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 context: https://www.syracuse.edu/stories/dominic-chiappone-academic-path/

Portfolio Website: https://dchiappone20.wixsite.com/portfolio

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Grace chose Syracuse University with the intention of becoming a well-rounded Public Relations practitioner and is working toward her goal while also pursuing an Innovation, Science, and Technology major in the School of Information Studies. This dual partnership awards students the skill sets to learn the principles behind communication while learning to explore the impact of data on society, privacy, and equality.

Hometown: Ashburn, Virginia
Majors: Public Relations in the Newhouse School of Public Communications & Innovation, Science, and Technology in the School of Information Studies

What inspired you to choose Syracuse University?

Going to Newhouse was a large factor I considered when I chose to go to Syracuse. I have always known that I wanted to study communications, and when I visited Newhouse I was so impressed by the college and the programs that were offered. After that, it became my goal to come to Syracuse. I feel that when looking at potential colleges, it is important to really research the program(s) you are interested in and see if it would be a good fit for you.

I visited Syracuse in October when the weather was so nice, and campus looked beautiful with all the leaves changing colors on the trees. I visited on a prospective student day, and it was one of the best college tours I went on. I visited with my mom and grandmother, and we went and had dinner together at Pastabilities downtown after walking around campus all day. It was a combination of such an amazing tour and visit, as well as the admiration I had for my prospective program that made me so excited about Syracuse.

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

I am a dual-major studying public relations in Newhouse and innovation, society and technology in the School of Information Studies with a concentration in web design. I chose to study public relations because I’ve always been interested in writing. Communication has always been a skill I have possessed, and I’ve known I want to pursue a career that utilizes that. Public relations is essentially how a company communicates with the public and their constituents. This is a very broad definition and it encompasses much more than I originally associated with public relations. I chose to study this at Newhouse because it was the major I was most initially drawn to. I knew that if I didn’t enjoy the major-specific classes, I always had the opportunity to switch programs. I feel that the curriculum is so all-encompassing at Newhouse that you are exposed to many opportunities in the communications industry after graduation regardless of what your specific degree is in.

As for innovation, society and technology, I had never planned on studying technology. It was when I came to Syracuse and took IST 195, an introductory class, that I really started to develop an interest in the field. Everyone I talked to that was studying in the School of Information Studies absolutely loved it and I enjoyed the energy that students had when they talked about it. After taking that one class, I decided to dual-major and have really taken to it! Innovation, society and technology is a new major and is an interesting intersection of technology development and its interaction with society as a whole. I have found that this major is also very all-encompassing and has allowed me to learn a variety of different skills related to the technology industry ranging from coding and web development to human-centered design.

What has been your favorite class at Syracuse and why?

My favorite class in Newhouse has been PRL 376, Content Optimization for Public Relations writing. This course is essentially a semester long project working with classmates for a real-life client. Over the semester, your team plans and develops a comprehensive social media strategy for the client with a final presentation at the end of the semester. I enjoyed this class because it was very hands-on and provided valuable experience working for a real client.

In the School of Information Studies, my favorite class has been IST 263, Intro to Front End Web Development. I enjoyed this class because I have discovered I have a natural talent for coding and enjoyed learning HTML. Web development is a combination of practical programming and web design, which allows for both critical thinking and creativity. The final project was an entire website developed and designed by every student. I loved having the creative freedom to design the website however I wanted to, and I felt accomplished at the end of the year after applying all the skills I had learned with HTML programming.

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 primarily involved with Hill Communications, the student-run, on-campus public relations firm. I have been with Hill Communications for three semesters now, and I have been promoted to an account supervisor. As an account supervisor, I oversee a team of other students to provide public relations services to a real-life client. This has been an incredibly rewarding and challenging experience. In addition to the work you complete for clients, Hill Communications also provides learning and networking experiences across the firm.

