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How Cole Bambini ’24 Manages Dual Majors within Newhouse and College of Arts and Sciences (and dual minors) – it’s Dual-able!

The Magazine, News and Digital Journalism major within the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse highlights storytelling as the foundation on which you showcase your talent and build the reporting, writing, editing and visual skills you need to stand out in a competitive field. Twenty-first century journalism demands diverse skills to craft compelling stories across platforms. The Newhouse major teaches you how to reach your audience, no matter where they are while maintaining the passion and integrity that have made journalism a calling for generations of reporters. Cole is preparing to report, write and edit, as well as produce visual content for ever-growing online platforms and print media.

Simultaneously, Cole pursues a dual major in Spanish Language, Literature and Culture within the College of Arts and Sciences. The major is helping him become even more marketable with the added fluency of a second language. Students enhance their Spanish language skills – the third most spoken language in the world. Additionally, the major explores the literary and linguistic cultures of the Spanish, South American, Central American, Caribbean and Latino peoples.

In addition to a dual major, Cole ambitiously pursues two minors in Information Technology and Management and Sport Management. Information and technology play an important role in how companies operate. Cole is discovering how collecting, organizing, and understanding information can drive business success, in addition to learning how to design information systems and manage technology solutions. And the sport management minor is giving him the tools to possibly pursue a career in the sport industry. Students selecting this minor have an interest in learning about the business, communications, marketing, event planning, economic, global and legal aspects of the sport industry.

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Major(s)|Minor(s):
Magazine, News and Digital Journalism Major, Newhouse School of Public Communications| Spanish Language, Literature and Culture Major, College of Arts and Sciences| Information Technology and Management Minor, School of Information Studies| Sport Management Minor, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics

Graduation Year: 2024

What inspired you to choose Syracuse University?

When I was finalizing my college decision, Syracuse’s dual program between Newhouse/Arts & Sciences was the only program that guaranteed both majors my freshman year. With the help of AP credit, I was able to get right into major-specific courses as soon as I stepped a foot on campus. Furthermore, I really wanted to study abroad, and Syracuse’s centers and programs globally made it a seamless reality. In shorter words, the academics, extra-curriculars, campus life and study abroad is why I chose Syracuse University.

What major(s) are you pursuing and what inspired you to choose these areas of study?

  1. Magazine, News & Digital Journalism
  2. Spanish Language, Literature & Culture 

I always knew I wanted to study media and journalism when I entered college and Syracuse’s program is one of the best in the country. I was originally a broadcast journalism major, but I realized after my first semester that I liked the writing, online and digital aspect more than the on-air and television production. Plus, getting involved early on helped with the change of major too. As for Spanish, I always excelled in the subject from kindergarten to high school and I know learning a second language makes yourself very marketable. Many people ask me why I major in Spanish – I say learning language and culture is hobby of mine while it also can help me professionally.

My Minors: 

  1. Information Management & Technology 
  2. Sport Management

Tech and data are becoming for integrated into the journalism field and I knew the iSchool’s program could complement my studies. I’ve taken courses on web-design, human-centered design and business communication. As for sport management, my journalistic goals and involvement are centered around sports. It’s my main passion. Learning how sports integrates with a changing society is important to know especially when you’re conveying factual information as a journalist.

What has been your favorite class at Syracuse and why?

This is tough, there’s many to choose from. I’ll choose one for each of my majors.

  1. JNL 345 – Business & Ethics of Journalism in a Changing World
  2. SPA 400 – Spanish Media, Film & Pop-Culture (Syracuse Madrid Center)

JNL 345 delves into real-world ethical issues of journalism and how we as journalists should approach certain situations when we get there. The class is case-study based so even though it was about 70 people, people could easily participate. Furthermore, the professor included examples from news, sports, entertainment, and politics to fit everyone’s interests.

SPA 400 – When I studied abroad in Madrid (Summer 2021), I took this course about Spanish media and how that plays a role in the nation’s society. We immersed ourselves in the culture, going out into the city to the various neighborhoods to learn about the culture. The course spanned from historical Spain to contemporary Spain.

Can you share what you’re involved in outside of the classroom and provide details on your roles in these organizations, clubs, and projects?

  1. The Daily Orange – this is my main involvement on campus. I’ve been with the publication since the fall of my freshman year. I work in Sports and just finished up my term as Sports Editor this past spring. One of my favorite highlights is covering SU men’s soccer national championship win in December 2022, in-person. In addition to editing, I’ve reported on women’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, volleyball, rowing and I will do men’s basketball in the winter. I have also traveled to Boston, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Ithaca, Greensboro to cover sporting events for the D.O – not on my dime 🙂 
  2. Peer Advisor Newhouse School – I help with freshmen as they acclimate to life on campus and specifically the Newhouse School. I also served as a teacher’s assistant for COM 100, a introductory seminar for Newhouse freshmen and I was able to share my experiences and advise with them.
  3. Global Ambassador for SU Abroad – I represent my abroad programs and provide information to any student that is interested in studying abroad. I’m currently on my second abroad trip (EuroTech) and I highly recommend studying abroad

Abroad Programs

  1. Madrid, Summer 2021 – With my Spanish major, I knew I wanted to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, and so Syracuse’s Madrid program made that possible. Because with two majors and two minors is complicated, I chose summer after my freshman year to easily fit into my degree. I also knew I was a little young to get an internship, so rather than taking a job back home, I did something more adventurous. While at SU Madrid, I took two courses for 6 credits: SPA 300 – Spanish Society & Culture, SPA 400 – Media, Film & Pop-Culture. Even though we couldn’t travel outside of Spain because of pandemic restrictions, I still traveled to Barcelona, Valencia, Segovia and Toledo while being based in Madrid.
  2. EuroTech, Short-Term, Summer 2023 – I knew I wanted to study abroad again, and I just didn’t know how at first, but these short term programs fit the bill. EuroTech is through the iSchool and for my minor, I am part of the program where we take a class called IST 360 (Global Enterprise Technology) and go abroad all over Europe. We learn how companies integrate tech, data, AI, etc. into their business practices especially in a changing world. On this trip, We have visited Oslo, Norway; Copenhagen, Denmark; Lund, Sweden; Malmö, Sweden; Hamburg, Germany; Berlin, Germany; Brussels, Belgium; Paris, France; Turin, Italy; and Milan, Italy. Some companies included in the 16-day trip include Accenture, Space10, NNIT, the European Union Commission, and Siemens Energy. 

