Jan. 16, 2019

FREE

WEDNESDAY

jan. 16, 2019 high 32°, low 5°

t h e i n de p e n de n t s t u de n t n e w s pa p e r of s y r a c u s e , n e w yor k |

dailyorange.com

P eì 4)2ì%4463%',

N eì ,)78298ì6):-:%0ì

As interim chief diversity officer, Keith Alford aims to make Syracuse University a more inclusive environment through frequent dialogue.

Page 11

A SUNY-ESF professor has worked for decades to reintroduce the American chestnut tree. His research team is close to achieving that goal.

Page 3

DID SYRACUSE WIN? SEE SPREAD FOR POSTER

on campus

student association

Students react to Greek life report

Officials call for student opinions

By Casey Darnell and Gabe Stern

By Natalie Rubio-Licht

A day after the results of Syracuse University’s months-long Greek life review were released, students who read the report said it was a step in the right direction, but a small one.

The results of the review, emailed to students on Monday evening, identified five strengths and six “challenge” areas in SU’s Greek life community. Dozens of students interviewed by The Daily Orange on Tuesday said they hadn’t read the review. Members of SU’s Student Association said the report addressed many concerns students have about Greek life, but it didn’t release much new information.

Chancellor Kent Syverud announced the “top-to-bottom” review in April 2018 after SU expelled the professional engineering fraternity Theta Tau for participating in videos that Syverud called “extremely racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic, sexist, and hostile to people with disabilities.” In a campus address on Monday afternoon, Syverud said the review “provides a solid foundation from which we can move forward in a positive direction.”

The six “challenge” areas the report identified included the structure and operations of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, unclear policies, diversity and inclusion, law enforcement jurisdiction, risk management and unrecognized groups operating on campus.

Torre Payton-Jackson, co-chair of SA’s Public Relations Committee, said students were already aware of the information in the report.

“It validates what we already knew,” she said. “But at the same time we shouldn’t need that extra validation. It’s a clear culture on campus.”

Payton-Jackson works on an SA committee with the Department of Public Safety. She said the law enforcement challenge in the report highlighted what she had dealt with on the committee.

The report stated that members of culturally-based chapters said there was a difference in how their parties are treated in comparison to parties thrown by students in the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council. Members of culturally-based chapters often live off campus and are under the jurisdiction of the Syracuse Police Department, per the report.

Ryan Golden, SA’s Student Affairs Committee chair, said the report didn’t address the transparency of

Syracuse University’s Student Association leaders told The Daily Orange that student voices and ideas should be used to help define and implement recommendations made in an external review of SU’s Greek life released on Monday.

The review was based on a survey sent to full-time non-University College students at SU, focus groups and interviews with “more than 260” people. It identified five strengths in SU’s Greek life community, as well as six challenges.

SA Vice President Kyle Rosenblum said the recommendations in the review, which was sent to the student body via a campus-wide email, did not explain in detail how the suggested changes will be implemented. He said he hopes student ideas will influence how the recommendations play out, he said, and SA will work to make sure student ideas are involved.

“There’s not substance there, but that substance comes with creating committees to actually implement these solutions,” Rosenblum said.

“That’s why it’s so critical to make sure we’re having student voices and key stakeholders involved in these discussions in order for them to work.”

Challenges of SU’s Greek life presented in the review included law enforcement jurisdiction related to parties, hazing and event security; unrecognized groups operating on campus and diversity and inclusion within Greek communities.

The best way to implement recommendations is to listen to underrepresented students, SA President Ghufran Salih said. Salih is a member of the School of Information Studies’ professional fraternity, Kappa Theta Pi. Chapters in the National PanHellenic Council, the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations and the Multicultural Greek Council said they felt marginalized within SU Greek life, according to the report. An unattributed participant in the report said that “SU doesn’t understand what it means to be an underrepresented student.”

“It’s true. The university in its entirety doesn’t understand what it’s like to be an underrepresented student,” Salih said. “Speaking to the students who actively and outwardly express their frustration with the system and seeing what they think the next step should be is important.”

Salih said students have spoken

the daily orange

see reactions page 6

asst. copy editor

The path ahead CHANCELLOR KENT SYVERUD delivered his annual Winter Message on Monday, updating the campus community on Syracuse University’s Greek life review, faculty hiring and reseach goals, among other things. More than 100 people attended the speech. corey henry staff photographer

student association

SA leaders praise Syverud speech implementation of these recommendations will actually look like,” Rosenblum said.

Syverud’s mention of the Cluster Hires IniStudent Association leaders say they are thank- tiative was also an important part of his speech, ful for Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Rosenblum said.

Syverud’s continued support following the 2019 “That’s something that’s going to be very big Winter Message on Monday that I don’t think is talked about a lot,” he said.

SA President Ghufran Salih said the “These cluster hires are intended to promote address was a good way to address the Greek higher faculty diversity both in subjects taught life audit, the Cluster Hires Initiative and and identities of the faculties.” future improvements of the Speaker of the Assembly Will first-year forum. Salih’s Pritchett said the initiative is speech, which preceded too focused on the STEM fields.

Syverud’s address, intro“There’s a lot more to the What he said duced the chancellor and university than just the STEM in his speech is thanked him for his cooperafields,” he said. “It’s kind of weird tion and transparency with good, but what’s because they gathered Invest SA and the student body.

Syracuse funds from all of the more important incoming students, and I think “Throughout the semester we’ve talked to him about is what comes as the incoming students should various things, and he’s always see the benefits of those funds.” a result of it. pointed us in the right direcInvest Syracuse is a $100 Will Pritchett tion,” she said. “(Syverud) genmillion academic fundraising sa assembly speaker uinely does care about students plan for SU to fund various and he cares about student initiatives. It was partially concerns or opinions.” funded by an increase in tuition known as Syverud mentioned the different com- the Invest Syracuse tuition premium. ponents of the Greek life audit during his Syverud also mentioned SU’s ranking as a speech. The audit, which was released via research institution. The opening of the Underemail to the student body early Monday graduate Research Center will be beneficial for evening, contains strengths, challenges and students, Salih said. recommendations for SU Greek life made by Pritchett said he was surprised by the canauditors. SA Vice President Kyle Rosenblum did nature of Syverud’s speech. However, the said student voices are necessary to move speech is not helpful to the student body withforward with these recommendations. out action, he said.

“In terms of student representation, (we’re) “The student body isn’t interested in speechmaking sure that when we’re having these es. They’re interested in actions,” Pritchett said. discussions, students are involved in what the “What he said in his speech is good, but what’s

By Natalie Rubio-Licht asst. copy editor

see syverud page 6

see review page 6

2 jan. 16, 2019

dailyorange.com

today’s weather about

Editor@dailyorange.com News@dailyorange.com Opinion@dailyorange.com Pulp@dailyorange.com Sports@dailyorange.com Digital@dailyorange.com Design@dailyorange.com ADVERTISING 315-443-9794 BUSINESS 315-443-2315 EDITORIAL 315-443-9798 GENERAL FAX 315-443-3689

The Daily Orange is an independent newspaper published in Syracuse, New York. The editorial content of the paper — which originated in 1903 and went independent in 1971 — and its online platforms are entirely run by Syracuse University students.

