Syracuse University Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics official identity

FALKTALK | ISSUE 17 | MARCH 8, 2023

Students in circle on ground at Pete's Giving Garden

When you support Falk College, you’re supporting students like these Food Studies students who are learning in the field as well as the classroom.

Message from the Dean

Dear Falk College Family,

At the bottom of this newsletter you’ll find information about Boost the ’Cuse, Syracuse University’s annual day of giving on 3.23.23 that provides amazing opportunities for our students. But before you get there, take a moment to meet students Alison Gilmore and David Sobzcak, who haven’t let cerebral palsy stop them from pursuing their dreams; Arcènia Notilija Vilanculo, who came from half the world away to help feed residents on the South Side of Syracuse; and three students whose research is making life better for military veterans and their families.

When you support Falk College and Syracuse University, you’re supporting students like these who have turned their opportunities into life-changing action. Thank you for supporting our students, and we wish you a safe and happy spring.

Diane Lyden Murphy, M.A., M.S.W., Ph.D.
Dean, Falk College

Breaking Barriers

A More Inclusive Society

Woman standing in front of sign at conference

Diagnosed at 2½ years old with cerebral palsy, Alison Gilmore ’24 never had the opportunity to play baseball or softball, but she sure embraced the game. Now, she’s determined to land an analytics position with a Major League Baseball team and become a role model for others. Follow Alison’s journey through this video and story.

Students in Action

Achieving Immortality

In Arcènia Notilija Vilanculo’s home country of Mozambique, there’s a saying that “For someone to be immortal, they have to write a book, have a child, and plant a tree.” Vilanculo ’24 explains how that saying connects with the residents of Syracuse’s South Side.

First and Goal

His goal is to become an NFL coach. But first, David Sobczak ’23 gravitated toward social work and helping others because of the time he spent in hospitals with other children and families who didn’t always have the resources to get the help they needed.

IVMF Fellowships

Three Falk College doctoral candidates-Jacob DeBlois (Exercise Science), Kyle Leister (Exercise Science), and Rachel Linsner (Human Development and Family Science)-received financial support for their research projects related to veteran and military families.

Faculty Excellence

Advancing Disability Rights

This June, Associate Dean of Research Katherine McDonald will be honored for leading community-engaged research with people with developmental disabilities and advocating for the responsible inclusion of adults with intellectual disability in research.

Heart of the Matter

In this Q&A, Assistant Teaching Professor Tristan Martin from the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy answers five questions about relationships, approaching the topic of therapy with your partner, and dealing with loneliness on Valentine’s Day.

Speaker Series

Falk Welcomes Heidi Skolnik

Heidi Skolnik, MS, CDN, FACSM, a national thought leader in nutrition, will be the featured speaker of the Seventh Annual Ann Selkowitz Litt Distinguished Speaker Series at 6:30 p.m. April 20 in Grant Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

In Memorium

Harlan London Remembered

Harlan London, professor emeritus of child and family studies (now the Department of Human Development and Family Science) in the Falk College, was “a very kind and caring person who always displayed humility and compassion.” He passed in December.

Boost the ’Cuse 3.23.23

BOOST THE ’CUSE is 3.23.23! Join your Orange family across the world as we celebrate the best of Syracuse University. Tune in starting at 8:44 a.m. as the NFL Network’s Scott Hanson ’93 anchors 16 live shows featuring the BEST of Syracuse. Go Orange! 🍊