'Cuse Conversations

Community engagement. Reciprocal learning. Service to others through volunteering. Those were the principles behind the creation of the Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service in 1994 under the direction of then-Syracuse University Chancellor Kenneth Shaw and his wife, Mary Ann, who also served as the associate of the Chancellor. For 30 years, the Shaw Center has proudly served as Syracuse University’s hub for academic community engagement. By giving back to nonprofits and organizations around Syracuse through service learning and volunteering, the campus community engages in the high impact practice of experiential learning. On April 21, the 30th anniversary of the Shaw Center will be celebrated, and on this episode, former Shaw Center volunteer Derek Wallace '00 and current student volunteer Claire Ceccoli '25 discuss how their involvement with the Shaw Center transformed them into leaders in their communities.

The cutting-edge weight loss and diabetes research developed by medicinal chemist Robert Doyle has offered significant and consistent weight loss and glucose control to its recipients through peptide-based treatments. Doyle and his fellow collaborators reported that two new peptide compounds­­—GEP44 and KCEM1—considerably reduce body weight and normalize blood glucose levels without causing the typical negative side effects experienced by patients who take currently available GLP-1-based anti-obesity drugs. Doyle, the Jack and Laura H. Milton Professor and Dean's Professor of Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences,focuses his research on pharmaceutical drug development for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. On this episode, Doyle discusses his breakthrough weight loss research, the important role students play in advancing his research, and how, through philanthropy, his work has come to life.

Syracuse University is committed to removing barriers and creating opportunities so all undergraduates can study abroad or away before they graduate. More than 50% of students explore the world through a Syracuse Abroad center, according to Nicole Collins, director of strategic partnerships and outreach with Syracuse Abroad. With over 100 study abroad programs in 60 locations around the world, there’s a unique opportunity for every student who wants to immerse themselves in a new culture. While the spring has traditionally been when the majority of students study abroad, Collins says there’s been a shift towards the fall semester in recent years, with more students capitalizing on increased access to opportunities, increased access to financial aid, grants and scholarships and more flexibility with the programs. On this episode, Collins and Sophia Moore ’25, who enjoyed a life-changing Syracuse Abroad experience in Santiago, Chile, during the Fall 2023 semester, discuss the many benefits of studying abroad in the fall.

With the arrival of the new year, many people view this as the ideal time to figure out the changes they'd like to see and make in themselves as part of a new year, new you mentality. But as we all know, keeping those resolutions and achieving change is not easy work. It takes commitment, patience and dedication. It can be easy to fail if we make huge, sweeping goals for the new year instead of focusing on a few small, implementable changes. Thankfully, Tracey Marchese, a professor of practice in the School of Social Work in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, is here to help. Marchese is a big proponent of small tweaks leading to sustainable change. She offers tips and best practices for sticking to those New Year's Resolutions, provides self-care and self-help tips to help you achieve the change you want to see, examines how our mental health and well-being impacts our overall well-being, and discusses ways to deal with seasonal affective disorder.

Instead of wallowing in what could have potentially been the lowest moment of her life, Kathrine Switzer ’68, G’72, H’18 used the adversity from her historic run at the Boston Marathon as fuel to inspire women around the world to get into running. After her triumph in Boston, Switzer would go on to complete more than 40 marathons, including winning the New York City Marathon in 1974. Switzer played an instrumental role in getting the women's marathon included in the Summer Olympics, and in 2015, along with four of her friends, Switzer launched 261 Fearless, a global non-profit that empowers women through running, helping thousands of women around the world discover their self-worth and their potential through customized education and running opportunities. On this "'Cuse Conversation," Switzer discusses making history as the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, her drive to get women around the world into running, the life-altering benefits of running, what it means to be a Syracuse University alumna and how her running career was launched as a student on campus.

Syracuse University has a long, proud history of serving our veterans and military-connected students that dates back to World War I and the post-World War II era when thousands of veterans embarked on their journey to a college degree through the G.I. Bill. One of the central organizations on campus that helps the University accomplish this mission is the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA), which, for the last 10 years has played a critical role in helping veterans, military-connected students and their family members pursue their higher education dreams. Dwayne Murray ’97 is living out his dream job as the OVMA’s deputy director, and he’s proud of the work the organization does through its programs and initiatives while serving as the University’s central hub for veteran and military-connected students. On this “’Cuse Conversation,” Murray discusses the profound impact the OVMA has had on campus and around the world, explores what sets Syracuse University apart as a best place for veterans, shares his love for working with veterans and military-connected students and more.