The D.O.’s coverage of the Syracuse area is disseminated through 87 issues during the 2018-19 academic year with a circulation of 750,000 copies and a readership of 30,000.

The paper is published Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday when SU classes are in session. Special inserts are published on Thursdays before home football games and select basketball games and in the cases of notable and newsworthy occasions. The D.O.’s online coverage is 24/7, including while SU is on break.

To show your support to The D.O.’s independent journalism, please visit dailyorange.com/donate.

how to join us If you are a Syracuse University or State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry student interested in contributing to The D.O. on either its advertising or editorial teams, please email info@dailyorange.com.

corrections policy The D.O. strives to be as accurate in our reporting as possible. Please email editor@dailyorange.com to report a correction.

letter to the editor policy The D.O. prides itself as an outlet for community discussion. To learn more about our submission guidelines, please email opinion@dailyorange. com with your full name and affiliation within the Syracuse community. Please note letters should not include any personal information pertaining to other people unless it is relevant to the topic at hand. All letters will be edited for style and grammar.

a.m.

noon hi 32° lo 5°

p.m.

digital spotlight @ @ĂŹ 904ĂŹ );70)88)6ĂŹeĂŹ(%-0=36%2+)@'31 Get the scoop on all the happenings on and off the Syracuse University campus this weekend by signing up for The D.O. Pulp weekly newsletter.

D.O. Sports Newsletter Check out our must-read newsletter for insight on behind-the-scenes decisionmakers and the details on the quirkiest stories in SU sports.

follow us

inside PĂŹeĂŹCandid conversations

°(%-0=36%2+)ÏeÏ° 743687ÏeÏ° P4904Ï ° P -79%07ÏeÏ° P 0912-ÏeÏ° P %-0= )%07

The South Side Communication Youth Program’s Black Speaker Series invites community leaders to discuss overcoming youth struggles.

Page 11

,)Ï %-0=Ï 6%2+)ÏeÏ %-0=Ï 6%2+)Ï 43687 The Daily Orange Alumni Association Daily Orange Deals °(%-0=36%2+)ÏeÏ°(%-0=36%2+)@):)287

SÏeÏA friendly wager Adam Weitsman, a family freind of SU head coach Jim Boeheim, made $175,000 in donations to local charities following Syracuse’s win over No. 1 Duke.

Page 16

THE DAILY ORANGE HAS A SNAPCHAT PUBLISHER STORY Scan this code to subscribe to a weekly slice of Syracuse.

The Daily Orange is published weekdays during the Syracuse University academic year by The Daily Orange Corp., 744 Ostrom Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210. All contents Copyright 2019 by The Daily Orange Corp. and may not be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the editor in chief. The Daily Orange is distributed on and around campus with the first two copies complimentary. Each additional copy costs $1. The Daily Orange is in no way a subsidy or associated with Syracuse University. All contents Š 2019 The Daily Orange Corporation

É—ĆœĆ¤ĆťĆ¤Ć¤ ųƤžųƤųŝ

É—ĆœĆ ĆťĆ¤Ć¤ - $ 0( ' 1*-. ÇœĆœ Ç? ųƤžųƤųŝ

É—ĆœĆ¤ĆťĆ¤Ć¤

É—ĆœĆ¤ĆťĆ¤Ć¤

ųƤžųƤųŝ

ųƤžųƤųŝ

*. 0 -1* $'1 - *- *' ÇœĆœ Ç?

ĆžÇ˘É—ĆœĆŁ ųƤžųƤųŝ

ųƤžųƤųŝ

N

Common Council City officials will discuss a taxsharing initiative with Onondaga County on Wednesday.

See dailyorange.com

NEWS

State of the city

Community meeting

What will Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh say in his annual state of the city address?

See Thursday’s paper

Syracuse residents will discuss safety at the state of the community meeting Wednesday.

See Thursday’s paper

dailyorange.com @dailyorangeÍner ͯ´ Í°Ž¯¡Í:Í PAG E 3

regional news Here is a round up of the biggest news happening in New York state right now.

BANK TRANSFORMATION

Pathfinder Bank is planning to turn a 199-year-old mansion in Syracuse’s Westside into a branch office. President & CEO Thomas Schneider said the estimated cost of renovations is between $1.6 million and $1.8 million. source: syracuse.com

SYRACUSE SURGE

New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he supports Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh’s development initiative to revive the city’s South Salina Street Corridor on Tuesday. The initiative, called Syracuse Surge, includes expanding adult vocational training programs and enhancing public housing projects. source: syracuse.com

JASON ALDEAN TO PERFORM

Jason Aldean, a country musician, will perform at the St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview on May 16. His tour will also visit Canandaigua and Saratoga in New York.

Expanding services

source: cnycentral

GILLIBRAND

Construction continued on the National Veterans Resource Center this week. Builiding the steel superstructure at the site was the next step in establishing the $62.5 million center. The NVRC is set to be completed in spring 2020, and it will serve as a hub for veteran services at Syracuse University. It is located on the corner of Waverly and South Crouse avenues. molly gibbs photo editor

suny-esf

Professor works to revitalize long-dead trees

By Kennedy Rose news editor

William Powell is using genetic engineering to revive an American tree that was wiped out nearly a century ago.

Powell, a professor at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, has worked for the last three decades to reintroduce the American chestnut to the wild.

American chestnut trees nearly went extinct after a fungal blight came to the United States from Asia, according to the American Chestnut

Foundation. Approximately 90 percent of the nearly four billion trees were killed by blight, Powell said.

Powell has been working on revitalizing the American chestnut for 35 years. He began researching chestnuts when he was a graduate student at Utah State University, far from the areas that chestnuts are indigenous to. “I grew up, like most people, not even knowing about the chestnut because we had lost them many decades earlier to chestnut blight,�

Powell said.

The species was left functionally extinct, meaning that it can no

longer function in the ecosystem normally, Powell said. It is rare that a surviving American chestnut can grow large enough to produce nuts before being hit by blight and chopped to a stump, he added.

The blight fungus cannot compete with the microorganisms in the soil, so the roots of the chestnut trees are protected. The trees can sprout at the root collar and send up new shoots, he said, but those shoots rarely grow large enough to flower or cross pollinate to make nuts.

The ecosystem is already prepared to accept the American chestnut back to the wild, Powell

said. Tests that fed leaf litter of both natural and genetically engineered trees to wood frogs found that there was no difference between the trees to animals in the ecosystem. “One-hundred years is a long time to us, but 100 years is not a long time for the ecosystem,� he said.

Nutritional testing also showed no difference between wild American chestnuts and the genetically engineered nuts his team produced, he said.

The trees were so valuable because they were a vital and stable food source for wildlife in forests see chestnuts page 6

city

asst. copy editor

The DeWitt Town Board released a statement on Tuesday arguing against the community grid replacement method for Syracuse’s Interstate 81 viaduct, instead favoring a reconstructed viaduct or a hybrid tunnel.

The statement, authored by five members of the board, said the majority of central New Yorkers are in favor of conserving I-81’s current route through Syracuse while fixing the 1.4 milelong viaduct, whose functional life ended in 2017.

At least six public opinion polls regarding the viaduct replacement have been conducted since 2013, according to

source: npr.org

OPIOID DEATHS ANNOUNCED

Seventy-five deaths from opioid overdoses occurred during the first nine months of 2018, the Onondaga County Health Department reported on Tuesday.