Additionally, I work as a remote marketing assistant for a small cooking school business. As a marketing assistant, I design and edit the company website, write, and design company newsletters and develop creative materials. I was referred to this remote job by a colleague that I met while working for Hill Communications! For the past two years, I have also worked at the campus bookstore. This upcoming semester, I am excited to be a student ambassador at the School of Information Studies and will speak and engage with prospective students. Getting involved on campus is a great way to further your professional development, learn skills you might not learn in the classroom and meet new people!

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 Bird Library. I like to use the large computer monitors that are there. There are many different levels offering various types of seating and quiet areas. This is my go-to place when I need to sit down and get work done! Off-campus, you can’t go wrong studying at a local coffee shop such as Cafe Kubal.

On campus, I almost always eat in the Schine Student Center. I am addicted to Core Life and tend to wait in the line no matter how ridiculously long it gets. I also am frequently at the gym, and love to get a smoothie at the smoothie bar on my way out. Off-campus, my all-time favorite restaurant is Pastabilities. This is a great food option for when your parents want to come visit and you want to go somewhere nice!  A more casual favorite is Original Grains in downtown Syracuse which has healthy salads, sandwiches and grain-bowls.

When it comes time to relax, I am often energized and de-stressed by going to the gym! The Barnes Center has an amazing weight room where you’ll find me most days. Whenever the weather is nice outside, you can find almost everyone on campus relaxing outdoors on picnic blankets or with hammocks. Off-campus, there are some wonderful spots close by to visit on the weekends. I love Green Lakes, a close park to swim in or hike around. Beak and Skiff is a wonderful apple orchard with delicious food to visit in the Fall! Additionally, there are several ski mountains close by for winter activities.

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

This upcoming semester, I am enrolled in six classes. Three are School of Information Technology classes, two are for Newhouse and one is a general elective towards my arts and sciences credits. My School of Information Technology classes are “What’s the Big Idea?,” “Intro to Information Security,” and “Intro to Database Management Systems”.

My Newhouse classes are “Public Relations Research” and “The Ethics of Advocacy”. My arts and sciences class is “Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies”. I love how I got to set up my schedule this semester – I don’t have any Friday classes and get to sleep in most days of the week! Everyone will take a different number of credits and have a different schedule depending on what they need for their degree as well as their personal preferences.

What advice and tips would you give to prospective School of Information Technology/Newhouse dual majors?

Don’t be intimidated to pursue both communications and technology! It may seem like a lot of work initially, but it will seem like much less of a load if you are interested in both areas of study. I thoroughly enjoy most of my classes at both schools, and if you do find yourself in a position of struggle, there are so many resources at both schools to help you succeed. Take advantage of the career center, extracurriculars and your professors. The faculty and advisors are here to help!

Being a dual-major requires setting priorities, being organized and staying on-top of your academics. When you are feeling demotivated, think about why you are pursuing your degrees and remind yourself of the goals that you have for your future. One thing I do every day is write down three things I am grateful for. This helps to keep me grounded and reminds me of things I am fortunate to have in my life even when I am feeling stressed out. Keep an agenda and write down key dates and important projects so that you are never caught off guard by assignments. Finally, make friends in your classes and don’t be afraid to ask for help! Everyone needs help sometimes, and it is much better to be curious and seek help than to suffer in silence. 

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

I am still figuring out what my dream outcome looks like. I am currently interning at a large non-profit as a marketing and media relations intern. Interning is a great way to figure out what you enjoy doing and see what type of work environment is a potential fit for you! I hopefully plan to get an internship related to my School of Information Technology major next summer so I can see how it compares to my current communications internship. I would say my dream job is something that combines both of my degrees since I have such a passion and interest for both. I would also love to work in an industry that I have personal interest in. One industry I would love to work in is the beauty industry since makeup is a big hobby of mine!

Some long-term goals include eventually working in a leadership position. I have a knack for leadership and enjoy leading teams. Another very important goal of mine is to be happy with the work that I do. My parents have always instilled in me that enjoying your job is so important to get the most out of your life. No one should spend such a large amount of time doing something that doesn’t add value to their life. I am excited for my career after graduation and know that I cannot plan exactly what my career path will look like; it is important to take opportunities as they come and work towards your goals over time. Finally, regardless of your career goals, make sure to enjoy your time in college and don’t wish the time away; it will be gone before you know it.