Misinformation and disinformation are prevalent everywhere you look these days, especially on the internet and social media. What's more troubling, our brains are struggling to process and understand what we're seeing and whether an image, a video clip or a story is real or synthetic. Thankfully, on this 'Cuse Conversation, two esteemed Syracuse University faculty members will discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI), misinformation, disinformation and the upcoming election. Jenny Stromer-Galley is an expert in political campaigns and misinformation and is a professor in the School of Information Studies. Jason Davis is an expert on misinformation and disinformation detection, and is a research professor with the Office of Research and Creative Activity in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. They offer up tips and tools you can use to help spot misinformation, discuss why our brains can make us our own worst enemies when it comes to detecting what's real and what's synthetic, share advice to help us be better-informed consumers of information and social media and analyze the latest research on misinformation trends in the upcoming presidential election.

For many adolescent students with developmental disabilities, the pursuit of higher education is filled with roadblocks and can be a daunting task for both aspiring students and their families. But thanks to InclusiveU, an initiative from the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education, students of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities are empowered to come to campus and experience college life in a fully inclusive setting, learning the necessary skills to thrive in the classroom and find a job after graduation. InclusiveU Director Brianna Shults G'20 travels across the country advocating on behalf of InclusiveU, meeting with policymakers, politicians and higher education leaders while pushing for policy change to make higher education accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Shults and current InclusiveU student Matthew Falanga '26 joined the podcast to discuss the life-changing opportunities InclusiveU affords its students, how InclusiveU has made a profound impact on campus and across the world, how InclusiveU has become the standard-bearer for how colleges run an inclusive higher education program, and how this program benefits not only the participating students but the greater campus community as well.

The Fran Brown era got off to a fantastic start when the Syracuse University football team defeated Ohio University 38-22 Saturday afternoon before a raucous crowd inside the JMA Wireless Dome. Since his hiring, Brown has been focusing on once again turning the Orange into national championship contenders. But this job is about more than football for Brown, who uses the life lessons the sport teaches to transform his players into men who are invested in their community and put the needs of the team above their own needs. With excitement building around the Orange football team, Brown stopped by the “’Cuse Conversations” podcast to discuss how he’s making his mark on the program, why he’s all-in on Syracuse University football and how his upbringing shaped and molded him into the leader he is today.

When the Goon Squad formed in 1944, its original purpose was to reinforce Syracuse University’s campuswide policy requiring all new students to wear beanie caps during their first semester on campus. Sue Weber ’68 fondly recalls wearing her beanie when she arrived in the fall of 1964, and her beanie and the straw Goon Squad hat she received when she joined as a sophomore are among her most precious Syracuse University mementos. While first-year students are no longer obligated to wear their class beanie, the Goon Squad is still one of the most impactful traditions on campus. Celebrating 80 years of making a difference in the lives of first-year students, the Goon Squad—featuring more than 550 student leaders—will greet new students and lend a hand during move-in at residence halls as part of Syracuse Welcome, the University’s new student orientation program. Weber and current Goon Squad member Jack Withee '26 reminisce about their own experiences moving into Syracuse University, share when they knew they wanted to join the Goon Squad and discuss the lasting impact and legacy of the Goon Squad.

Each summer, the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University hosts the Fulbright pre-academic program⁠, which prepares international Fulbright students to embark on their graduate degrees and research opportunities. This year, 44 students from 20 countries around the world will spend four weeks on campus discovering American culture, learning about life as a graduate student in the U.S. and developing the necessary research skills. El-Baz Abdallah and Budoor Alsaadi discuss their beneficial experiences as International Fulbright students participating in the program, how they assimilated to life as students in the United States and how they plan on using their research to make a difference.

When the Summer Olympics begin later this month in Paris, France, one of Syracuse University’s best-known alums will be front and center. In many ways, it’s a role veteran sportscaster Mike Tirico ’88 knew he wanted at an early age. On this Olympic-themed episode of the "'Cuse Conversations" podcast, Tirico talks about getting ready for the games, his sleep schedule while in Paris (it’s rough), his commitment to helping our young broadcast students and, as a first-generation student who met and married his wife here, his love for Syracuse University.

Beginning in the fall, Syracuse University’s electronic sports, or esports, academic degree program will welcome admitted students to campus for classes. This past academic year served as “Year Zero” for the esports degree program, which employs a holistic, experiential learning-based approach that will prepare students for career success in various industries, leveraging the largest collection of faculty and staff members of any esports program on a college campus. It’s an all-encompassing venture, including both the academic degree program and the competitive teams that vie for national championships in their respective games. Joey Gawrysiak, executive director of the esports degree program, was hired last August to bring his visionary research and skills to campus. He discusses the evolution of the esports program on campus, the progress made in its first year, the expanded opportunities available to students and what’s planned for the future.