There were 71 deaths in the first nine months of 2017. source: syracuse.com

SCHOOL CAFETERIA CITATIONS

Thirty school buildings in Onondaga County had five or more food inspection violations in 2018, and more than 150 schools and community centers in had at least one citation. The citations were both critical and non-critical violations. source: syracuse.com

DeWitt town board opposes community grid

By Emma Folts

Democratic New York state Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced her candidacy for president on Tuesday during CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.� She told Colbert that she supports better public schools and health care as a right.

the release. These polls assessed the method of replacement central New York residents deemed most effective.

The surveys found that about 18 percent of respondents support the community grid option, whereas 67 percent of those polled were in favor of preserving the I-81’s current route through Syracuse. “... it is apparent that there is a clear majority consensus in Central New York: Interstate 81 must not be diverted and must continue along its current path,� the board stated in the release.

The community grid option would lower the elevated viaduct to street level and reroute traffic along Interstate 481, which would become a continuation of I-81. The leveled road would

include 14 traffic signals, per the release. This method of renovation is favored by Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh.

67

Percent of people polled in favor of preserving I-81’s current route through Syracuse source: dewitt town board

The board members cited additional surveys, some conducted by elected officials representing their constituents, as further support of their findings.

The Onondaga County Supervi-

sors and Mayors’ associations also voiced their support of a hybrid tunnel or viaduct reconstruction in a December release. A hybrid tunnel would combine the community grid option with an underground tunnel to address thru traffic, while the construction of a new viaduct would be 10 feet taller and 16 feet wider than the current structure, according to a joint release from the associations and a scoping report from the New York State Department of Transportation.

The board expressed support for merging the community grid with either a reconstructed viaduct or a hybrid tunnel.

Per the release, the chosen renovation option will be announced shortly. esfolts@syr.edu | @emmafolts

PRIEST ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ABUSE

A Jesuit priest who worked in Syracuse for nine years was named to Catholic Diocese of Buffalo’s list of priests with credible allegations of child sex abuse. Father Peter Conroy worked at Christ the King Retreat Center in Syracuse and was added to the list in November. source: syracuse.com

TWO TEENAGERS ARRESTED

Syracuse police arrested two teenagers on murder charges in connection to the Dec. 19 killing of Asim Musa, a Sudanese immigrant at Eddie’s Eagle Market on Oakwood Avenue. Troy Derby and Stanley Sawyer, both 18, were taken to the Onondaga County Justice Center after their arrests, and the investigation is ongoing, according to police. source: syracuse.com

4 jan. 16, 2019

dailyorange.com

TEST DRIVE A NEW CHEVY HERE AND YOU COULD WIN...

Courtesy of the Daily Orange and East Syracuse Chevrolet Rules: Contest begins on Monday, January 14, 2019 and ends on Saturday, February 16, 2019. After you take a test drive, you may register to win. Must be 18 or over and have a valid driver’s license. Limit 1 entry per person.

Winning entry will be drawn on Saturday, February 16, 2019. Need not be present to win. No purchase necessary. Game day is February 23, 2019.

Join us in supporting the Daily Orange, an independent, non-profit digital news organization. To make a donation, go to www.dailyorange.com and click on the “DONATE” tab at the top of the home page.

Bridge Street at 690 • 315-437-3311 • www.CuseChevy.com

O

OPINION

dailyorange.com @dailyorangeÍner ͯ´ Í°Ž¯¡Í:Í PAG E 5

editorial board

business

Good Uncle’s changes display industry vision

E

ntrepreneurs are by nature overly optimistic, which is a good thing.

If they weren’t, many of the products and services people enjoy today wouldn’t exist, such as Good Uncle, the delivery-only restaurant that saves Syracuse University students from dining hall food.

This past semester, the startup made a radical shift in its business model in an attempt to pioneer the first ever made-fordelivery food menu. This change doesn’t warrant a negative reaction for customers, in fact, it puts the food-delivery service ahead of many others.

When Good Uncle launched at SU in 2016, it operated a kitchen in Syracuse to prepare food from New York City restaurants like Sticky’s Finger Joint and Joe’s Pizza. Now the company boasts its own menu of dishes that undergo the final steps of the cooking process in delivery trucks just before customers pick up their food. The trucks are outfitted with smart ovens and other appliances to cook the meals.

At first there were mixed reviews about the change, Founder Wiley Cerilli said. “The people that had never eaten our food before loved it. The people that had, didn’t like it as much because their favorites were gone,� he said.

It’s not uncommon for customers to react negatively when companies change their offerings. Stijn M.J. van Osselaer, a professor of marketing at Cornell University, said customers can easily feel like they’re being taken advantage of by companies when products change. “Consumers know that there’s companies that try to influence them all the time,� van Osselaer said.

But this doesn’t seem to be the case for Good Uncle’s recent transition. According to Cerilli, menu ratings are now better than ever. After hiring world-class food scientists to conduct research, the Good Uncle team is developing a way to apply its new cooking process to recipes from partner restaurants.

Food from restaurants isn’t cooked for delivery. It’s made to be consumed shortly after it’s been cooked. Cerilli and his team are optimizing their recipes for delivery by purposely undercooking the food in kitchens and conducting the final step of the cooking process in delivery trucks.

News Editor Kennedy Rose Editorial Editor Allison Weis Feature Editor Haley Robertson Sports Editor Michael McCleary Presentation Director Bridget Slomian Photo Editor Molly Gibbs Illustration Editor Sarah Allam Digital Copy Chief Sarah Slavin Digital Editor Maeve Rule Digital Design Director Talia Trackim Video Editor Mackenzie Sammeth Asst. News Editor Casey Darnell Asst. News Editor India Miraglia Asst. News Editor Gabe Stern Asst. Editorial Editor Michael Sessa Asst. Feature Editor Diana Riojas Asst. Feature Editor Kelsey Thompson Asst. Sports Editor Nick Alvarez Asst. Sports Editor KJ Edelman

DANIEL STRAUSS

BUSINESS COLUMNIST This new model fits into a future where storefronts and physical locations for restaurants matter far less than they do today.

For the last decade, brick and mortar retail stores have been downsizing their physical footprints as consumers shift further into e-commerce. Food delivery is finally right in the middle of its digital transition thanks to mobile phones.

Good Uncle’s promise of a madefor-delivery menu could shake up the billion-dollar market for food delivery. Food is one of the largest segments of the coveted last mile delivery space, which is the final step in bringing online orders to consumers’ doorsteps.

Companies like Uber Eats, Grubhub, Postmates and DoorDash have all raised large sums of venture capital money to offer restaurants easy access to delivery.

These startups mostly operate in large metropolitan areas such as New York City, San Francisco and Boston. Few have tried to tap into the college markets as aggressively as Good Uncle.

The only other competitor in the made-for-delivery space is Zume Pizza, California-based operator automated pizza delivery trucks. Its delivery fleet uses robots to prepare pizza orders as they’re being delivered to customers. Since 2015, the startup has raised more than $400 million in venture capital funding to expand its hybrid workforce of humans and robots, according to Crunchbase.

Cerilli said the company’s goal for 2020 is to be the fastest growing restaurant chain in the country. If that happens, it will be the first restaurant to do so without storefront and it could usher in a new era for food delivery where the cooking and transportation processes happen at the same time.

