Messages for Chancellor Syverud

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)

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.

Dear Chancellor Kent Syverud and Dr Chen,

We are deeply saddened to hear of your recent announcement. Please know that you both have the thoughts and very best wishes of our community in Lockerbie at this time.

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

My husband, Eric, and I are both proud alumni and engaged members of the alumni club of CT & Western Mass. I have had the priviledge to engage with you over the years at various alumni events and have truly appreciated the leadership and support you have shown to all volunteer leaders and members of the alumni community.

We were saddened to hear the news of your diagnosis. You have shown positivity, a fighting spirit, and resilience throughout your time at SU. We have no doubt these traits will serve you well as you undertake this next chapter. Wishing you and Dr. Chen the very best as you navigate the road ahead.

Dear Chancellor Syverud - You have been a great chancellor at Syracuse! Great. I'm sure you weren't told that much, if at all, in the Salt City. All I know, Chancellor, is that this life is not easy, and for almost all of us, there are some seemingly inescapable challenges. I gather you've got one such challenge now, but I also gather, from following you as my college alma mater's chief, that you are a formidable soul, who will face it with the same brilliance and panache you have demonstrated to this point. I wish you and your family well, always.

Chancellor Syverud,

You have given so much to so many. I’ve admired your leadership and will never forget the OTHC Scholar celebration when I was the keynote speaker. You leaned over after my speech with a half joking request for me to come back to SU as a faculty or staff member. The sentiment warmed my heart coming from someone I had so much respect for. Thank you.

As you gear up for this unexpected journey, I pray for your strength and I call upon the Most High to heal you and restore you back to full health. I ask that you are protected, mind, body and spirit. Be well.

Warm Regards,

Aisha Thomas-Petit

Whitman Class of 1998

SUMA Council Member

Best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery. Thank you for your leadership and all you have done for Syracuse University.

Vishal Shukla-‘89

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

Thank you for your leadership and for fostering an environment at Syracuse University that has supported our growth. As orange alumni, we have greatly benefited from the interdisciplinary opportunities and strong sense of community you have helped build.

We are thinking of you and your family during this time and hope you are surrounded by care and support.

With sincere regards,

Ruohan Xu '23, G'24

Xinglan Yan '22

Dear Kent.. your tenure at SU leaves great shoes to fill.. I will never forget your and Ruth’s warm welcome receptions at your home, extending your welcome and support of our son Omar during his graduate years at Newhouse, and most notably your steady leadership of this great university.. indeed a whole community- wishing you many more years in health and happiness

Wishing you all the best in this fight.

Orange nation is with you.

Chancellor Syverud,

I was heartbroken to hear of your recent diagnosis.

As co-chair of the SU Alumni Club of Rochester, I've enjoyed getting the opportunity to speak with you at events over the last several years. You've always shown a genuine interest and appreciation for the alumni engagement we've helped foster and it's been wonderful to share stories from the past and today of the community you once called home.

Sending well wishes your way and strength to you and Dr. Chen as you navigate the battle ahead. I have no doubt your positive attitude and will to overcome will benefit you greatly throughout the process.

Good afternoon and Happy Friday, Chancellor Syverud. Monica and I received your message concerning your current health challenges and I want you to know that we are and will continue to lift you up in prayer. We are asking God for complete healing and want to thank you for your transparency and courage as you go through the treatment process that you have chosen. Monica and I both love and appreciate you and look forward to a testimony or healing in the near future. God bless you!

- Charles and Monica Houston

In each of our own unique life paths, there are countless ups and downs that we encounter. However, the true blessing is recognizing that these travails are not experienced alone. We live in community, one among many whom we value and who value each of us. And so it is that you, Dr. Chen, and the rest of your family are so blessed. Please know, and live according to that knowing, that none of you are alone in facing this challenge. Countless prayers and limitless love are directed to you and yours, and fundamentally, all is well. Peace.

Chancellor Syverud, thank you for all you have given to our community throughout the last 12+ years. Your commitment to the Orange community is seen and appreciated, in both the tough and calm times. I hope you get well soon!

Praying for you my friend. You have been a brilliant leader of SU and a great colleague.

Dear Chancellor Syverud - I’m very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Praying for you and your family, and wishing you strength and healing in the days ahead.

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Sending only good thoughts! Go Orange!!

Since you arrived at SU, you and Dr. Chen have been and continue to be a role model for what smart, strong, and compassionate leadership looks like. You have accomplished so much for the Orange family in every way possible. Thank you! God speed and praying for healing, continued love, and strength.

With gratitude and much admiration,

Maria D. Melendez Hinkley

Class of 1989

Multicultural Advancement Council Member

Wishing you and your family all the best during this difficult time. May you have a full recovery. ❤️‍🩹

Dear Chancellor,

as a long time member of the orange family, myself a grad in '83 and my daughter in '16, we take pride in our shared experiences. I want to wish you well and nothing but strength and determination in tackling this awful prognosis. To you and your family, stay positive and wishing for the best.

