Messages for Chancellor Syverud

Chancellor Syverud,

Thank you. You took the time to mentor and support me as a then 19 year old college sophomore, who was deeply passionate about making systems work to both support students and maximize their potential. I will never forget you sitting down with me, in the Spring of 2013 and asking the question "how can we work together to make sure students feel seen?"

That question not only showed me your character, but also showed me your commitment to doing right by all students - delivering on the promise of SU.

In this time of challenge, I hope that you know your impact and the indelible mark you have left on so many students.

Thank you for your leadership.

Ron Taylor

Dear Kent,

I just got my copy of the legacy brochure, and I have to say that you look very handsome indeed! There is a lovely collection of orange ties to catch the eye! And Ruth is giving you a run for the money. She looks so beautiful in the large photo!

I love what you said on the last page-"the best, unentitled, scrappy, engaged students in the world." That brings us to Ellie.

She finally understands the college process. She has gone to every class and participated in every class. The professors all love her. She is still working on putting together a great final paper. The teachers said "Hey, this isn't you. Could you try again?" Regardless of outcome, she understood that her relationships were an important part of her education. She is already signed up for summer classes and fall classes. I am so happy for her.

She loves Syracuse. She is so scrappy and unentitled. She saves money whenever she can. She decorated her apartment in an extraordinary way. She never gossips, she only talks about ideas. She will be the teacher that all the parents want their children to have.

This summer she walked out to a big oak we have and made a fairy castle. She spent hours putting together a magical place.

Thank you for making Syracuse a place where people care about each other in the most true and supportive way.

Sending all my love to you, Ruth and your family.

XO

Susan

During your time as Chancellor, you were a great friend to the SU library system. You helped us bring it up to the standard that a great university should have. I will miss you and wish you a whole recovery.

During your stay answering, you have proved that you could handle adversity with courage and with resolve.

Go orange and go blue

Carl Armani 60, Library Advisory Board

Kent and ruth - Laurie and I were very disturbed to hear about your diagnosis. Yet once again you have handled this with grace and perseverence and those qualities will serve you well as battle this cancer. Stay strong, stay positive and fight hard. Our thoughts are with you.

Laurie and Kenny Goodman

Kent

Wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay strong and focus on what’s most important. My best

Mark

I was deeply sorry to hear about your diagnosis, and I wanted to take a moment to wish you strength, comfort, and the very best as you focus on your health.

Your leadership and dedication to Syracuse University have made a lasting impact on the community. The time, care, and vision you’ve invested in the institution and its people will continue to resonate well beyond your tenure. You have helped shape not just a university, but a stronger, more connected community.

Thank you for your service, your leadership, and the example you’ve set. You are in the thoughts of many who are wishing you resilience and peace in the days ahead.

With sincere gratitude and best wishes,

Leah Davies ‘13

Newhouse Emerging Leaders

Dear Kent,

Thank you for your message and for sharing something so personal with the Syracuse community. I was deeply sorry to learn of your diagnosis, and I want you to know that you are very much in my thoughts.

As I read your words, I found myself thinking of Ben and his journey with ALS—his courage, clarity of purpose, and the way he continued to lead and inspire even in the most difficult moments. There is something in your message that carries that same sense of resolve and belief, and it is powerful.

I was especially struck by your reflection on the mission of research universities. As I step into a new role in palliative care and hospice, I find myself returning often to that very idea—the profound responsibility and privilege of institutions like Syracuse to shape lives, advance knowledge, and care for people in moments that matter most. Your words underscored that in a way I won’t forget.

Please know that you have a wide community holding you in strength and support. I am wishing you the very best as you move forward with treatment, and I will be thinking of you in the days ahead.

With deep respect and warm regards,

Marcia (and Enzo) Baldanza

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

I was very sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Please know that the entire Syracuse community is standing behind you during this time.

We are wishing you strength, a steady recovery, and the very best of care. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Warm regards,

Beth Cofsky

Sending you and Dr. Chen strength and love from the Spector/Kalmans family in Houston at this difficult time. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Dearest Kent,

You are and have been, for the last twelve years, my guiding light and mentor extraordinaire. They are only three other people in my life that I have trusted and loved completely and you have closed the circle. Your extraordinary intelligence, your humility, your sheer goodness, your ability to commit to and love all forms of life, even blackbirds, has made a very deep impact on the last decade of my life . Your ability to not only see the best in people and to acknowledge their skills but to pave the way for them to reach greater heights as human beings is the most valuable gift I have ever been given. You have seen me, you have not erased me, you have welcomed experiencing me and led the way for me to do and be my best in every possible way.

Whew!

The gift from you is holy.

I am sending you, under separate cover, Bob's scouting knife. It is the only way I can say thank you. It is truly my most valuable object and both you and Bob share the love of scouting and you have shared it was instrumental in your formative days. I offer it to you because I know you will be the finest scout and its lessons will carry you thru these difficult times. It will also remind you of the success one receives when staying close to the principles you love.

The only other thing that is sent with all my heartfelt love is a “stickum” with the word SMILE.

We both know that says it all.

To growing stronger, to hope and peace and my forever love,

Judy Seinfeld

Thank you for your leadership and friendship to me and the entire Orange community. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.

Chancellor Syverud, You are our Hero. My prayers for a full recovery and improved health outcomes, and protection has been continuous for you, Dr Chen, your family & all of us who care so deeply for you. It has been my honor to work with you through my service on the SUMA Advisory Council. Thank you so much for all you have done to protect and support our entire Syracuse Community and we will continue to pray for a quick recovery. 🙏🏽 🙏🏽 🙏🏽

Dear Chancellor, Dr. Chen and family,

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Thank you for your inspiration, dedication and love to all things SU/Orange.

You are in my prayers.

With gratitude,

Colleen Gaetano

Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, Syracuse Stage

SU alumi, VPA Music Theatre, 1990

Sending you our prayers as your travel this new journey. We will be thinking of you and sending positive thoughts and wishes.

Best, Deb Henretta and Sean Murray