Syracuse makes it seamless to study abroad multiple times. As I write this, I’m on a train from Berlin to Brussels for my second abroad program. 

What is your favorite on campus location and preferred off campus location to eat, study, or relax?

On-campus: I’d say Food. com in Newhouse. I spend a lot of my time there. They have great breakfast sandwiches and smoothies.

Off-campus: Recess Coffee is Westcott is a calm spot. I also enjoy going to the various restaurants downtown such as Dinosaur BBQ & Pastabilities.

What classes will you be enrolled in for this upcoming fall semester?

  1. COM 505 – Communications Law for Journalists
  2. JNL 530 – International Reporting
  3. IST 195 – Introduction to Information Technologies
  4. SPM 348 – Digital Media in Sport

(I’m also taking FST 422 Beer & Wine Appreciation, but I didn’t include that in the main list)

What advice and tips would you give to prospective applicants interested in pursuing your program/majors at Syracuse? 

You can really customize your MND major. I personally focused on newspaper and online journalism, but some people prefer data journalism or magazine-based writing. I also think getting involved is what makes your experience in the classroom better. I love sports, but the major isn’t based on sports. So, I became heavily involved in the Daily Orange Sports’ Section and picked up a Sport Management minor to complement. Newhouse teaches you the skills to be a great journalist, but your involvement is how you customize and personalize your experience. As for Spanish, I really enjoy traveling and learning about culture. I got to apply my Spanish major in Spain. Plus, the courses aren’t solely grammar/vocab based. As you make your way up, you can take literature or culture-based courses. I’ve taken SPA courses such as Hispanic Journalistic Practices & Teaching Methodologies for Second-Language Acquisition.

What is your dream job and goal(s) after graduation?

I don’t know exactly, but I want to do something in the sport communications/media field that incorporates international travel. With my majors and minors, I will have a vast skillset to which I think I can apply to many companies, publications and beyond.

Exploring Electrical Engineering with Ellie Parkes ‘26

The electrical engineering major within the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse empowers students to become part of an exceptionally collaborative group who combine knowledge, problem solving ability, leadership and communication skills to set a new industry standard in engineering. Interdisciplinary learning is helping Ellie tackle diverse challenges in cybersecurity, robotic controls, treatment of disease, optical and satellite communications, microelectronics for computers and beyond. Within the College of Engineering and Computer Science, future engineers and computer scientists learn to create new knowledge and technologies through ten undergraduate majors. Students have access to nationally regarded research centers, state-of-the-art lab spaces and challenging internships.

Additionally, Ellie continues to challenge herself with a dual minor in logic and mathematics within the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell offers a broad array of exciting degree programs and experiences in the sciences and mathematics, the humanities and social sciences.

Major(s)|Minor(s): Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science| Logic and Mathematics minors, College of Arts and Sciences| Renée Crown University Honors Program

Graduation Year: 2026

What inspired you to choose Syracuse University?

I was indecisive regarding what I was looking for in a college. My mom used to always joke that the tours were pointless because I said I could be happy at every school we visited. When I visited Syracuse, I thought it might be too big or not what I was looking for, but the opposite was true. Every concern that I had disappeared after meeting with the dean and faculty working in the admissions offices of my college. I knew that I wanted a big school, but somewhere where I could still have my small community and being able to meet with these people really helped solidify my confidence in Syracuse.

What major(s) are you pursuing and what inspired you to choose these areas of study?

I am currently an electrical engineering major with a dual minor in logic and mathematics. I ended up switching my major three times my freshman year, and finally settled on electrical engineering. I really love the flexibility you have in changing your major, even in a very structured curriculum such as engineering. I ended up with my minors because I really loved the classes that I took my first year, and because I was ahead on credits as well as the flexibility of my electives, I was able to add both.

What has been your favorite class at Syracuse and why?  

My favorite class so far at Syracuse has been Linear Systems and Linear Systems Lab (ELE 251 and ELE 292). This is the class that inspired me to change my major to electrical engineering. I really enjoyed the hands-on aspect of the class, and seeing in real-time the way that manipulating circuits could change their outputs was really interesting.

Can you share what you’re involved in outside of the classroom and provide details on your roles in these organizations, clubs, and projects?

Outside of the classroom, I’m involved in several organizations across campus. I give campus tours through University100, our student tour guide organization. I also hold a chair position for the Syracuse chapter of IEEE, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Additionally, I work with the College of Engineering and Computer Science admissions office through their ECS Excelerators program, and I am a brother of our professional technology fraternity and I hold a chair position for this organization as well.

What is your favorite on campus location and preferred off campus location to eat, study, or relax?

My favorite on campus location to study is definitely the fourth floor of Link Hall. If you ask any other engineering student, they will probably agree. The view of the quad is stunning from above, and it’s a super convenient spot for studying before or after class!

What classes will you be enrolled in for this upcoming fall semester?

