SU is US

Last Sunday I had the privilege of delivering a speech at Syracuse University’s 159^th commencement in the Carrier Dome, welcoming the graduates into the SU alumni family.  And what a family we are!  I am proud to say that we are a group of 245,000 strong that “bleed orange.”  And speaking of “bleeding orange,” if you haven’t had an opportunity yet to hear the student speech by University Scholar Jaime Bernstein, I strongly encourage you to do so.  Quite simply…it was spectacular.

Being a part of commencement was truly an amazing experience and something that I will always treasure.  Now, I have to admit I was a little intimidated with the prospect of speaking in the Dome in front of thousands of people, but if truth were to be told, it really wasn’t quite as scary as I thought it might be.  Maybe it was my degree from Newhouse that helped prepare me, or maybe it was seeing all of those smiling faces in the audience.  Whatever the reasons may be, I just felt so honored to be representing the SU Alumni Association that I just relaxed and enjoyed the moment.

I had the pleasure of sitting next to Newhouse Dean Lorraine Branham during the commencement.  Her gown was a beautiful crimson color, and this got me thinking about the history of academic regalia.  What I found out was that the gowns, caps and hoods worn by faculty members and graduates date back to the Middle Ages when universities were being established in Europe.  Long gowns were seen as a necessity to keep warm in the unheated buildings and were worn on a daily basis.  The tradition carried over to American universities, but the gowns, caps and hoods were only used during commencement.  By the late 1800’s, the assignment of colors to signify different fields of learning came into existence…Architecture–Blue Violet, Arts–White, Communications–Crimson, Education–Light Blue, Engineering-Orange, Fine Arts-Brown, Law-Purple and so on.

Congratulations to the Class of 2013!  As I told the graduates, always remember our connection to Syracuse University never ends…we are Forever Orange!

Laurie

As I sit here and write my first blog as President of the Syracuse University Alumni Association, I have to admit I am a bit distracted.  The upcoming Final Four in Atlanta has my head spinning!  I am so proud of the men’s basketball team and all that they have accomplished this season.  I will be traveling to Atlanta later this week, and I can’t wait for the game against Michigan!

As our focus shifts to Atlanta, I thought you would like to know about Syracuse University’s strong presence in the region. The Atlanta area bleeds Orange with nearly 2,800 alums. It is also home to over 100 current SU students.  Atlanta-area alumni, parents and friends volunteer in SU leadership positions such as the SU Board of Trustees, the SU Alumni Association, School and College Advisory Boards and the Atlanta Regional Council.  As our alma mater moves from the Big East Conference to the Atlantic Coast Conference this summer, this will provide Syracuse University with even greater exposure in the region. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to publicly thank my predecessor and my good friend, Brian Spector.  It is an honor and a privilege to follow in his footsteps. Our Alumni Association is a better organization because of his commitment of time, thoughtful guidance and passion for the University.  Thank you, Brian, for your outstanding leadership!

So, with Georgia On My Mind, I will close out this blog.  Atlanta, get  ready…OrangeNation is about to descend upon your great city!

Laurie

I type this post with a profound sadness because, after a year and a half, it will prematurely be my last, but yet with a deep sense of pride in what was accomplished by the SU National Alumni Board during my term as its President.

On Tuesday, January 29th, in a letter to Chancellor Cantor and Board of Trustees Chair Dick Thompson, I resigned as SUAA President and as a member of the SU Board of Trustees. For those of you who know me, it was a difficult, if not painful, decision, but a necessary one. Without going into details, I resigned because I felt as if the decision not to invite a member of the National Alumni Board (not I, as I would have declined because of my other commitments) to serve on the New Chancellor Search Committee, and the failure to include the Board in the development of the Post-Campaign Plan for Regional Councils, with which our efforts are closely intertwined, or to even provide us with notice of such plans, were simply unacceptable. I know that those who made the decisions had their reasons, and I respect them; I just could not disagree more. I always promised myself that when a volunteer leadership position like this became more frustrating than fun and rewarding, it would be time to move on. Now is that time.

I am humbled by the overwhelmingly positive responses I have received thus far from so many people. As they say, it’s times like these when you realize who are your real friends.