Attending college was not on Leondra Tyler’s ’24 mind when persistent bullying and harassment forced her to drop out of high school in the tenth grade. The same was true for Omnia Shedid L’24, who grew up chasing chickens and running through her grandparents’ corn fields on a small, rural village in Banha, Egypt. Yet when Syracuse University holds its 2024 Commencement exercises Sunday morning, both Tyler and Shedid will be honored and celebrated for their perseverance and resilience in the face of immense adversity. A non-traditional student, Tyler will graduate cum laude with dual degrees in neuroscience and psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Professional Studies through the Part-Time Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and plans on becoming a doctor. Shedid, the president of the College of Law’s Class of 2024, landed her “dream job” as an honors attorney with the government after graduation. Tyler and Shedid discuss their surreal paths to Commencement, how their time on campus reinforced their drive to make a difference once they graduate and how they plan on utilizing their degrees to help out those less fortunate.

What does it mean for Syracuse University to invent and demonstrate cutting-edge sustainability initiatives? It means reducing the University's environmental impact in a responsible manner by identifying, promoting, and implementing practices that will meet our current needs without compromising the needs of future generations. And it includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions through wisely managing energy efficiency projects. During April, the campus community is coming together to celebrate Earth Month. On this ''Cuse Conversation, Sustainability Project Manager Lydia Knox G'22 discusses the state of sustainability at Syracuse University, explores the sustainability efforts occurring on campus, describes how the University is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2032, shares how you can get involved with these initiatives and explains why she left her career as a television meteorologist to pursue her passion for sustainability and preserving the Earth.

When more than 5,500 international students begin their Syracuse University journeys, they face different challenges from their domestic counterparts. Besides leaving behind their families, their friends and everything they’ve ever known, for many international students, the first time they step foot on campus is often the day they arrive to embark on their Syracuse journeys. That was the case for Adya Parida ’25, who traveled nearly 7,700 miles from Ranchi, India to study computer science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science; Yajie (Lannie) Lan G’24, who ventured more than 7,300 miles from Chengdu, China to study architecture in the School of Architecture; and Angelica Molina G’25, who traveled more than 2,700 miles from Cali, Colombia to earn her master’s degree in public administration and international relations in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. These students discuss their respective journeys to Syracuse University, how they found success and a welcoming community on campus, their advice for fellow international students and how they plan on making a difference in their communities once they graduate.

Amir Durić knew he was meant to serve as a faith leader when he was a child and his grandfather called upon him to lead his family’s daily prayers during the holy month of Ramadan, a time when observant Muslims around the world come together in hopes of increasing their consciousness, self-awareness and empathy through fasting daily from dawn to sunset and worship that elevates their spirituality. Since 2017, Durić has led efforts to enhance and improve the Muslim student experience, both at Syracuse University and college campuses across the country, as the Imam with Hendricks Chapel. With Ramadan underway, Durić stopped by to discuss the role an Imam plays on campus, as well as the core tenets of Islam and the biggest misconceptions surrounding the religion. He also discusses his groundbreaking research on the Muslim student experience and explains how an interfaith collaboration with Rabbi Ethan Bair brought together Muslim and Jewish students to learn more about each other's beliefs and values.

Jon “JAG” Gay ’02 is the founder and owner of “JAG in Detroit,” a successful podcasting business that helps companies and non-profits share their stories through original audio content. He launched his podcasting business after a 15-year career in radio because he understands the compelling and intimate nature of audio storytelling. Gay talks about that, his experience as a Syracuse University student and graduate, and his podcasting passion project, “WJPZ at 50.” Gay created “WJPZ at 50,” a podcast featuring alumni of Syracuse University student radio station Z89, to celebrate the station’s 50th anniversary in 2023. More than a year and a half later, the podcast’s nearly 120 episodes serve as an oral history of the station and illustrate the strong bond shared by generations of alumni.

Margaret Talev covered American politics and the White House for 30 years, including working the campaign trail for presidential elections in 2008, 2012 and 2016 as a White House correspondent for Bloomberg News and McClatchy Newspapers. As Talev watched the events of Jan. 6, 2021, unfold, she wondered how thousands of her fellow citizens could stage a protest based on misinformation. In the aftermath, Talev wanted to focus her career efforts on the relationship between the news being produced and consumed by voters and how that impacted their views on democracy and governance. Talev was eventually hired to lead the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship (IDJC), a joint effort of the Newhouse School and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Talev discusses the mission and vision for the IDJC, how distrust in election results and politicians is at an all-time high, the importance of voters becoming media literate, the role citizens can play in addressing issues facing our democracy and the challenges artificial intelligence poses.

