Boris Gresely '15
Student Association President
Thank you very much for the honor to offer greetings on behalf of the student body in welcoming our new Chancellor. Since his appointment announcement in September, Chancellor Syverud has been contributing to and paying homage to the student body. I am referring, of course, to the ten days in December when he and Dr. Chen actually lived in Brewster-Boland-Brockway, or BBB as we commonly call it. He was doing his own laundry and eating in the dining hall. Chancellor, with that decision right out of the box, I would say you won us over.
This day marks a new era of leadership, hope and opportunity for all of Syracuse University. There's no question that this is a big responsibility to take on. Our University holds a great legacy that is unrivaled by any other higher education institution in the country.
This is a University with a history of equality—we were one of the first universities s to open our doors to women, African-Amerians, Latinos, the Jewish community, and people whose sex or ethnicity prevented them from being fully embraced by American society. However, Syracuse University recognized that these successful individuals were more than worthy of receiving an education that allowed them to live up to their potential. Our dedication to equality is emphasized through the existence of four multicultural centers on campus-- one of which is the disability cultural center, the first of its kind in the country.
I say these things not just to brag about my school, but also to establish the foundation that Syracuse is built on. I aim to emphasize the responsibility of both student and administration to uphold this proud legacy. I, personally, could not think of an individual more capable of living up this role more than Chancellor Syverud.
As the Chancellor of Syracuse, you are placed on a pedestal high above the rest of the University—if you are not careful, it can become very easy to forget about all levels of students and faculty below you. However, Chancellor Syverud has already done so much to assure me that this will not happen under his leadership. His emphasis on over-communication, of continuously interacting with the student body, of hearing their thoughts, of listening to their questions is undoubtedly one of his greatest strengths. I have had the opportunity to interact with the Chancellor and he has expressed to me many times his interest and respect towards the entire student body. Furthermore, has been kind enough to actually attend a Student Association meeting and answer questions directed at him by members of the Association and the general public. His weekly emails are always consistent in upholding his humor, sincerity and love for Syracuse University. I bring them up as an example of how much he cares about the job and the students, regardless of his executive position.
Therefore, it is with great pride and pleasure that I welcome you and watch in high spirits as you carry the torch that will illuminate this exciting future of Syracuse University.
Thank you.