Who knows, maybe in another few years Good Uncle’s food could be delivered by autonomous vehicles and prepared solely by an autonomous system.

Daniel Strauss is a senior finance major and public communications minor. His column appears biweekly. He can be reached at dstrauss@ syr.edu and followed on Twitter @_thestrauss_.

Asst. Photo Editor Dan Lyon Asst. Photo Editor Namrata Naik Asst. Illustration Editor Audra Linsner Senior Design Editor Amy Nakamura Design Editor Diana Denney Design Editor Blessing Emole Design Editor Jenna Morrisey Asst. Copy Editor Anthony Dabbundo Asst. Copy Editor Emma Folts Asst. Copy Editor Hattie Lindert Asst. Copy Editor Arabdho Majumder Asst. Copy Editor Jalen Nash Asst. Copy Editor Natalie Rubio-Licht Senior Data Analyst Andy Mendes Asst. Video Editor Anna Genus Asst. Video Editor Lauren Miller Asst. Digital Editor Brooke Kato Asst. Digital Editor Jordan Muller Asst. Digital Editor Kaci Wasilewski

Hazing prevention must be addressed

S

yracuse University on Monday night released results of its long-awaited Greek life review. The review, essentially described as an audit, was announced during the Theta Tau videos controversy last spring, and aimed to comprehensively identify and address problems in the Greek community, officials said. After taking nine months to complete, SU released an executive summary of the review following Chancellor Kent Syverud’s Winter Message.

The Daily Orange Editorial Board found that the review was, at times, vague in its language and extremely open-ended, and fundamental issues seemed apparent in how the executive summary was compiled.

Community engagement in the report was low. Despite more than 30 percent of campus being involved in Greek life, only “more than 260 people� participated in focus groups that were used to conduct research for the report, according to the university.

With that data, how can this

report truly provide an accurate and objective look into the state of Greek life on this campus?

But despite that obvious flaw, what comes next for SU can rectify any mistakes in the university’s review. If SU is serious about wanting to create real, systemic change to create a safer and more inclusive Greek community, it needs to be proactive and transparent by continuously informing students about its progress in implementing some key and noteworthy recommendations laid out by consultants who compiled the review’s executive summary As part of that commitment, it is imperative that SU publicly describe what tangible steps it takes to better prevent hazing behavior on campus.

From the report’s section on hazing: “Although hazing did not seem to dominate the conversation with the affiliated students, there were some underlying concerns shared by them. Some examples included sleep deprivation, extreme exertion/exercise, and verbal and emotional abuse.�

Hazing is a paramount safety

concern and updates must be provided to the SU community on the university’s work to eliminate these described practices.

They’re barbaric.

The report recommended, among other things, the creation of a “comprehensive� hazing education program, the creation of a detailed “Hazing Incident Report Form,� a review of Penn State’s hazing policies “for consideration� and the training of resident assistants to be alert for any signs of hazing.

Comprehensive. Hazing Incident Report Form. For consideration.

SU can prove it cares. But it’s going to take a long time.

The Daily Orange Editorial Board serves as the voice of the organization and aims to contribute the perspectives of students to discussions that concern Syracuse University and the greater Syracuse community. The editorial board’s stances are determined by a majority of its members.

Are you interested in pitching a topic for the editorial board to discuss? Email opinion@ dailyorange.com.

business

SU should use resources to help city

T

he Good Life Youth Foundation, located on South Salina Street in Syracuse, works to improve the lives of young people living in poverty through personal career mentoring.

Foundations such as these need the support of universities and the community members that attend them.

In Syracuse, youth poverty is a big problem. The Good Life Youth Foundation wants to reduce rates of incarceration, violence and unemployment — effects of poverty.

The Good Life Youth Foundation has proven that entrepreneurship and business can be a factor in changing the course of youth poverty and unemployment in Syracuse, one of the most impoverished cities in the United States.

The members of the organization get real world experience by running Good Life Youth Foundation entrepreneur ventures like GL Imprinting, Good Lawn Care and Good Eats. A portion of the profits from these businesses is then distributed to the kids, while

JACK RAMZA

BIGGER, BETTER, BUSINESS the remaining funds are reinvested in the foundation.

The real life skills these kids learn through the foundation also motivate them in the classroom. “Entrepreneurship connects their ability to make money with the education that they are receiving in school,� said Hasan Stephens, founder and CEO of Good Life Youth Foundation.

But, it’s Syracuse University’s duty to also get involved in the community and help these organizations to be as successful as possible.

Stephens said that, in addition to fundraising, the SU community can offer some of the greatest minds in the nation.

In Winnipeg — a Canadian city with similar poverty rates to Syracuse — the community has benefitted from the local university’s engagement.

Jino Distasio, director of the Institute of Urban Studies and

vice president of research and innovation at the University of Winnipeg said, “part of our mandate since the late 1800s has been to work and support positive growth in our community.�

Distasio explained how his school has created an open access center for kids within the community to use its resources.

But, communities can be negatively impacted when they’re not prioritized by universities.

Davarian Baldwin, a professor at Trinity College, gave examples of what can happen when the needs of the community go largely ignored by universities. “Individual skill training is only successful to the degree that the university is invested in its surrounding community that can actually support and sustain individuals with entrepreneurial training,� Baldwin said in an email.

SU is privileged with bright minds and resources and it should use them to help our community.

Jack Ramza is a freshman Whitman-Newhouse major. His column runs biweekly. He can be reached at jjramza@syr.edu.

Advertising Representative Mike Ceribelli Advertising Representative VictoriaTramontana Advertising Representative Divya Yeleswarapu Social Media Manager Sarah Stewart Special Events Coordinator Taylor Sheehan Circulation Manager Charles Plumpton Circulation Manager Jason Siegel t h e i n de p e n de n t s t u de n t n e w s pa p e r of s y r ac u s e , n e w yor k

Sam Ogozalek

Aishwarya Sukesh

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

Digital Design Editor Digital Design Editor Archivist General Manager IT Manager

Anna Henderson Susie Teuscher Tyler Youngman Mike Dooling Ryland Arbour

Business Assistant Tim Bennett Advertising Manager Zack Vlahandreas Advertising Representative Allyson Toolan Advertising Representative Sabrina Koenig Advertising Representative Sarah Grinnell

follow us on dailyorange.com @dailyorange facebook.com/thedailyorange

6 jan. 16, 2019

from page 3

chestnuts looking to fatten up for winter, Powell said. The nuts were also one of the most valuable and profitable crops for farmers, who would harvest the nuts from wild trees, he added.

In his 35 years of research, Powell hasn’t eaten a single chestnut his team engineered, but he’s sure he will be the first person to eat one.

“They’re very precious, so we don’t eat them,” Powell said. “We go out and plant them.”

The American Chestnut Foundation experimented with both backcross breeding as well as genetic engineering. Powell’s team at SUNY-ESF worked on genetically engineering the chestnut to be blight-resistant like Asian from page 1

reactions Greek life organizations.

“We don’t know how a lot of Greek life organizations act and how they work within the university, how they treat their members,” Golden said. “I think that that’s important to the Greek life review.”

SU suspended or expelled four fraternities in the 2017-18 academic year, stripping them of their status as recognized by the university. The report suggested a “more aggressive stance” on unrecognized groups, including asking for members of recognized groups to identify members of unrecognized groups. from page 1

syverud more important is what comes as a result of it.”