Syracuse University has a proud and storied tradition of honoring Black History Month through a series of engaging and thought-provoking student-run programs, events and discussions occurring through March 3 on campus. Student leaders like Dylan France ’24 and Andrea-Rose Oates ’26 are among the many passionate and talented Black student leaders who have become agents of change for their peers during their time on campus. And France and Oates are committed to helping train a new generation of student leaders. On this “'Cuse Conversation,” France and Oates discuss what fueled their involvement as student leaders and how they hope to inspire other students to become agents of change, explore what their Black heritage and Black culture means to them, share how they found community on campus and offer up their highlights from the Black History Month celebrations.

Syracuse University has developed into an outstanding and accomplished research institution. As Syracuse's Vice President for Research, Duncan Brown supports and empowers Syracuse's internationally recognized creative and scholarly excellence, advancing centers and institutes that are global leaders in their fields. In this role, Brown oversees $157 million in internal and external research funding across the natural sciences, engineering, education, social sciences and law fields. Brown also leads the Office of Research and its component units, which serve as the backbone of the University’s research, scholarship and creative support enterprise. Collectively, these efforts help students and faculty expand their knowledge through innovation, creativity and discovery. On this 'Cuse Conversation, Brown shares his vision for the research enterprise at Syracuse University, explains what makes Syracuse a premier research institution, examines the impact the research being done by our faculty and students is having on campus and beyond, and reveals where his passion for research came from.

Roosevelt "Rick" Wright G'93 had a front-row seat as the Civil Rights movement took off across the American South in the late 1950s and early 1960s, participating in the sit-ins and demonstrations as a teenager in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. At the heart of the movement were the non-violent, civil disobedience teachings of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Civil Rights leader who inspired Black citizens around the country to speak out and stand up for their rights. Wright had the pleasure of meeting and eating with Dr. King several times as a teenager, with King imparting many valuable life lessons on the impressionable Wright. On this 'Cuse Conversation, Wright recalls the powerful impact Dr. King made on him, shares how Dr. King utilized the radio to preach his non-violent message, and how Dr. King's oratorical prowess inspired his successful career as both a radio broadcaster and television, radio and film professor at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Wright, who became the first Black communications professor at Newhouse, was the first faculty advisor for the student-run radio station WJPZ and served as an invaluable resource for the thousands of students who took one of his classes. He's the definition of "Major Market."

Despite growing up on Cayuga ancestral lands, one of the six nations that make up the Haudenosaunee Confederacy of Native Americans in New York, Lorna Rose ’11, G’21 never really identified with her Native heritage. She was raised Italian American and always thought of her Italian roots when it came to her cultural heritage. But that perspective changed with the sudden passing of her older sister in 2020. That loss led Rose to a spiritual reawakening, cultivating an affinity for both her Native culture and her Native heritage. From the depths of sadness, Rose immersed herself in her Cayuga culture, reacclimating and reacquainting herself with her Native roots while rediscovering pride in belonging to the Cayuga Nation, the People of the Great Swamp. As the University community celebrates Native Heritage Month, Rose discusses her spiritual reawakening, the pride she feels through her Native heritage and culture, how the Syracuse University community helped her overcome depression and mental health issues, and why she’s eternally proud to be a Syracuse University alumna.

Adrian Autry ’94 came to Syracuse University from New York City as a talented men’s basketball recruit, a McDonald’s All-American who etched his name in the school’s record books as a prolific passer and tremendous defender during his four years on campus. Following a successful playing career that included stints in Europe and across North and South America, Autry embarked on his second act: as a basketball coach. He learned from one of the best, serving as an assistant and associate coach for his mentor, Hall of Fame head coach Jim Boeheim '66, G'73, and in March, Autry was named the program's eighth head coach. Before the Orange open the season on Nov. 6, Autry discusses this exciting opportunity and why he’s ready to take over and make his mark on the program. Autry also reveals the lessons he's learned from Boeheim, why his team will be fast-paced on offense and tenacious on defense, recalls his favorite memories from his playing days, and shares why Syracuse has always felt like home.

"Look back. Act forward." Those words influence how Syracuse University's Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars honor and celebrate the lives of the people who were killed during the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the bombing, which claimed the lives of 270 people, including 35 Syracuse students who were on their way home following a semester abroad. Each October, the University community comes together during Remembrance Week events and activities—planned by that year’s cohort of Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars—to memorialize the victims and further educate the campus community about terrorism. Three alumni—Julie Friend '92 and Hannah (Visnosky) Rafferty ’16 and Luke Rafferty ’16—reflect on the significant impact the Remembrance Scholars program had on them, share their stories of why they wanted to become Remembrance Scholars, and explain how they continue to honor the lives of the University students who died on the flight.