Perhaps my resignation will stimulate a healthy discussion of the future and role of the National Alumni Board as representatives of the alumni community. Much progress has been made. With University staff oversight, the Board revised its by-laws and became smaller, yet made sure it remained diverse and representative of the entire alumni body. It took the lead on instilling a culture of philanthropy and adopted a Strategic Plan for Alumni Philanthropy that has been well-received and is being implemented. It coordinated its efforts with Generation Orange to make sure that our youngest alumni remain connected with SU and to serve as a platform for future engagement. It screened and recommended worthy recipients for the Arents Award, Eggers Award and Orange Circle Award. It achieved its goal to connect with numerous other constituencies both on and off campus. And, most importantly, it met its challenge to become the second most important Board at SU besides the Board of Trustees. I am proud of the Board for all of its efforts, and will miss working so closely with its members and OAR staff.

Now it is the time to look forward. I could not think of a more qualified person than Laurie Taishoff to take the reigns of the Board as it continues on its mission. I have had a chance to see Laurie develop into a true leader, and I am confident that she will do an outstanding job. As I have assured her, despite my resignation, I still love SU and will be available to provide her with assistance as she faces and tackles the challenges ahead. I also know that the other officers, committee chairs and members will fully support Laurie in her efforts.

I also want to thank the entire SU community, including the faithful followers and guest writers of this blog. It has been an honor to serve as Alumni President and to provide you with my “News & Views” on a monthly basis. I will cherish the memories of what I consider to be the experience of a lifetime.

And, for the last time, Go Orange!

Brian

Happy New Year Orange Nation!

Although he needs no introduction, this month I bring you a special guest blog by the one and only IraSez a/k/a Ira Berkowitz, Newhouse/Whitman ’82 and Lifetime President of the SU Northern New Jersey Alumni Club, now going strong in its 10th year:

“2 Degrees of Otto

It is Sunday afternoon of Thanksgiving weekend 1979, my sophomore year at Syracuse University and I’m stuck in a massive traffic jam on the Cross Bronx Expressway. Nothing to do but roll down the windows and see who knows whom. The girl in the next car over goes to Ithaca, graduated from Herricks High School (New Hyde Park on longisland), knows my friend Melissa from SU and her mother plays bridge with my best friend’s mother. And that my friends is 2 degrees of Otto (although back in 1979 there was no Otto, so we didn’t call it that).

It’s the “do you know…?” game. Sometimes called 6 degrees of separation, 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon, in Jersey it’s the “what exit?” phenomenon or what we members of the tribe commonly refer to Jewish geography. Call it what you want, but my theory lets me figure out how we have someone in common, who is somehow related to Syracuse within 2 or 3 moves.

All of this is part of the great network that comes from being an SU grad and/or in some way connected to someone who is or was a student at Syracuse. As for me, let’s just say my Orange runs deep. How deep you ask? Well, here’s a couple of my standard lines when it comes to my relationship with my alma mater:

1. I’m in the 8^th year of a 3 year term as President of the Northern New Jersey Alumni Club, or as we SU grads call it…fuzzy math; and

2. I’m ’82, my wife Linda is ’83, my daughter Allie is ’11, my son Zach is ’14 and the dog’s name is Cosmo. Any questions?

You might say I’m big on Orange, as is my wardrobe. Sweats, t-shirts, golf shirts, hats, even 2 pairs pair of sneakers have orange in them. Also big on approaching anyone wearing anything Syracuse related.

A few years back, Linda and I were taking a walk around the community where my parents live in Florida. Ran into another couple and the husband was wearing an SU t-shirt.

“Fashion, dad or grad?” I asked.

The guy looked at me, not really sure what I meant.

“Are you an SU dad, a grad or are you just making a fashion statement?” I explained.

Turns out he’s a dad, but his wife is a grad, and wouldn’t you know I knew exactly who she was as we graduated the same year and had a few friends in common.

I could cite another dozen or more stories just like that one. People you have never met or haven’t seen in years, with whom you share a common bond – Orange.

As an alumni club president, my SU networking skills are put to use in a variety of ways on a seemingly daily basis. There are my legendary email blasts to my club members; tweets and facebook posts about club events and especially about ‘Cuse sports; our club’s monthly Business-to-Business breakfasts to help alums do business together; the emails I received from alums and parents look for advice on getting into Syracuse; emails from current SU parents looking for guidance for them and their students; and of course everyone wants to know if I can get them Big East Basketball Tournament tickets, which I can’t (and I suppose those requests are about to come to an end).

