Messages for Chancellor Syverud

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

I was very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Like many others who have experienced your warmth and kindness, I wanted to let you know that you are very much in my thoughts and prayers during this time.

Wishing you strength, comfort, and a smooth recovery ahead. Please know that we are thinking of you, Dr. Chen and family, while sending positive thoughts and earnest prayers your way.

Take good care,

Dawn

Wishing you well, you got this!

We stand with you. ’Cuse wouldn't be what it is without you. Thank you and fight on Chancellor. 🧡💙

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

I have only been at Syracuse for a year for my MPA program at the Maxwell School. In that time, I have had the chance to meet some of the most fascinating and intelligent people this world has to offer. You have built an environment of creativity, truth-seeking, and service in Syracuse students, and for that our world will benefit for generations.

I cannot imagine how difficult this is for you and your family. I wish you the best of luck with cancer treatment, but I wanted you to know how grateful I am to be a Syracuse student and to be a part of a University whose foundation you have built upon.

Thank you for serving Syracuse steadfastly for over a decade, Chancellor. No matter what happens, we are all Forever Orange.

Lots of Love,

Kristen Scanlon

MPA Class of 2026

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

Sending you well wishes and healing thoughts. I hope you are feeling strength and comfort during this time, and that modern medicine and care support a full and steady recovery.

Wishing you continued healing and good health.

Cynthia Jones '10

Chancellor Syverud,

As you have done with events in the past, you are handling this news and the change in your life with grace. I am grateful that treatments are underway. Grateful, too, for Dr. Chen and the rest of your family whose care, strength, and attention to details will be important in the weeks and months ahead.

I look forward to you coming back to SU for a proper event to celebrate your work here, which wasn't always easy. Until then, you will be in my prayers.

Jill Hurst-Wahl

Professor Emerita, iSchool

You are in my prayers.

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

I am deeply grateful for the kindness and support I have received from Chancellor Syverud and his family during their time at Syracuse University. I had the privilege of speaking with the Chancellor at the SU Catholic Center and again during the 2025 Catholic retreat at Minnowsbrook, where we shared meaningful conversations over meals. His humility, openness, and genuine interest in students left a lasting impact on me.

I am especially thankful to his wife, Dr. Ruth Chen, whose compassion and care supported me through a difficult period with my vertebral column. She made sure I received a new bed so I could rest and recover comfortably, and she consistently checked on both my health and my research progress. Her kindness went far beyond the classroom, and I will always remember it.

I wish Chancellor Syverud strength and a smooth recovery. His leadership and the support of his family have made a profound difference in my journey at Syracuse University as a PhD student, and I remain sincerely appreciative.

God's Strength🧡🙏

Dear Chancellor Syverud-

Sending our best wishes to you, Ruth and your family. We are so happy that we got to know you during your reign at SU. You are a wonderful, thoughtful, brilliant and dynamic leader and person. I have no doubt you will dazzle and impress your doctors with how fast you conquer this health challenge. Hang in there. Take care of yourself. Support is all around you- tap into it. Once orange, forever orange: “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle”. Felicia and Jeff Saferstein

Dear Chancellor,

I’m wishing you strength and peace in this season. As I think about what you are walking through, I cannot help but reflect on the path God used you to open for me. Like Joseph, you became an instrument of His purpose in my life, and because of your obedience, I now stand in a place where my work impacts hundreds of Guatemalan lives. That fruit is part of your legacy—and a reminder that God’s hand has always been upon you.

The same God who worked through you to bring life and opportunity to others is the One who walks with you now through this trial. As it is written: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” (Isaiah 43:2, NKJV)

I am praying deeply for your life and your healing. In the name of Jesus, may His restoring power sustain you and renew you. Even in this process—through every moment of uncertainty and every step forward—we will continue to lift our voices and sing hallelujah, trusting in His faithfulness.

With deep faith and gratitude,

Greetings! I read your note just now.

I send to you ALL blessings and good wishes from my family to yours. I served on the faculty prior to your arrival from 1993 until 2007 with considerable pride, joy, enthusiasm and gratefulness! I achieved full professor at the university in 1999 and basically developed into the professional that I became until retirement from Lipscomb University. The legacy that SU carries is alive and well with the gifts that you brought to it.

Thank you for your service and for the reminder to live life to its fullest EVERY day and be thankful for every moment that we have. Live with the spirit that is given to you as well. Your letter was a reminder to always keep that in mind, Best to you and to your family. Dr Norma J. Bond Burgess

Chancellor Kent Syverud, sending you incredible strength and support as you navigate your treatment journey. While research protocols and novel therapeutics will continue to dictate your clinical course of treatment, I'm sending a gentle reminder to nourish your mind and body in holistic and complimentary ways.

A wise boy once said to a silly old bear "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." In trying times I often refer to this quote for comfort and guidance. May it help you in your journey. My prayers are with you both!

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

It has been my absolute honor to be a small part of the amazing magic that you brought to our beloved Orange family. From your support to our Hillel, to your students and faculty in all parts of the SU world, to your vision for advancement and engagement- you have catalyzed us all to be better, reach higher and strive. I wish you a speedy recovery, and a long life to share with your beloved family both biologic and Orange !! I cherish knowing you-Barbara Kurman

Thanks for all you did when I was in inclusive u for letting me stay in the dorm being the 1st one to stay in the dorm and it was a pleasure to meet you in person.

Dear Kent,

We met last year and I remember being so impressed with you, not just for your accomplishments at Syracuse, but for who are as a person. I've been getting to know some of your people who are leading AI efforts and they love you for who you are as their leader.

It sounds like you are getting amazing care and have endless support. You certainly have a heck of a lot of people rooting for you. Count me among them.

This journey can't be easy and I hope the discomforts are as few as possible. When you have this behind you, I hope our paths can cross again.

Warmly,

Paul

You got this! Sending positive healing vibes your way from Los Angeles. Here’s to a SUccessful treatment and recovery! See what I did there? LOL! Forever Orange!

Dear Chancellor Syverud:

Our family, along with countless other Syracuse families around the world, wish you a full and speedy recovery as you tackle this difficult physical challenge.

#onceorangeforeverorange

I want to send you all my best wishes. I’m an alum from Newhouse and Whitman, dual major, and met you close to a decade ago at, if I recall correctly, an event at Lubin House. I remember I was impressed by you and you went on to steward SU so well through some difficult times. My daughter attended SU, too, and I enjoyed showing her around campus and helping her move in. Though she did not finish at SU- two concussions 3 weeks apart kind of literally knocked her out of school- she enjoyed her time there and even stayed near campus an additional year before moving to Florida, now just 2+ hours away from where we are in South Florida. The friends both of us made while at SU are still good friends and we both were so glad we went there (in spite of the abominable winter weather).

I remember most of my professors fondly, too.

Kudos to you for continuing to provide such a meaningful experience for so many thousands of people like my daughter and myself.

I send you my prayers and hope you know you are in my prayers and my heart.

Best wishes,

Ed Katz ‘81

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

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

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.