One of the most impactful and influential examples of how the University is leading the way in research excellence is the BioInspired Institute, an interdisciplinary institute whose members examine complex biological systems, developing and designing programmable smart materials to address global challenges in health, medicine and materials innovation. On this 'Cuse Conversation, James H. (Jay) Henderson, the new director of BioInspired, and Lisa Manning, the founding director, share how BioInspired embraces an interdisciplinary approach to research, discuss the importance of introducing students to research opportunities early in their academic careers and explain how BioInspired and Syracuse University are helping more women and students from underrepresented populations get involved in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. They also explore the Cluster Hires Initiative, preview the second annual BioInspired Symposium and explain how they became passionate about research.

Moving away from home and embarking on your Syracuse University journey can be a difficult time as students leave behind their families and friends and start a new chapter in their lives. On top of that, social anxiety among college students is at an all-time high. The mental health and well-being of Syracuse's students is a top priority for Carrie Brown, the Counseling Director at the Barnes Center at the Arch. On this 'Cuse Conversation, Brown addresses a topic that affects many of our students: social anxiety over making new friends and finding community on campus. Brown discusses the University's integrated health and wellness model for addressing mental health concerns, shares how the University focuses on a student's holistic development while remaining empathetic to their concerns, describes what sets Syracuse apart with its mental health resources, offers up tips for finding community and shares common mistakes students make when trying to make friends and develop their social circle.

In June, the Supreme Court decided to undo decades of judicial precedent by reversing rulings that allowed race-conscious admissions programs, preventing colleges like Syracuse University from considering race as one of many factors in deciding which qualified applicants are admitted. As the University’s vice president for diversity and inclusion, Mary Grace Almandrez was paying close attention to the rulings. While Almandrez was deeply disappointed by the rulings, she pointed to the University’s long track record of fostering an environment where all students feel welcomed and supported as proof that Syracuse University will not waver in its commitment to DEIA issues. Almandrez discusses the rulings and their impact on current and prospective students, shares how the University remains committed to being a national leader in DEIA efforts, and highlights what the campus community can expect from the inaugural D.E.I.A. Symposium on Oct. 3.

In May, Danielle Koppenaal ’17 was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. She is 28 years old. In this ’Cuse Conversation, Koppenaal shares her approach to battling cancer by taking it day-by-day. She talks about how she leans on her support system, her efforts to stay active and her commitment to raising awareness about cancer – particularly the increase the medical community is seeing in what it calls “early-onset” cancers in the United States. To chronicle her own journey and to share other stories of cancer survivors, Koppenaal started the Cancer Chats podcast, an Instagram account and a blog. As a big sports fan, she also works to support the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Anish Shroff ’04 is the only minority radio play-by-play voice of a National Football League (NFL) team, but the landscape is changing, and Shroff feels proud when he looks around the sportscasting landscape and sees a plethora of talented South Asian broadcasters working for ESPN, MLB Network, Fox Sports, TNT and other national media outlets. It's a stark contrast from when Shroff was watching sports and saw the field dominated by white men. Growing up, Shroff was a sports-crazed kid, an avid baseball player, rabid collector of sports trading cards and someone who read the Newark Star-Ledger sports section cover-to-cover. He always wanted to be a sports broadcaster, and thanks to parents who supported his dreams, Shroff has realized those childhood dreams. Shroff is entering his second season calling Carolina Panthers games on the team’s network of radio stations, and he’s also handled play-by-play duties for ESPN’s coverage of college football, college basketball, men’s lacrosse and baseball. Shroff discusses his path to the NFL, how he cultivated his voice as a broadcaster, why he feels future sportscasters should embrace reading and learning history to help hone their on-air skills, and how he’s forever thankful that his immigrant parents encouraged him to pursue his sportscasting dreams.

Living in a residence hall on North Campus or an apartment on South Campus is more than just a place to rest your head at night for students. They find friendships, build community and develop relationships that can sometimes last a lifetime. Residential learning impacts a student's holistic development, a place to learn, thrive and develop into leaders. Steve Herndon, the University’s new assistant vice president for student living, leads a team responsible for helping students find their community and realize their potential through their housing experiences. A respected leader in residential education, housing and student development, Herndon discusses how his team helps students reach their full potential, why Syracuse University was the perfect fit for the next chapter in his career and the profound role residential living plays on campus.

The Syracuse University family is expanding, as more than 4,000 first-year students will move into their residence halls during Syracuse Welcome, the University’s annual new student orientation program, running Aug. 24-27. Syracuse Welcome represents the first steps in a student’s Syracuse journey, and the week-long orientation is filled with programs designed to make new students and their family members feel at home through engaging academic and social events, including New Student Convocation, a key component of Syracuse Welcome. Carrie Grogan Abbott G'03 is the director of new student programs, and her team strives to help students feel a sense of belonging to the Syracuse University community from their first day on campus. Abbott shares why Syracuse Welcome is the perfect way to introduce new students to campus, reflects on the Goon Squad's pivotal role during move-in, and offers advice to ensure move-in runs smoothly.

