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As both an employee and a student of this University, I am thankful to have joined the Orange Community during your tenure. Although I unfortunately never had a chance you meet you, everyone always spoke so highly of you. The warmth, kindness, and care you brought to your leadership went beyond those who knew you personally-- it is in the stories people shared, the pride felt in this institution, and the way your name is spoken.
I wish you and your family strength, comfort, and healing in the coming days.
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I was so sorry to hear this news and wanted to share that I am thinking of you. What stayed with me from my one opportunity to meet with you is your gentle, unassuming way of moving through the world. You have a rare gift for being soft-spoken and easygoing while remaining such an outstanding leader—a balance that has been a true inspiration. Please know that I, along with so many other students, am rooting for you and sending strength your way.
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Dear Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen,
I am deeply grateful for my time studying and living at Syracuse University. I truly appreciate seeing you and Dr. Chen's presence at so many important occasions—thank you for your care, dedication, and support for the students.
I have photos of myself with the Chancellor on my phone, and they are something I truly cherish.
You carry the love and support of so many people, and I sincerely wish you peace, safety, and happiness. We are behind you.
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Chancellor Syverud,
When I walked on campus as a freshman in 2019 for the new students welcome, I can’t express how excited I was to officially be a Syracuse student and carry on the torch that my grandmother lit when she began her time as a student in the class of 1947! From my time throughout Syracuse, there were many changes - a new dome, a new Schine Student Center, the opening of the improved Barnes Center at the Arch, the first snow day in decades, and, of course, COVID.
Throughout all of that change, there was one constant - you. You have provided exceptional leadership, availability, and friendship to all of the students fortunate enough to attend Syracuse University with you as Chancellor.
From the 19 year old freshman who was slightly embarrassed because his father flagged you down so his son could take a picture with the Chancellor to the near-MBA graduate who was able to take part in your Negotiations residency, thank you for all that you have done for me, my family, and for Syracuse University.
I wish you nothing but blessings and love. You will be in my prayers and, as always, I will be rooting for you!
All the very best,
Luke Eckel (‘23 and ‘26MBA)
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Dear Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen,
I was very sorry to hear this news. There aren’t really words that feel quite right, but I wanted to reach out and let you know you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Syracuse University misses you, and so many people are hoping for your steady recovery and keeping you in their hearts during this time.
Wishing you peace, hope, love, and faith in the days ahead.
Warmly,
Halyna Rudych
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I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I wanted to reach out to let you know you are truly in my family's thoughts and prayers.
My mom went through stage 4 multiple myeloma, and while it was an incredibly difficult journey, being surrounded by love, support, and hope made all the difference in her recovery. I hope you’re able to lean on those around you and feel that same sense of strength and comfort.
Please know that so many people are rooting for you and holding you close in their hearts. Wishing you strength, peace, and healing in the days ahead.
Rachael & Joan DiLieto
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Dear Chancellor Syverud,
You may not remember me, I am Joanna from Panama, and we once shared a brief conversation in Spanish. That moment stayed with me as a small picture of who you are: someone who sees people.
When I read your letter, what struck me most was your courage and grateful heart. You are not facing this alone, and the Orange community is holding you and your family close.
As someone of faith, I want to offer you these words as prayers:
"I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me — I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace" — Philippians 4:13
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11
Que el Señor te sostenga con Su mano poderosa en cada paso de este camino, y que Su paz que sobrepasa todo entendimiento guarde tu corazón y tu mente (1 Peter 5:6, Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:7).
Con gratitud y esperanza,
Joanna Lumbsden-Pinto, Ph.D.
Graduate Christian Fellowship SU/ESF
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“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. As we just finished celebrating the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the free gift of salvation through the acceptance of Jesus, I am sending this message. I am standing on God’s promise of healing and believing that God will heal you as He has said He will in Isaiah 53:5. I am also believing that you will fulfill your life’s purpose that God has created for you to do in Jesus Name. You are in my prayers and so is your family. Wishing you continued success, Chancellor!
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Dear Chancellor Syverud,
I want to express my sincere support and well wishes to you during this difficult time. Your leadership, dedication, and commitment to the Syracuse University community have made a lasting impact on so many of us.
Please know that you are not facing this challenge alone. You have the strength, care, and support of an entire community standing behind you.
