Syracuse University End of Semester Buzz

Happy End of April! This means it’s almost GRADUATION TIME at Syracuse University! WOO! Which means a lot of students going home for the summer break.  I’m super stoked for a break and even more excited to be moving back to the West coast and be with my family again.   It should be totally radical. For so long, I felt so nervous about graduation. I am conquering the beast that was Syracuse, rising through the ranks of scrubs over my four years.  I established strong connections, made great work, and truly embraced my education for what it was: an opportunity.  At the end of my tenure at Syracuse, I was treated no longer as a student, but an a colleague capable of anything and everything! I was on top and I could pull it off, I just need the chance.  Well, the chance was given to me, Los Angeles is beckoning, and here I go to Sony Pictures Studios for an interview.  I have never felt so humbled in my life. 

Things around the Visitor Center have been nice and exciting thanks to our Spring Receptions!  Spring Receptions allow you to discover the exciting traditions and history that makes Syracuse University a special place to spend your college years.  The day is full of events provides the opportunity to meet with current students and learn more about academic programs through staff and faculty from your college of admissions, explore the campus, and meet with representatives from many of the offices and student organizations at SU.   It’s fun to see all the Dean’s Team members chatting with prospective students and their families, and even more fun getting to be ‘behind the scenes’ and working on the Executive Board. We’re always finding new ways to promote The College of Arts and Sciences, may it be with Dean’s Team lollipops, Admissions movies, or social media committees. I love being a part of the recruiting process for new Dean’s Team members.

For many school is nice and hectic right now due to finals.   Many SU students have daunting schedule in which they have very little free time but most really enjoy being busy and getting the most out of the school/work week. I myself have been sick the past couple of weeks  and with the heck schedule and finals underway…maybe I should go to Health Services? Decisions, decisions.

Aside from the boring stuff, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the City of Syracuse recently by going to performances at the Westcott theater, which is only ten minutes from campus. Plenty of really spectacular bands run through Syracuse, and I got to see an awesome funk/rock band called ‘Galactic’ on Tuesday with my roommate. The smooth trombones were certainly a stress reliever!

Hope all is well in the world, and have a great day!

Syracuse University alumnus Dick Clark dies at 82

New Year’s Eve will never be the same again.  Since I have been a little girl, I’ve count down the New Year with Dick Clark.  The television personality and Syracuse University alumnus died of a heart attack Wednesday at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif., where he had gone the day before for an outpatient procedure. Clark’s reputation of the everlastingly youthful host of “American Bandstand” and “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” will forever remain in our hearts.  Before the fame, he started out as a student at SU who started his broadcasting career at radio stations around Central New York.  

Chancellor Cantor reflects on the life of SU alum Dick Clark '51:

"The entire SU family mourns the loss of our family member, Dick Clark. More than an American icon, he was a superb guide to tectonic shifts in American popular culture for generations. We at his alma mater will remember him most fondly, however, for the warmth and generosity with which he helped guide generations of SU students as they set out to navigate the landscape of careers in the entertainment industry. Our thoughts are with Kari and the entire Clark family, and we will miss Dick greatly."  

Clark built a media empire known as Dick Clark Productions. He was everywhere you turned the dial, ABC, CBS and NBC.  In December 2004, Clark suffered a stroke and was forced to miss the 2005 New Years festivities.  Clark was at the last six ball droppings at Times Square including 2012 with Ryan Seacrest. To countless people, bringing in 2013 and beyond will never be the same without him. 

Ryan Seacrest issued the following statement about Clark:

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life. I idolized him from the start, and I was graced early on in my career with his generous advice and counsel."

Just like all the celebrities that are filling Twitter and Facebook with tributes to Mr. Clark, I sit and think about all the icons, that for me meant the holiday season was upon us. I'm guessing this had a lot to do with my parents but when Bob Hope and Bing Crosby were on, it was time for Christmas. When Dick Clark  was on, it was time for New Year's.  New Year's Eve will never be the same.