This upcoming semester I’m taking a few interesting classes including:

  • ECS 392 (Ethical Aspects of Engineering and Computer Science)
    • ELE 231 and 291 (Electrical Engineering Fundamentals and Lab)
    • PHY 212 and 222 (General Physics II and Lab)
    • MAT 375 (Introduction to Abstract Mathematics)
    • MAT 485 (Differential Equations and Matrix Algebra for Engineers)
    • HNR 220 (O.U.R. L.E.A.D.E.R.S.H.I.P. Collective Conversations) – This class focuses on the analysis of ideology and political socialization with an emphasis on public deliberation)

What advice and tips would you give to prospective applicants interested in pursuing your program/majors at Syracuse?

For students going into engineering specifically, don’t be afraid to take a class or join an organization outside of engineering or STEM in general. Some of the most incredible people I have met and friends I have made have come from the classes that have had nothing to do with my major. Additionally, join the Living Learning Community! Engineering is not a degree you achieve by yourself, and being surrounded by peers who are more than willing to help you is a great way to meet people and do well in your classes! As an applicant, definitely show that you are well rounded and have experience doing things other than engineering. I know it seems counterintuitive, but the skills you will take away from these other activities will make you a better engineer, and a more well-rounded applicant.

What is your dream job and goal(s) after graduation?

After I graduate, I definitely want to travel; I love exploring new places and seeing what makes each place unique! Eventually, I hope to get my doctorate in Electrical or Electronics Engineering. I hope to work in hardware component design and maybe even become a professor.

Exploring Sport Management and Enterprise with Erin Moore ’25

The sport management major within the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics at Syracuse is a true ticket into one of the largest and most exciting industries in the world. A combination of program-specific courses, professional electives, and liberal arts requirements are positioning Erin to turn her passion for sports into a rewarding career in sport business, finance, athletic planning, sports organization management, and far beyond.

To complement her major, Erin is simultaneously pursuing a minor in emerging sports enterprise – an 18-credit minor designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to be successful in an increasingly entrepreneurial and evolving sport industry. Erin has the opportunity to customize the minor with classes focusing on areas of interest such as entrepreneurship in sport, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) management, revenue generating functions such as sport sponsorship and ticket sales, digital and social media marketing in sport, esports management, and additional areas of interest to be developed as the industry continues to evolve.

Hometown: Wappingers Falls, New York
Major(s)|Minor(s):
Sport Management Major, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics| Emerging Sports Enterprise Minor| Renée Crown University Honors Program

Graduation Year: 2025

What inspired you to choose Syracuse University?

When I was applying to colleges in 2021, the world was still on lockdown. Everything that I learned from schools was what I was able to grasp from websites and self-guided tours. This made it hard to get a true understanding of what I needed in a university. Luckily, Syracuse hosted an admitted student’s event on campus just before decision day. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, it was evident that every staff member and student was excited to help prospective students like me. This is something about Syracuse that has yet to falter since I officially committed. The Orange community is so passionate about seeing their students succeed!

 What major(s) are you pursuing and what inspired you to choose these areas of study?

I am studying Sport Management with a minor in Emerging Sport Enterprise. I grew up doing sports, so I always knew it was a passion of mine. However, something that really draws me to sports is that the industry is always changing. I love hearing from industry professionals who say that they have never had the same day twice!

 What has been your favorite class at Syracuse and why?

My favorite class that I’ve taken at Syracuse was SPM 330: Name, Image, Likeness taught by Professor Dave Meluni. Professor Meluni often quotes that Syracuse was the first school to offer a class for NIL! I loved this class because it allowed me to gain insight into one of the newest aspects of the sport industry. In the class, each student was paired with a student-athlete from Syracuse’s women’s lacrosse team. I was lucky enough to be paired with Megan Carney, an All-American and World Champion lacrosse player. For my final project, I created a personalized marketing deck for Megan that included elements like a merchandise line, social media infographics, and five prospective brands for a potential NIL deal. I loved being able to create this NIL deck for Megan because it gave me experience in a part of the sport industry that many industry professionals are still trying to figure out. We also got the chance to hear from some amazing guest speakers that prompted intriguing class discussions. I just wish I was allowed to take this class again because I know that the developing world of NIL would provide a totally different experience each time!

Can you share what you’re involved in outside of the classroom and provide details on your roles in these organizations, clubs, and projects?

I am involved with many organizations at Syracuse. Firstly, I am a University 100 tour guide. I love being a part of the admissions process for prospective families to answer their questions and show them our university. Since this was an experience that I missed out on when applying to colleges, it is fulfilling to now get the opportunity to help new prospective students and families!

Additionally, I am an intern with Syracuse University Athletic Communications. In this role, I work both in the office and on game days with Syracuse’s Sports Information Directors. I love being an intern at SUAC because it allows me to gain experience in the sport industry right on campus. In this past year alone, I was able to work with Syracuse’s football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, field hockey, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, and volleyball teams. I even got the opportunity to write pre-game stories for the men’s lacrosse team that were shared on Syracuse Athletics’ website, Cuse.com!

I am also the Communications Chair for Women in Sports & Events. This is a student organization that provides networking opportunities and professional development activities for women who are pursuing careers in sports. At the end of the most recent semester, I was lucky enough to attend an immersion trip with members of WISE! We traveled to Boston and got to network with industry professionals from the Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, Gillette Stadium, Fenway Sports Management, ISlide, and so many more incredible organizations!

Finally, I am a member of Sport Management Club. My favorite thing about being a member of SPM Club is working on our annual Charity Sports Auction. Each year, SPM Club chooses a CNY charity to be the beneficiary of the auction. Then, we spend the entire semester gathering donation items, marketing the auction, and finding sponsors to partner with us for the event. The semester culminates with SPM Club hosting the auction in the backcourt of the JMA Wireless Dome during a men’s basketball game. Last year, we raised over $52,000 for Vera House in a single weekend. It is so rewarding to not just give back to the Syracuse and CNY community, but also build lasting relationships with other members of SPM Club along the way.