Syracuse University’s iconic mascot Otto the Orange is a Hall of Famer! Otto is part of the Mascot Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023. This special ’Cuse Conversations podcast explores Otto’s history, Otto’s impact on the University and Central New York communities and the significance of this honor with Julie Walas ’07, a former Otto and the current coach of the mascot team, and alumni Ottos Brian Lapis ’91, Jeff Kurkjian’15 and Zannah Bailey ’14. They’ll share their memorable stories. Join the University’s celebratory send-off for Otto on Thursday, Aug. 10 on the Irving Avenue side of the JMA Wireless Dome. Otto will be inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, Indiana during a ceremony and family-friendly fan fest on Saturday, August 12th. If you live in the area, you’re invited to support Otto in person. You can also make a gift to support Otto through the Otto the Orange Mascot Fund.

Ryan Smith '92 anchors ESPN’s flagship "SportsCenter" program, and he's a Sports Emmy-winning host of ESPN’s "Outside the Lines" and "E60." Smith also serves as a legal analyst for ESPN and ABC News. But his path to journalism was unorthodox. After earning his political science degree from the Maxwell School, Smith went on to earn his law degree from Columbia Law School. A successful practicing lawyer, Smith didn't feel satisfied, so he pivoted to pursue a career in television. The bet paid off. Today, Smith combines his love of law with his passion for journalism. Smith discusses his unusual career path and the skillsets from being a lawyer that carry over to journalism. He shares why he's forever curious about the stories he tells, how he enjoys making complicated issues easy for the audience to understand, the important role Syracuse University played in his life, and the best piece of advice he ever received.

Back in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic caused worldwide angst and turmoil, a show debuted on Apple TV+ that emphasized the importance of hope and believing in yourself. “Ted Lasso,” which recently concluded its third season, has been a feel-good television hit from the first episode. Early in the third season, the show introduced a new character, Zava, who was never lacking in confidence and self-belief. While Zava’s bravado jumps off the screen, fans of the show might not know that the real-life actor who plays Zava is Maximilian Osinski ’06, who never played a minute of soccer in his life. On this “’Cuse Conversation,” Osinski, who earned a bachelor's degree in drama from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, discusses his breakout role on “Ted Lasso” and how he overcame his doubts about whether he could play the world’s greatest soccer player. Osinski shares why Syracuse University was his dream school, recalls his first role in a major motion picture: as former Orange football standout Gerhard Schwedes '60 in the Ernie Davis '62 biopic, "The Express," explores how being born in a refugee camp to immigrant parents inspired him to pursue his dreams and more.

From an early age, Erykah Pasha ’24 has been driven to provide a voice for those who have been systematically oppressed and suppressed in her hometown of Syracuse, and she always knew Syracuse University was where she wanted to study. Enrolling in the dual degree political science and sociology program in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences, Pasha credits the University for providing her with the resources and, more importantly, the opportunities to effect change. On this 'Cuse Conversation, Pasha, a Kessler Scholar and McNair Scholar, discusses her research, how she hopes to create change through this summer experience and how her time on campus helped her find her voice. As Pride Month is celebrated across the country, Pasha, who identifies as queer, shares how both the Intercultural Collective and the LGBTQ Resource Center play a pivotal role in her development as a campus leader and how the programs and engagement efforts offered through the LGBTQ Resource Center created a home-away-from-home atmosphere.

Electronic sports, or esports, has seen a remarkable spike in popularity over the years, with a recent study from Pew Research finding that 90% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 play video games. Seeking to both capitalize on the tremendous popularity of esports and continue to innovate, expand career options in emerging fields and deliver academic programs that meet its students’ needs, Syracuse University will soon begin offering a new, first-of-its-kind degree program focused on esports. The program taps into the rapidly growing, multibillion-dollar esports industry, serving as a continuation of the work already happening on campus. Jeff Rubin⁠, special advisor to the chancellor on esports and digital transformation, Olivia Stomski, professor of practice of television, radio and film and director of the Newhouse Sports Media Center, and Chris Hanson, associate professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences, were on the University-wide task force charged with conducting the benchmarking that led to the creation of the esports program. Rubin, Stomski and Hanson reveal why the time was right for Syracuse University to add an esports degree program, share how the new academic offering will position students for success once they graduate, explain the research that went into creating this program and discuss the rapid growth of esports on campus.