Semester Ends with Kaskade

With the annual festivities of the Mayfest celebration and Block Party concert only a few short weeks away, both the excitement and doubt are in the air as this year’s Block Party line-up has stirred up quite the controversy among students.  In case you have been living under a rock, Mayfest is a Syracuse University tradition which celebrates the end of the spring semester with free food, drinks and live entertainment.  Did I mention that this is all free?  Walnut Park will be split into three sections, the first section offers complimentary beer and food with proof of age of course, the middle section holds the concert where the live musical acts will perform, and the third section serves free food and non-alcoholic beverages. 

Following the concert line-up announcement and subsequent ticket sales, a divide among students on campus has appeared with many voicing their disappointment towards the book of headlining act Producer/DJ, Kaskade, while other students waited by their computers to purchase tickets the moment they went on sale.  I mean who wouldn’t want to see a free concert with Kaskade?  Despite ticket sales many students remain unimpressed and let down by the University Union’s decision to book a relatively unknown performer to headline the year’s biggest campus concert, which in its past has showcased some of the most popular artists in their respective genres. I can understand the dismay for some.  We have had artist like Drake, Kid Cudi, N.E.R.D and Sean Kingston to name a few who have taken the stage.  

Personally, I love Kaskade and although he may not have as much star power as some of the past Block Party’s performers, his talent and fame as a producer in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) gene speaks for itself.  Ultra Music Festival, which took place three weeks ago in Miami, Kaskade played for a crowd of 160,000! Electric music has taken off in the recent years and has made it into the hearts of American music culture.  Other EDM artist like David Guetta, Tiesto and Deadmau5 are true leaders in electronic music.      As you may know by the amount of students who are not happy about our headliner this genre of music is not for everyone.  But what the heck, the tickets to the Block Party concert are cheap, starting at $10 each, you may just learn to like electric music. 

DATE, TIME, LOCATION

• Friday, April 27, 2012
• 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Walnut Park

ADMISSION INTO MAYFEST

• Entry into Mayfest is free for all SU and undergraduate students with a valid SU ID
• Pre-purchased tickets are required for guests of SU undergraduate students, along with a valid college ID
• Pre-purchased tickets are required for all SU graduate students, along with a valid SU college ID
• Pre-purchased tickets are required for all SU law students, along with a valid SU ID
• Must have valid ticket, college ID and state or government issued ID over 21 to receive a bracelet for beer and admission to beer section on Walnut Park
• Entry between 1 p.m.-3 p.m. receives wristbands for four beers
• Entry after 3 p.m. receives wristband for two beers
• Backpacks and/or bags are not permitted

TICKET SALES

• Available at the Schine Box Office beginning Monday, April 9
• 350 guest tickets will be available to SU undergraduate students; limit ONE guest ticket per student
• A limited number of tickets will be available to SU graduate students and SU law students
• Tickets include food, non-alcoholic beverages, music entertainment
• Beer is included for students who are 21 years of age with a valid college ID and state or government issued ID over 21
• Tickets will be sold until 4 p.m. on Friday, April 27, or earlier in the event they sell out

TICKET PRICES

• $10 per ticket for SU graduates students; limit one per student ID
• $21 per ticket for SU law students; limit one per student ID
• $21 per guest ticket; limit one per SU undergraduate student ID

Syracuse University demand justice for Trayvon Martin

The public outcry continues for the death of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed teenager who was shot in Florida by a neighborhood watch volunteer who was never arrested in connection with the incident.  Hundreds of SU students rallied together on the steps of Hendricks Chapel holding signs, listened to speeches and poems.  The 40-minute rally was called "Hoodies for Trayvon Martin Rally" and was organized by Student African American Society and Black Artist League. 

I am still in shock about the details around this case.  I wonder and I know many of you do too about this gated community that had all these supposedly break-ins.  Are there police records to back up what George Zimmerman said about there being problems in the past in the neighborhood?  Somehow, I truly doubt it.  Zimmerman stated this on the 911 tape only to "validate" what he had already decided to do which was to HARASS this young black teen (wearing the oh-so-frighting hoodie) but really had he already intended to shoot him and claim self-defense?   SU students feel like the rally was important because a case like this affects all minority students and people of color.  In order to see any kind of progression rallies like these are important to hold because they have the ability to start a chain of reaction and get more people talking about the case.