Rosenblum said that the speech was a good way for the student body to stay consistently informed. “(Syverud) holding these winter remarks in a public setting where students are always walking through is something that allows students to stay informed and give their input and work on the change that’s happening all over

dailyorange.com news@dailyorange.com

species of chestnut.

Backcross breeding involves creating hybridizations of Asian chestnut tree species and American chestnuts to make blightresistant trees, but those experiments did not result in trees that had tall growth height or were a good substitute in the American chestnut’s ecosystem, he said.

“There are no different risks of introducing a genetically-engineered American chestnut than a non-genetically-engineered American chestnut because we’re making a very small change, only adding a couple genes to the tree to confer the resistance,” Powell said.

The newly-engineered chestnut detoxifies an acid the fungus uses to hurt the tree. The new genes don’t even hurt the fungus, but instead “It is a lot to ask for,” Peter Choi, co-chair of SA’s Public Relation committee and member of the Theta Chi fraternity said of the suggestion. “But at the same time, it comes down to whether or not you’re willing to be responsible and take responsibility for it and stand up to what’s wrong and what’s right.”

Choi said that the Theta Tau videos exposed the “evils” of Greek life and that his chapter has made changes since last spring.

The next step, Choi said, is to “revamp” the recruitment process to make it more transparent and accessible for students who have little knowledge of Greek life or are economically disadvantaged. cdarnell@syr.edu | @caseydarnell_ gkstern@syr.edu | @gabestern326

campus,” he said.

Salih said that she hopes for Syverud and the administration to take active steps in engaging with all students, rather than just student leaders.

“What I want top level administrators to know is that I hope that they take advantage of the face time they have with students at events like these,” she said. “I urge them to take advantage of events like these where they get to have these conversations.” nrrubiol@syr.edu | @natalierubio_

make them resistant to the fungus, he said.

Planting will occur at sites where American chestnut is indigenous. The restoration program will focus on places that lost American chestnuts and deforested areas that won’t disturb the ecosystem, Powell said.

American chestnut trees are native to the East Coast, from Maine to Georgia, and also existed as far west as Tennessee, Powell said.

The greatest devastation to the American chestnut population happened along the Appalachian Mountains, where 25 percent of standing timber of American chestnut was lost, he said.

It could take several years to make American chestnut available to the public, Powell said.

The team has to work with multiple regulatory agencies to bring the trees to the public from page 1

review with her about the relationship between cultural Greek organizations and SU’s Department of Public Safety, as well as communications surrounding Greek life. She said that she was happy the concerns that had been brought to her were included in the report.

However, Salih said she was surprised that inconsistencies in recruitment across organizations was not among the challenges listed in the report. Some students who wanted to join culturally-based or professional fraternities thought the recruitment process was the same as joining a Panhellenic sorority or fraternity due to a lack of communication, she said.

Communication was listed as a challenge in the review, particularly surrounding policy, information and policy implementation in Greek life.

Communication in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, both internally and with the student body, should be improved following these recommendations, Salih said.

Rosenblum said he was surprised that the sense of community that Greek life creates was not included in the list of strengths.

Salih said she sometimes finds it difficult to talk about her culture with her fraternity brothers. Making Greek life more inclusive

sphere. They must go through the Food and Drug Administration because chestnuts are a food product, Powell said, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency to determine whether the blight-resistant gene editing conducted constitutes a pesticide.

Research is funded by the American Chestnut Foundation, New York state, the Templeton Foundation and several crowdfunding campaigns, Powell said. Funding has also come from USDA grants, National Science Foundation grants and ArborGen, a tree biotechnology company.

“Whether it’s genetically engineered or not genetically engineered, putting it back is going to be beneficial to wildlife,” Powell said. krose100@syr.edu | @KennedyRose001

and accessible would create opportunities for open conversations, she added.

“To me, the future is for (Greek life) to build a more inclusive and open culture,” Salih said, “A lot of people see it as exclusive — which in some ways it is, because there’s a recruitment process. I hope it drives towards being a more open community where you can talk about difficult topics.”

Putting emphasis on the regulation of unrecognized fraternities and sororities is crucial to reforming Greek life, Rosenblum said. There are currently 11 unrecognized Greek organizations at SU, four of which were suspended or expelled in the past year.

Though the review is aimed at all of Greek life, SA Speaker of the Assembly Will Pritchett said the distinction between the three spheres of Greek life — social, cultural and professional — is an important part of addressing the different experiences and challenges within each group. He said Greek life can be an asset to the campus if the three types of Greek life have an honest conversation about how to improve.

“If Greek life is done right, you can truly develop friendships that will last a lifetime,” Pritchett said. “But I feel like a reason that this report exists is because it’s not being done right all the time.” nrrubiol@syr.edu | @natalierubio_

jan. 16, 2019 7

dailyorange.com

Houses and Apartments Now Available!

My name name is My is Ben Ben Tupper Tupper and and II know know the the University University Neighborhood because Neighborhood because II grew grew up up ininit.it. I’m I’man anSU S.Ugrad gradthat that has provided provided housing than 11,000 tenants overyears, the has housing to to more over 7,000 students over the years, you7,001! to be 11,001! See rentfromben.com. and I’d and loveI’d forlove youfor to be

Houses and Apartments Now Available!

My name is Ben Tupper and I know the University Neighborhood because I grew up in it. I’m an S.U grad that has provided housing to over 7,000 students over the years, and I’d love for you to be 7,001!

Visit rentfromben.com, look through our selection Visit rentfromben.com, and check out of 1-10remaining person homes and apartments, and find your our options for the 2019-20 perfect place! academic year. 1 tolook 3 bedroom Visit rentfromben.com, through ourapartments, selection of 1-10 personpet homes and apartments, and find your furnished, friendly, off-street parking perfect place! laundry. and on-site

SPONSORED BY

SU BEAT DUKE

10 jan. 16, 2019

dailyorange.com

Study with Falk College this spring!* Course Number CFS 365 CFS 387 CFS 388 CFS 388 CFS 447 CFS 474 CFS 486 FST 312 FST 400 HTW 300 HTW 305 HTW 309 HTW 409 NSD 225 NSD 400 NSD 425 SPM 101 SWK 115 SWK 202 SWK 403 SWK 427

Section M001 M001 M001 M002 M001 M001 M001 M001 M001 M001 M001 M001 M001 M003 M001 M001 M001 M001 M003 M001 M001

Course Name Language Development in Children Int. Rel. & Gender Roles Human Sexuality Human Sexuality Principles & Practices in Parenting Promises, Problems in Youth & Emerging Adulthood Family Life Education Emergency Food Systems Sustainable Food Enterprise U.S. Healthcare Delivery Community Mental Health Health Disparities Addiction Family Relationships Nutrition in Health Vegetarian Nutrition Nutrition Fitness/Sports Personal & Social Responsibility Introduction to Social Work SWK Practice Skills Lab II SWK and the Human-Animal Bond Introduction to Military Culture & SWK Practice

*Students should consult MySlice for up-to-date information on course offerings and cancellations, as well as detailed course descriptions.

Learn more at falk.syr.edu.

