Messages for Chancellor Syverud

I was a student at Syracuse University from 2017 to 2021, and while those years were filled with great memories, they also came with their share of challenges for the university. Throughout it all, I always appreciated how Chancellor Kent Syverud made an effort to engage directly with the student body, addressing concerns openly and making his presence known on campus each semester. Even when I didn’t agree with every decision, I respected his leadership and believed he acted with integrity and the best interests of students in mind. I’m proud to be an Orange alumnus and wish him a speedy recovery.

Chancellor Kent Syverud,

Your leadership has meant more than words can fully capture. The way you've guided and supported this community has left a lasting impression on so many lives, including mine. I am honored to be working at such an amazing University that you helped cultivate. I hope you can feel the appreciation and support all around you. We are all rooting for you! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Gratefully,

Erin Dixon

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Dr. Chen, and your family during this latest challenge in your life. You brought the whole “Orange family" together during your tenure. SU has never been in a better position to face the future. You left the University in very good hands. I know that this latest challenge you are facing is covered and you will be saying, “I got this”.

Peace and Love,

Steve Sartori

Estimado Chancellor Syverud,

Solo queria dejarle saber que estoy orando por usted y su familia. Yo se que usted confia y tiene fe en que todo saldra bien. Asi que vamos, mucha fuerza positiva para usted. El mundial de futbol ya se acerca... tenemos que gritar goooooool!!!!

Nos vemos pronto. Un fuerte abrazo!

Fanny

Sending you well wishes and strength!

Chancellor Syverud, and Dr. Chen, as a Professor Emeritus, of The Famous S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, and Alumnus of "The Dynamics of Syracuse University," where you have provided "magnificent leadership over the past decade," I would like to provide my profound "blessings for your recovery from your recent announced health issues.

My trip to the Home of the Orange has providing many fantastic opportunities of working with the greatest array of "Students, Faculty, and Staff" during my many years of service. Your most productive and creative administration was "right on target," in taking the mission of our university, "to Cause Learning to Occur" among all of us, was a manifestation of your vision for the historical timeline of Syracuse University. I will never forget the first time that I had the opportunity to meet you and provided assistance in your quest for solutions of various campus challenges, that we were facing within the "Orange Family." My thoughts about the use of Radio, which has a most important place in the history of the University, allowed us to have a fantastic discussion about its' use during your tenure. But as you endure your recent health diagnosis, "Stay Strong and let the dexterous powers of your wonderful life, with God's Powerful Abilities and sanctification, provide healing and cure for your body." Go Orange! Go Blue! and for your continuous stewardship towards the history of the Military and Veterans Families, on the Campus of Syracuse University, "BZ!"

V/r

Roosevelt "Rick" Wright, Jr., Ph.D., Capt., USN (ret)

Professor Emeritus - "Radio"

Naval Campus Liaison Officer

S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Syracuse University

Dear Chancellor Syverud -

Thank you for your gracious note as always. I have never met you but it seems in character. My wife Pam and I received graduate degrees in 1981 and have followed your incredible leadership over the years. We pray for your recovery and return to health. We deeply thank you for all you have done for Syracuse University. Peace be with you.

Dear Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen,

I was deeply saddened last week when you shared the news about your health. During your tenure here at Syracuse University, I have been greatly impressed by your grace and humility in handling so many difficult and challenging issues on and off campus. I have also been delighted by your joyful sincerity expressed on the occurrence of notable, praiseworthy events. I want to let you know that, every Monday, I lead a small prayer meeting for the Christian Staff and Faculty Association in which we pray specifically for the leadership of the university: you, our new Chancellor, the Provost, Deans, Senior Vice Presidents, Department Chairs, and so forth. We will be praying that God will give you strength and encouragement, and that He will bless you in your time of need.

Sincerely,

Tom

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake." (Psalm 23:1-3)

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

I want to say thank you for your leadership and for everything you have done for Syracuse University.

When I heard the news, it really touched me. You and your dear family are in my thoughts and prayers, and my family’s as well.

I also want to share something personal. I will never forget when you and Dr. Ruth came to our home and brought dinner to check on my wife after her brain surgery. That meant so much to us, and it says a lot about the kind of person you are. My family will always remember that.