As a communication and rhetorical studies major, Asajahnique has heightened her understanding of effective listening, writing and critical thinking, while also pursuing a dance minor. Read on to learn about what inspired her academic choices and what she plans to do after graduation.

Hometown: Bronx, NY
Major: Communication and Rhetorical Studies

Minor: Dance Appreciation and Practice

What inspired you to choose Syracuse University?

I chose Syracuse because it was my dream school. I remember making a list of schools to visit, and Syracuse was on that list. It wasn’t until I visited campus in November of my senior year of high school that I knew I needed to apply and attend Syracuse. I’ve always felt welcomed and cared for as a part of this community.

What inspired you to choose your major?

I immediately fell in love with a Communication and Rhetoric class in the fall semester of my freshman year. I’ve always been a student that enjoys communicating, and I wanted to further explore the science and art of communication. My goal was to continue learning how to make messages more effective, powerful, purposeful and infused with meaning.

What has been your favorite class at Syracuse, and why?

My favorite class has been Interviewing. It’s a professional bootcamp where I’ve learned the skills to create an impactful resume, a website that I still use today, cover letter writing techniques, how to write valuable emails and conduct worthwhile interviews, and even the strategies of creating my own authentic business cards. At the conclusion of the class, we also had the opportunity to create professional dossiers that I still use and show others today.

Can you share what you’re involved in outside of the classroom?

I am the coordinator and musical director of the Creations Dance Company- Syracuse University’s first dance organization founded in 1977. I’m responsible for the company’s main choreography, as well as production of our annual showcases. I’m also the Vice President of the Tantalizing Theta Tau Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. — a divine 9 organization that emphasizes education, community service and sisterhood. In addition, I’m a College of Visual and Performing Arts student ambassador that actively engages with prospective and admitted students and families to share my Syracuse experiences.

What is your favorite campus location? 

The Schine Student Center is my most preferred location on campus. I love that I’m able to grab food and study all in one hub. In addition to dining and studying, I can interact with student organizations that may be showcasing what they have to offer at different times of the day. I spend so much time in Schine — whether it’s to attend or support an event, grab food in between classes or meetings, or to just complete coursework and assignments.

What classes are you enrolled in this semester?  

This spring semester I’m enrolled in five classes.

          CRS 439 — Critical Whiteness Studies with Professor Grimes

          WGS 248 — Racial and Ethnic Inequalities with Professor Garcia

          DAP 423 — Basic Concepts of Choreography with Professor Ohemeng

          DAP 246 — Intermediate Modern 1 with Professor Hanni

          FST 422 — Beer and Wine Appreciation with Professor McCoy

What advice would you give to prospective Communication and Rhetorical Studies majors?

My main advice would be to stay open-minded. When I first heard of Communication and Rhetorical Studies, I didn’t know much about the curriculum. I kept an open mind about how the classes would benefit and complement my strengths and interests, and I do believe that I’ve gotten the most out of my major. I’ve become a better student and well-rounded individual because I didn’t close my mind off to the unknown. I’d also encourage students to take the lead and create their own curriculum. I knew early on that part of my focus would be studying nonverbal communication since I’m a dancer, and this led to my declaration of a dance minor. I also wanted to include elements of race and gender and committed myself to taking classes in women and gender studies and African American studies to form my own unique curriculum tailored to my interests.

What is your dream job and/or goals after graduation?

I’ll be attending Syracuse University as a graduate student in the department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies. After my master’s degree, I hope to go into creative directing and choreography. My long-term goal is to become a professor and pursue teachings in race and gender within the context of performance theory.

Asajahnique hopes to inspire students to take the initiative to craft their own curriculum at Syracuse. The possibilities are endless with over 200 majors and 100 minors and over 300 clubs and organizations for all interests.