarship, Carringer was offered financial relief to pursue his studies after his small businesses were impacted by COVID-19. Through scholarships, Carringer said he was able to “approach his studies like a full-time job” and completely immersed himself in his education.

“I originally left school because I ran out of money,” Carringer said. “With scholarships, I never once had to question if I’m going to be able to finish. Not only do I have my Syracuse education, but it’s paid for and I’m incredibly grateful for it.”   

The most significant force of funding for tuition during the 2020-21 academic year was more than $282 million awarded to students in the form of University grants and scholarships.

“Post-traditional students are often working to transition into the next phase of their careers and depend on scholarships to reduce tuition costs and other expenses associated with completing their degrees,” said Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The growing portfolio of scholarships at the College of Professional Studies draws from range of resources including government-sponsored student assistance programs, privately funded education initiatives, and college-specific aid. If a student qualifies for aid, we will work tirelessly to find the support.”

The opportunities provided by the College of Professional Studies has allowed Carringer to unlock a new foundation of skills to advance his career. Powered by scholarships, Carringer has completed 24 credits in the spring 2022 semester with a 4.0 GPA. Pursuing an online creative leadership degree, Carringer expects to complete his studies in fall 2022. The online program option offered a flexible form of education and challenged Carringer to enhance his skills in communication, leadership and management.

“The College of Professional Studies is the most unrealized gem,” Carringer said. “I’m able to leave as a more well-rounded individual.”

To learn more about scholarship opportunities, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/tuition-aid/scholarships-grants.

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.