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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
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Thank you for sharing something so personal with us.
I’m wishing you strength, healing, and peace as you go through treatment.
Your courage and outlook are truly inspiring.
We are rooting for you.
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Best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery. Thank you for your leadership and all you have done for Syracuse University.
Vishal Shukla-‘89
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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
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Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Chancellor Syverud. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the Orange community. You’ve got this! 🧡
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Dear Chancellor Syverud and family--
There are not too many times that staff get to interact with a Chancellor, but there was an occasion that I have never forgotten, even though it was many years ago. I attended a reception at your home not too long after you became Chancellor and I felt so welcomed by you and your wife. I have thought back to that evening a lot since I heard the most recent news. One thing in particular that stuck with me (and I know this might seem trivial to others) is how much you loved your dog Lucky (who I also hung out with a little bit). The way you both talked about Lucky convinced me that you were as special as Lucky was and I will never forget the heartful email you sent to everyone when she passed away. I just wanted you to know that the interaction I had with you at that event made a strong impression on me and I knew that you were the kind of person who would be a compassionate and impressive leader. I know others feel that way too. Compassionate people who love animals the way you and your wife do are truly special.
I am praying for you and your family.
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Dear Chancellor Syverud and Doctor Chen
Wishing you the best on your journey. I know you can do this. We were always in the elevator up to the 5th floor
Best
Liz
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Dear Kent: I'm deeply appreciative of the time you spent mentoring me while I was at Syracuse and giving me the opportunity to work in such a great community. I could fill up the 3,000 character limit simply on my recollection of times with you at Syracuse and how it continues to set me up in my own career.
Because you gave me an opportunity at Syracuse, I now have a job as Provost at my alma mater, which I could never have gotten without my years at SU. My daughter has a Syracuse University degree in Aerospace Engineering and is well on her way to getting a doctorate. More than that, your family welcomed her with open arms when it was just she and I in Syracuse, which made a big difference to her. My wife's career really took off in terms of the instruction and hands-on initiatives she has launched. And now we all know how to clear a foot of snow off a car before frostbite sets in. Maybe this is just another "Syracuse took a chance on me" story -- I heard so many during my years there. I hope those are stories you take pride in; actually, I know they are.
You have a lot of people cheering for you, praying for you, and thinking of you at Clemson. The thoughtful interactions you've had with our leaders here still resonates. We're behind you now and will continue to be in your corner.
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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
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Dear Chancellor Syverud,
We are grateful for the time you took to meet and speak with us this past January in Miami. It was truly a pleasure. We are glad we were able to thank you in person for your dedication to Syracuse University. You created the innovative school that our son is so proud to attend today.
Please know that you and your entire family are in our thoughts and we are sending our most heartfelt wishes for your health and recovery.
Warmest Regards,
Mara & Mark Mittentag
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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
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Wishing you all the best in this fight.
Orange nation is with you.
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Chancellor Syverud and family, you are in our hearts, prayers, and thoughts during this incredibly difficult time - your strength, leadership, and unwavering dedication have left a lasting mark on Syracuse University, and I feel truly fortunate to be part of the organization you have helped shape. I hold you up in faith, trusting that the same grace that has guided your remarkable work will carry you and your family through this challenge. Go Orange - always.
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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.
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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
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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
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Chancellor Syverud - Your support for WISE and the CNY women entrepreneurs we serve has meant more than you know. On behalf of our entire WISE family, our hands are at your back. We are cheering you on.
Sincerely,
Meghan, Jen, and Carolyn
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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.
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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!
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Praying for you my friend. You have been a brilliant leader of SU and a great colleague.
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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.
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Kent
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay strong and focus on what’s most important. My best
Mark
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My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Sending only good thoughts! Go Orange!!
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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
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Dear Chancellor Syverud,
First of all, we are so sorry to read about what's going on, but appreciative of the care you are receiving and hoping to read increasingly positive reports. Equally important is to extend gratitude for the grace in which you have had in sharing your situation and your feelings.
We are relatively new Syracuse parents (heading into year 3 soon), but have been reaping the results of your leadership and vision since Day 1. Our daughter is thriving, our conversations with her have been changing, and her absolute love for the school can't help but rub off on us. Thank you for helping to enable all of that.
Andrea and I know the power of great doctors, and the power of a great mindset. It seems as if you possess both, and they-- and the power of support-- will hopefully serve you well and quickly.
Larry and Andrea Kopald
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Syracuse has been so fortunate to have had your leadership! Sending positive thoughts for health and healing!
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Chancellor and Dr. Chen, hope they find a cure for your type of cancer and you get better soon. My granddaughter, two weeks from graduating from SU, found out she had breast cancer. After a double mastectomy, she survived and is doing great right now and working at SU. Hope it goes as well with you. Praying for you!
Kathy
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Wishing you and your family all the best during this difficult time. May you have a full recovery. ❤️🩹
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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
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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