2023 Update. In honor of the three years since the pandemic started, we’re updating this page and want to hear from you! What got you through those times, was one thing you learned, or would you tell your 2020 self today? What would you say to graduating seniors who were just first-year students then? Email us at ASNews@syr.edu. We may share a selection of responses in e-newsletters and social media. #ArtsSci2Gether
While the COVID-19 pandemic kept us physically apart in 2020 and 2021, the bond connecting the A&S family remained strong. During that time, we asked faculty, staff and students to share what helped them stay productive, happy and connected. We still love these selfies of you learning or working surrounded by pets, family or nature!
'Everything Is Always Keep Changing'
Podcast. Listen in as bestselling authors Cheryl Strayed G’02 and her mentor, A&S professor George Saunders G’88, reflect on the current situation with a poem, personal stories and an email George sent encouraging his students.
A&S Dean Karin Ruhlandt is inspired and energized by the view outside her home office window—and a strong cup of tea.
In honor of the frontline medical professionals and first responders, Hall of Languages is illuminated blue.
Nothing but Orange Pride for English alum Jack Nolan '86!
Evelyn Childs '20 gives two thumbs up for note-taking!
Loren Duffy '66 is an ER nurse in California, helping all those in need during this difficult time. Thank you, Loren, and all of our alumni who work in healthcare, for your incredible efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. We're thinking of you.
Brooks is dressed and ready for a full day of Zoom meetings with his dad and director of administration and operations, Matt Kennedy.
Simone Bellot '23 has a beautiful view while doing her coursework.
We're proud that our Department of Physics, like many others, is doing its part to fight COVID-19. Faculty, staff and students from the department are sewing homemade masks and distributing them to other physics faculty, staff and students. They also plan to donate some masks to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. Pictured is Jennifer Ross, professor and associate chair of physics.
Emberlin Leja '20 wants to know, how are online classes going for everyone?
Ashlyn Wong '20 shares a laugh before class!
Kristen Aust, director of career advising, holds a virtual workshop on resume tips for students.
Jasmine Taylor '22 sits back and relaxes as she completes her next assignment.
Marlyse Pirro, academic advisor, customized her own Zoom background to look like her actual office in the Hall of Languages! Now she feels at home, at home.
Jessica Allman, administrative specialist in the Dean's Office, enjoys a morning cup of coffee in her home office.
Goose, a 13-week-old Newfie, has taken over academic advisor Kelsey Hanbach's work space. But how can you get mad at the little guy?!
Amber Vandepoele '22 has turned her room into a new study space.
When you discover cat backgrounds on Zoom. Meetings just got a whole lot cooler for academic advisors, Nathan Raybeck and Krista Carlson.
Barrington Bucknor '21 practices yoga while studying.
Little Theodore is sporting his SU shirt while he keeps mommy, Academic Advisor Kate Oja, company as she advises her students.
Emma Fountain '20 found a cozy corner in her home to apply for jobs.
Hannah Meyer '23 studying for her CRS 225: Public Advocacy class.
IT analyst Tim Schutt's dog warns him about using insecure passwords.
Keeping mom, Andrea Persin, director of budget and finance, company while she works.
“Find opportunities in whatever you are interested in to expand them into a bigger part of life.” Many thanks to Geoffry Juviler ‘84 for his time in speaking with students during our virtual Career Conversation. We appreciate the life advice he provided and enjoyed learning about his career path and experiences at Syracuse University.
The Advising Office, or should we say the Advising Bunch, is getting creative with their Zoom backgrounds.
Jonathan French, assistant professor of chemistry, gets ready for a Sunday night CHE 116 review session.
Student Kevin Marshall '20 takes a break from reading to say, "Hello, A&S friends!"
Looks like FNSSI Director James Hewett has found the comfiest spot in his home to do work.
Student Ava Breitbeck '21 has surrounded herself in a sea of books.
Lou the cat decided to join a staff meeting. Do you think he recognized owner Lauren Hunter, director of pre-health advising, on the screen?
Bench press? Check. Reading emails? Check. Chris Anderson from the Office of Admissions shows us the "new norm" of his work day.
Rachel Skipper from the Office of Admissions keeps her mind active with a good puzzle.
Daeya Malboeuf, director of communications, nestled in her cozy new remote work space with JuJu Bee. Check out the wall art!
Kayla Bosco, digital and social media strategist, finds interesting ways to make the most of her new space. Good jams and Snapchat filters, for the win!
Zoom: the new way to hold staff meetings. Members from the Office of Undergraduate Academic and Career Advising look like a happy, liberal arts, Brady Bunch gang. Not one pet though?
Bill Bowen, office coordinator in the Department of Art and Music Histories, is bunkering down in his basement "man cave."
Diana Napolitano, content marketing manager, tests a headline on her in-house focus group.
Jesse Menn, principal web developer, says of his setup: The cookbooks remind me to keep cooking real food during all of this. My coworker tends to get in the way, though.
Mike Cheatham, web specialist, says he hasn't noticed a difference since transitioning from 40% to 100% full-time remote.
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
J.R.R. Tolkien
Dan Bernardi, communications specialist, enjoys a well-lit remote workspace while keeping track of his brand-new, sleeping coworker.
"If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone. The Syracuse Orange Family is large, vast, deep and as strong as we’ve ever been. Whether you’re a freshman, in the class of 2020 or any other year, or an alum, we will get through this together. Arts & Sciences alumni and the entire Orange Nation are here to support you, because we are SU!"
"Shift your focus to video meetings and treat them as if they are in-person. Dress for success, be flexible, candid and sincere, ask questions, make eye contact and hold your heads up high. You are students of Syracuse University and you should exude Orange Pride!"