Messages for Chancellor Syverud

Chancellor Syverud: Sending you and your family positive thoughts, prayers for great care, full and quick recovery, and strength 💪 in your healing journey. Meanwhile, thank you for all you've done to keep SU strong in these challenging times for higher ed. May great things come back to you in return. Take care. Mark Harf, Whitman MBA '93.

Chancellor Syverud, the past 4 years I have seen the true love and support you hold for our Orange Family. Your commitment to strong leadership has guided this university into an amazing future. Your interest in the Otto program and the importance you place in the work it has done has directly impacted my student experience in a hugely positive way. I hope you know, you reside in the hearts and minds of all of us as you go through this difficult journey. I’m praying you and Dr. Chen find the strength and perseverance to get through these difficult times.

Dear Chancellor Kent D. Syverud,

​I was deeply moved by your message of optimism and courage. I wanted to reach out and share that across the miles, I am rooting for you.

​I still carry the warmth of our meeting in 2023 during my Mandela Washington Fellowship at the Maxwell School. Our discussion on diverse global issues remains a highlight of my time in Syracuse; your genuine interest in our perspectives made a lasting impact on me.

​Thank you for leading with such heart.

Your Orange family is vast, and today, it extends all the way to my home country, Malswi as I send you strength, prayers, and wishes for a steady recovery.

​

With gratitude and solidarity,

​Khwima M. Mkamanga

(2023 Mandela Washington Fellow)

Kent,

From the moment you arrived on campus, you have been an asset to the University. Your early efforts to live in the dorms and truly get to know students set the tone for thoughtful, community-centered leadership that has benefited Syracuse in so many ways.

I was honored to attend your installation when Sandra Day O’Connor spoke, and I always appreciated the opportunity to connect more personally during my time on the VPA Council, especially the visit to your home. It was also a pleasure getting to meet Ruth.

Wishing you all the very best as you focus on your health.

Terry Skuse ’75

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

Sending you and your family strength, light, and a speedy recovery. Thank you for your impact on the Orange community! Wishing the best on your future endeavors!

#foreverorange 🧡

Dear Chancellor Kent Syverud,

I wanted to take a moment to reach out and let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts.

You have led this university with a steady hand, clear purpose, and a genuine commitment to people. That kind of leadership leaves a lasting impact, and it is something many of us have felt and carried forward in our own work.

From my perspective, both in higher education and through my time in uniform, moments like this are when community matters most. Syracuse shows up for its people, and right now, we are showing up for you. You are not carrying this alone.

Wishing you strength, resolve, and the time and space you and your family need in the days ahead. Please know you have the entire SU community behind you, which is unwavering in its support.

Chancellor Syverud,

Please know you and your family are in my prayers during this time. I am grateful for your leadership and love for the SU community. May God grant you strength, peace, and healing as you undergo treatment, and may His presence be especially close to you each day.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” --- Isaiah 41:10

With hope and encouragement, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thank you, Chancellor, for your leadership, dedication, and for making Syracuse University a better place and a top institution! Wishing you strength, resilience, and full recovery.

~ from a Whitman faculty

Dear Chancellor Syverud --

Andy, Teddy, Mack and I were so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and just wanted to reach out to let you know we're all thinking of you.

As a member of the Parents Council, a parent, and an alumna, I’ve had the privilege of seeing your leadership up close — and your work truly does not go unnoticed. From creating the Parents Council, which I've been fortunate enough to be on and as a result get a truly meaningful window into the university, to your deep commitment to the faith program, veterans and ROTC students, club sports, and the opening of the DC center (the list really does go on!) — you’ve built something that feels incredibly thoughtful and connected here at SU.

On a personal note, I’m especially grateful for the way you exposed Mack to the world of law, which led to his role as a TA in your class. That experience meant so much to him.

Thank you, too, for always taking the time to listen. You’ve made what could feel like a large, overwhelming university into a small, beautiful, wonderful, caring community, and that’s a reflection of you and the amazing people you brought to your team at SU.

