Robert J. Miron ’59 and his wife, Diane, lead the ribbon cutting with Chancellor Kent Syverud as Miron Victory Court welcomes its first guests.
On Friday, Nov. 8, members of the Syracuse University community gathered to celebrate the dedication of Miron Victory Court, a new dynamic campus space that physically connects two of the University’s most visited campus facilities—the JMA Wireless Dome and the Barnes Center at The Arch. Named for Life Trustee Robert “Bob” J. Miron ’59 and his wife, Diane, Miron Victory Court is a living testament to their dedication to the University and their support of the Forever Orange Campaign.
“Bob and Diane Miron’s generosity brought this amazing new event space to life,” said Chancellor Kent Syverud. “The Miron Victory Court is the latest example of how transformational gifts through the Forever Orange Campaign create new opportunities for our Orange community to come together. Whether we’re welcoming fans for an indoor tailgate, celebrating an important University milestone or hosting a communitywide event, this will be a place to engage, connect and celebrate for generations to come.”
Miron Victory Court
The enclosed pedestrian concourse is part of the University’s multi-million-dollar project that reimagined and transformed the JMA Wireless Dome experience. Miron Victory Court expands and redefines the JMA Dome’s footprint and will provide a more seamless navigational experience between the Barnes Center and the JMA Dome.
During his remarks, Bob Miron said he was “blown away by the whole thing” [Miron Victory Court] and extended his deep appreciation to the Chancellor; Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer; and several fellow trustees for their support of this vision.
“It’s pretty impressive to see this space in person,” said Bob Miron. “We’ve always had the philosophy, Diane and I, of wanting to give back, and to give back while you can appreciate and see the value of doing it. Syracuse University is where I grew up so it’s been a pleasure for us to enjoy the fruits of our philanthropy.”
The Mirons have supported many academic programs, University priorities and athletic initiatives over the years through service and philanthropy. The Diane and Bob Miron Fund for Academic Success supports academic and student success initiatives within the Syracuse University Libraries, including entrepreneurship efforts like the Blackstone LaunchPad, student services, technology enhancements and the creation and maintenance of student spaces. The Miron Learning Commons on the first floor of Bird Library was dedicated in their honor in 2022.
Members of the University community gathered to celebrate the dedication of Miron Victory Court.
Prior to his retirement, Bob Miron served as chairman and CEO of Advance/Newhouse Communications, where he oversaw the company’s cable television interests. Diane Miron serves on the Libraries Advisory Board. She is a graduate of Kean (then Newark State) College and holds a degree in elementary education and an honorary doctorate degree. Diane taught elementary school for 25 years, then became a teacher advisor on using technology and cable television in the classroom. The Mirons’ daughter, Nomi Bergman, was elected to the University’s Board of Trustees in May and installed on Thursday, Nov. 7—continuing the Miron family’s service to the University.
At the dedication event, several other generous donors were recognized for their support of Miron Victory Court and the JMA Dome transformation, including Trustee Clifford J. Ensley ’69, ’70, G’71 and his wife, Susan; Trustee Edward J. Pettinella G’76, P’09 and his family; and the State of New York.
About Syracuse University
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.
About Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University
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.