Being a Syracuse University alumnus is very special. Here in the NY/NJ metro area, we are the envy of many (if not most) other universities because of the strength, zeal and devotion of alums. As for my home state, let’s just say that Orange is Jersey strong. The current President of the National Alumni Association, Brian Spector, is Jersey strong. The immediate Past President, Larry Bashe, is Jersey strong. The SU Board of Trustees, 5 of those are Jersey strong. I can’t explain, but as I’m found of saying, “it is what it is” and it is Orange.

One last story before I go. A few winters ago, my son Zach and I were skiing at Killington, sitting in a lodge having lunch. A few minutes later, a large group of teenagers sat down at our table. I struck up a conversation and quickly learned that they were from a church group in Orchard Park, NY. Now I happened to know someone who was involved in that same group before he went off to college (not SU, if you can believe that). When I asked do you know this person, they were all in disbelief and asked “how do you know Ben?”

My response, “I’m the one who introduced his parents when we were all at Syracuse together.”

And that my friends, is 2 degrees of Otto.

Ira Berkowitz”

For more of IraSez, check out his blog at www.irasez.com. Go Orange!

Brian

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 4,700 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 8 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

Happy holidays to the entire SU family near and far! I hope that this season brings each of you and your family and friends all the joy and happiness you deserve, as well as more basketball victories and a Pinstripe Bowl win over WVU!

This month I invited SU National Alumni Board members and devoted alumni Sam Clarvit and Marc Penziner to write a post about the holidays.  I sincerely appreciate their time and effort.

Brian

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“It is amazing that another year has come and gone so quickly. Before we can turn our focus to the year 2013, we should take time to think of those who have not been as fortunate as we have.

Our thoughts turn especially to those who live in the areas most heavily impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Given that the region is home to many students and their families and SU alumni, friends, and colleagues, the SU community is committed to providing any assistance we can to help the efforts to recover and rebuild. Please visit http://news.syr.edu/su-continues-to-assist-those-affected-by-hurricane-sandy/ for more information on ways in which we are helping.

We are proud of the members of the SU family – both near and far – who are making a commitment of service and outreach to that community. In no way would we suggest that any of our alumni divert their support from such an important cause. We only ask that you consider making a gift to Syracuse University to help those students who will now, more than ever, certainly welcome it.

While we will all be affected by this tragedy in ways not yet imagined, we must move forward as a university. We have a duty to our students to ensure they are offered the quality education they deserve. Annual support for Syracuse University from our alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends remains vital, providing as much as 20% of the university’s operating budget. The university would be unable to fulfill that obligation without it.

Have you already made your gift to the Fund for Syracuse? Thank you!  If you haven’t, consider joining us now at givetosu.syr.edu. Every dollar counts. Every gift matters. Even a modest gift of $44 would both benefit and help connect you back to the University.

While you are thinking about SU, start your new year by planning a trip back to campus with your friends and family. See what has changed, visit your old favorite spots on M Street, see the Orange play at the Dome. Just by getting back on campus and making a gift, you will re-kindle your relationship with SU, and it will bring you so much closer to your SU roots. Make that a New Year’s resolution. Now, you are hopefully asking how you give to SU? Just follow the link givetosu.syr.edu.

We are sure that your gift will help many students in any way you so choose. Thank you and have a safe and happy holiday season! Go Orange!

Sam and Marc”

I know that the thoughts of all of Orange Nation are with those who have suffered from the unimaginable devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Having only lost power for a few days and having to wait on one gas line so far, I consider myself one of the fortunate ones.  Areas of New Jersey, Staten Island and Long Island were destroyed to the point of being unrecognizable and will take years to rebuild.  I know that there are many SU alumni who have opened their homes, hearts and wallets for those in need and, for that, I and the world thank them.

Sitting on the gas line last night made me think back to the last time I did that – in the early 1970′s – when I passed the time by listening to music blaring from the radio of my 1970 Cutlass Supreme.  It also reminded me of how fortunate we were at SU in the 70′s to have so many musical talents perform on or near campus, including Orleans on the Quad, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Jarrett and Loudon Wainwright in Setnor Auditorium, Linda Ronstadt at Manley, and Bachman Turner Overdrive, the Edgar Winter Group and ZZ Top at the War Memorial.  Syracuse has always been the home of great music and where many in the music industry got their start.

To hopefully lift up your Orange spirit, and with deep appreciation to David Rezak, the Director of the Bandier Program at SU, I thought it would be good to hear about how some of our alumni are faring in the music industry.

