Messages for Chancellor Syverud

Chancellor Seyverud,

May God provide you and Dr. Ruth Chen the resilience and grace to weather this storm, and cement the belief within that you will be stronger on the other side of this diagnosis.

With all my best wishes for your health and wellness,

Jessica Kershaw ‘07

Chancellor Kent Seyverud and Dr. Ruth Chen, thank you for reviewing the Dixit & Pindyke book with me and confirming the corrections that I made in the key proof and extensions across six chapters. Please know that you are in my prayers.

Thomas Murphy, Ph.D.,JD, MBA, Chemical Engineer.

Dear Chancellor Syverud, Syracuse University has always been a deeply caring community. Pulling together in good times and rough times runs deep. As you undergo this aggressive treatment, you are in my prayers. More importantly, you are in SU's collective prayers that wishes you a full recovery. You have truly made a difference during your time at SU. So, it only follows that our hopes and prayers and best wishes will make a difference to you as we support you through this challenging time. We are a better community because of you and we hope that our spirit will champion you through these difficult days ahead. Take good care.

Dear Kent. You are my good friend and I am so very sorry to hear this news. One of my favorite moments with you is our conversation about your faith journey and how it impacted your life. Your life has been a positive example of how God plants his seeds of grace and mercy throughout your career and within your personal life. My prayers for you are that you will continue to experience the saving grace of Jesus in the days ahead as you work through your treatments. Here is a quote from Scripture that has served me well in difficult times, I hope you will find it a blessing. Lamentations 3: 22-26 NIV “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

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God bless you, my friend.

You are in His Grip.

Alan

In 2016, I had the pleasure of being invited to the Chancellor's house as a part of a reception for members of campus organization E-boards (I was with the Kumquat, Syracuse's premiere satirical publication). I got to meet Chancellor Syverud, his wife Dr. Ruth Chen, and their late dog Lucky. Chancellor Syverud took me and a couple of my friends into the kitchen to meet Lucky, who was both blind and deaf at the time, and I still think about that sweet dog regularly. He also took us to the dining room and showed us how there's a hidden wall that opens and closes and I remember that moment as being so sweet and silly, there was such an element of both his humor and playfulness and his genuine attentiveness to get to know us as individual students of the school. Dr. Ruth Chen was similarly attentive to me and my friends and gave us interesting historical information about the house. It's one of my favorite memories from undergrad, to have been invited into the Chancellor's home and have had such heartwarmingly silly but genuine interactions with him and his family. I was very sad to hear the news and I am sending truly all my well wishes and thoughts to Chancellor Syverud and his family at this time!

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

My thoughts are with you and your family during this incredibly challenging time. Your dedication to Syracuse University; your vision, leadership, and your genuine concern for every student, faculty member, and staff has left a lasting mark on all of us. I wish you and your family strength and healing in the days ahead.

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

I am a new faculty member here at SU where I am teaching at both the Setnor School of Music and the African American Studies program and I am grateful for being a part of this wonderful community.

We have never met, but I know the frightening hardships of an illness that impedes on ones life which brings challenges beyond one's control. I see the immense love and support this community has for you and I send my best thoughts and positive energy for your complete recovery.

Fondly, Sarina Bachleitner

feel better wish you a fast recovery

I hope you feel better from this difficult time. I really appreciate seeing you everywhere on campus and you are the supporter of InclusiveU. I wish you and your family the best of luck in Michigan. You will always be Forever Orange.

i will be extra good for my syracuse graduation party get well soon, love to kent and his family.

Thank you for all that you did! I am sending you well wishes. - Kate Allyn, InclusiveU Class of 2026

All prayers guided to a Syracuse legend, lots of love to you

Chancellor Syverud,

My first thought when I read your message was: Life happens, when you're making plans. I always admire the grace and humility you bring to every encounter no matter the medium, and those qualities will continue to serve you well as you execute this new plan. I pray for you to receive the best care possible from your medical team as you place your trust in them.

