SU Statement on Nelson Mandela

Interim Chancellor and Provost Eric F. Spina released the following statement this morning about the loss of Nelson Mandela:

“The Syracuse University community is deeply touched and saddened by the loss of revered world leader Nelson Mandela, who died yesterday at the age of 95. The first black president of South Africa and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, Mandela was a lifetime advocate for justice and equality and led the movement that would ultimately rid South Africa of the scourge of apartheid. A model of determination, fortitude and unshakable compassion, he exemplified the highest ideals of humanity even at great personal cost to himself and his family. Mandela once said, ‘What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.’ Mandela’s life unquestionably was one of transformative significance, and the world is a better place for it.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the Mandela family and to the people of South Africa at this time, and join them in celebrating his extraordinary legacy, which lives on in the hearts and minds of all who share his vision of peace and justice for all of humankind.”