Above all, please know our hearts and thoughts are with you. Wishing you strength, support, and all the best as you move through the days ahead. We are and always will be #foreverorange.

All the best,

Colleen( '93), Andy, Teddy and Mack ('28) Fisher

Dear Chancellor, difficult times are those in which we need to face our demons with courage and bravery. And in the midst of calamity, we need the ability to balance ourselves on the tide. May you find refuge in God and your family during this challenging time, so that together you can overcome this difficult phase. I wish you all the best. I wish all the best to this warrior who welcomed us so warmly while serving as chancellor in Syracuse.

- Kénia Diva (2024 Mandela Washington Alumna)

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

Wishing the best in your journey to recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Dr. Chen and your family.

Sincerely,

Liz Mattes

As a Michigan graduate (‘88) and parent of a current Syracuse student (‘28) I’ve been grateful for your leadership at Syracuse and proud of our campus connections. On behalf of my family, you’re in our thoughts and prayers.

I will be praying for you, Chancellor. The kindness you showed the SU Catholic community and me during my time at Syracuse is something I continue to reflect on. Some of my favorite college memories were attending Mass and sharing meals with you at your house. My best memory with you was on the day of my Commencement in 2017. It was pouring rain and I saw you driving away from the ceremony, so I ran over and waved. You got out of your car to take a picture with me—that was a special moment for me—thank you. You always make time for everyone. Now it’s our turn to do the same. I am confident alumni around the globe are making time for you now as they keep you in their prayers. May God watch over you now and always.

Dear former chancellor,

It’s with deepest thoughts and prayers I write this to you. I enjoyed working for you my many days at Crouse Hinds Hall. You were always the most kind, sincere, sweet and respectful person and I always looked forward to your good mornings and and bright smiles each and every day!! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for hopes that you’re able to keep strong and fight this. I remain optimistic in the fact that you’ll be able to come through this and stay strong as we know the kind of man you are and the strength you bear! Prayers and best wishes!!!

Dear Chancellor Kent Syverud and Dr Chen,

We are deeply saddened to hear of your recent announcement. Please know that you both have the thoughts and very best wishes of our community in Lockerbie at this time.

Chancellor:

I was deeply touched by your message and the word of your illness. As a member of the faculty for 60 years (and as SU alumni, class of 1956) I thank you for all you have done for our university.

You have met my wife Gerda; she had brain surgery in June 2024 and it was a glioblastoma. Now, almost 23 months later, she is vibrant and at my side. But I know how challenging all this can be for your and your family. Our thoughts are with you.

David

David H Bennett

Meredith Profess of History Emeritus

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

My husband, Eric, and I are both proud alumni and engaged members of the alumni club of CT & Western Mass. I have had the priviledge to engage with you over the years at various alumni events and have truly appreciated the leadership and support you have shown to all volunteer leaders and members of the alumni community.

We were saddened to hear the news of your diagnosis. You have shown positivity, a fighting spirit, and resilience throughout your time at SU. We have no doubt these traits will serve you well as you undertake this next chapter. Wishing you and Dr. Chen the very best as you navigate the road ahead.

Dear Chancellor Syverud - You have been a great chancellor at Syracuse! Great. I'm sure you weren't told that much, if at all, in the Salt City. All I know, Chancellor, is that this life is not easy, and for almost all of us, there are some seemingly inescapable challenges. I gather you've got one such challenge now, but I also gather, from following you as my college alma mater's chief, that you are a formidable soul, who will face it with the same brilliance and panache you have demonstrated to this point. I wish you and your family well, always.

In our few but memorable meetings, you shared amazing stories about your journey through life and it left a great impression on me. Your words of wisdom have played an important role in my time at Syracuse as a junior faculty member. I am incredibly sorry to hear about this diagnosis but encouraged by the support you have all around you. Thank you for all that you’ve given to our community. We are with you in spirit!

Chancellor Syverud,

You have given so much to so many. I’ve admired your leadership and will never forget the OTHC Scholar celebration when I was the keynote speaker. You leaned over after my speech with a half joking request for me to come back to SU as a faculty or staff member. The sentiment warmed my heart coming from someone I had so much respect for. Thank you.

