Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community

Chancellor Syverud, University Dedicate Wheelchair Ramp for Holden Observatory

Monday, October 26, 2015, By Kathleen Haley
Share
Orange Central Reunion Homecoming 2015 Dedication of Accessibility Ramp to Holden Observatory

The accessibility ramp to Holden Observatory was dedicated during a ceremony on Friday. Photos by Steve Sartori

The moon and the stars—and all the universe—as viewed through the lens of Holden Observatory became accessible to everyone Friday.

The University celebrated the dedication and opening of the new wheelchair entrance ramp for Holden Observatory in honor of Disability Awareness Month, and as part of Orange Central.

Speaking at the dedication, Chancellor Kent Syverud noted the significance of making the observatory available to everyone. It is a primary goal within the recently completed Academic Strategic Plan to “sustain an inclusive, accessible campus of opportunity.”

“One crucial piece of that effort is ensuring that this campus and University are free of any and all barriers to learning and discovery,” Chancellor Syverud said.

Chancellor Kent Syverud addresses audience

Chancellor Kent Syverud addresses the audience gathered during the dedication of the ramp to Holden Observatory.

The ramp signifies that commitment, but it also signifies something greater. “Not just accessible, but beautifully accessible in a way that models inclusion as an integral part of a great education and a great university,” Chancellor Syverud said.

Chancellor Syverud also recognized how the ramp “further reflects Syracuse’s long history of commitment to accessibility and inclusion,” from the College of Law’s program in law and disability studies—the first in the nation—to the work of the Burton Blatt Institute at the University and programs like Inclusive U.

Orange Central Reunion Homecoming 2015 Dedication of Accessibility Ramp to Holden Observatory

University Professor Stephen Kuusisto also spoke at the dedication event of the Holden Observatory ramp.

Those gathered had the opportunity to hear from University Professor Stephen Kuusisto, director of the Renée Crown University Honors Program and professor of disability studies in the Center on Human Policy, Law and Disability Studies in the School of Education.

“I thank University Professor Stephen Kuusisto for his beautiful remarks,” Chancellor Syverud said. “I want all of you to know I am working with Stephen to explore pulling together help from all parts of this great university toward a truly interdisciplinary initiative and disabilities research and education.  I thank him for helping us lead this effort.”

After the dedication, Marvin Druger, professor emeritus of biology and science teaching in the College of Arts and Sciences, led guided tours of the Holden Observatory and the Patricia Meyers Druger Astronomy Learning Center.

The second-oldest building on campus, Holden Observatory has been an architectural icon since its opening in 1887. The new Learning Center is named in honor of Patricia Druger G’74, Marvin Druger’s wife, a longtime administrator in the Department of Biology and the Writing Program, who passed away in January 2014.

Marvin Druger decided to refurbish the observatory in honor of his late wife’s love of astronomy. The renovated observatory was reopened in March 2015.

  • Author

Kathleen Haley

  • Recent
  • Libraries Innovation Scholar Launches Utopia, a Transparent Beauty Brand
    Friday, June 6, 2025, By News Staff
  • Ian ’90 and Noah Eagle ’19 Share a Love of Sportscasting and Storytelling (Podcast)
    Thursday, June 5, 2025, By John Boccacino
  • Blackstone LaunchPad Founders Circle Welcomes New Members
    Thursday, June 5, 2025, By Cristina Hatem
  • Japan’s Crackdown on ‘Shiny’ Names Sparks Cultural Reflection
    Tuesday, June 3, 2025, By Keith Kobland
  • The Milton Legacy: Romance, Success and Giving Back
    Monday, June 2, 2025, By Eileen Korey

More In Campus & Community

Blackstone LaunchPad Founders Circle Welcomes New Members

Syracuse University Libraries’ Blackstone LaunchPad welcomed 34 graduates of the Class of 2025 as new members of the Founders Circle. They were selected in recognition of launching or leading ventures at the University while students, as well as contributing to…

Neal Powless Inducted Into American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame

You could say that lacrosse is in Neal Powless’s blood. Powless G’08, the University ombuds, is a member of the Onondaga Nation Eel Clan. He is the son, grandson and brother of legendary lacrosse players. Powless picked up a lacrosse…

The Milton Legacy: Romance, Success and Giving Back

Growing up, Stacey Milton Leal ’75 and Chris Milton heard countless stories about how Syracuse University brought their parents together in what would turn out to be a fairy tale romance with a happy forever ending. So it was no…

Syracuse University Libraries’ Information Literacy Scholars Produce Information Literacy Collab Journal

Earlier this month, Syracuse University Libraries’ Information Literacy Scholars published their first open access information literacy journal, Information Literacy Collab (ILC). It is available on SURFACE, the University’s open access institutional repository. ILC is a diamond open-access publication by and…

Trip to Atlanta Gives Falk Students ‘Real-World’ Opportunities and Connections

The city of Atlanta is home to professional sports franchises in major leagues: Atlanta United FC (Major League Soccer), the Braves (Major League Baseball), Dream (WNBA), Falcons (NFL), and Hawks (NBA). Atlanta also features professional teams in lacrosse, rugby, and…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2025 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.