Nearly 1,300 first-year students and transfer students in their first year were honored at the University’s Success Scholars reception last week.
The Success Scholars program recognizes new students who earned a GPA of 3.75 or higher in their first semester, completed a minimum of 15 credits and are in good standing with the University. The honor carries a $500 Invest in Success Scholarship per semester, renewable for up to four years if the student completes 30 credits a year and maintains a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA.
Students mingle at a networking event following the Success Scholars reception Feb. 21 at Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)
“As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Success Scholars, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing a community of scholars, innovators and leaders who will shape the future with their commitment to excellence,” says Kal Srinivas, director for retention and student success. “This event is a testament to the hard work and determination of our students, and we are proud to support them on their academic journey.”
The Success Scholars program was started in 2019 to foster academic excellence and motivate and retain exceptional students. The recognition event also gives students the opportunity to connect with faculty and staff and learn about campus resources like the Renée Crown University Honors Program, Syracuse Abroad, The SOURCE, ’Cuse Works and the Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service.
TianYing Callam
Success Scholar TianYing Callam is a first-year student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS). The Cleveland native says she chose to attend Syracuse for the competitive curriculum, numerous clubs and organizations and wide-ranging opportunities and experiences available to students, as well as the sports programs and strong school spirit. Since arriving on campus, she has worked with the Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service, joined the Boxing Club and attended Orange After Dark events. During the course of her undergraduate years, Callam plans to work in a research lab, study abroad, find internship opportunities and learn more about the city of Syracuse.
“Being a Success Scholar means that I have achieved my goal of being a high-level academic student,” she says. “This achievement gives me the confidence that I have the potential to strive even further than I imagined. This achievement is a result of my active participation in and outside of the classroom.”
Shwetha Srinivasan
Success Scholar Shwetha Srinivasan, also a first-year student in ECS, came to Syracuse from Bangalore, India. She is a Campos Student Fellow at the college’s new Campos Student Center, and she has volunteered with the Shaw Center’s STEM Initiative and participated in SOURCE Explore. She plans to add a second major, study abroad and delve into research.
“I hope to establish and rediscover myself here. The best way to do this is to put myself out there and try as many new things as I can,” she says. “I am honored to be a Success Scholar. To me, this symbolizes the effort I put into my coursework last semester. It shows that working hard always has its reward.”