What is your favorite on campus location and preferred off campus location to eat, study, or relax?

My favorite spot on campus is Falk Cafe. As a student of Falk College, I love going to Falk Cafe because I always see a familiar face! I also think Falk Cafe has the best food of all the academic cafes around campus. My favorite spot to get food off-campus is Original Italian Pizza, or OIP. OIP often gets overlooked because of the popularity of Varsity, but its location in relation to South Campus made it the go-to spot for my roommates and me over the past year.

What classes will you be enrolled in for this upcoming fall semester?

In the fall, I will be taking five different classes. – SPM 345 – Technology in Sport Management – SPM 365 – Sport Economics – FIN 301 – Essentials of Finance – EEE 378 – Imagination, Entrepreneurship, and Creative Problem Solving – WRT 307 – Advanced Writing Studio: Professional Writing

What advice and tips would you give to prospective applicants interested in pursuing your program/majors at Syracuse?

My biggest advice to applicants is to take advantage of the events that Syracuse offers for prospective students. From campus tours, to Q&A panels, to even getting the opportunity to sit in on a class, the events that Syracuse hosts will be so beneficial in helping you learn what SU has to offer! For students interested in a career in the sport industry, you won’t regret choosing Falk College’s program. We are given so many hands-on opportunities to grow as professionals, as leaders, and as human beings. I have loved every second of my time in Syracuse’s Sport Management program!

What is your dream job and goal(s) after graduation? My answer to this question changes almost every day. With every new thing that I learn about the sport industry, I learn of a new career or job that I wasn’t aware of before! However, I’ve always had a passion for college athletics. It would be my dream to work for a Power 5 school’s athletic department.

Dominic Chiappone ’24 Studies History and Journalism in his Quest to Pursue a Career in Sports Journalism

The history major within the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse is committed to developing students’ writing and research skills to better understand the past, interpret the present, and face the future. History majors learn important skills that employers value, including how to conduct independent research and critically evaluate information. 

Dominic has strategically complemented his history coursework with a second major in broadcast and digital journalism within the Newhouse School. He’s applying his skills both on the camera and behind the scenes – reporting, researching, writing, editing, news directing and producing for different platforms. All in preparation to work in radio, television and on the web for multimedia news organizations.

Hometown: Miami, Florida
Major(s)|Minor(s):
History, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs | Broadcast and Digital Journalism, Newhouse School of Public Communications | Spanish minor, College of Arts and Sciences

Graduation Year: 2024

What inspired you to choose Syracuse University?

I come from a background as a prospective student who had no connections to Syracuse University when I was applying to colleges as a high school senior. I never formally toured Syracuse, which makes working as a tour guide for over two years now humorous, in hindsight. I was selected as a Maxwell Leadership Scholar, but I missed out on an official visit to Syracuse by a few days following the shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I thought for endless hours about where I would commit, but at the end of the day, Syracuse provided the most opportunities. Syracuse is the ideal place to attend if you want a balance of incredible reputation, outstanding academic achievement and recognition, and unsurpassed school spirit.

Most importantly, it’s always about meeting new people for me. I come from what many in my community call “The Miami Bubble.” Out of my broader high school community, not many students have chosen to attend college out of state. I decided to take that one step further and travel over 1,400 miles away from home. Syracuse gives you the opportunities to get out of your comfort zone and has allowed me to meet peers I never would have met otherwise. These individuals are now my co-workers, friends and family.

What major(s) are you pursuing and what inspired you to choose these areas of study?

I’m currently double majoring in history as well as broadcast and digital journalism with a minor in Spanish. I’ve always been a die-hard history nerd since even before high school, and the Maxwell School’s reputation as one of the best social science institutions in the country was an important reason why I came to Syracuse. I was so distanced from knowing about Syracuse that I didn’t even know about the Newhouse School until I got here, so I made the decision to submit an intra-University transfer after my freshman year and add the broadcast and digital journalism major to my degree studies. It’s safe to say that was easily the best life decision I’ve made up to this point with the endless opportunities I’ve had as a journalist on campus.

What has been your favorite class at Syracuse and why?

BDJ 353: Television Sports Anchoring and Reporting will always remain #1 on my list and here’s why: it embodies what the purpose of a Syracuse education is. At Syracuse, you won’t be sitting down in a big lecture hall for eighty minutes and listening. Instead, you will be pushed to your creative limits in a hands-on learning environment. In the context of employment, a big factor is showing something to an employer that you are proud of like a resume, portfolio, reel, paper or anything tangible that I know if I submit, I can be proud of it.

Can you share what you’re involved in outside of the classroom and provide details on your roles in these organizations, clubs, and projects?

I’ve embraced the journalism side of myself and currently work for a few media organizations, including as an assistant news editor for The Daily Orange and a political analyst for CitrusTV’s Talking Points and Market Shares shows. Connections with the University allowed me to pick up a gig with SB Nation’s Nunesmagician.com, where I work covering men’s and women’s basketball and have gotten endless opportunities to write and create content.

I’ve also been a University100 team member since my freshman year, giving tours to families and providing them with an unforgettable experience that I never got but always wished I had. I also currently work as an intern for Senator Chuck Schumer at his Syracuse office, and I’ll be working this summer for Senator Schumer in Washington DC as a press intern.

Recently, I was selected as a Remembrance Scholar for the 2023-2024 academic year and will also continue my role as an Honors Peer Mentor for Syracuse’s Honors Program.

What is your favorite on campus location and preferred off campus location to eat, study, or relax?

Destiny USA is always a memorable time for an off-campus adventure, but downtown Syracuse has some of the best restaurants I’ve been to. The Westcott neighborhood is home to a few favorite dining experiences, including Rise ‘n Shine, among others.