I can't help but think that Zimmerman knew he was going to shoot Trayvon, the first question the dispatcher certainly 
asked him was "what is your emergency" Zimmerman wanted to make us all believe he was protecting the neighborhood.  Zimmerman kept telling the dispatcher that this guy "has something wrong with him," and then proceeded to follow Trayvon.  Dispatch asked Zimmerman if he was following Trayvon and he said  "yeah," dispatch went on to say "we don't need you to do that."  Trayvon was shot dead before the police arrived and there were no witnesses to the shooting and scuffle that went on outside.  One month later, George Zimmerman walks the streets of America a free man, while Trayvon Martin, an unarmed 17-year-old boy, is dead.  Syracuse University students hosted one of many rallies and protest across the nation as people of all ages, races and backgrounds don hoodies in honor of what Trayvon wore the night he was killed.

http://video-embed.syracuse.com/services/player/bcpid619299309001?bctid=1531384019001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAPLpuTok~,Mq6Bf5KTh4A6F2p4EzuWqPyz4bOUvoKu

Syracuse Season Ends

In the end, Syracuse could not overcome the loss of star sophomore center Fab Melo.  The Orange was defeated last Saturday 77-70 by Ohio State.  As the final horn sounded and they slowly walked off the court for the last time in this wondrous season they couldn’t bear to look up into the seats.  Syracuse learned real quick that this was a big boys affair meant for players with serious spine; every dribble, pass and shot was going to be challenged.  They fought to the end for a spot in the Final Four with the NCAA Tournament sitting down in Louisiana. Given the circumstances of this great defeat, their hanging heads and teary eyes were understandable.  Despite the loss and the bumpy backdrop that overshadowed the season, this by far was Syracuse’s best season yet! 

Early in the season, Syracuse dismissed their associated head coach Bernie Fine late November after two former ballboys accused him of sexually molesting them in the 1980s.  No formal charges have been filed against Fine.  Jim Boeheim received a lot of criticism for his initial support of Fine and many demanded he be fired too.  And as the buses pulled away for their first two NCAA tournament games, the university announced that Melo would be ineligible to play in the postseason.  Oh yeah, there was also that lingering issue were Secretary of Education Arne Duncan singled out Boeheim about the graduation rates of NCAA tournament teams.  

Through all the drama, the players seem unfazed by the news swirling around and played at their  best.  That’s according to their record, only one loss during the regular season to Norte Dame in January.  That lose can also be blamed on the absence of Melo because of an academic matter.  

It’s a shame that the boys didn’t look up, they had lot of fans that were there standing and applauding. They fought till the final minute.  Why wouldn’t they? They would have loved to be in the Final Four.  The Orange started the year in the Associated Press’ top five and remained there for the entire season, including a 6-week stint at No.  What a tough loss to swallow. Syracuse endured a series of off-court controversies, but never let them impact the team’s play on court. The reason they loss? The loss of Fab Melo prevented them from advancing to the Final Four for the fifth time in school history and the first time since 2003.  What a bad call for Syracuse, hopefully next year they go all the way to the Finals.  

Syracuse in the NCAA Sweet 16

After what was almost an early exit for Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament, redemption.   The Orange preps for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).  The NCAA Tournament went from 68 teams to 16 in just six days and we are moving swiftly to turn what’s left of that number even smaller.  We call it the Final Four. From those four teams a winner will be determined among them and we call that the National Champion.  

As the Orange preps for the NCAA Tournament East Region semifinal in Boston this Thursday, what challenges do they face in the No. 4 Wisconsin Badgers? 

The Badgers, seeded fourth, who improved to 26-9 and advanced to the round of 16 for consecutive years by defeating fifth-seeded Vanderbilt, 60-57 and Montana, 73-49, in the second round. This however, will be Wisconsin’s toughest test. 

