FALKTALK | ISSUE 21 | JUNE 12, 2024

Greetings from Syracuse!

As you may already know, Falk College is undergoing a significant transformation designed to best position our students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. By the end of this academic year, Falk will become the first college on a high-research activity campus (R1) to focus on sport-related disciplines.

Meanwhile, a task force led by our newly appointed Associate Dean for Human Dynamics, Rachel Razza, has been charged with reimagining the human dynamics academic programs in Falk and identifying future pathways for their growth and success.

While change is never easy, we remain focused on enriching our students’ personal and professional growth. They are our future leaders, and as you’ll see throughout this newsletter, our students continue to make a lasting impact in the classroom, community, and throughout the world.

Have a wonderful summer!

Jeremy S. Jordan, Ph.D.
Dean, Falk College

Mindfully Growing

It’s a Thursday morning at Elbridge Elementary School, where pre-kindergarten students are learning about healthy eating habits through a program developed and taught by a team of professors and students from multiple departments in Falk College.

Desire to Give Back

As a U.S. Army veteran, School of Social Work graduate student Benetta Dousuah is committed to supporting service members and veterans dealing with mental health challenges. “Our mental health is not taken as seriously as it should be,” Benetta says.

Competitive Edge

From national competitions to the Sport Analytics Championship to the presentation of research at prestigious conferences, the Sport Analytics program is proving to be “the crème de la crème of what Syracuse can offer,” says Falk College benefactor David Falk.

Navigating New Horizons

For U.S. Navy veteran Raul Rosique Jr., a broken leg – and the Ernie Davis movie “The Express” – set him on his path to Syracuse University and a career in physical therapy. Raul graduated this spring with a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science.

‘Truly Critical Work’

At Peck Hall just north of campus, student therapists from Falk College’s Department of Marriage and Family Therapy like Kalila Taylor are providing thousands of much-needed therapy sessions to individuals, couples, and families from the Syracuse community.

Research Recognition

Falk College boasts a robust research community in which students play an active role. Mingxuan (Jessica) Li (public health), Sarah Dellett (nutrition science), and Danny Baris (sport analytics) are three students honored for their research achievements.

With Deepest Gratitude

In May, Falk College honored the five faculty and two staff members who are retiring this year for their contributions and service. The honorees included Thom deLara, Dennis Deninger, Donna Fecteau, Eric Kingson, Eileen Lantier, Dianne Seeley, and Michael Veley.

A Lasting Legacy

Jim Stone ’62, G ’64 has been connected to Syracuse University for more than 60 years, the last 30 as a volunteer with the School of Social Work Board of Visitors, which evolved into the Falk College Advisory Board. He’s now serving as an Emeritus Board Member.

Joining the Team

We’re happy to welcome Skylar Sabbag as Falk’s new director of development. Skylar was already a member of the Syracuse University family as she spent the last three years with the Leadership Annual Giving Team as a leader in fundraising efforts and team culture.

Mark Your Calendar

Syracuse University has finalized the dates for an exciting Fall 2024 on campus featuring Coming Back Together (Sept. 12-15), Family Weekend (Sept. 27-29) and Orange Central Homecoming Weekend (Nov. 1-3). Please visit us during your visit!