What classes will you be enrolled in for this upcoming fall semester?

BDJ 342 – TV/Digital News Reporting

JNL 345 – Journalism Business and Ethics

COM 505 – Communications Law for Journalists

SPA 402 – Hispanic Journalistic Practice

What advice and tips would you give to prospective applicants interested in pursuing your program/majors at Syracuse?

Don’t be afraid to take risks, as one of my interviewees for a Daily Orange story I did (Christopher Perello) told me. This is a school all about making it worth your while with the opportunities you can have in and out of the classroom.

What is your dream job(s) and goal(s) after graduation?

Sports journalism has been my recent passion, especially opportunities to cover college sports as a beat writer!

Additional contexthttps://www.syracuse.edu/stories/dominic-chiappone-academic-path/

Portfolio Websitehttps://dchiappone20.wixsite.com/portfolio

Exploring Selected Studies in Education – An Experience Outside of Teaching with Madeline Hurlbert ‘26

Ideal for students interested in exploring educational issues and careers related to education, the selected studies in education (SSE) major at Syracuse is designed for students committed to having a role in social change. SSE has given Maddie the flexibility of studying and exploring a wide breadth of education-related topics without having to follow a teacher certification track.

Simultaneously, Maddie is pursuing a minor in women’s and gender studies, hoping to continue exploring and understanding the complex ways that ideas and practices about gender shape the world around us. Issues of justice, social and economic transformation, and women’s agency are central to the minor and the curriculum emphasizes race, ethnicity, nationality, class, age, sexuality and different abilities as categories of study.

Hometown: St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Major(s)|Minor(s):
Selected Studies in Education (Post-Secondary and Human Services), School of Education | Women’s and Gender Studies minor, College of Arts and Sciences

Madeline (Maddie) Hurlbert (she/her)

Selected Studies in Education: Post-Secondary and Human Services

Women’s and Gender Studies minor

Syracuse University | Class of 2026

School of Education

College of Arts and Sciences

What inspired you to choose Syracuse University?

I chose Syracuse University for its location, campus energy, and unique academic opportunities. I live in a tiny town in Northeast Vermont, so I wanted to go to a much larger school to be around more people consistently and experience and learn from various people from different backgrounds. Along with the size of the school and the diversity of people, I was also amazed by the energy displayed on campus, even in the summer when I toured the campus for the first time. I felt so comfortable on campus even before I applied, and I just knew I would wear orange and blue for the next four years and beyond. In addition to campus life, I can also be a part of a unique program in the School of Education that allows me to explore educational careers that do not involve teaching. Instead, I can create my own path and take classes that set me up for success in the working world.

What major(s) and minor(s) are you pursuing and what inspired you to choose these areas of study?

I am pursuing Selected Studies in Education with a concentration in post-secondary and human services. I want to be involved in education and help others outside the classroom. Many faculty members, like school counselors at my high school, were my most extensive support systems, and they kept me motivated throughout my time as a high school student. So I knew I wanted to help people find what they’re passionate about and what motivates them to receive some form of education, whether college, trade school, the military, etc. In addition to my major, I am also pursuing a minor in Women’s and gender studies. I have always had a passion for human rights from a young age. Understanding how gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, etc., affects individuals and communities is essential in helping students find their passions and future careers.

What has been your favorite class(s) at Syracuse and why?

So far, my favorite class at Syracuse has been Gender and Popular Culture. I have always been interested in both subjects, so I knew the class would be fun and academically fulfilling, given it was a slightly more challenging course. In addition, the class emphasized current events and how women and gender studies are used in our everyday lives, not just in academia. The class also followed recent events in popular culture and was more discussion based, which was my favorite part.

Can you share what you’re involved in outside the classroom and provide details on your roles in these organizations, clubs, and/or projects?

Outside of the classroom, I am a U100 student ambassador, a member of the Executive Board for Ottos Army, a general body member for Camp Kesem, and have recently been selected as a peer advisor for the school of education. As a U100 student ambassador, I give campus tours to prospective and admitted students, work admissions events and help in any way I can within the admissions office. Ottos Army is the student section at Syracuse University, so all students are members. The organization leads the student sections and plans events to raise money for the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation and to increase student participation at athletic events. In addition, I am on the Executive Board for Ottos Army as the secretary. As the secretary, I take meeting minutes, organize meeting spaces, and maintain communication between the E-Board and general body members. Recently, I have been selected as a peer advisor for the School of Education, which I am very excited about. As a peer advisor, I will help first-year SOE students transition into Syracuse University and the School of Education.

What is your favorite on-campus location and preferred off-campus location to eat, study, or relax?

My favorite on-campus location is Schine Student Center! My favorite off-campus location is Salt City Coffee or Pastabilites!

What classes will you be enrolled in for this upcoming fall semester?

1. The American School

2. American Sign Language 1

3. Introduction to Communication and Science Disorders

4. Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies

5. Human Diversity and Social Context

What advice and tips would you give prospective applicants interested in pursuing your program/major at Syracuse?

Take a wide variety of classes! You never know what you will like and want to pursue further. Network outside of your major/program! Many careers can be created through education (athletics, marketing, communications, business, etc.). Stay involved! Getting involved in various activities with leadership opportunities is a great way to gain self-confidence and leadership skills.

What is your dream job and goal(s) after graduation?

After graduation, I aim to transition into receiving my graduate, master’s degree. I would also love to travel and research education and curriculum systems. My dream job would be to work in a private high school or university as an advisor or counselor, and then pursue opportunities in leadership within the department I work in.