Wishing you and Dr. Chen strength, comfort, and the very best in the days ahead.
With respect and support,
Farzad Amiri
President of Muslim Student Association
Syracuse University
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I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Please know you're in my thoughts, and I'm wishing you strength as you focus on your health. Thank you for your dedicated leadership at Syracuse University.
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Chancellor Syverud, it was difficult to take in your health news this week, and you have remained very much in my thoughts. The same strength and sense of purpose that came through in your leadership at Syracuse was on full display in your remarkable letter to us. Wishing you successful treatment, favorable recovery, and a rewarding professional and personal journey ahead.
Warmly, Marc
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Thank you for all of your help over the years. Getting to help build out the esports program was truly the highlight of experience, and it wouldn’t have been possible without your humility, leadership, and curiosity. You’ve made Syracuse a place I can be proud to represent as I go off into the world.
I’m so sorry to hear about what you’re going through. Please know you have my full support, and I’m keeping you in my thoughts. Wishing you strength and the very best in the days ahead. Thank you again for everything!
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Thinking of you! You did an incredible job leading Syracuse! Go orange!
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Well wishes!!
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Sending love to you and your family ❤️
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I don’t have a specific memory or interaction with you, but my time at Syracuse has been fantastic. Thank you for fostering that environment. Get well soon!
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Thank you for your dedication to Syracuse, sending healing thoughts and wishing you a speedy recovery.
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As a data science major, I’m trained to make predictions from past data, but being at Syracuse has taught me that with the right amount of willpower and support, I can beat any odds. You’ve made this campus a place to grow beyond the limitations we have set for ourselves. You’ve shown us by example how to overcome challenges, however large. The inspiration you’ve cultivated here will drive generations of students to pursue what they once thought impossible.
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Wishing you strength, healing, and brighter days ahead. You’ve got this 🧡
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Dear Chancellor Syverud,
Receiving that news yesterday was so sad. I am so grateful for the moments we got to interact which most times were moments of reflection and celebration of being proud to be Orange! I am praying for healing for you and a speedy recovery through your care process. Thanks for your leadership through the years that you have led the Orange family. Keeping you and Dr. Chen in my prayers with hope that we hear some good news soon. Forever Orange!
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Chancellor Syverud, thank you so much for your timeless and unwavering dedication to the Orange community. Your kindness from the couple of times that we've spoken will always be a fond memory from my time here at Syracuse University. I, nor anyone else who has studied at SU over your time here, would not be the people we are if it were not for your leadership, dedication and kindness. You and your family are in our thoughts and hearts – thank you so much for all that you have done for us.
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Syracuse University feels like a second home to me. I am Korean, and for many years I worked as a government official in South Korea. Through a government scholarship, I had the opportunity to come study at Syracuse - and that experience changed my life in more ways than I can count.
Here, I met extraordinary classmates, professors, and staffs who turned my world completely upside down, in the best possible way. I completed my master's degree last year, and while I was supposed to return to Korea and continue my service in government, I will instead be returning to Syracuse this fall to begin my doctoral studies. I want to keep learning here, and to be reborn as a full member of this academic community.
Syracuse has been the turning point of my life, and I am so proud to be part of the Orange community.
I don't know you personally, but I know Syracuse University - the place we both represent. Syracuse is open, passionate about new ideas, full of opportunity. It is a place that doesn't hand you answers, but sits with you in the deepest questions. It thinks alongside you. And I believe that a university takes on the character of those who lead it. The openness, the warmth, the spirit of genuine inquiry that defines Syracuse - I think that reflects you, and the community you have carefully nurtured over more than twelve years. During your tenure as Chancellor, Syracuse has been a truly beautiful place for me. I believe it will continue to be.
I still remember the cool breeze and crips air the first I stepped onto campus. Standing there, on the other side of the world from where I grew up, everything felt surreal. I wasn't sure I could find my footing. But Syracuse pulled me in completely, and I became part of this community in a way I never expected.
I cherish the two years I've already spent here, and I look forward deeply to the four or five more that lie ahead.
I hope your own memories of Syracuse are filled with hope, happiness, and pride. As a fellow member of this university, I am cheering for you with all my heart.
Please get well. I sincerely hope that you will walk across this campus again, healthy and strong.