Billboard Magazine published a “Power 100″ list last year. Alumni and Trustees Marty Bandier ‘62 (A&S) was #4 and Rob Light ‘78 (NEW) was #7. Also, Jon Cohen ‘90 (WSoM/NEW), ‘95 (WsoM/NEW) has become the preeminent marketing executive in the music space. John Sykes ‘77 (NEW) is back in music, running iHeartRadio.

It is also fun to consider the meteoric rise of some recent grads:

- Olivia Zaro (Bandier ’12) is Scooter Braun’s assistant.

- Mike George (Bandier ’11) is an entrepreneur, managing Hoodie Allen and others.

- Dan Bagnall (Bandier ’11) handles all of AEG Live’s network feeds.

- Sam Mason (Bandier ’11) is Lighting Director at the new Capitol Theater in Port Chester.

- Kelly DiStefano (WsoM ‘03), a AEG Live road accountant, settles all of a major artist’s shows in North America.

- Sara Villagio Lalli (VPA ‘04) is the Marketing Manager of Jazz at Lincoln Center

- Sharon Timure (WsoM/NEW ‘04) is a Product Manager and manager of artist development at Island Def Jam Records.

- Kaitlyn Moore (Bandier/NEW ’10) is Social Media Manager for Borman Entertainment, the corporate name for a famous country star.

Some other music movers and shakers include:

- Justin Shukat (WSoM/NEW ‘96) is the managing partner of Primary Wave publishing and management.

- Laura Striese (NEW ‘01) is a marketing executive for Brand Synergy, which handles Nivea.

- Eric German (NEW ‘92) is a music attorney/partner at MSK.

- Claude Mitchell (A&S ‘88) is a music director at ESPN.

- Phil Metz (EDU ‘98) is a music manager for Nascar.

As David so aptly stated to me, “an embarrassment of riches here.”

Obviously, this is by no means a complete list. So, I invite you to leave a comment with others who should be included, but were innocently omitted.

For those of you still suffering from the aftereffects of the storm, I hope and pray for a speedy and full recovery to normalcy. Your Orange family is here for you if you need us.

Brian

With heartfelt gratitude, from the pen of our President-Elect and my friend Laurie Taishoff:

“When I was a young girl, around 11 or 12, I can remember sitting with my Dad in his home office one Saturday afternoon while he was catching up on some paperwork.  My Dad told me to rummage through his bottom desk drawer for any new pencils, pens or markers that I might want to take for school. I started digging, and that is when I found it!  There amongst all of the office supplies was this wooden paddle with a crest and these funny symbols on it. I asked my Dad “what is this?”  He told me it was his pledge paddle from college, and he proceeded to tell me about his fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi, and Greek Life.  I was mesmerized! It was at that moment in my Dad’s office that I knew…I just knew that I wanted to join a sorority in college. Fast forward a few years, and that is exactly what I did. I joined Chi Omega, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

As far back as ancient Greece, fraternal organizations have existed. Here in the United States, the concept of American college fraternities started in 1776 when Phi Beta Kappa was founded at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.  Over the years, as more and more chapters of Phi Beta Kappa were established at other college campuses, the idea of “secret societies” caught on.  In 1824, Chi Phi was founded at Princeton University. In 1825, Kappa Alpha was founded at Union College in Schenectady, New York.  In 1851, the Daughters of Rebekah was formed as a women’s auxiliary of The Three Link, a Latin literary society.  In 1867, the first sorority that was modeled after a fraternity was established at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois.  In 1871, the first fraternity at Syracuse University was established with the colonization of Delta Kappa Epsilon.  Today, the Greek system is alive and well at Syracuse University. Student members of over 100 various social, honorary, service and other Greek-lettered organizations at SU are engaged with philanthropy and community service for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Alzheimer’s Society, Autism Speaks, Camp Good Days and Special Times of Syracuse, Golisano’s Children Hospital in Syracuse and Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation…just to name a few.

Last month I had the pleasure of meeting up with 32 of my Chi Omega sorority sisters for a weekend reunion in Boston, and even though I had not seen some of these women since graduation, it felt, even if for only a brief moment, like time had stood still and we were back in college!   That special bond that existed all those years ago on Walnut Avenue was still there.  Thanks, Dad, for sharing your college fraternity story during that Saturday afternoon in your office.  Like father, like daughter…proud to be a Phi Kappa Psi, proud to be a Chi Omega.”

