Messages for Chancellor Syverud

Thank you for your dedication to Syracuse, sending healing thoughts and wishing you a speedy recovery.

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.

Wishing you strength, healing, and brighter days ahead. You’ve got this 🧡

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!

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.

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.

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

I hope you feel better. Wishing you a speedy recover.

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.

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

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)

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

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

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

Although I am only a first-year student, everything you have done for Syracuse University has made it feel like home. Your tremendous strength and hard work will not go unnoticed, and I speak on behalf of the entire Orange community when I say we wish nothing but the best for you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, and I am optimistic you will come out stronger on the other side of this.

Dear Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen,

I am deeply sorry to hear what you are going through. You have guided Syracuse University through some of its most challenging moments, and I sincerely hope you find the strength to overcome this one as well.

Please take good care. I look forward to seeing you back at Syracuse University when spring comes in the years ahead.

With warm regards,

Bixuan Ren