Messages for Chancellor Syverud

Dear Chancellor,

I’m wishing you strength and peace in this season. As I think about what you are walking through, I cannot help but reflect on the path God used you to open for me. Like Joseph, you became an instrument of His purpose in my life, and because of your obedience, I now stand in a place where my work impacts hundreds of Guatemalan lives. That fruit is part of your legacy—and a reminder that God’s hand has always been upon you.

The same God who worked through you to bring life and opportunity to others is the One who walks with you now through this trial. As it is written: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” (Isaiah 43:2, NKJV)

I am praying deeply for your life and your healing. In the name of Jesus, may His restoring power sustain you and renew you. Even in this process—through every moment of uncertainty and every step forward—we will continue to lift our voices and sing hallelujah, trusting in His faithfulness.

With deep faith and gratitude,

Greetings! I read your note just now.

I send to you ALL blessings and good wishes from my family to yours. I served on the faculty prior to your arrival from 1993 until 2007 with considerable pride, joy, enthusiasm and gratefulness! I achieved full professor at the university in 1999 and basically developed into the professional that I became until retirement from Lipscomb University. The legacy that SU carries is alive and well with the gifts that you brought to it.

Thank you for your service and for the reminder to live life to its fullest EVERY day and be thankful for every moment that we have. Live with the spirit that is given to you as well. Your letter was a reminder to always keep that in mind, Best to you and to your family. Dr Norma J. Bond Burgess

Chancellor Kent Syverud, sending you incredible strength and support as you navigate your treatment journey. While research protocols and novel therapeutics will continue to dictate your clinical course of treatment, I'm sending a gentle reminder to nourish your mind and body in holistic and complimentary ways.

A wise boy once said to a silly old bear "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." In trying times I often refer to this quote for comfort and guidance. May it help you in your journey. My prayers are with you both!

During your time as Chancellor, you were a great friend to the SU library system. You helped us bring it up to the standard that a great university should have. I will miss you and wish you a whole recovery.

During your stay answering, you have proved that you could handle adversity with courage and with resolve.

Go orange and go blue

Carl Armani 60, Library Advisory Board

It has been my absolute honor to be a small part of the amazing magic that you brought to our beloved Orange family. From your support to our Hillel, to your students and faculty in all parts of the SU world, to your vision for advancement and engagement- you have catalyzed us all to be better, reach higher and strive. I wish you a speedy recovery, and a long life to share with your beloved family both biologic and Orange !! I cherish knowing you-Barbara Kurman

Thanks for all you did when I was in inclusive u for letting me stay in the dorm being the 1st one to stay in the dorm and it was a pleasure to meet you in person.

Dear Kent,

We met last year and I remember being so impressed with you, not just for your accomplishments at Syracuse, but for who are as a person. I've been getting to know some of your people who are leading AI efforts and they love you for who you are as their leader.

It sounds like you are getting amazing care and have endless support. You certainly have a heck of a lot of people rooting for you. Count me among them.

This journey can't be easy and I hope the discomforts are as few as possible. When you have this behind you, I hope our paths can cross again.

Warmly,

Paul

You got this! Sending positive healing vibes your way from Los Angeles. Here’s to a SUccessful treatment and recovery! See what I did there? LOL! Forever Orange!

Dear Chancellor Syverud:

Our family, along with countless other Syracuse families around the world, wish you a full and speedy recovery as you tackle this difficult physical challenge.

#onceorangeforeverorange

I want to send you all my best wishes. I’m an alum from Newhouse and Whitman, dual major, and met you close to a decade ago at, if I recall correctly, an event at Lubin House. I remember I was impressed by you and you went on to steward SU so well through some difficult times. My daughter attended SU, too, and I enjoyed showing her around campus and helping her move in. Though she did not finish at SU- two concussions 3 weeks apart kind of literally knocked her out of school- she enjoyed her time there and even stayed near campus an additional year before moving to Florida, now just 2+ hours away from where we are in South Florida. The friends both of us made while at SU are still good friends and we both were so glad we went there (in spite of the abominable winter weather).

I remember most of my professors fondly, too.

Kudos to you for continuing to provide such a meaningful experience for so many thousands of people like my daughter and myself.