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A big thanks to the SU Alumni Club of Minnesota and its President Jennifer Carnahan for hosting a very successful pre-game event for the SU v. Minnesota football game on September 22nd and the special guest appearance by Hall of Famer Floyd Little.  Also, don’t forget Orange Central 2012 on November 9th – 11th - I hope to see you there!

Like any board, council or other governing organization, the Syracuse University Alumni Association (SUAA) Board of Directors does most of its work on behalf of alumni through very active committees, led by some of the most diligent, devoted and passionate alumni I have ever met.  These committees cover a wide range of activities and issues and serve in both an advisory capacity and as developer of policies and programs to enhance the relationship between SU and its alumni. The following are short paragraphs from each Committee Chair about his or her Committee:

From Tracy Barash, Chair of the Awards Committee:

“As the Awards Committee, we have the privilege of bestowing the university’s highest honors, ensuring outstanding alumni are recognized for their contributions and celebrated within the university community.

This year’s Orange Circle Awards were presented during Philanthropy Week honoring individuals or groups who have exhibited extraordinary philanthropic acts.  The recipients were: All Star C.A.S.T.; Eric ’66, G’68 and Judith Mower ’66, G’73, G’80, G’84; and Angela Robinson ’78.

The Melvin Eggers Senior Alumni Award, named for the former Chancellor, is given to alumni who graduated more than 50 years ago and have demonstrated loyalty and service to SU.  This year’s recipients will receive their awards during Orange Central on November 9^th- 11th.

The George Arents Award is Syracuse University’s highest alumni honor, presented annually to alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their chosen fields..  Our committee has made our recommendations for this year’s recipients who will be honored at Orange Central in November.  Along with choosing the Arents Award recipients, we have been working with the University on a permanent way to honor current and former winners in the Goldstein Alumni Center.  We anticipate the display to be complete by Orange Central.”

From Kristen Krikorian, Chair of the Clubs Committee:

“The Clubs Committee serves as a conduit between the alumni clubs, the SUAA and the University to align their missions and that of the greater future of Syracuse University.  Among those missions are to assist with leadership development and supporting the University’s philanthropic goals that draw upon the time, talent and treasure of our alumni community.  One of the first steps is to continue to educate our fine alumni and alumni leaders on the meaning of philanthropy and how it differs for each individual.”

From Laurie Taishoff, President-Elect and Chair of the Generation Orange Committee:

“If you graduated from SU within the last 10 years, YOU are Generation Orange and　are part of an energetic community that is making a difference all over the world! 　Stay connected with your alma mater and fellow Generation Orange alums through www.syr.edu/alumni/generationorange, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Foursquare, YouTube and iTunes. Another excellent way to remain engaged is through our “SUccess in the City” events. 　In select U.S. cities, you will be brought together with established alumni who can serve as vital contacts. Also, did you know that as an SU alum you will always be able to receive help from Career Services, free of charge. 　Please check us out and let us know how Generation Orange can help you!” 　

From Mark Verone, Chair of the Nominating Committee:

“The Nominating Committee is planning to continue its mission of diversity by conducting our second annual survey this fall in an effort to measure our board members and maintain our representative balance of the SU alumni population at-large.　 We are also excited about our new online nomination form which will allow us to easily recruit future board members through consistent evaluation.　 We still continue to work on filling some holes with international representation or board members with military experience.”

From Jason Jedlinski, Chair of the Philanthropy Committee:

“The SUAA Board is committed to creating, growing and sustaining a culture of philanthropy among SU alumni. More of us need to give our time, talent and treasure in order to further the University’s strategic vision of “Scholarship in Action.” We will lead by example. Together with the Offices of Development and Alumni Relations, this committee is training volunteer leaders across the country. Those leaders will help make “giving back” become a welcome responsibility – a natural extension of what we, as alumni, do as part of our ongoing and lifelong engagement as members of the SU community.”

All alumni owe their thanks to the Chairs and members of these hardworking Committees whose efforts on their behalf have made and will continue to make a difference for so many.  I too am so appreciative that I have been able to not only work with such outstanding people, but also to now consider them my good friends.  They and their predecessors are the ones who have made my first year as SUAA President such a rewarding one.