Instead of feeling pride over being the first member of his family to earn a college degree, Ruchatneet Printup '23 felt trapped in a dead-end job that lacked purpose, meaning and fulfillment after earning a biomedical computing degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1988. More than three decades later, after embarking on an unconventional path that took him from an office job in Philadelphia to serving his community as a non-profit advocate on the Tuscarora Reservation, Printup was driving a truck delivering the Buffalo News when he had a life-changing epiphany. As he meditated, he realized he needed to pursue his passions and return to school to earn a film degree. This week, Printup will graduate from Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) with a film degree. One of 12 University Scholars, the highest undergraduate honor the University bestows, Printup has made the most of his second undergraduate experience. A Haudenosaunee Promise Scholar, Printup plans on using his degree to ensure more Native Americans' voices and stories are represented in film. Printup shares how he will make a difference as a film director, how the University's well-rounded course load made him a better storyteller, and why as soon as he walked into his first class at Syracuse he knew he was where he was meant to be. Printup, who says he had to venture outside of his comfort zone and become fearless while making the difficult adjustment of going back to college later in life, shares how he inspired his daughter, Gehnew, to follow his lead and pursue her dreams as a fashion design student in VPA.

The United Kingdom is about to hold the country’s first elections where voters are required to show ID when they vote. The reason behind the policy change is a growing mistrust in the election process, and the new laws closely follow those in the U.S. Gretchen Coleman '22, who is currently pursuing a master's degree in political science, democracy and elections at the University of Manchester, has researched voter ID laws in the U.S. Now, she’s shifting her focus to U.K. elections, thanks to a Fulbright postgraduate award. Coleman will analyze materials sent to voters informing them of the policy change to examine how well-informed voters were about the policy shift. Coleman’s findings will be used for a report on how the U.K. can improve its elections. Coleman stops by to discuss her research and how she became interested in politics and elections, compares voter ID laws in the U.S. with the U.K., addresses the growing concern in the U.S. over voters not trusting election results, and shares how she wants to use this research to make election laws less discriminatory and more representative.

Extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and droughts are becoming more frequent in many places and more severe. These events can cause widespread damage and displacement, and they can be very difficult to recover from. On this episode, Elizabeth Carter, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, digs into her own research on disaster response and mitigation. She talks about how we plan, prepare for and think about the changing climate, and why environmental issues are often tied to humanitarian crisis.

April is a time for the Syracuse University community to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Community Coming Together: Strength in Unity," representing the University's diverse AAPI community uniting across our differences to demonstrate they are a strong voice that can face challenges together. It's an important and timely theme, especially following the challenges of the last three years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a troubling rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and bias incidents. On this student-centric 'Cuse Conversation, we hear from AAPI Planning Committee members MaryKate Keevins '24, who is studying television, radio and film in the Newhouse School and political science in the Maxwell School, and Lia Margolis ’23, a student in the School of Architecture. They discuss planning this year’s celebrations, why they wanted to get involved, what their cultural heritage means to them and how their time at Syracuse University helped them discover more about their identities.

Beginning as early as the 15th century, the lives of more than 12.5 million men, women and children of African descent were forever altered as they were forced into the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Wanting to capture the important details found in these registries, Tessa Murphy, associate history professor in the Maxwell School, collaborated with Michael Fudge, a professor of practice in the School of Information Studies, and student research assistants on a unique, interdisciplinary research project to create a publicly accessible, searchable database of more than 16,000 former enslaved people in St. Lucia in 1815. The project, "Slavery in the Age of Abolition," uses slave registries to reconstruct the life histories and genealogies of people enslaved on the expanding frontiers of the British Empire. Murphy and Fudge discuss how the project came to be, the arduous task of compiling their database, the challenges of digitally capturing historical records from more than 200 years ago, how this database can serve as a teaching tool for the descendants of these former slaves, and how the project provided students in both Maxwell and the iSchool with valuable real-life experience.

Bob Costas '74 grew up idolizing New York Yankees' Hall of Fame outfielder Mickey Mantle, and he loved listening to baseball on the radio. When he arrived at Syracuse University in the fall of 1970, Costas just wanted to one day land a radio play-by-play job in baseball. Little did Costas know he would one day wind up in Cooperstown as a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer alongside Mantle and his childhood heroes. Costas' broadcasting career has included winning 28 Emmy Awards, calling 12 Olympics, and covering multiple World Series, Super Bowls and NBA Finals. On this 'Cuse Conversation, Costas discusses his love for baseball and the new rules changes meant to speed up the pace of play, reveals which broadcasters inspired him, remembers thinking his career was doomed to fail after hearing his first sportscast, shares how WAER and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications helped him develop his voice and his style, and relives his most memorable sportscasting moments.