Learning How to Put Ideas into Action – Exploring the Citizenship and Civic Engagement Program with Ellen Clark ‘25

Ellen chose Syracuse University with the intention of attending school in the east coast and becoming a well-rounded citizen and practitioner through a program that offered flexibility, eye-opening real-world opportunities, and rewarding internship placements. The citizenship and civic engagement major at Syracuse blends the crosscutting interdisciplinary concerns of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs—policy research, conflict management, community collaboration, civic leadership, and the administration and operation of civil society organizations and government agencies.

Students pair this nationally unique curriculum with any Syracuse major of policy relevance, using the “companion major” as another lens through which to view and contribute to the public good. Ellen chose to complement her Maxwell program with a dual major in political philosophy at Syracuse. Ellen will certainly be graduating Syracuse prepared for careers in the areas of policy, government, public affairs and beyond!

Hometown: Sandpoint, Idaho; Born and raised in France
Majors:
Citizenship and Civic Engagement & Political Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship

Ellen C. Clark ‘25

Political Philosophy, B.A.

Citizenship and Civic Engagement B.A.

College of Arts & Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

Renée Crown University Honors Program 

What inspired you to choose Syracuse University?

      In my search for schools that were as far away from Idaho as possible, when I would find a school on the east coast, I’d ask my east-coast-raised mom if she was familiar, and then either add it to the list or move on. When I found Syracuse, I turned to my mom and asked her what she thought. From that moment on, my mom was convinced that Syracuse was going to be where I ended up. She stopped entertaining other schools long before I did because she knew that Syracuse was where I was bound to be. 

      After touring a different university, I realized that Syracuse’s community was unmatched. The ability to engage so strongly with other schools and colleges really spoke to me, because at other schools, when you’re in a particular college, you’re locked in, and there isn’t a ton of engagement. Here at Syracuse, I know so many people who are double majors in two different schools so that they can perfectly curate the education they’re seeking, and I really love that. My own majors also played a role in choosing to go here. Citizenship and Civic Engagement is such a unique program that I absolutely couldn’t pass up. However, the thing that still sticks out to me about choosing Syracuse is that it was my Goldilocks school; it was just right. It has just the right amount of athletic and social life that I enjoy, and just the right amount of research opportunities and academic rigor for me to thrive.  

What major(s) are you pursuing and what inspired you to choose these areas of study?

      My majors are Citizenship and Civic Engagement, and Political Philosophy. When I was first looking at Syracuse, I came across the Citizenship and Civic Engagement (CCE) major and I was immediately interested in it because of its flexible and personalized approach. CCE allows their students to personalize their education by having a second major (mine is political philosophy) and engaging in coursework and an internship placement that fully relates to whatever the student chooses to study and pursue. I’ve been able to combine my interests in philosophy with my interests in community work which has been such a unique and rewarding experience. 

What has been your favorite class at Syracuse and why?

      I’ve had too many incredible classes with awesome professors to choose a favorite, but I’d say the ones that have made the greatest impact on me are:

            MAX 201 – Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences

            PHI 317 – Social Contract Tradition and Its Critics

            PHI 417 – Contemporary Political Philosophy

            HNR 360 – Education in Post-Apartheid South Africa and the U.S. as an Oppressor + Liberator

      Each of these classes has given me something unique and powerful. MAX 201 taught me that I enjoy research and asking questions, which ultimately led me to becoming a Young Research Fellow. PHI 317 taught me that I’m capable of writing my own original pieces of philosophy, which is an achievement I’m extremely proud of. PHI 417 taught me that having incredible professors who believe in you is invaluable, and last but certainly not least, the specific honors course about South Africa allowed me to look beyond my comfort zone and understand systemic issues that face us all. It also inspired me to study abroad in South Africa this summer of 2023!

Can you share what you’re involved in outside of the classroom and provide details on your roles in these organizations, clubs, and projects?

I do a bunch of stuff to stay involved and engaged on campus which all bring me so much joy and fulfillment! 

  • I’m a resident advisor (RA) for the Maxwell LLC in Lawrinson, which has taught me so much about community building and problem-solving. 
  • I’m a tour guide with U100, which is the best job I’ve ever had in my life, I absolutely love sharing how awesome Syracuse is with others. 
  • I’m the president of the philosophy club here on campus and it’s been such an incredible experience to have built this club from the ground up after its tragic demise thanks to Covid. I’ve met so many people who bring forth such unique perspectives and it’s been such a treat to create a space where everyone can share them.
  • I’m the vice president of the New York Zeta Chapter of the philosophy honors society Phi Sigma Tau, which I helped a good friend found this past year to honor high-achieving philosophy students! 
  • I was also elected as the vice president of the community service organization H.E.L.P., which donated hundreds of pounds of food and clothing to local shelters and organizations this past semester, an achievement I’m incredibly proud to have been a part of.
  • I’m the Logistics Coordinator of our undergraduate Mock Trial team, which has taught me so much about teamwork, and working under pressure. 
  • I’m also a Young Research Fellow, which means that I run my own research program, researching civic engagement, what affects it, and how we can strengthen it.
  • Finally, I’m a member of our Forever Orange Student Alumni Council (FOSAC), which has truly shown me that once you’re Orange, you’re ALWAYS Orange! 

What is your favorite on-campus location and preferred off-campus location to eat, study, or relax?

      On campus, I love spending time in the CCE office in Eggers Hall. Being surrounded by other driven CCE students is so motivating and it’s a great place to get a snack and socialize or get work done! Off-campus, I really enjoyed going to the Salt City Market in downtown Syracuse. I’m a huge fan of the blending of different cultures and the opportunity to try food I’ve never had before. It’s also just a gorgeous building with really great energy. 

What classes will you be enrolled in for this upcoming fall semester?