P

Shattered glass

Toast and tapas Chrisopher Bily, the chef behind Original Grain and XO Taco, creates a five-sense experience. ))ĂŹ4%+)ĂŹ

Will “Glassâ€? shatter audience expectations? Our Screen Time columnist will find out. ))ĂŹ(%-0=36%2+)@'31

PULP

Salty City queens Meet the contestants of the 2019 Salt City Drag Battle on Friady night at Syracuse Stage. ))ĂŹ ,967(%=T7ĂŹ4%4)6

dailyorange.com @dailyorange jan. 16, 2019

eĂŹ PAG E ĂŹ 11

‘EVERYBODY’S VOICE NEEDS TO BE HEARD’

Ï , Syracuse University’s interim chief diversity officer, was appointed to his position by Chancellor Kent Syverud as colleges across the country strive to make their campuses more inclusive and welcoming. He has also worked as a social worker, mentor and volunteer. alexandra moreo senior staff photographer

In striving for diversity, Keith Alford urges room-for-all approach

By Matthew Gutierrez senior staff writer

K

eith Alford often strikes people as cautious, but his idea for fostering inclusion is defined by boldness.

He speaks deliberately and long-winded, carefully choosing how to get his message across in a way that’s impactful, though not intrusive. During a recent interview, Alford described “We Rise Above the Streets,� a recovery outreach program for the homeless community in Syracuse. “It helps homeless people,� Alford said. He corrected himself. “People who are homeless, excuse me,� he said. “Actually, I even go further: Our fellow citizens who are experiencing homelessness. It’s people-first language we should think about.�

Alford’s self-correction is indicative of the steps some are taking in the quest for inclusion. He said it’s time for people and organizations to stop trying to create diverse and inclusive environments. They need to start doing it, beginning with the language they use and the actions they take. He said “people-first� language is a good start.

Last June, Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Sy verud appointed Alford to a new position designed to make SU a more welcoming place. His appointment comes as colleges hire chief diversity officers nationwide. As interim chief

How do we make sure people of all backgrounds feel like this is their home away from home? )-8,ĂŹ 0*36( interim chief diversity officer

diversity officer at SU, Alford wants to make Syracuse a more understanding and open place for all people — regardless of their race, identity or intersexuality. He sums up his role in a singular question. “How do we make sure people of all backgrounds feel like this is their home away from home?�

Alford knows it isn’t easy, but he mentioned a number of programs on campus seeking to fix issues surrounding exclusion at SU. They include Conversations About Race and Ethnicity, Intergroup Dialogue and STOP Bias. As part of a new initiative, Alford himself eats lunch with students to discuss ways to improve inclusion on campus. “We have moved beyond that occurrence,� Alford said of Theta Tau. “We need to connect with every identity on campus.�

To Alford, dialogue is a vehicle for progress. For decades, as a social worker, mentor and volunteer, he has fostered inclusive environments with dialogue, based on a room-for-all approach.

He said it’s simple, yet powerful: think of a dinner table where all people are able to sit and listen to one another.

He illustrated this in October 2017, while giving the keynote address for InterFaith Works of Central New York, an organization for which he’s volunteered. He said during his speech that there’s room at the table for dialogue, not debate.

see alford page 12

city

Black Speaker Series provides advice to South Side youth

By Diana Riojas

asst. feature editor

After school, siblings Adrian and Alayna Loften spend most days at the South Side Communication Center Youth Program. But the center gives them more than just time to do homework and color in peace.

As part of the program’s Black Speaker Series, community leaders are invited to share their own life

struggles growing up on the South Side with area kids. “Surprisingly, they talked how they were bad in school and how teachers were down on them. Then they proved their teachers wrong,� said Adrian. “Honestly, I thought once you’re bad you’re always bad, but I understand you can turn it around.�

Started in October 2017, the speaker series invites leaders like Charles Pierce-El, a chess teacher,

to give advice to children at the center. For Adrian, Pierce-El not only teaches him chess but also gives valuable advice that resonates with him. Adrian and Alayna said since joining the center their grades and behavior at school has improved.

Jimmy Oliver, deputy commissioner for the Syracuse Parks and Recreation department, will speak at the center Wednesday night.

He plans to discuss his life growing up

with a single parent and the struggles he faced living on the Westside. “I think it’s important that (the students) hear a story where I have gone through similar struggles or mistakes,� Oliver said. “My story can help someone, no matter where they come from.�

Oliver said he hopes to comfort students and remind them that, despite their current obstacles, they can find new creative outlets in

their community that keep them in school. He said during his childhood, there were more after-school activities than there are today.

Oliver said he will offer the children job shadowing opportunities to inspire them in community service.

For Rachielle Scrivens, the center’s site coordinator, keeping kids motivated is vital. She believes that when children see people who

see series page 12

12 jan. 16, 2019

dailyorange.com pulp@dailyorange.com

GO AHEAD, TREAT YOURSELF. 2019 EQUINOX AWD LT MSRP: $30,490 Stock#14317

TEST DRIVE A NEW CHEVY HERE AND YOU COULD WIN...

ONLY $500 DOWN, TAX INCLUDED!

LEASE FOR

289

$

PER MONTH FOR 39 MONTHS*

*Must qualify and lease through GM Financial Leasing. Must have competitive lease. $500 plus DMV due at signing. In stock only. 10,000 miles per year. .25 per excess mile. Prior sales excluded. Offer ends 1/30/19. These leases may contain rebates or discounts that are limited to certain vehicles. We cannot guarantee discounted units will be available upon arrival to the dealership.

OR BUY FOR $23,000**

**Must have GM lease. Must finance with GM Financial.

Bridge St. At 690 • 315-437-3311 www.cusechevy.com

Courtesy of the Daily Orange and East Syracuse Chevrolet Join us in supporting the Daily Orange, an independent, non-profit digital news organization. To make a donation, go to www.dailyorange.com and click on the “DONATE” tab at the top of the home page.

Rules: Contest begins on Monday, January 14, 2019 and ends on Saturday, February 16, 2019. After you take a test drive, you may register to win. Must be 18 or over and have a valid driver’s license.

Limit 1 entry per person. Winning entry will be drawn on Saturday, February 16, 2019. Need not be present to win. No purchase necessary. Game day is February 23, 2019.

slice of life

Pascale Italian Bistro takes on Chef Challenge Syracuse

By Leah Toney staff writer

Pascale Italian Bistro sat comfortably in Drumlins, close to Syracuse University’s South Campus. On Monday night, string-lights shone warm yellow hues on the building, welcoming patrons for the Chef Challenge Syracuse.

Couples, friend groups and strangers entered the quaint bistro with smiles.

Lingering near the foyer, they waited for Josh Rhoades and Ashley Murray, the leaders of the event. They were then led, in groups, into the kitchen for a special sneak peak of ingredients the bistro received in a “mystery box.”

With events throughout the year, Chef Challenge Syracuse challenges local restaurants to create a seven-course meal with a limited, surprise set of ingredients. from page 11

series look and come from the same place they do, they grasp the advice better.

“People that have grown up on the South Side, gone to these schools, walked these streets and have become successful can come in and share,” Scrivens said.

Scrivens also works to keep the children’s mental health strong. She said students in Syracuse now face anxiety related to gun violence, which she responded to by inviting speaker Clifford Ryans, the founder of OG’s Against Gun Violence — a nonprofit organization aimed to keep students away from gun violence.