I send you my prayers and hope you know you are in my prayers and my heart.

Best wishes,

Ed Katz ‘81

I was a student at Syracuse University from 2017 to 2021, and while those years were filled with great memories, they also came with their share of challenges for the university. Throughout it all, I always appreciated how Chancellor Kent Syverud made an effort to engage directly with the student body, addressing concerns openly and making his presence known on campus each semester. Even when I didn’t agree with every decision, I respected his leadership and believed he acted with integrity and the best interests of students in mind. I’m proud to be an Orange alumnus and wish him a speedy recovery.

Chancellor Kent Syverud,

Your leadership has meant more than words can fully capture. The way you've guided and supported this community has left a lasting impression on so many lives, including mine. I am honored to be working at such an amazing University that you helped cultivate. I hope you can feel the appreciation and support all around you. We are all rooting for you! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Gratefully,

Erin Dixon

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Dr. Chen, and your family during this latest challenge in your life. You brought the whole “Orange family" together during your tenure. SU has never been in a better position to face the future. You left the University in very good hands. I know that this latest challenge you are facing is covered and you will be saying, “I got this”.

Peace and Love,

Steve Sartori

Dear Kent (if I may),

I am so, so sorry to hear about your illness. I wanted to send you a note of concern and well wishes for healing, or whatever is the best prognosis in your situation.

I remember with fondness and appreciation the time you hosted me for coffee and our walk in Oakwood Cemetery. I also remember with appreciation how attentively you listened during community meetings, including taking assiduous notes.

I want to thank you for taking decisive action then in changing the consensual relationship policy here at Syracuse University.

I started writing this before I heard of your diagnosis and your sudden departure for Syracuse, so I was going to write more. Now, however, I just want to send you my well wishes and my appreciation.

Finally, as you undergo what no doubt will be a rigorous treatment regime, I invite you to reflect on the beauty of the trees in Oakwood cemetery and to imagine the community of frogs who have emerged in the frog pond I have created in my backyard, sunning themselves on a clear, sunny Syracuse afternoon.

With warmth and concern,

Coran

Estimado Chancellor Syverud,

Solo queria dejarle saber que estoy orando por usted y su familia. Yo se que usted confia y tiene fe en que todo saldra bien. Asi que vamos, mucha fuerza positiva para usted. El mundial de futbol ya se acerca... tenemos que gritar goooooool!!!!

Nos vemos pronto. Un fuerte abrazo!

Fanny

Sending you well wishes and strength!

Chancellor Syverud, and Dr. Chen, as a Professor Emeritus, of The Famous S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, and Alumnus of "The Dynamics of Syracuse University," where you have provided "magnificent leadership over the past decade," I would like to provide my profound "blessings for your recovery from your recent announced health issues.

My trip to the Home of the Orange has providing many fantastic opportunities of working with the greatest array of "Students, Faculty, and Staff" during my many years of service. Your most productive and creative administration was "right on target," in taking the mission of our university, "to Cause Learning to Occur" among all of us, was a manifestation of your vision for the historical timeline of Syracuse University. I will never forget the first time that I had the opportunity to meet you and provided assistance in your quest for solutions of various campus challenges, that we were facing within the "Orange Family." My thoughts about the use of Radio, which has a most important place in the history of the University, allowed us to have a fantastic discussion about its' use during your tenure. But as you endure your recent health diagnosis, "Stay Strong and let the dexterous powers of your wonderful life, with God's Powerful Abilities and sanctification, provide healing and cure for your body." Go Orange! Go Blue! and for your continuous stewardship towards the history of the Military and Veterans Families, on the Campus of Syracuse University, "BZ!"

V/r

Roosevelt "Rick" Wright, Jr., Ph.D., Capt., USN (ret)

Professor Emeritus - "Radio"

Naval Campus Liaison Officer

S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Syracuse University

Dear Chancellor Syverud -

Thank you for your gracious note as always. I have never met you but it seems in character. My wife Pam and I received graduate degrees in 1981 and have followed your incredible leadership over the years. We pray for your recovery and return to health. We deeply thank you for all you have done for Syracuse University. Peace be with you.

