University Board of Trustees Recognizes the Campus Community in Overcoming the Challenges of Pandemic

The Syracuse University Board of Trustees expressed its gratitude in a special acknowledgment to the University community for its perseverance during the pandemic. The following recognition was issued by the Board of Trustees.

Celebrating Syracuse University’s Perseverance and Success in the Face of COVID-19
Spring, Summer and Fall 2020

The members of the Board of Trustees recognize the extraordinary achievements of the entire Syracuse University community in confronting and overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with grit and grace, courage and compassion.

Our students demonstrated accountability and flexibility in adapting to innovative methods of in-person and virtual learning, adhering to health and safety practices that made Syracuse University a model among academic institutions around the nation. They rose to the occasion: identifying new ways to socialize, participating in activities—in-person and virtual—while taking the appropriate precautions.

With no model for teaching and researching in the midst of a global pandemic, our faculty conceived new ways to teach using multiple channels, including virtual platforms, and adjusted class and meeting schedules as necessary to meet the learning objectives of all students. Our research scientists focused their work on the novel coronavirus to advance the nation’s understanding of and approach to combatting the virus. They did all of this while balancing professional and personal responsibilities, including homeschooling children, caring for elderly family members and so much more.

Our staff enabled the delivery of a safe living, learning and teaching environment with the implementation of public health protocols, the assembly of outdoor facilities for teaching and gathering, the preparation and delivery of food, the creation of signage to promote health and safety, the development of virtual programming to engage students and alumni, the procurement and application of new technology, and the expansion of resources to support the emotional needs of our students during these difficult times.

Chancellor Kent Syverud and the leadership team, with the tenacious guidance and coordination of Vice Chancellor Mike Haynie, set a sound direction for developing clear and consistent strategies to sustain the safety and well-being of the campus community. Together with experts in epidemiology, biology and engineering, and in collaboration with local, state and national public health officials, they remained nimble and responsive to ever-changing conditions. Their planning and decisions prioritized the health of students, faculty, staff and the Syracuse community.

Collectively, the Syracuse University campus community demonstrated ingenuity, innovation, resolve and resilience. We are grateful to our Orange community for safeguarding the health of our students, faculty, staff and neighbors. So many of you sacrificed so much for the collective good, inspiring confidence in your continued diligence and optimism for the successful completion of the 2020-21 academic year.

Therefore, the Board of Trustees of Syracuse University expresses its deepest appreciation and gratitude to our students, faculty, staff and administration for your profound commitment to the University and the Central New York community, and directs this recognition to be published and placed upon the records of the Board.