Messages for Chancellor Syverud

Dear Kent (if I may),

I am so, so sorry to hear about your illness. I wanted to send you a note of concern and well wishes for healing, or whatever is the best prognosis in your situation.

I remember with fondness and appreciation the time you hosted me for coffee and our walk in Oakwood Cemetery. I also remember with appreciation how attentively you listened during community meetings, including taking assiduous notes.

I want to thank you for taking decisive action then in changing the consensual relationship policy here at Syracuse University.

I started writing this before I heard of your diagnosis and your sudden departure for Syracuse, so I was going to write more. Now, however, I just want to send you my well wishes and my appreciation.

Finally, as you undergo what no doubt will be a rigorous treatment regime, I invite you to reflect on the beauty of the trees in Oakwood cemetery and to imagine the community of frogs who have emerged in the frog pond I have created in my backyard, sunning themselves on a clear, sunny Syracuse afternoon.

With warmth and concern,

Coran

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 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 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

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,

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 former chancellor,

It’s with deepest thoughts and prayers I write this to you. I enjoyed working for you my many days at Crouse Hinds Hall. You were always the most kind, sincere, sweet and respectful person and I always looked forward to your good mornings and and bright smiles each and every day!! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for hopes that you’re able to keep strong and fight this. I remain optimistic in the fact that you’ll be able to come through this and stay strong as we know the kind of man you are and the strength you bear! Prayers and best wishes!!!

Chancellor:

I was deeply touched by your message and the word of your illness. As a member of the faculty for 60 years (and as SU alumni, class of 1956) I thank you for all you have done for our university.

You have met my wife Gerda; she had brain surgery in June 2024 and it was a glioblastoma. Now, almost 23 months later, she is vibrant and at my side. But I know how challenging all this can be for your and your family. Our thoughts are with you.

David

David H Bennett

Meredith Profess of History Emeritus

In our few but memorable meetings, you shared amazing stories about your journey through life and it left a great impression on me. Your words of wisdom have played an important role in my time at Syracuse as a junior faculty member. I am incredibly sorry to hear about this diagnosis but encouraged by the support you have all around you. Thank you for all that you’ve given to our community. We are with you in spirit!

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

We write as the SU-AAUP Executive Committee to offer our condolences and support for you in light of the disheartening medical news that you recently received. We were saddened to hear of your diagnosis this morning and our thoughts are with you and your family in this time of what must be significant stress. We also know your grit and it is heartening to hear of the good care provided by the University of Michigan and we hope for the best outcomes possible.

We also sincerely appreciate that in this time of personal turmoil you took time to highlight the important work of research and its value as a public good in today's world. We agree wholeheartedly and appreciate your words to that effect.

We wish you the very best as you face this challenge and offer both our sympathy and our belief in your ability to tackle this with the grace and determination that you have shown in other challenges.

Sincerely,

The SU-AAUP Executive Committee

Kent,

I am so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Please know that Charles and I are praying for you, your family, and healthcare team in navigating your treatment and care. While this is truly a devastating blow, may your optimism and support from the Syracuse and Michigan communities strengthen you during the dark moments. Thank you for your leadership and service to Syracuse University.

Warmly,

Dawn Johnson & Rev. Charles Fielder

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

I am a junior faculty member in EECS at Syracuse University. We met briefly once, and I wanted to reach out to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I was very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope you are able to navigate this difficult time with strength, peace, and the best care possible. You have helped guide our university through many challenging moments, and I hope you now feel the support and care of the Syracuse community around you.

Wishing you a smooth treatment process and a full recovery. I hope to see you healthy and well again very soon.

With sincere best wishes,

Younes Radi

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

You have my deepest respect and prayers for the best medical outcome. I know your emotional journey will be complex, filled with equal parts hope and fear.

But your spiritual journey will be as vibrant as the man I’ve come to know.

You will be sorely missed here at Syracuse. I with both you and Dr. Chen the very best.

Warmly,

Donna Marsh

Chancellor,

Good morning. I'm an adjunct at Whitman, part-time in title, but full-time in commitment.

I was happy for your move to Michigan, and what that represented for you.

I enjoyed your servant and transformational leadership at SU. Your actions left an impression on me, particularly the way you handled the Barnes Center sit-in a few years back. That kind of compassion isn't something I’ll forget. It's something that demonstrated your values.

This news is hard. I just wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts.

Sincerely,

Tammy

I was deeply sorry to hear this news. Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen have shown so much kindness, support, and care to me and my family, including my wife and son, since I joined SU, and we are truly grateful. As a fellow University of Michigan alumnus, I have also always felt a special connection. Chancellor Syverud’s courage, optimism, and dedication continue to inspire our community. My family and I are keeping Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen in our thoughts and wishing them strength, comfort, and the very best in the days ahead.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

I’m so sad to hear this news, but glad you are getting excellent care and in good spirits. My best wishes for a smooth and complete recovery. Sincerely,

Can

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

Thank you for your years of dedication, and love, for our University and the entire Syracuse community. I wish you strength, peace, and the support of the entire Orange family as you meet this challenge.

Sincerely,

Sharon Akkoul (G'13)

Adjunct Faculty, School of Information Studies

Kent, know that I am with you in spirit and in prayer. You are strong and determined, gifts that have and will continue to serve you well. You are not alone, and i hope you know that.

President Syverud, I know you will overcome easily this stage in your life, you are so resilient and strong, my best wishes for a speedy recovery and that you will flourish in your new position as you did here in syracuse, Miryam Bar

Dear Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen,

As a faculty member and alumnus of Syracuse University I would like to offer heartfelt thanks, gratitude and support. Thanks and gratitude for your leadership and genuine care devoted to SU and its many constituencies, and support for you and your family as you confront this stunning challenge. Please know that you do not face it alone. We are indeed, as Mike Haynie said, in your corner, and hope you feel the wave of Orange love.

Warm wishes,

Tony D'Angelo

Mr.kent I hope you and your family well wishes from the first event i attended and worked for you you always been the best chancellor out there thank you for all you have done and us at parking appreciate you and Dr.Chen Thank you for all and will keep you in my prayers

I’m wishing you and Dr. Chen all the very best and please know you are in my thoughts.

As a retired faculty member, I am wishing you well! And I send my well wishes to you and Dr. Chen.

Fran Tucker

Wishing you every grace for your healing journey.

Dympna

Dear Ruth and Kent.

Please accept my and Wendy's prayers and warmest wishes in support and celebration of you both. You both have made a lasting most positive impact in the lives of so many and will continue to do so.

With admiration, strong warm wishes, and prayers.

Wendy and Peter

I write simply to let you know that we are thinking about all of you during what must be a very difficult time. Hang in there. We’re rooting for you.

Kent and Ruth,

I’m saddened by the news of your health, Kent. I’m thinking of both of you and holding you high in prayer.

Warm regards,

Joanna