Yours truly, Joe

Words cannot express the despair I felt when first reading and learning of your medical challenge. However, in true Syverud style, I was filled with hope and gratitude by the end of my reading. Chancellor, please know that you and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of the Houston family. As you face this illness with the dignity and humbleness that has become your trademark, you are TRULY not alone. You have the strength of the Orange, which is amazingly mightyful, and you have the unyielding, never failing strength of God. Continue to fight the good fight and we'll continue to watch and be in awe of the power and goodness of our God. Blessings to you and your family.

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

I was deeply saddened to hear of your diagnosis, but equally moved by the strength, clarity, and optimism you’ve already demonstrated in facing it. Your words to the SU community - grounded in courage and perspective - are a reflection of the leadership you’ve embodied throughout your tenure.

Having had the opportunity to get to know you over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the intentionality and integrity you brought to Syracuse University. Your leadership wasn’t just about guiding an institution - it was about building a community. From your commitment to students and alumni, to your meaningful investment in veterans and military-connected families, your impact is both real and lasting.

You stepped into leadership during a time when higher education has been under increasing pressure - from shifting economics to deeply complex cultural conversations. Through it all, you remained steady and principled. I especially want to thank you for continuing to uphold the importance of ensuring that Syracuse University remains a place where all feel welcome. That kind of leadership matters - and it lasts far beyond any single moment.

Your belief in the power of research universities to not only educate, but to care for people in their most critical moments, feels especially meaningful now. The same institution you helped lead and strengthen is now part of the broader ecosystem supporting you - and that’s a testament to the mission you’ve long championed.

Please know that you are surrounded by a community that is deeply grateful for you and firmly in your corner. You have led with purpose, and that legacy will continue to ripple forward.

Wishing you strength, healing, and continued moments of hope in the days ahead.

With gratitude and respect,

Allison D. Bronson ‘08, G’09

Helen and I are thinking about you and wish you a speedy recovery.

As a proud alumna of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, as well as the Jandoli School at St. Bonaventure University I often reflect on the Franciscan values that shaped me during difficult times like these, and simply wanted to say that I’m holding you in thought as you navigate this chapter. Your leadership has meant a great deal to so many across the University community, and I hope you feel the strength of that collective support around you now. Wishing you continued courage, peace, and moments of real rest in the days ahead.

Pax et bonum—may you be surrounded by peace and all good things.

(Julie Kalata Sheedy, MS 2008)

Dear Chancellor Syverud, Dr. Chen, and your entire family,

Our family has been holding you close in our thoughts and prayers since learning of your news. You are surrounded by so much love and good energy from the many lives you have impacted.

Chancellor Syverud, the strength you carry, not just as a leader, but as a human being, is truly remarkable. It is not something you perform or put on for others. It is simply who you are, and those of us fortunate enough to witness it are inspired by it. That same strength will carry you through this.

Our family believes deeply in the power of good energy, and there is no shortage of it heading your way. We, along with the Syracuse community, are behind you, every step of the way. Being forever orange is not just a tagline it is who we are.

Sending strength, thoughts, and prayers.

The Euto Family (Jeremy, Linda, Sarah, and Benjamin)

Kent, I was so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope you feel, and continue to feel, the well wishes and support that surrounds you near and far. You are in my prayers and I'm sending you strength and positivity for the fight ahead.

Sending prayers from Zimbabwe. I was at Syracuse last year as a Mandela Scholar at the Maxwell School.

I have heard stories of people beating cancer, and with prayers, this will be another one.

Thank you for letting me be part of Syracuse’s story. I pray for your strength during this time.

As a proud alumna of Syracuse University, I wanted to reach out to share my heartfelt support following the news of your diagnosis.

Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many across the Orange community. Syracuse is more than a university—it is a family—and in moments like this, that bond feels especially strong. We are all standing with you, lifting you up with hope, strength, and deep admiration.

Your leadership and commitment to this university have made a lasting impact on countless lives. I am wishing you courage for each day, peace in the difficult moments, and the comfort of knowing how widely you are cared for.

May you feel surrounded by strength, faith, and the unwavering support of the entire Syracuse community.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Denise Mironti ‘84, G’95

College of Nursing

Sending positive vibes and prayers your way. 🍊 🧡

Sending heartfelt best wishes to you and your family, Chancellor Syverud.

As a third generation SU alum, and retired SU employee, I want to express my gratitude for all the great things you've done for our university. Your leadership placed on Syracuse University on a sound footing.

I had the pleasure of meeting you and shaking your hand at a food donation drop on the Quad, prior to an SU Football game. You were most warm and gracious. I also want to send warm greetings to Dr. Ruth Chen, who, on more than one occasion, said "good morning" to me outside of Bowne Hall, the building where I worked. It was so nice being greeted like that. Small, kind gestures really do make a difference.

Again, Chancellor, I send positive vibes your way, and to your family.

Get well soon!

All my best,

Bill Bowen