Dear Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen,

I was deeply saddened last week when you shared the news about your health. During your tenure here at Syracuse University, I have been greatly impressed by your grace and humility in handling so many difficult and challenging issues on and off campus. I have also been delighted by your joyful sincerity expressed on the occurrence of notable, praiseworthy events. I want to let you know that, every Monday, I lead a small prayer meeting for the Christian Staff and Faculty Association in which we pray specifically for the leadership of the university: you, our new Chancellor, the Provost, Deans, Senior Vice Presidents, Department Chairs, and so forth. We will be praying that God will give you strength and encouragement, and that He will bless you in your time of need.

Sincerely,

Tom

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake." (Psalm 23:1-3)

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

I want to say thank you for your leadership and for everything you have done for Syracuse University.

When I heard the news, it really touched me. You and your dear family are in my thoughts and prayers, and my family’s as well.

I also want to share something personal. I will never forget when you and Dr. Ruth came to our home and brought dinner to check on my wife after her brain surgery. That meant so much to us, and it says a lot about the kind of person you are. My family will always remember that.

Wishing you strength, healing, and a full recovery.

Sincerely,

Alaa Alawaad

I was deeply saddened to hear that you’re facing this difficult challenge, and I wanted to reach out to share my support and warmest wishes with you.

Your leadership and dedication left a lasting impression on so many of us, and your impact continues to be felt throughout the Orange community. I trust you’re surrounded by care, strength, and moments of peace as you focus on what matters most right now.

Please know that you are in my thoughts, and I’m wishing you comfort, resilience, and brighter days ahead.

Thank you for leading Syracuse University through some rough times and doing it with such grace. You are a great leader. I wish you well in the coming months. Sincerely Lola Goldring

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

Please know that all of us at Catholic Charities are praying for you and your family. You are very much on my mind and in my heart.

I know during your tenure at SU you volunteered at our homeless shelter for men. You did it quietly without anyone's knowledge. I will never forget this simple act of compassion and humility. Thank you for being that example in my life.

Wishing you God's Grace in the days ahead.

Sincerely.

Michael F. Melara

CEO

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County

I am sending along my family’s positive thoughts and a virtual hug to the Syverud family as you face this next chapter. We are with you Chancellor!

Sending my prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery from Hawaii.

Dear Chancellor Syverud: I am very sorry to hear the news about your health issues and your diagnosed cancer. I can relate to this situation, as my wife Zoila was diagnosed with colon cancer last year, and was treated with chemo and radio treatments. She is now in remission, monthly monitored via MRI and colonoscopies at Johns Hopkins.

I wish you and your family the very best. I have been with Syracuse University for forty-six years, in all capacities, from graduate student/teaching assistant in 1980, through full time Research Professor for sixteen years, and as a part time professor for the rest of the time. I completed my PhD in Engineering in 1980.

Again, the very best wishes for you and your family

Jorge.

Jorge Luis Romeu, Ph.D.

Department of Mech. & Aerosp. Engineering

I remember waking up at 6am as a freshman for the "I Ran With The Chancellor" event in both of our first years at Syracuse. Afterwards you mingled and spoke with everyone at the event. It was inspiring as a new college student to have a conversation with the chancellor of my new school. Thank you for always making time for students and being such a kind, thoughtful leader. Sending well wishes from New Jersey Chancellor Syverud - Go Orange!

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

Thank you for sharing something so personal with our community. It takes courage and grace to do that, especially in the middle of such a demanding time of year.

Wishing you strength, good care, and hope on this road ahead. Syracuse is lucky to have someone who believes in this institution as deeply as you do.

With warmth and gratitude,

Sandy

Sandy Siquier

Assistant Teaching Professor

Syracuse University

College of Visual and Performing Arts / Film & Media Arts

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”

Martin Luther King Jr.

I’m thinking of you during this challenging time and sending healing thoughts and strength your way as you face this illness. Your positive impact on Syracuse University, the broader community, and the many individual lives you’ve touched is both lasting and deeply meaningful.

You are a true champion of higher education, a servant leader, and a genuinely kind soul. Please know that all of us are standing with you—we will rally around you and your family to offer support, care, and encouragement in the months ahead. Faculty Emerita, iSchool