Messages for Chancellor Syverud

Dear Chancellor Syverud and Family:

As a parent of an SU student, son of an SU alum, and graduate of the University of Michigan, I feel that I have some connection with you even though we have never met.

I followed with great joy your move from the Chancellorship at SU to the President of Michigan. I was subsequently devastated to learn of your illness.

Your courage and leadership in battling your disease is inspirational, courageous and immensely admirable.

My entire family and I wish you and your family all the best as you take on this disease. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers every day and we will look forward to encouraging news as your work with your medical team and get the support from the entire SU and UM communities.

Sending all our love and best wishes.

Bill Rubin and family🙏🙏🙏🙏💙💙💙💙💙💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

You've built a legacy not just through leadership, but through the lives you've touched at Syracuse University. Wishing you comfort, resilience, and strength through this challenge, along with the steady support of the Orange family.

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

Sending resilience, strength and many prayers to you and your family during this time. I am truly grateful for your leadership and the impact you’ve left on our University. You have a sea of Orange supporting you in this journey.

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 Ruth and Kent.

Please accept my and Wendy's prayers and warmest wishes in support and celebration of you both. You both have made a lasting most positive impact in the lives of so many and will continue to do so.

With admiration, strong warm wishes, and prayers.

Wendy and Peter

I write simply to let you know that we are thinking about all of you during what must be a very difficult time. Hang in there. We’re rooting for you.

Kent and Ruth,

I’m saddened by the news of your health, Kent. I’m thinking of both of you and holding you high in prayer.

Warm regards,

Joanna

This is undoubtedly one of life's most difficult moments, and one of its most heartbreaking. Answering a call to serve another community and then having to step away to care for your health is an act of strength that cuts deeply. My thoughts are with you and Dr. Chen, and I hope your recovery is quick and lasting.

Dear Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen,

You and your family will be in my daily thoughts and prayers. I have learned from my own experiences that the power of prayer is one of our greatest gifts from God. He will be with you every step of the way, along with all of us at Syracuse who admire both of you.

We will miss you in the days ahead and hope you know how very much you are loved.

I have experienced your compassion and kindness on several occasions over the past 10 years and you deserve the same from all of us.

With kindness and support,

Bev

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

Dear Kent Syverud,

At Syracuse, community is not just a word. It is something you have built, and something that now stands firmly with you.

I wish you strength, resilience, and a FULL recovery, and hoping that you and your loved ones are spared from as much hardship as possible.

With sincere respect,

You are in our prayers for your healing and thoughts for your comfort. We are with you in spirit and rooting for you and your family x

Sending you our prayers as your travel this new journey. We will be thinking of you and sending positive thoughts and wishes.

Best, Deb Henretta and Sean Murray

Go Orange, Chancellor. You've got this. Thank you for everything you've built here.