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As many of you may have already heard, through the incredible efforts and resources of my fellow SU Trustee and friend Sam Nappi and his wife and the support they have received from the University, on October 8^th-9^th, SU will be hosting one of the most significant events in its 142 year history – namely, a visit by the Dalai Lama and the One World Concert.  A star-studded cast will rock the Carrier Dome for a historic celebration of peace, music and common ground on October 9th. The lineup includes scheduled performances by Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, Phillip Phillips, Nas, A.R. Rahman, Andy Grammer, Matisyahu, Natasha Bedingfield, Swizz Beatz, Cyndi Lauper, Bebe Winans, Angélique Kidjo, Voices of Afghanistan, Souad Massi, Engelbert Humperdinck, Roberta Flack, David Sanborn, Joanne Shenandoah, David Crosby, Nelly Furtado, Andy Madadian, Liel Kolet and host band Don Was and his All-Star Band. This event is sponsored by the One World Community Foundation.  For more information, click www.oneworld.syr.edu and for tickets contact Ticketmaster, the Carrier Dome Box Office or call 888-DOMETIX.

Wishing you a very happy fall (my favorite time of year) and Go Orange!

Brian

When our team traveled to Pittsburgh in March to play in Rounds 2 and 3 (the first two rounds for us) in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, I had the honor and privilege of meeting Vice President Joe Biden (Law ’68) in a suite at Consol Energy Center. The Vice President was in town that day to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Upon greeting him and telling him about my alumni role, he even called me “Mr. President,” after which I gave him and he proudly put on an SU Alumni pin, which was immediately shown on national television.

Not only did the Vice President graduate from SU, but so did his son Beau Biden, the Attorney General of the State of Delaware (Law ’94). This being a Presidential election year, and the party conventions this month, I thought it would be interesting to report on other well-known politicians and public servants who once called SU their home.

With many thanks to Alexandra Epsilanty, Assistant Dean for Advancement in the College of Law, the following are some of the more well-known College of Law graduates in public service:

Joanie Mahoney (’90) – Count Executive for Onondaga County (the first woman to serve in this position

Anne Marie Buerkle (’94) – Congresswoman for the 25^thDistrict of New York

Will Barclay (’95) – New York State Assemblyman for the 120^thDistrict

William Magnarelli (’77) – New York State Assemblyman for the 129^thDistrict

Mike Nozzolio (’77) – New York State Senator for the 54^thDistrict

William (Bill) Fitzpatrick (’76) – District Attorney for Onondaga County

Matt Rhoades (’97) – Campaign Manager for presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney.

I also wanted to mention my fellow Trustees, Vice Chair Joanne Alper (A&S ’72), who recently retired as a Judge from the Arlington (VA) Circuit Court, and Theodore McKee Law ’75), a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

There are also many others SU alumni who are currently serving or who have served the public as a Judge or District Attorney.

I also reached out to the Maxwell School, another launching pad for many great careers in the public sector, and thank Norma Ann Shannon, Director of Alumni Relations, for providing me with her list of notable Maxwell graduates:

John R. Bass (‘86) – United States Ambassador to Georgia

John Berry (MPA ’81) – Director, Office of Personnel Management

Andrew R. Ciesla (MPA ’76) – New Jersey State Senator

James B. Cunningham (’74) – Deputy Ambassador for Kabul, Afghanistan and former Ambassador to Israel

Robert Duffy (MPA ’98) – New York Lieutenant Governor

Bismark Myrick (MA ’73) – Ambassador to Liberia

Steve Rothman (’74) – Member, United States House of Representatives from New Jersey

Christine Varney (MPA ’78) – Former Antitrust Officer of the United States Department of Justice

Matthew Zeller (MPA and MA ’06) – 2010 Nominee for the United States House of Representative in New York’s 29^thDistrict

Like my previous blog posts, please feel free to comment with other such alumni who are not included.

Finally, as we enter the final stretches of this year’s national and local campaigns, please remember that, no matter who you support for election, please vote so that your voice can be heard. The future is in your hands.

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SU v. USC Football – New York’s College Classic – “The Battle in the Apple” (September 8, 2012)

Don’t forget to purchase your tickets to the September 8th “Battle in the Apple” when the Syracuse Orange will seek revenge for last year’s loss at the LA Coliseum by taking on the USC Trojans at MetLife Stadium in my home state of New Jersey, and the exciting pre-game tailgate party at the Bud Light Plaza by clicking www.nycollegeclassic.com. You won’t want to miss it.

Until next month, I wish you all the best…and Go Orange!

Brian