Plaque presented by Chancellor Syverud to Barnes Center Staff and the Student Experience Team.
In a special ceremony to honor the accomplishments of the Barnes Center Staff and the Student Experience Team during the pandemic, Chancellor Kent Syverud presented them with a commemorative flag and descriptive plaque which read, in part, “This flag flew over Syracuse University throughout the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. Like the University, it became stressed and worn, but it kept flying.”
Chancellor Syverud credited the teams with helping the University stay open for in-person instruction and activities during that challenging time, keeping students safe, healthy and engaged. “We made it!” said Syverud. “A lot of people didn’t think we could do it. It is in large part because of you that we did.”
The Chancellor noted the enormous logistical challenges of the pandemic, including issues with housing, meals, recreation, quarantine, testing, reporting, academic support, career services, mental health, vaccinations and regular health care. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by employees in terms of work-life balance, with so much time devoted to ensuring a student experience that was positive, innovative and engaging. Their collective efforts helped prevent the spread of illness and empower students to care for themselves and for others.
Chancellor Syverud presents the Syracuse University flag, which flew over campus in the pandemic years 2020 and 2021.
The flag and plaque will be a permanent reminder of the accomplishments made by the teams during a time when each individual was called upon to go well above and beyond any job description. “I hope that when you pass by this display, you’ll remember that you were part of an extraordinary effort in an extraordinary year,” said Syverud. “I hope that you’ll feel proud of what this team accomplished. And I hope that you will know how much Syracuse University appreciates all that you have done and all that you will do.”