As you gear up for this unexpected journey, I pray for your strength and I call upon the Most High to heal you and restore you back to full health. I ask that you are protected, mind, body and spirit. Be well.

Warm Regards,

Aisha Thomas-Petit

Whitman Class of 1998

SUMA Council Member

Thank you for sharing something so personal with us.

I’m wishing you strength, healing, and peace as you go through treatment.

Your courage and outlook are truly inspiring.

We are rooting for you.

Best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery. Thank you for your leadership and all you have done for Syracuse University.

Vishal Shukla-‘89

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

Thank you for your leadership and for fostering an environment at Syracuse University that has supported our growth. As orange alumni, we have greatly benefited from the interdisciplinary opportunities and strong sense of community you have helped build.

We are thinking of you and your family during this time and hope you are surrounded by care and support.

With sincere regards,

Ruohan Xu '23, G'24

Xinglan Yan '22

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Chancellor Syverud. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the Orange community. You’ve got this! 🧡

Dear Chancellor Syverud and family--

There are not too many times that staff get to interact with a Chancellor, but there was an occasion that I have never forgotten, even though it was many years ago. I attended a reception at your home not too long after you became Chancellor and I felt so welcomed by you and your wife. I have thought back to that evening a lot since I heard the most recent news. One thing in particular that stuck with me (and I know this might seem trivial to others) is how much you loved your dog Lucky (who I also hung out with a little bit). The way you both talked about Lucky convinced me that you were as special as Lucky was and I will never forget the heartful email you sent to everyone when she passed away. I just wanted you to know that the interaction I had with you at that event made a strong impression on me and I knew that you were the kind of person who would be a compassionate and impressive leader. I know others feel that way too. Compassionate people who love animals the way you and your wife do are truly special.

I am praying for you and your family.

Dear Chancellor Syverud and Doctor Chen

Wishing you the best on your journey. I know you can do this. We were always in the elevator up to the 5th floor

Best

Liz

Dear Kent: I'm deeply appreciative of the time you spent mentoring me while I was at Syracuse and giving me the opportunity to work in such a great community. I could fill up the 3,000 character limit simply on my recollection of times with you at Syracuse and how it continues to set me up in my own career.

Because you gave me an opportunity at Syracuse, I now have a job as Provost at my alma mater, which I could never have gotten without my years at SU. My daughter has a Syracuse University degree in Aerospace Engineering and is well on her way to getting a doctorate. More than that, your family welcomed her with open arms when it was just she and I in Syracuse, which made a big difference to her. My wife's career really took off in terms of the instruction and hands-on initiatives she has launched. And now we all know how to clear a foot of snow off a car before frostbite sets in. Maybe this is just another "Syracuse took a chance on me" story -- I heard so many during my years there. I hope those are stories you take pride in; actually, I know they are.

You have a lot of people cheering for you, praying for you, and thinking of you at Clemson. The thoughtful interactions you've had with our leaders here still resonates. We're behind you now and will continue to be in your corner.

Kent and ruth - Laurie and I were very disturbed to hear about your diagnosis. Yet once again you have handled this with grace and perseverence and those qualities will serve you well as battle this cancer. Stay strong, stay positive and fight hard. Our thoughts are with you.

Laurie and Kenny Goodman

Dear Chancellor Syverud,

We are grateful for the time you took to meet and speak with us this past January in Miami. It was truly a pleasure. We are glad we were able to thank you in person for your dedication to Syracuse University. You created the innovative school that our son is so proud to attend today.

Please know that you and your entire family are in our thoughts and we are sending our most heartfelt wishes for your health and recovery.

Warmest Regards,

Mara & Mark Mittentag

Dear Kent.. your tenure at SU leaves great shoes to fill.. I will never forget your and Ruth’s warm welcome receptions at your home, extending your welcome and support of our son Omar during his graduate years at Newhouse, and most notably your steady leadership of this great university.. indeed a whole community- wishing you many more years in health and happiness