      I’ll be taking:

            EAR 117 – Oceanography

            PHI 391 – History of Ethics

            PHI 411 – Race and Identity

            HNR 220 – Collective Conversations

            PHI 397 – Philosophy of Law

            HNR 360 – Activism in the 60s

What advice and tips would you give to prospective applicants interested in pursuing your program/major(s) at Syracuse?

      I would say DO IT! CCE is such a great program because it connects real-world applications to any major of interest and allows you to see how your ideas and goals impact real-world communities. My advice for CCE is to pursue what interests you and what drives you because the foundation that CCE provides will help with all of it. As for political philosophy, I know it’s a much more niche major, but for me, it’s the perfect blend of history, social science, and policy studies which allows me to consider how we ought to be living together in our communities. Putting my two majors together, I can consider what ought to happen with political philosophy, and then try to find practical applications and solutions for that through CCE.   

What is your dream job and goal(s) after graduation?

      I hope to work with communities and non-profits after graduation to try and solve problems such as food insecurity, human rights issues, and political polarization. I plan on moving back to Europe (where I grew up!) to pursue these goals, hopefully on an international scale. I’m not totally sure what I’ll end up doing and where I’ll be doing it, but I know that Syracuse is going to support me in all my endeavors! 

OttoTHON 2023 – Philanthropy and Performance Coming Together for A Purpose

OttoTHON at Syracuse University is just one piece of a larger international movement of students fighting for a future without childhood illness. Hundreds of Dance Marathon programs throughout North America raise funds and awareness for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. OttoTHON supports Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital which is right up the road from our campus, in the heart of central New York.

OttoTHON, Syracuse’s largest student-run philanthropy event, provides financial support for the children and families who receive care at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. The twelve-hour dance marathon marked OttoTHON’s annual fundraiser event on March 5, 2023. All of the proceeds from OttoTHON go to the hospital. Along with dancing, OttoTHON’s fundraiser event featured a variety of activities for Syracuse students and children of the community such as miniature ball-pits and a competitive water pong tournament. Over the course of OttoTHON’s twelve-hour duration, several of the hospital’s nominated Miracle Kids got to join in the spotlight on stage, sharing their stories with Syracuse’s participating students and faculty. This year, OttoTHON raised a rewarding $103,849.97!

Participants and students will tell you the true rewards of the dance marathon were the relationships made between the students and children, whose lives will forever be changed by the donations (which Since 2014, have exceeded $1 million for the patients and families at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital here in Syracuse).

Here’s a glimpse of the spirit, generosity and excitement that encircled the twelve hours of programming at the Schine Student Center.

Meet a New Generation of Engineers — Danny Greene and Julia Ruiz share Real World Experiences

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University works in collaboration with on-campus units and nationally recognized off-campus partners to provide students opportunities for project funding, research, and real-world readiness. Additionally, students are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in Engineering clubs and organizations that support their passions and prepare them for leadership opportunities. What will you do, build, or research as a future Engineering student?

Danny Greene, a senior mechanical engineering major, worked as a Mechanical Design Intern for the Advanced Engineering Team at Acushnet Co., which is the parent company of Titleist, this summer. He worked on the Turbocast Urethane Line, which molds the dimples onto golf balls. Danny’s computer-aided design (CAD) experience with our Formula SAE team, Citrus Racing, prepared him well for this internship. Utilizing SOLIDWORKS, a 3D CAD program, he redesigned subassemblies to make them more efficient and reliable for future operations. He also assisted prototype testing to experiment with new technologies that will increase golf ball production. Danny also played in the company’s summer golf league, which allowed him to network with associates and other engineers from throughout the company.

Julia Ruiz, a junior computer science major, worked as a Junior Systems Engineering Intern at Raytheon Technologies’ Intelligence and Space division in El Segundo, CA, this summer. This was Julia’s second summer as an intern with Raytheon. She worked on a software engineering project that involved upgrading code for a radar module from an older operating system to a newer OS.  As part of this experience, she earned a secret clearance that allows her to work on classified defense technology projects. Julia benefited greatly by networking with talented Raytheon engineers who served as her mentors during her internship. She learned how product development and delivery works at a defense contractor, and she learned about the important connections between Raytheon and their affiliated government partners.

Let’s Explore Engineering through Internship Experiences, featuring AJ Bekoe and Jared Welch

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University is committed to teaching students solutions for improving everyday life, our environment, health and systems across a vast range of industries. With an engineering degree, doors will open in fields ranging from medicine to infrastructure, to computing and transportation and beyond. Let us help you begin to envision yourself in internship opportunities by sharing the work of two current students and their impact in the United States and abroad.

AJ Bekoe, a junior aerospace engineering major, worked at Ball Aerospace in Boulder, CO, this summer as a Systems Engineering Intern. As a member of the ground and space systems operations teams, she worked on the Weather Systems Follow-On Microwave Satellite (WSFM) program during its testing and integration period. The primary mission of the WSFM is to monitor three high-priority environment requirements, ocean surface vector winds, tropical cyclone intensity, and low Earth orbit (LEO) energetic charged particles, for the Department of Defense. AJ made the connection with Ball Aerospace through the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, which strives to increase the representation of Black or African American engineers in the aerospace industry.

Jared Welch, a senior electrical engineering and physics major, interned with Engineering World Health this summer in Antigua, Guatemala, at Hospital Nacional Pedro de Bethancourt, which is one of the national hospitals of Guatemala. He worked with doctors from several departments within the hospital to determine their most important technology needs to improve patient care. Jared and his team repaired more than 50 devices, including hospital beds and an anesthesia machine, which significantly increased the surgical capacity of the hospital. In addition, Jared developed a ‘hack’ for infant radiant warmers, enabling the functionality of more than a dozen devices in the recent births department. This ‘hack’ replaced an expensive but easily broken temperature sensor with a resistor soldered across the sensor port. Prior to this solution, the babies had been placed under harmful light bulbs that were damaging their skin.