In his speech last year, Ryans demonstrated problem solving without using violence while discussing the severity of gun violence. Ryans said he believes the secure atmosphere helps students flourish in the community and school.

“We need some leaders to emerge from it,”

For Monday night’s challenge, the Pascale Italian Bistro’s kitchen was filled with fresh, local produce that had been given to the chefs only hours prior to guests arriving. Executive Chef Sal Alessandro said the restaurant was sent more than 20 pounds of watermelon radishes, about ten pounds of carrots and another 20 pounds of purple daikon radish.

“We give restaurants a slight heads up or send them major proteins a couple of days in advance since some proteins need more time to be properly prepared,” Rhoades said. “But even then, there is hardly any time for preplanning or preparation.”

Rhoades and Murray thought of the Chef Challenge years ago, while working with Oswego-based Grindstone Farm. They wanted a way to dress up the farm’s Instagram page, as well as to show their followers how they could Ryans said. “That’s the goal, to have speakers come in and have a positive leadership role … to encourage them in community activities and to give them a full positive view of life.”

Scrivens also asked certified life coach Tyrone Dixon to come speak to students on the importance of mental health in the wake of the gun and teen violence Syracuse has faced.

“Even though it may not seem like it doesn’t affect them, it does, because then they’re scared and they think, ‘well that could be me just walking down the street,’” Scrivens said. “The community has really wanted to reach out to these kids and inspire them.”

Since the series started, Scrivens said more community members have come to speak and discuss their own life experiences.

Adrian, who said he has struggled in school, has found comfort in knowing people who grew up blocks from where he lived became as successful as he hopes to be. dianar@dailyorange.com

The Black Speaker Series at the South Side Communication Center helps kids find inspiration from local community leaders. courtesy of rachielle scrivens

use local produce to make exciting dishes.

Both Rhoades and Murray saw this as a great opportunity to introduce people to new foods and to new ways of sourcing their food.

“We really want to help develop a conscious ear to what we are eating and supporting by what we eat and purchase,” Murray said.

“You are supporting your neighbor and from a sustainability aspect we are using less fossil fuels to manage transportation of products and produce.”

They also saw the event as a chance to spotlight restaurants around the city — Rhoades said he appreciates Syracuse as a “foodie destination.”

At Pascale’s, guests sat at tables and mingled, while discussing the food. A few people said they never tasted radishes before — and definitely not the way they were from page 11

alford “Everybody’s voice needs to be heard,” he told the audience. Virginia Felleman, who was watching, needed a box of tissues to wipe away tears as Alford left the podium. His lasting message centered on understanding and empathy, Felleman said.

“In dialogue, we open ourselves to the process of discovery,” Alford said, “and what their life experiences have been.”

Alford grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. His father was an insurance salesman turned barber who worked from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days, a work ethic Alford tries to replicate. His mother was an elementary school history teacher who introduced him to Thomas Jefferson’s words in the Declaration of Independence — specifically, the idea of fundamental human rights. Alford also admired his paternal grandfather, who shaped his career path in social work.

“I look up to my grandfather because times were not easy for African-Americans in the South during Jim Crow,” he said.

“In college, I came to the realization that oppression and prejudicial attitudes exist in many forms and that people can feel disenfranchised, held back from achieving their true potential.”

“I also saw the” — he held a long pause and sighed — “the vestiges of the Jim Crow era still playing out, even in my young adult years,” he added.

The early experiences drove him to find something worth doing for the rest of his life. In central New York, he’s led groups

GO AHEAD, TREAT YOURSELF. 2019 EQUINOX AWD LT MSRP: $30,490 Stock#14317

prepared that night.

“It’s just so cool,” one diner said while sitting with her family. “We have plenty of great food right here in New York ... I just never realized how I could actually eat seasonally without it being a chore.”

Rhoades and Murray plan on bringing the Chef Challenge to other restaurants in Syracuse. As they create them, they hope to build a network between Syracuse residents and those serving and producing their food.

Inside the kitchen on Monday night, the chefs were just as enthused.

“When do you ever, as a restaurant, get fresh, lovely ingredients delivered to your doorstep and asked to just be creative with them?” Alessandro asked. “We live for this.” ltoney@syr.edu

focused on ending racism. He’s mentored students in Syracuse through the local Big Brother Big Sister program. He’s completed missionary trips to Tanzania.

Alford said he tries to keep empathy at the forefront. In South Carolina, he met dozens of families through churches.

He stays in touch with them. When he learns a community member fell ill, he either calls that person’s family or comes to visit.

“Keith has so many frequent flier miles because he’s flying to funerals to speak on behalf of families,” said Maritha Frederick, Alford’s older cousin. “When my father died, Keith called me regularly. For a lot of people, he’s our backbone.”

Alford loves working with kids.

As a social worker, he said he helped many children who didn’t have “a lot of resources.” He said people may call them “poor people.” Not him. He prefers his “people-first” language and calls them people “who have low resources.”

“They were very rich in their ability to care for one another,” Alford said. “We need to be conscious of not devaluing the human experience.”

In times of grief and in times of joy, Alford has something to lean on. He said he reflects on the African proverb: “I am because we are, and because we are, therefore I am.”

To Alford, the proverb aligns with his core values: People are connected. And because we depend on community, we can’t move forward without respecting and caring for one another. mguti100@syr.edu | @Matthewgut21

TEST DRIVE A NEW CHEVY HERE AND YOU COULD WIN...

ONLY $500 DOWN, TAX INCLUDED!

LEASE FOR

$289 PER MONTH FOR 39 MONTHS*

*Must qualify and lease through GM Financial Leasing. Must have competitive lease. $500 plus DMV due at signing. In stock only. 10,000 miles per year. .25 per excess mile. Prior sales excluded. Offer ends 1/30/19. These leases may contain rebates or discounts that are limited to certain vehicles. We cannot guarantee discounted units will be available upon arrival to the dealership.

OR BUY FOR $23,000**

**Must have GM lease. Must finance with GM Financial.

Bridge St. At 690 • 315-437-3311 www.cusechevy.com

Courtesy of the Daily Orange and East Syracuse Chevrolet Join us in supporting the Daily Orange, an independent, non-profit digital news organization. To make a donation, go to www.dailyorange.com and click on the “DONATE” tab at the top of the home page.

Rules: Contest begins on Monday, January 14, 2019 and ends on Saturday, February 16, 2019. After you take a test drive, you may register to win. Must be 18 or over and have a valid driver’s license.

Limit 1 entry per person. Winning entry will be drawn on Saturday, February 16, 2019. Need not be present to win. No purchase necessary. Game day is February 23, 2019.

From the

KITCHEN PULP

dailyorange.com @dailyorange jan. 16, 2019

eĂŹPAGE 13

Mood by menu For Chef Christopher Bily, creating a hit restaurant brand is all about the details

ĂŹ #, the creative mind behind Original Grain and XO Taco, aims to make his cooking a full-sensory experience.

XO Taco, Bily’s Syracuse-based Mexican restaurant, features neon lights, fun music and carefully curated Instagram-ready food. aaron kassman contributing photographer

By Andrew Graham senior staff writer

E

verything you see, touch, smell, taste or hear is deliberate. It is there for a reason.