Brianna Sclafani L’23, G’23 is a 3L law student in Syracuse University’s College of Law, graduate student in the Maxwell School’s master of public administration program, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Global Rights and Organizations/Impunity Watch and chair of the University’s inaugural Community Review Board. The Community Review Board (CRB) was established in 2021 following an independent review of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and is responsible for providing oversight for key DPS functions that impact the University community. Growing up in Newtown, Connecticut, and attending Virginia Tech as an undergraduate, Sclafani’s life has been irrevocably influenced by the gun violence that has impacted her communities. Her decision to pursue a career in law and her ongoing commitment to public service and giving back were inspired by these events. Sclafani discusses her experience as a student in the J.D./M.P.A. joint degree program, the work of the CRB, and ways students, faculty and staff can get involved in its mission to improve transparency, accountability and community relations on campus.

Like most children, Thomas Wilson '23 grew up watching television. But his preferred shows weren't cartoons. Rather, he loved watching the local and national newscasts, dreaming of one day being a reporter. A senior studying broadcast and digital journalism in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and political science in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Wilson is now living out his dreams, thanks to Syracuse University and its InclusiveU program, which brings students of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities to campus to experience college life in a fully inclusive setting because of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education. Wilson recently was named one of this year's recipients of the Unsung Hero Award in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A news anchor on Citrus TV, Wilson is also the executive producer and creator of “Thomas on the Town”, a show where Wilson interviews University community members. He is a leader who inspires colleagues and community members to be better.

Feb. 24, 2023 marks one year since Russia invaded Ukraine. Professor Sean McFate teaches classes at Syracuse University's Maxwell School and Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. On this ‘Cuse Conversations podcast episode, McFate, one of Syracuse University's faculty experts on the war in Ukraine, discusses the anniversary of the war in Ukraine. McFate is one of the world’s leading experts on mercenaries, and he authored The New Rules of War: How America Can Win — Against Russia, China, and Other Threats. McFate also served as a paratrooper and officer in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division under Stan McChrystal and David Petraeus.

For the last 19 years, the WellsLink Leadership Program has transformed the lives of first-year students of color at Syracuse University through mentoring and a series of structured academic, social and cultural enrichment activities. Scholars like Josh Ortega '25 and Sophia Moore '25 achieve success and develop into leaders on campus through their time in WellsLink, a nationally-recognized leadership program. Ortega and Moore stop by to discuss how the program facilitated their transition from high school to college, how they honed their leadership and academic skills, how they thrived through hands-on peer mentoring, and why they are driven to make a positive impact in their communities through their experiences with WellsLink.

Tom Coughlin '68, G'69 is a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the New York Giants who won 170 games during his NFL coaching career. A successful front office executive, Coughlin has a new book out, "A Giant Win," describing how, in Super Bowl 42, his Giants shocked the football world by knocking off Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played. The book is a lesson in how to overcome adversity and how to respond when life hands you a setback. Coughlin, a three-year letter-winner on the football team under legendary Hall of Fame coach Ben Schwartzwalder, stops by to relive his coaching career, reminisce on those Super Bowl championships, and share why Syracuse University was his dream school. He gives his memories of playing alongside Orange football legends like Floyd Little '67, H'16 and Larry Csonka '68, explains why the No. 44 is the most special number at Syracuse, and discusses why he and his late wife, Judy, became passionate about helping families tackle childhood cancer through the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation.

Ian McIntyre took over the Syracuse University men’s soccer program in 2010, and the Orange won five matches combined over his first two years. But from the moment he assumed the role of head coach, McIntyre has been building up the program, and on Dec. 12, his team reached the pinnacle, claiming Syracuse's first national championship thanks to a thrilling win over Indiana University in penalty kicks. The dramatic performance in the championship of the College Cup was the perfect ending to the best season in school history, as the Orange claimed this year’s national championship, ACC postseason tournament title, and the ACC regular season division championship. McIntyre relives the night Syracuse was crowned champions of the collegiate soccer world, shares how his student-athletes and coaches celebrated their national title, recounts when he felt his team was capable of making a deep run in the postseason, discusses the vital role support from the campus community and alumni played in the team's postseason run, and more!

Emma Rothman '21 was 12 years old when she had a heart transplant. It’s easy to understand why Emma is still working to process everything that’s happened in her life to this point. In this ’Cuse Conversation, Emma talks about her health journey, her Syracuse University experience and how writing her book, "Things My Therapist Doesn't Want Me to Say: Ten Years Post Heart Transplant," has helped her process the challenges she’s faced in her young life and embrace something she spent a lot of time trying to hide—her heart transplant is a big part of who she is. Emma has started a non-profit, Hearts for Emma, and encourages people to sign up for the National Donate Life Registry.