Donor Impact
Investing in the Student Experience
When it reopens in spring 2021, the newly renovated Schine Student Center will be an open, inviting, inclusive and fully accessible space—housing the University’s diverse cultural centers, student activities and organizations, a lively two-floor atrium and more. And within the transformed dining area, an iconic new “booth box” will acknowledge the generosity of Thomas (TJ) and Tara Maher ’93, who chose to celebrate their daughter Kylie’s graduation from Syracuse with a special tribute gift.
As members of the Joseph I. Lubin Society and the Parents Council, the Mahers are among the most involved Orange families, and the fondness for Syracuse begins with Tara’s own student experience in the early 90s.
Our Growing Philanthropic Culture
The Forever Orange campaign is truly for everyone, purposefully structured to include not only a dollar goal, but donor and engagement goals. For the past several years, participation-driven fundraising has attracted a broad range of donors and demonstrated the impact that gifts at all levels can make. And the message is getting through, with increased philanthropy among all constituencies-even in uncertain economic times.
Giving Back and Creating Opportunities: Gifting Textbooks for First-Generation Students
For Shelly Lotman Fisher ’80, a Syracuse University education came with lots of textbooks…and a whole lot more. “I loved every minute of my time there. I grew both educationally and as a person,” she explains. “It really helped give me the confidence to do all the things I’ve done in my life.”
Syracuse Responds, thanks to you!
Through the generosity of donors, more than $1.6 million has been raised for the Syracuse Responds relief effort through gifts to the Dean’s Funds, the Syracuse Responds Fund and the Food Pantry.
Susan Church Andersson ’84 Honors A Season Lost, Supporting the Syracuse Women’s Rowing Program
A January visit with the current Syracuse University women’s rowing team prompted Susan Church Andersson ’84 to make a choice. “I decided if I can support the program, I should do it now.” Andersson’s support will come in the form of a new boat for the program—one that will be named in honor of the season lost due to the COVID-19 world health pandemic.
Grateful and Paying it Forward: Christine Carona ’85 Shares Her Orange Story
Christine Carona ’85 might demonstrate one of the greatest examples of what it means to be Forever Orange. “I’m not exaggerating when I say that Syracuse literally changed my life three times. I’m pretty much the poster child for the impact SU can have,” Carona says.
Elliot J. Stamler ’60 Makes Living Legacy Gift of $5.48 Million to Support Academic Strategic Plan
When Elliot J. Stamler ’60 arrived at Syracuse University in the late 1950s, he was only 17 years old. Now 80, Stamler still recalls the words of Chancellor William P. Tolley, who welcomed the entering class at convocation in Hendricks Chapel: “From now on, you are all Syracusans. Your time here will be an experience you will never forget.”
Robert ’59 and Diane Miron Make $7 Million Gift to Support Syracuse University Libraries, Stadium Project
Just days before the official launch of the largest fundraising campaign in the institution’s history, Syracuse University today announced a $7 million gift from Life Trustee Robert J. Miron ’59 and his wife, Diane.
New Award Fund Honors Former Syracuse Architecture Career Services Director
A generous gift by the deGraffenried Foundation, spearheaded by four Syracuse University alumni, has established the Connie Caldwell Summer Internship Award in honor of Syracuse Architecture’s former director of Career Services.
Syracuse Athletics Recognizes John '82 and Laura Lally for $25 Million Gift Commitment
Syracuse University is pleased to recognize a transformative gift commitment of $25 million from John Lally, Class of '82, and Laura Lally to support the future of Syracuse University Athletics. A graduate of the Whitman School of Management, Lally earned a dual degree in marketing and transportation and distribution management. Lally was an offensive guard for the Orange from 1977 to 1981 and was a three-time letterwinner.
Rockette and John Brunetti: Giving in Dad's Name
Like many of our alumni and friends, Rockette and John Brunetti have a special place in their hearts for their dads and for Syracuse University. It is why they chose to give to the Orange Family in honor of their own.
Generous Gift from University Trustee Rob Light ’78 and Wife Shelly Will Advance Academic Opportunity for Underrepresented Students
The generosity of Syracuse University Trustee Rob Light ’78 and his wife Shelly will support scholarships for historically underrepresented students pursuing studies in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, its Bandier Program in Recording and Entertainment Industries, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA).
Fetner Family Gift Launches Syracuse University NYC-Based Experiential Learning Collaboration
A generous gift from Syracuse University Trustee Harold (Hal) Fetner ’83 and his wife, Nina, will help establish the creation of an experiential learning collaboration in New York City between the Whitman School and the School of Architecture.
SUArt Galleries Announces Major Gift of Photographs: Includes Over 180 Works, Provides Scholarship Opportunities
Jeffrey Hoone, executive director of the Coalition of Museum and Art Centers (CMAC), recently announced the acquisition of a major collection of photographs to the Syracuse University Art Galleries. This collection was an anonymous gift from a Syracuse University graduate, and includes more than 180 photographs by over 75 artists.
Gift Provides Support for iSchool’s Immersion Experiences
Thanks to a generous contribution from a Syracuse University alumnus, students embarking on four signature immersion experiences at the School of Information Studies (iSchool) will have their program fees reduced to $250 through 2023.