Shoshanna Cohen ’23: Excelling as a Musician and a Teacher

A career in music education demands that you excel as both a musician and teacher, and that is what Shoshanna intends to do during her time at Syracuse and beyond. The dual bachelor of music (B.M.) degree program in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, in partnership with Syracuse University’s School of Education, provides students with opportunities to develop teaching competencies, artistry and perspectives in musicianship.

Hometown: Wakefield, Massachusetts
Major(s):
Music Education and a Performance Honors Concentration

Shoshanna Cohen ’23

What inspired you to choose Syracuse University? 

When I was researching schools, my guidance counselor had me make a list of everything I was looking for in a school. My top three priorities were a must for me. If the school did not have my top three asks, it likely wasn’t the right fit for me.

  1. I knew I wanted a program that would allow me to be successful in my field. Music classes are not always the priority offerings in secondary schools, so I knew that having a degree from a college that would allow me to gain skills to fight for a music program and allow my students to be successful was a must.
  2. I wanted a big and spirited student population, but I wanted a small group that felt like a family among a large undergraduate population. I come from a small suburb of Boston where everyone knows each other, and I knew I wanted something completely different in college.
  3. I love snow. I needed to go to a school that included snow in its culture. I know- I am a true New Englander!

So let’s check them off for Syracuse!

  1.  My band directors from my hometown were music education majors at Syracuse University. So, when I was looking for schools, I was automatically interested in Syracuse because I knew that my directors were successful and loved their experiences at Syracuse.
  2. The student population at Syracuse is over 20,000 (inclusive of undergraduates and graduates) which is about the size of my hometown. It was exactly the larger size I wanted, but I got my smaller family within my music education program and the SU marching band.
  3. It snowed on my campus tour and I instantly fell in love with Syracuse.
  4. Syracuse was exactly what I was looking for and more- it just felt like the best fit for me.

What are your major(s) and minor(s) in detail, and what inspired you to choose these areas of study? 

I am a dual between the School of Music and the School of Education, which gives me my music education degree. Essentially, I have two majors combined into one. Both schools work together and I don’t have to worry about a thing when it comes to scheduling and making sure I take all the right classes. I am also in Performance Honors, which is a concentration in performing on my primary instrument. To complete it, I have to give two solo recitals on clarinet, which require a lot of practice and patience.

I have known I wanted to be a teacher all my life. I would set up my toys and pretend to teach them for hours on end. As I grew up, music became my outlet, and I just knew that it was my calling. I want to give my students the same love and passion for music whether it be just playing an instrument for leisure or becoming music educators themselves. Music education was my calling and I am so excited to pursue teaching in the classroom.

What has been your favorite class at Syracuse and why? 

My absolute favorite class was Study of Teaching with Dr. Ben Dotger. I learned so much from his class, from the fundamentals on how students learn to engaging in simulations on situations that could happen when I am teaching. These simulations, or SIMS, are based off real-life situations that use actors and actresses to help give us a baseline of what we can expect. It also lets us make mistakes without having the consequences of real life. I truly feel like I blossomed as an educator in this class because I learned what to do and more importantly, what not to do. Dr. Dotger has also given me the opportunity to present these SIMS to a board of faculty and team members, and I am forever grateful for the knowledge and experiences I have gained.

Can you share what you’re involved in outside of the classroom and provide details on your roles in these organizations, clubs, and projects? 

Outside of the classroom, I am a leader in the SU marching band; I play mellophone in the Sour Citrus Society pep band; a Visual and Performing Arts College ambassador; a VPA peer advisor; the past President and current secretary of NYSBDA-CC; the past secretary of NAFME (a sister of Tau Beta Sigma (marching band Sorority); and a University100 tour guide for Syracuse.

What is your favorite on campus location and preferred off campus location to eat, study, or relax? 

With my major, our studying equals practicing our instruments, meaning you can most likely find me in a practice room in Crouse. However, when I do have those papers to write, I like to study in Eggers Café, Pages Café, or at Unique Tea House on Marshall Street (their bubble tea is to die for). If commuting off campus, I will drive to a Starbucks in the next town over, order a coffee and get some work done. When I just want to relax with my peers, I love staying in and watching a movie or tv show. If we want to get out of the house, I love going to downtown Syracuse and grabbing a nice dinner all dressed up.

What classes will you be enrolled in for this upcoming fall semester? 

I will be taking: Instrumental Rehearsal Techniques (MUE 437), Wind Ensemble (ENI 510), Marching Band (ENI 510), Teaching of String Instruments (MUE 325), Literacy (RED 326), Music Ed Academy (SED 340),  Safe and Healthy Learning Environments (EDU 366), Weekly Student Convocation (MHL 077), Teaching Voice for Schools (MUE 321), Jazz Ensemble Techniques (MUE 415), Teaching of Percussion Instruments (MUE 423), Clarinet Performance Honors Lessons (CLR 449) and Bassoon lessons (BSN 165).  A busy semester but it will be worth it!

What advice and tips would you give to prospective music education majors? 

As my friends will tell you I get right to the point: this major is hard work. However, it is incredibly rewarding. You get to see the impact that your work has on the students that you get to interact with and although it won’t be right away, you have to just keep going to get to the finish line. Take deep breaths and know it will be worth it. Your hard work will pay off when you see that first student understand the material and their face lights up. Also PRACTICE YOUR INTERVALS! Trust me, you will thank me later.

What is your dream job and goal(s) after graduation?

My dream job is to be a band director of a high school wind ensemble and marching band of my own. A much larger goal is to create a safe and inclusive classroom that allows my students to feel free to express themselves through music, performance, and artistic expression. Many students use music as a release and if I can help them in any way, then my job is done.