After meeting a portion of the Syverud clan at the SU - Stonehill basketball game last December, I am glad you will have such a strong contingent to rally around you and Dr. Chen as you undergo your treatment regimen. May you all make an effort to capture these times together with pictures, videos, etc. and focus on the here and now. Once your treatment is complete, I hope you can celebrate the same way you would celebrate the submission of your students' grades: a nice glass of wine!

I also hope we, the SU community, will be able to give you the send off you so deserved and was planned for your final semester as Chancellor. I look forward to seeing you back on our campus to thank you for all you have done for our university.

May God continue to bless you and your family. Go Orange and Go Blue!!

Joyce Zadzilka

Dear Kent,

Thank you for believing in me. Your support has had a thoroughly profound impact on me. The camera you helped me access has been a huge boon and I thank you for helping me achieve that level of quality in my work. But what has truly kept me going and striving for perfection has been your words of wisdom and support over the past year. That has truly been invaluable. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Please know that you are consistently in my thoughts and have my full support as you battle this thing. You got this !!!

Much love,

Malcolm Taylor

Dear Chancellor Syverud

I’m sending my sincere prayers to you and your family during this most difficult time. It has been an honor since 2018 to be a part of the Orange family at Syracuse University. You probably don’t remember me but I usually greeted you and Dr. Chen at the Dome for numerous sporting and other events. You both were always so kind to me and took the time to say hello. You both have been such an inspiration and an asset to the Syracuse family. We will all miss your faces on campus and at the Dome.

Know that you will be always in all our prayers. We pray for a quick recovery and look forward to hearing from you in the future

God Bless you

David

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

Every time I've heard you speak, you have the power to have people be fully present, including myself, in the heartfelt, honest and inspiring words you are saying. I recently found myself telling my mom just that. Your work and dedication to this University will forever be cherished, and having been a part of the IVMF since its inception, I have to thank you for all that you have done for the veteran and military-connected community.

Your news last week was very hard to take. I was sad for you that as you were about to close this chapter and begin a new one at the University of Michigan, you hit this unexpected challenge. Life can do this to us. And yet, your words last week and yesterday left me feeling optimistic and inspired. You are already showing that strength and inspiring our Orange community.

I have no doubt you'll face this with the same grace and strength you bring to everything. You’ve got this.

Keeping you and your family close to my heart,

Ellie Komanecky

Chancellor Syverud,

I wanted to take a moment to share how deeply honored I am to be recognized with the Chancellor's Citation for Excellence, Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and University Initiatives award. It is incredibly meaningful to be acknowledged by an institution that I care so much about.

My work at Syracuse—particularly supporting our military and veteran community—has been among the most fulfilling chapters of my professional life. After a career of service in the Army, finding equally meaningful opportunities is not always a given, but I have truly found that purpose here at Syracuse University. It is a privilege to contribute to our students’ growth and to the broader mission of the University.

While I’m sorry you weren’t able to be there to present the award yourself, I have to say Chancellor-elect Mike Haynie did a pretty good job stepping in. Syracuse University is in good hands.

I also want to extend my very best wishes to you and your family as you begin treatment. You are in my thoughts, and I am wishing you strength, comfort and support in the days ahead.

With gratitude and support, Professor Beth Kubala

Chancellor, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As someone who has valued serving on the Maxwell Advisory Board, I wanted to share a brief note of support. I know you will approach treatment with the same strength, resolve, and thoughtfulness that you have brought to your leadership roles. Wishing you steadiness and a smooth path forward.

Nicole Collier, MPA '00, Maxwell Advisory Board

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

You have had a profound impact on this community. Thank you for modeling thoughtful, compassionate leadership these last twelve years. You have navigated the celebrations and the crises with grace and I have been proud to be a part of the Syracuse University community because of your leadership.

Thank you especially for your support for music and spirituality on campus. Every time I walk into the beautiful new Catholic Center chapel, every time I play the organ there or listen to students play, I think of you and give thanks. Your legacy will live on in so many ways, and this is one of them.

I will be praying for you and your family. I know this is an incredibly difficult time for you, but I hope you feel the love we are all sending your way.

Yours, Anne Laver

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

I was very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Like many others who have experienced your warmth and kindness, I wanted to let you know that you are very much in my thoughts and prayers during this time.

