Messages for Chancellor Syverud

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!

My thoughts and good wishes will be with you as you fight your battle with cancer. I was looking forward to seeing you next week at my 50th SU reunion and to help send you off to UMich with the best of wishes. I hope you experience wellness and happiness in Ann Arbor. I know you will enjoy teaching in the law school and again, best wishes for you and Dr. Chen. May you have many years of enjoyment together with your sons and family.

Chancellor Syverud,

Throughout your time at Syracuse University, you’ve accomplished extraordinary works and we are so grateful. I have no doubt that the blessings over you will continue to lead you through the challenges into the next remarkable phase of your life.

Warm wishes to you, Dr. Chen, and your family.

Christine

Sending my best wishes and warmest thoughts to Chancellor Syverud, Dr. Chen and their family.

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

Thank you for all that you and your family has done for the University and the community! I had the honor to witness your impact from the beginning, as you transitioned into this role when I was in undergrad. I was then able to see the other side of your work as I transitioned into a staff role at IVMF and then CPS. Thank you for leading the University during a rough time. I wish you and your family well as you navigate this next period.

Dear Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen,

As a faculty member and alumnus of Syracuse University I would like to offer heartfelt thanks, gratitude and support. Thanks and gratitude for your leadership and genuine care devoted to SU and its many constituencies, and support for you and your family as you confront this stunning challenge. Please know that you do not face it alone. We are indeed, as Mike Haynie said, in your corner, and hope you feel the wave of Orange love.

Warm wishes,

Tony D'Angelo

Heal quickly Chancellor Syverud. Your Orange family is cheering for you and praying for a full recovery.

Mr.kent I hope you and your family well wishes from the first event i attended and worked for you you always been the best chancellor out there thank you for all you have done and us at parking appreciate you and Dr.Chen Thank you for all and will keep you in my prayers

Kent and Ruth our heartfelt thoughts are with you both .

Best wishes

Russ & darlene deremer

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

Thank you for your steadfast and visionary leadership but especially for the many kindnesses that you have shown to the members of our SUPA team, our partner school communities, and students as Chancellor — from your very first visit to our offices at 400 Ostrom in the summer of 2015 to meet our staff, learn more about our program, and indulge some of the dogs wandering our office that day to our 50th anniversary celebrations.

You and your family are in our thoughts. We wish you much love and strength,

Christina

Thank you for taking an active interest in the Syracuse University Rugby Football Club. You helped us secure a great partnership with Leinster Rugby.

Well wishes in your retirement!

John Wilson

Syracuse ‘14

SURAA 2020-2023

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 🧡

Judy and I daily send out prayers and positive convictions that your treatments are successfully meeting the challenges and goals for which they have been created. Our best wishes and encouragement are sent to you to keep a positive, expectant outcome so that your mind, body and spirit are in the best receptive condition to realize that result. You and your healing are daily in our hearts and minds. Our love to you and your family! Dick Wereley

Dear Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen,

We send healing vibes and loving thoughts your way. We know you will have the best medical care and support system around you to help you both navigate this illness. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers!

Warm wishes,

Jacki & Michael Goldberg

Syracuse Stage Trustee/SU Athletics Boosters

Dear Mr. Syverud,

You and your family are in our prayers. Pray for God’s healing, guidance, and peace along your way. We look forward to your coming back and visiting our beautiful campus again! We are deeply blessed to have you lead us. We are always grateful for your support and contribution to our Chinese Christian Fellowship. Thank you!

Jane

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!

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

As someone who joined our campus community in 2011, I’ve had the privilege to witness your full tenure at Syracuse and admire the incredible ways the University has transformed under your leadership.

I’d like you to know that one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had as a staff member was being invited to the Chancellor’s House during your first year, because you made a point of meeting all the Syracuse employees and thanking them for their dedication to our community. That visit remains one of my favorite experiences in nearly 15 years, and it meant the world to have a leader who genuinely wanted to meet those working here.

I wish you, Dr. Chen and your family strength and courage as you face the challenges ahead. Thank you for all you’ve done to make our beloved University even better.

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.

Dear Chancellor

From the moment you began your tenure at this university, things started to happen and change positively and steadily. I’ve been reflecting on the journey that brought me here and kept me here for 20 years, and I’ve come to realize how much of it carries your imprint.

You’ve been more than just a friend, you’ve been a mentor, a guide, and a steady force shaping both my life and career. In moments of uncertainty, your example gave me clarity. When things felt overwhelming, your calm strength and leadership reminded me to keep going. The longevity I’ve had in this institution, the resilience I’ve built, and the path I ultimately chose all reflect your influence in meaningful ways.

What stands out most, is how you charted your path here and lived it. Integrity, patience, and purpose these weren’t just ideals you spoke about; they were evident in everything you did. That is something I will carry with me always.

I sincerely pray that God walks with you in every step ahead guiding you, strengthening you, and surrounding you with the same wisdom and grace you’ve so generously given to others. May you continue to find purpose, peace, and fulfillment in all that lies ahead.

Thank you for being someone who didn’t simply cross my path but truly changed it.

With deep respect and gratitude, to you and Dr Chen.

George Wazen

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.

I’m wishing you and Dr. Chen all the very best and please know you are in my thoughts.

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

As a retired faculty member, I am wishing you well! And I send my well wishes to you and Dr. Chen.

Fran Tucker

Wishing you every grace for your healing journey.

Dympna

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)