Wishing you strength, healing, and a full recovery.

Sincerely,

Alaa Alawaad

I was deeply saddened to hear that you’re facing this difficult challenge, and I wanted to reach out to share my support and warmest wishes with you.

Your leadership and dedication left a lasting impression on so many of us, and your impact continues to be felt throughout the Orange community. I trust you’re surrounded by care, strength, and moments of peace as you focus on what matters most right now.

Please know that you are in my thoughts, and I’m wishing you comfort, resilience, and brighter days ahead.

Thank you for leading Syracuse University through some rough times and doing it with such grace. You are a great leader. I wish you well in the coming months. Sincerely Lola Goldring

I am sending along my family’s positive thoughts and a virtual hug to the Syverud family as you face this next chapter. We are with you Chancellor!

Sending my prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery from Hawaii.

Dear Chancellor Syverud: I am very sorry to hear the news about your health issues and your diagnosed cancer. I can relate to this situation, as my wife Zoila was diagnosed with colon cancer last year, and was treated with chemo and radio treatments. She is now in remission, monthly monitored via MRI and colonoscopies at Johns Hopkins.

I wish you and your family the very best. I have been with Syracuse University for forty-six years, in all capacities, from graduate student/teaching assistant in 1980, through full time Research Professor for sixteen years, and as a part time professor for the rest of the time. I completed my PhD in Engineering in 1980.

Again, the very best wishes for you and your family

Jorge.

Jorge Luis Romeu, Ph.D.

Department of Mech. & Aerosp. Engineering

I remember waking up at 6am as a freshman for the "I Ran With The Chancellor" event in both of our first years at Syracuse. Afterwards you mingled and spoke with everyone at the event. It was inspiring as a new college student to have a conversation with the chancellor of my new school. Thank you for always making time for students and being such a kind, thoughtful leader. Sending well wishes from New Jersey Chancellor Syverud - Go Orange!

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

Thank you for sharing something so personal with our community. It takes courage and grace to do that, especially in the middle of such a demanding time of year.

Wishing you strength, good care, and hope on this road ahead. Syracuse is lucky to have someone who believes in this institution as deeply as you do.

With warmth and gratitude,

Sandy

Sandy Siquier

Assistant Teaching Professor

Syracuse University

College of Visual and Performing Arts / Film & Media Arts

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”

Martin Luther King Jr.

I’m thinking of you during this challenging time and sending healing thoughts and strength your way as you face this illness. Your positive impact on Syracuse University, the broader community, and the many individual lives you’ve touched is both lasting and deeply meaningful.

You are a true champion of higher education, a servant leader, and a genuinely kind soul. Please know that all of us are standing with you—we will rally around you and your family to offer support, care, and encouragement in the months ahead. Faculty Emerita, iSchool

Chancellor Syverud: Sending you and your family positive thoughts, prayers for great care, full and quick recovery, and strength 💪 in your healing journey. Meanwhile, thank you for all you've done to keep SU strong in these challenging times for higher ed. May great things come back to you in return. Take care. Mark Harf, Whitman MBA '93.

Chancellor Syverud, the past 4 years I have seen the true love and support you hold for our Orange Family. Your commitment to strong leadership has guided this university into an amazing future. Your interest in the Otto program and the importance you place in the work it has done has directly impacted my student experience in a hugely positive way. I hope you know, you reside in the hearts and minds of all of us as you go through this difficult journey. I’m praying you and Dr. Chen find the strength and perseverance to get through these difficult times.

Dear Chancellor Kent D. Syverud,

​I was deeply moved by your message of optimism and courage. I wanted to reach out and share that across the miles, I am rooting for you.

​I still carry the warmth of our meeting in 2023 during my Mandela Washington Fellowship at the Maxwell School. Our discussion on diverse global issues remains a highlight of my time in Syracuse; your genuine interest in our perspectives made a lasting impact on me.

​Thank you for leading with such heart.

Your Orange family is vast, and today, it extends all the way to my home country, Malswi as I send you strength, prayers, and wishes for a steady recovery.