Wishing you strength, comfort, and a smooth recovery ahead. Please know that we are thinking of you, Dr. Chen and family, while sending positive thoughts and earnest prayers your way.

Take good care,

Dawn

Wishing you well, you got this!

We stand with you. ’Cuse wouldn't be what it is without you. Thank you and fight on Chancellor. 🧡💙

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

I have only been at Syracuse for a year for my MPA program at the Maxwell School. In that time, I have had the chance to meet some of the most fascinating and intelligent people this world has to offer. You have built an environment of creativity, truth-seeking, and service in Syracuse students, and for that our world will benefit for generations.

I cannot imagine how difficult this is for you and your family. I wish you the best of luck with cancer treatment, but I wanted you to know how grateful I am to be a Syracuse student and to be a part of a University whose foundation you have built upon.

Thank you for serving Syracuse steadfastly for over a decade, Chancellor. No matter what happens, we are all Forever Orange.

Lots of Love,

Kristen Scanlon

MPA Class of 2026

Chancellor Syverud,

Thank you. You took the time to mentor and support me as a then 19 year old college sophomore, who was deeply passionate about making systems work to both support students and maximize their potential. I will never forget you sitting down with me, in the Spring of 2013 and asking the question "how can we work together to make sure students feel seen?"

That question not only showed me your character, but also showed me your commitment to doing right by all students - delivering on the promise of SU.

In this time of challenge, I hope that you know your impact and the indelible mark you have left on so many students.

Thank you for your leadership.

Ron Taylor

Sending you well wishes and healing thoughts. I hope you are feeling strength and comfort during this time, and that modern medicine and care support a full and steady recovery.

Wishing you continued healing and good health.

Cynthia Jones '10

Chancellor Syverud,

As you have done with events in the past, you are handling this news and the change in your life with grace. I am grateful that treatments are underway. Grateful, too, for Dr. Chen and the rest of your family whose care, strength, and attention to details will be important in the weeks and months ahead.

I look forward to you coming back to SU for a proper event to celebrate your work here, which wasn't always easy. Until then, you will be in my prayers.

Jill Hurst-Wahl

Professor Emerita, iSchool

You are in my prayers.

Dear Kent,

I just got my copy of the legacy brochure, and I have to say that you look very handsome indeed! There is a lovely collection of orange ties to catch the eye! And Ruth is giving you a run for the money. She looks so beautiful in the large photo!

I love what you said on the last page-"the best, unentitled, scrappy, engaged students in the world." That brings us to Ellie.

She finally understands the college process. She has gone to every class and participated in every class. The professors all love her. She is still working on putting together a great final paper. The teachers said "Hey, this isn't you. Could you try again?" Regardless of outcome, she understood that her relationships were an important part of her education. She is already signed up for summer classes and fall classes. I am so happy for her.

She loves Syracuse. She is so scrappy and unentitled. She saves money whenever she can. She decorated her apartment in an extraordinary way. She never gossips, she only talks about ideas. She will be the teacher that all the parents want their children to have.

This summer she walked out to a big oak we have and made a fairy castle. She spent hours putting together a magical place.

Thank you for making Syracuse a place where people care about each other in the most true and supportive way.

Sending all my love to you, Ruth and your family.

XO

Susan

I am deeply grateful for the kindness and support I have received from Chancellor Syverud and his family during their time at Syracuse University. I had the privilege of speaking with the Chancellor at the SU Catholic Center and again during the 2025 Catholic retreat at Minnowsbrook, where we shared meaningful conversations over meals. His humility, openness, and genuine interest in students left a lasting impact on me.

I am especially thankful to his wife, Dr. Ruth Chen, whose compassion and care supported me through a difficult period with my vertebral column. She made sure I received a new bed so I could rest and recover comfortably, and she consistently checked on both my health and my research progress. Her kindness went far beyond the classroom, and I will always remember it.

I wish Chancellor Syverud strength and a smooth recovery. His leadership and the support of his family have made a profound difference in my journey at Syracuse University as a PhD student, and I remain sincerely appreciative.

God's Strength🧡🙏

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