Joseph O. Lampe ’53, L’55, H’04 was the kind of alumnus that every university wants to have—engaged, fiercely loyal, generous, philanthropic and inspiring. Lampe often credited his alma mater for providing him with opportunities and life lessons that made it possible for him to reach the pinnacle of success in his career. And he never forgot that he started his first year at the University working in the cafeteria. That’s why it’s so meaningful that the new kitchen in the John A. Lally Athletics Complex will be named the Lampe Culinary Hub, thanks to a $1 million gift from his trust, as directed by his trustee and widow, Shawn Lampe.
A $1M gift for a culinary hub in the John A. Lally Athletics Complex honors Joseph O. Lampe ’53, L’55, H’04.
“When Joe was a young boy, his father took him to all the football games. He even got to sit on the bench with the team, and he grew up determined to go to Syracuse University,” says Shawn. “I’ve never known someone to be so in love with his university. And he loved all sports. We often had to cancel social plans to stay home and watch Syracuse basketball games on TV. As the new athletics complex was taking shape, I wanted to honor Joe there in some special way. It made sense to make a gift that would put his name on the kitchen that will nourish every student-athlete in the ‘One Team’ Olympic Sports Dining Hall and the Football Dining Hall.”
The Lampe Culinary Hub and dining halls are centrally located in the new John A. Lally Athletics Complex, which has entered a new phase of development and where construction has commenced on the new Football Operations Center and the “One Team” Olympics Sports Center. The new complex replaces what was once known as the Joseph and Shawn Lampe Athletics Complex. “As a real estate executive and a fundraiser, Joe understood how things must evolve to meet current needs and demands. I know he would be pleased to have his name in a location in the new athletics complex where there will be energy and intention to help students,” Shawn says.
“A native of Syracuse, Joe bled Orange,” said Director of Athletics John Wildhack. “Every Syracuse student, including each one of our student-athletes past, present and future, are the beneficiaries of Joe’s passion for the Block S. We are grateful for the generosity and commitment he and his wife, Shawn, make to the place we are all fortunate to call home.”
“Joe was generous in countless ways, giving of his time and wisdom and wealth, always trying to enhance the student experience from the classroom to the playing field,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “With his name forever present in the new athletics complex, generations to come will know of his contributions and impact on his alma mater.”
Joe Lampe’s connection to Syracuse University runs as far back as his birth at the former Hospital of the Good Shepherd in Syracuse, now known as Huntington Hall. From birth until the day he died on Jan. 25, 2018, he was connected to the University. He earned a degree in speech and dramatic arts and continued his education at the College of Law. He served as a member of the Air Force Reserve at Hancock Field and was called to active duty after completing his law degree.
Joseph O. Lampe ’53, L’55, H’04
Though he did not return to Syracuse, instead building a life and career in Arizona where he had been stationed, he remained connected to campus. He supported the Student-Athlete Fund and established the Joseph O. Lampe Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded to the captains of the football and men’s basketball teams. He also supported Our Time Has Come and College of Law scholarship funds, along with dozens of other scholarship programs. For the College of Visual and Performing Arts, he established the Iris L. Pérez Celis Fund to support studio arts majors from traditionally underrepresented groups.
“When Joe was ready to go to college, his father had a financial setback,” says Shawn. “That’s why he got the job in the cafeteria. He was a determined person. Nothing got in his way when he put his mind to something. He believed his education enabled him to be successful. Joe wanted to help students with financial challenges and give them opportunities to be successful.”
Lampe described his desire to make life better for others in a book about leadership, written by former Syracuse University Chancellor Kenneth A. “Buzz” Shaw. In “The Intentional Leader” (published Aug. 29, 2005), Lampe is quoted: “Work is important to me. I want to work hard and I want to believe that the work I am doing makes things better for people…It is important to me to believe that my time on earth results in the betterment of others.”
Shawn recalls that her husband’s work ethic, loyalty and determination applied to all his dealings with the University. He was on the College of Law Board of Advisors and the Chancellor’s Council. He served on the Board of Trustees beginning in 1987 and was its chairman from 1998 to 2004. “Joe barely missed a meeting, despite the difficulty in flying from Phoenix to Syracuse. In fact, he kept a bag at the campus hotel, so it was ready for him on quick trips,” Shawn says.
In honor of Lampe’s contributions to the University and its students, Syracuse recognized him with numerous awards, including the Syracuse Athletics honorary Letterwinner of Distinction award in 2003, SU Alumni Award in 1984, the Distinguished Service Award from the College of Law in 1991, the George Arents Award for Business and Service to Alma Mater in 2003 and an honorary doctor of laws degree in 2004.
“I knew what Joe was passionate about,” says Shawn. “He had so much energy. Now, his name will live on in a place filled with positive energy.”
Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors closes the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.
The Legends Society is an exclusive group of Syracuse fans, family and alumni who join in this shared vision and are actively supporting the John A. Lally Athletics Complex by making commitments to the capital campaign. Donors to the Legends Society enjoy unique stewardship opportunities in recognition of their support. Learn more about how to support the John A. Lally Athletics Complex and join the Legends Society.
Orange isn’t just our color. It’s our promise to leave the world better than we found it. Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University is poised to do just that. Fueled by more than 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can enhance academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. Forever Orange endeavors to raise $1.5 billion in philanthropic support, inspire 125,000 individual donors to participate in the campaign, and actively engage one in five alumni in the life of the University. Now is the time to show the world what Orange can do. Visit foreverorange.syr.edu to learn more.