Wisconsin leads the nation in points allowed, giving up just 52.9 points per game.  The Badgers also rank in the Top 10 in the country in field goal defense, 3-point field goal defense and defensive points per possession.  Wisconsin has given up more than 70 points just once since New Year’s.  

Boosted by their bench, the Orange (33-2) cruised past eight-seeded Kansas State in the third round and pulled a difficult 72-65 win over North Carolina-Asheville in the second round two days before.  Syracuse is on of the four top seed teams in the NCCA Tournament.  The Orange have now played five games without Fab Melo, this game might be the greatest test the Orange may face.  The advantage for the Orange is Dion Waiters and James Southland with a  33 combined off the bench points.  The way Scoop Jardin performs will also be key against the Badgers.  Moreover, Kris Joseph will always be the player to go to in times of trouble especially if Jardine will be guarded well by the Badgers.  Hopefully, the high percentage shooting of 46.6% will help Syracuse secure the win against the Badgers.  GO ORANGE!

PIC 

Wisconsin averages 64 points a game while Syracuse has 74.5 points a game.  Badgers defense is what matters most giving up 52.9 points only while Syracuse giving up 60.5 points per game.  The Sweet 16  schedule of Wisconsin vs. Syracuse is on March 22, 2012 at 7:15 PM.  Which team do you think will win? My bet is Syracuse! 

UC-Berkeley White Ribbon Week 2012

The Syracuse University's Division of Student Affairs announced that they will raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence and promise to educate the Syracuse community about domestic and sexual violence and resources.  There will be "No Excuse for Abuse," wristbands and white ribbons and will be available for the only $1 at multiple locations on campus.  The monies raised will support awareness programs and services. The official kickoff date is March 23, 2012 and will run until April 1, 2012.

The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is the largest effort in the world of men working to end violence against women (VAW).  Campaigns are led by both men and women, even thought the focus is on educating men and boys, in over fifty-five countries.  Syracuse supports this important initiative and works in partnership with local government and community organizations to ensure the message White Ribbon wishes to promote reaches the wider community.  

Syracuse students are urged wear white ribbons to make a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.  Wearing a white ribbon or wristband during the campaign makes an important statement that you will not support domestic or sexual violence.

Ribbons and wristbands can also be ordered for a department through the Student Affairs Dean’s Office.

Erin Schaal, FIXit, Carriage House, Farm Acre Rd
Linda Flynn, FIXit, Carriage House, Farm Acre Rd
Susan Germain, Office of Special Events, 138 Women’s Building
Patricia Stith, Academic Affairs, 323 Crouse Hinds Hall
Peg Fitzpatrick, Budget & Planning, Skytop Office Building
Ginny Yerdon, Hendricks Chapel, Hendricks Chapel
Shirley Thornton, Auxiliary Services, 206 Steele Hall
Drew Buske, DPS, 005 Sims Hall
Bob Britton, Physical Plant, 037 Schine Student Center
Cyndi Stetson, Physical Plant, 285 Ainsley Drive
Teresa Gilman, University Senate, 103 Steele Hall
Tina O’Mara, ITS, 1-133 Science Tech
Janine Bernard, School of Education, 259 Huntington Hall
Gretchen Goldstein, Chancellor’s Office, 600 Crouse Hinds Hall
Mary Lerner, Arts & Sciences, 308 Hall of Languages
Sue Nemier, iSchool, 343 Hinds Hall
Bev Everding, Community Engagement, The Warehouse
Stephanie Vasta, Engineering & Computer Science, 223 Link Hall
Michelle Pirro, The Falk School, 119 Euclid Ave.
Eileen Jevis, University College, 700 University Ave.
Diana Hahn, Enrollment Management, 222 Bowne Hall
Don Kilts, Newhouse, 164 Newhouse 2
Diane McKinney, SU Abroad, 106 Walnut Ave.

Rolfe discusses his evolution to manhood and explores how the role models in his life helped mold his perceptions on what being a man means. Watch his story.  Get involved and wear the White Ribbon and stand up against violence.