​

With gratitude and solidarity,

​Khwima M. Mkamanga

(2023 Mandela Washington Fellow)

Kent,

From the moment you arrived on campus, you have been an asset to the University. Your early efforts to live in the dorms and truly get to know students set the tone for thoughtful, community-centered leadership that has benefited Syracuse in so many ways.

I was honored to attend your installation when Sandra Day O’Connor spoke, and I always appreciated the opportunity to connect more personally during my time on the VPA Council, especially the visit to your home. It was also a pleasure getting to meet Ruth.

Wishing you all the very best as you focus on your health.

Terry Skuse ’75

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

Sending you and your family strength, light, and a speedy recovery. Thank you for your impact on the Orange community! Wishing the best on your future endeavors!

#foreverorange 🧡

Dear Chancellor Kent Syverud,

I wanted to take a moment to reach out and let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts.

You have led this university with a steady hand, clear purpose, and a genuine commitment to people. That kind of leadership leaves a lasting impact, and it is something many of us have felt and carried forward in our own work.

From my perspective, both in higher education and through my time in uniform, moments like this are when community matters most. Syracuse shows up for its people, and right now, we are showing up for you. You are not carrying this alone.

Wishing you strength, resolve, and the time and space you and your family need in the days ahead. Please know you have the entire SU community behind you, which is unwavering in its support.

Chancellor Syverud,

Please know you and your family are in my prayers during this time. I am grateful for your leadership and love for the SU community. May God grant you strength, peace, and healing as you undergo treatment, and may His presence be especially close to you each day.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” --- Isaiah 41:10

With hope and encouragement, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thank you, Chancellor, for your leadership, dedication, and for making Syracuse University a better place and a top institution! Wishing you strength, resilience, and full recovery.

~ from a Whitman faculty

Dear Chancellor Syverud --

Andy, Teddy, Mack and I were so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and just wanted to reach out to let you know we're all thinking of you.

As a member of the Parents Council, a parent, and an alumna, I’ve had the privilege of seeing your leadership up close — and your work truly does not go unnoticed. From creating the Parents Council, which I've been fortunate enough to be on and as a result get a truly meaningful window into the university, to your deep commitment to the faith program, veterans and ROTC students, club sports, and the opening of the DC center (the list really does go on!) — you’ve built something that feels incredibly thoughtful and connected here at SU.

On a personal note, I’m especially grateful for the way you exposed Mack to the world of law, which led to his role as a TA in your class. That experience meant so much to him.

Thank you, too, for always taking the time to listen. You’ve made what could feel like a large, overwhelming university into a small, beautiful, wonderful, caring community, and that’s a reflection of you and the amazing people you brought to your team at SU.

Above all, please know our hearts and thoughts are with you. Wishing you strength, support, and all the best as you move through the days ahead. We are and always will be #foreverorange.

All the best,

Colleen( '93), Andy, Teddy and Mack ('28) Fisher

Dear Chancellor, difficult times are those in which we need to face our demons with courage and bravery. And in the midst of calamity, we need the ability to balance ourselves on the tide. May you find refuge in God and your family during this challenging time, so that together you can overcome this difficult phase. I wish you all the best. I wish all the best to this warrior who welcomed us so warmly while serving as chancellor in Syracuse.

- Kénia Diva (2024 Mandela Washington Alumna)

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

Wishing the best in your journey to recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Dr. Chen and your family.

Sincerely,

Liz Mattes

As a Michigan graduate (‘88) and parent of a current Syracuse student (‘28) I’ve been grateful for your leadership at Syracuse and proud of our campus connections. On behalf of my family, you’re in our thoughts and prayers.

I will be praying for you, Chancellor. The kindness you showed the SU Catholic community and me during my time at Syracuse is something I continue to reflect on. Some of my favorite college memories were attending Mass and sharing meals with you at your house. My best memory with you was on the day of my Commencement in 2017. It was pouring rain and I saw you driving away from the ceremony, so I ran over and waved. You got out of your car to take a picture with me—that was a special moment for me—thank you. You always make time for everyone. Now it’s our turn to do the same. I am confident alumni around the globe are making time for you now as they keep you in their prayers. May God watch over you now and always.