Messages for Chancellor Syverud

Wishing you well, you got this!

You are in my prayers.

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,

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.

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.

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!

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.

Sending you well wishes and strength!

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.

Thank you for leading Syracuse University through some rough times and doing it with such grace. You are a great leader. I wish you well in the coming months. Sincerely Lola Goldring

I am sending along my family’s positive thoughts and a virtual hug to the Syverud family as you face this next chapter. We are with you Chancellor!

Sending my prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery from Hawaii.

I remember waking up at 6am as a freshman for the "I Ran With The Chancellor" event in both of our first years at Syracuse. Afterwards you mingled and spoke with everyone at the event. It was inspiring as a new college student to have a conversation with the chancellor of my new school. Thank you for always making time for students and being such a kind, thoughtful leader. Sending well wishes from New Jersey Chancellor Syverud - Go Orange!

Chancellor Syverud: Sending you and your family positive thoughts, prayers for great care, full and quick recovery, and strength 💪 in your healing journey. Meanwhile, thank you for all you've done to keep SU strong in these challenging times for higher ed. May great things come back to you in return. Take care. Mark Harf, Whitman MBA '93.

Kent,

From the moment you arrived on campus, you have been an asset to the University. Your early efforts to live in the dorms and truly get to know students set the tone for thoughtful, community-centered leadership that has benefited Syracuse in so many ways.

I was honored to attend your installation when Sandra Day O’Connor spoke, and I always appreciated the opportunity to connect more personally during my time on the VPA Council, especially the visit to your home. It was also a pleasure getting to meet Ruth.

Wishing you all the very best as you focus on your health.

Terry Skuse ’75

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

Sending you and your family strength, light, and a speedy recovery. Thank you for your impact on the Orange community! Wishing the best on your future endeavors!

#foreverorange 🧡

Dear Chancellor Syverud --

Andy, Teddy, Mack and I were so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and just wanted to reach out to let you know we're all thinking of you.

As a member of the Parents Council, a parent, and an alumna, I’ve had the privilege of seeing your leadership up close — and your work truly does not go unnoticed. From creating the Parents Council, which I've been fortunate enough to be on and as a result get a truly meaningful window into the university, to your deep commitment to the faith program, veterans and ROTC students, club sports, and the opening of the DC center (the list really does go on!) — you’ve built something that feels incredibly thoughtful and connected here at SU.

On a personal note, I’m especially grateful for the way you exposed Mack to the world of law, which led to his role as a TA in your class. That experience meant so much to him.

Thank you, too, for always taking the time to listen. You’ve made what could feel like a large, overwhelming university into a small, beautiful, wonderful, caring community, and that’s a reflection of you and the amazing people you brought to your team at SU.

Above all, please know our hearts and thoughts are with you. Wishing you strength, support, and all the best as you move through the days ahead. We are and always will be #foreverorange.

All the best,

Colleen( '93), Andy, Teddy and Mack ('28) Fisher

Dear Chancellor, difficult times are those in which we need to face our demons with courage and bravery. And in the midst of calamity, we need the ability to balance ourselves on the tide. May you find refuge in God and your family during this challenging time, so that together you can overcome this difficult phase. I wish you all the best. I wish all the best to this warrior who welcomed us so warmly while serving as chancellor in Syracuse.

- Kénia Diva (2024 Mandela Washington Alumna)

I will be praying for you, Chancellor. The kindness you showed the SU Catholic community and me during my time at Syracuse is something I continue to reflect on. Some of my favorite college memories were attending Mass and sharing meals with you at your house. My best memory with you was on the day of my Commencement in 2017. It was pouring rain and I saw you driving away from the ceremony, so I ran over and waved. You got out of your car to take a picture with me—that was a special moment for me—thank you. You always make time for everyone. Now it’s our turn to do the same. I am confident alumni around the globe are making time for you now as they keep you in their prayers. May God watch over you now and always.

Dear Chancellor Kent Syverud and Dr Chen,

We are deeply saddened to hear of your recent announcement. Please know that you both have the thoughts and very best wishes of our community in Lockerbie at this time.

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

My husband, Eric, and I are both proud alumni and engaged members of the alumni club of CT & Western Mass. I have had the priviledge to engage with you over the years at various alumni events and have truly appreciated the leadership and support you have shown to all volunteer leaders and members of the alumni community.

We were saddened to hear the news of your diagnosis. You have shown positivity, a fighting spirit, and resilience throughout your time at SU. We have no doubt these traits will serve you well as you undertake this next chapter. Wishing you and Dr. Chen the very best as you navigate the road ahead.

Dear Chancellor Syverud - You have been a great chancellor at Syracuse! Great. I'm sure you weren't told that much, if at all, in the Salt City. All I know, Chancellor, is that this life is not easy, and for almost all of us, there are some seemingly inescapable challenges. I gather you've got one such challenge now, but I also gather, from following you as my college alma mater's chief, that you are a formidable soul, who will face it with the same brilliance and panache you have demonstrated to this point. I wish you and your family well, always.

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

Best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery. Thank you for your leadership and all you have done for Syracuse University.

Vishal Shukla-‘89

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

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

Wishing you all the best in this fight.

Orange nation is with you.