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Dear Chancellor Syverud,
My name is Corey Barnes and I'm extremely close to the end of my first year as a freshman and I am excited to see what’s in store for my sophomore year. You may not remember the exact moment but we met at the Freshman Convocation on August 21st, 2025. I was initially scared to go up to you and ask for a photo but my parents wound up telling me, "You'll never know when you might see him again randomly on campus" I decided that they were right and took the picture with you. I remember being a little anxious about coming into this new setting and you gave me some encouraging words of advice that really helped me get through my first week of classes. I am truly thankful that we shared that small moment as it really helped me a lot. When I heard the news regarding your health I was in complete shock. I just wanted to let you know that everyone at SU is praying for you. At this moment you may see yourself in a difficult moment but the main goal is to think positive and to continue fighting. That’s how I was able to get through some of my days during the first semester.
Best Regards,
Corey Barnes
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I hope you feel better. Wishing you a speedy recover.
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Thank you for all you have done for the institution and the community. I wish you a speedy and full recovery, and I pray for a prosperous future for you and your family.
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Dear Chancellor Kent,
I wish you and your family much love throughout this journey. You are all in my prayers and the prayers of my family. During my freshman year, I was invited to the Chancellor’s mansion along with the other Posse scholars. That day I met you and your lovely wife Dr. Chen. Over the next four years I would continue to see you both in passing at University Senate meetings. All of our interactions, while brief, have always felt warm and kind. You and your family have touched the lives so many. Watching you lead our university with strength and grace has been so inspiring. Remember that you have the support of the entire Orange family. We are in this with you & know that you will overcome any challenges that lie ahead.
Sincerely,
Briell Robinson, ‘26
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Chancellor Kent Syverud,
Your strength and optimism during this uncertain time are truly inspiring. I am keeping you in my thoughts and hope your journey remains gentle and resilient. Wishing you love and tranquility during this uncertain time, surrounded by your family and community.
Avalyn Sanchez
MSW, S.U. Class of (2026)
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I met Chancellor Syverud in his weekend intensive Negotiations course this past fall. He mentored me along with the five other students who participated in the class’ final negotiations exercise. He was so incredibly kind, present, and encouraging throughout the whole experience. In our conversations afterward, he continued to motivate me to push forward despite my limitations. As a result of his belief in me, I’ve been able to do incredible things. I have secured a summer internship, won a negotiation competition, and continue to pursue my dreams. Without his initial support, I would’ve been too scared to take these leaps of faith otherwise.
Thank you for your belief in me. It is now our turn. I have belief that you will get through this. I am praying for you and your family as you all navigate this challenge.
Warmly,
Imari Roque
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Dear Chancellor Syverud,
I want you to know that your message today was met with heavy hearts across this campus — but also with the same resolve you've always modeled for us.
I am a Syracuse native. I grew up watching this university from the outside, and when I arrived as a student, it was your Syracuse I walked into — a campus transformed, a community energized, and a university that reflected the ambition of the man leading it. That ambition shaped who I am becoming.
As Executive Vice President of SGA, I have had the privilege of seeing institutional leadership up close. But long before I held any title, I was learning from yours. The way you carried yourself — with steadiness, with conviction, and with a genuine care for this place and its people — gave me a model for the kind of leader I want to be. Not one who simply holds a position, but one who builds something that outlasts him.
You did that here. The campus I walk across every day exists because of your vision. The opportunities I've had — in student government, in research, in the community — exist within a university you made stronger. That is not a small thing, and I will not let it go unsaid.
I am grateful for your leadership, for your example, and for what you gave this university and this city. Syracuse is better because you were here. I look up to you more than you know, and you have had a deep and lasting impact on me.
I am pulling for you with everything I have.
With deep respect and gratitude,
Max Lachut
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Dear Chancellor Syverud,
I was deeply saddened to hear about your diagnosis. Please know that you are in my thoughts, and I’m wishing you strength, comfort, and healing as you begin treatment.
Your leadership and dedication to the Syracuse University community have meant so much to so many, and I hope you can feel that support surrounding you now. I’m hopeful for your recovery and grateful for the example of courage and grace you continue to set.
With sincere concern and best wishes,
Yuvraj Rajendra Bhagat