Christopher Bily put it there so you will enjoy yourself, take a picture of the food for Instagram and leave a good tip.

Bily, a Syracuse chef, is obsessed with making dining experiences at both of his restaurants — Original Grain and XO Taco — feel wholly. The location, lighting, menu, music and even the way staff interacts with customers is, in some way, dictated or designed by Bily. “There’s so much involved on a plate of food on someone’s table that a lot of people really don’t f*cking think about, you know?� he said.

As much as Bily is the central pillar of his restaurants, they’re not designed as one-offs. Currently, Bily is building the second Original Grain — OG for short — in Rochester. It’s expected to open in late spring or early summer.

The new OG will have more light, outdoor space and seating. When people go there, or to XO Taco, the experience will be carefully curated, exactly how Bily wants it to be.

Anna Buhaj and Mary Bily, Bily’s grandmother and mother, respectively, sowed the beginnings of Bily’s love of food and cooking.

In a Ukrainian family, Bily grew up crimping edges of perogies, with the adults pickling vegetables and making jams. The bustling nature and loud personalities of the kitchen drew him in.

Bily never sought formal culinary training. The closest he came was some cooking classes in college. He learned from watching Bobby Flay on Food Network.

Bily learned to run a kitchen when he headed the culinary side at Abbott’s Village Tavern in Marcellus, immersed in

andrew graham senior staff writer

XO Taco offers cocktails such as “Purple Rain� and “Cherry, Baby,� margaritas and a selection of wine for guests to enjoy. aaron kassman contributing photographer

the hectic life of managing a kitchen. After leaving Abbott’s, he planned to start his own restaurant, opting to get his MBA before doing so. But in 2012, after a few months in Chicago, Mike Borcz, the then-athletic director at Wells College in Aurora, called.

Borcz offered Bily the men’s lacrosse head coaching job.

Money spent in Chicago made steady work attractive, so he accepted the offer. By the second season, it was an open secret that Bily was a less-than-attentive steward.

He still had dreams of opening a restaurant. On free evenings, Bily retired to his attic bedroom, a bottle of bourbon in hand. He wrote. Menus, business plans, restaurant names. He designed a brand package for a woodfired pizza place called “Brick and Mortar.� “I wouldn’t stop until 2 a.m. in the morning, when I was dog tired,� Bily said. “Feast Coast� popped onto the page, then it became a real endeavor. But as Bily and Matt Gardner, a childhood friend and accountant, researched the project — a food truck — it became less plausible. “It was a point in our lives when him and I were both a little lost in what we were going to do,� Gardner said.

Bily got a tip that someone was working on a diner project: Modern Malt. Bily and Gardner got involved, cooking and crunching numbers, respectively. In 2014, Bily, at least in part, owned a restaurant. “It was huge for me,� Bily said. “It was huge for my ego. It was huge for everything I dreamed of.�

While the grouping started smoothly, it frayed. Bily wanted more recognition for his work. Visions for the restaurants diverged. Eventually, the other partners told Bily he wasn’t needed at the restaurant on a daily basis. Bily sold his equity in Modern Malt shortly thereafter. “It was so apparent I was unhappy,� he said.

Bily and Hinman traveled to Los Angeles and New York

City, eating constantly. In L.A., they ate at Lemonade and Sweet Fin, and Sweet Green and Little B in New York. They wanted to open a healthy fast-casual restaurant, travel spurring their imaginations.

They built a menu riffing on things they had tasted — smashed avocado toast, acai bowls and poke. They toured spaces, eventually checking out an old Tim Horton’s. With floor to ceiling windows, a downtown location and purposebuilt layout, it was the right fit. “When we saw it, it was love at first sight,� Hinman said. “Like ‘Yeah we can make this something special.’�

The menu and decor came into focus, but a name eluded Bily. He almost settled on “Rhythm and Beet.� Instead, “Original Grain� won out.

Wood-gray finishes accent the space. Broken skateboard decks and blown up pictures of cassettes adorn the white walls. High ceilings make the space feel very open as rap music pumps from the sound system. “You want people to be friends with the brand,� said Eric Hinman, Bily’s friend and a business partner.

Bily knew Original Grain would become OG — more commonly known as “original gangster,� harkening back to 1990s hip-hop — and he thought the name encapsulates the restaurant. “For all the sh*t that I’ve done,� Bily said, “there’s a specific meaning, a specific significance to the name and the logo, and it’s presence in the spaces and on the menus and in social media. It’s super (f*cking) important. “People need to visualize, taste, touch, smell the name,� he continued.

In Original Grain, Christopher Bily’s finally built what he’s so long wanted. It’s all Bily, all born from his own imagination, and distilled down to an art installation on the wall or the food on your plate. aegraham@syr.edu | @A_E_Graham

14 jan. 16, 2019

from page 16

duke

… There’s a reason we lost 14 games.”

Boeheim was right: SU’s three wins were part of a Cinderella-like NCAA Tournament run that created a distorted expectation that Syracuse would be a National Championship contender. After all, SU returned all five of its starters and added Elijah Hughes and Jalen Carey.

But this Syracuse team is filled with surprising road victories and even more surprising home losses. The Orange are undefeated outside of New York state, pulling off unlikely wins at then-No. 16 Ohio State and at topranked Duke.

Four days ago, inside the Carrier Dome, a stout Georgia Tech defense stopped SU with a variety of zones to the fine tune of 59 points on 31.6-percent shooting.

“We really don’t have that ability to score around the basket,” Boeheim said after the 73-59 loss on Jan. 12.

The Orange resorted to the 3 ball, taking 33 shots from beyond the arc against Georgia Tech, converting at a 21.2-percent clip (7-for33). The game prior, against Clemson, the duo didn’t make a single long ball in 10 tries.

“At some point in time, you have to look in the mirror and say ‘I’m shooting 27 percent from the 3,’” Boeheim said of Brissett’s struggles from beyond the arc. “…‘What’s the best way to help me and help the team?’

Both Tyus and (Brissett) were really looking to shoot 3s and percentage wise, it’s not a good play.”

The GT loss showed another weakness that hadn’t been present in games prior: interior defense. James Banks III and Abdoulaye

dailyorange.com sports@dailyorange.com

Gueye led the Yellow Jackets to score 36 points in the paint.

Georgia Tech left the Carrier Dome with a win and exploited an Orange unit that relies so heavily on its defense.

Duke provided an opportunity for Syracuse to bounce back. Zion Williamson scored 35 points, mostly inside the paint, and Dolezaj only played 12 minutes. But without Reddish or Jones, RJ Barrett controlled the offense, and both he and Jack White chucked 3s. The two combined to shoot a disastrous 4-for-27 from deep.

The win should not hide the fact that Syracuse already has five losses just four games into ACC play. And the rest of Syracuse’s schedule is daunting. Six opponents are currently ranked, three of which will travel to the Carrier Dome.

Upsets, like Duke, are a necessity. They will need more to make the NCAA Tournament. Other games — like facing a Pittsburgh squad that just upset No. 11 Florida State and Louisville, which came in at No. 26 in the most recent Associated Press Poll — are must-wins.

The margin for error is even slimmer now.

Does this remind you of something?

This isn’t the No. 16 Syracuse team the fans and media expected them to be entering the season. They’re the same Syracuse team from a year ago. The one with bad losses, the one that struggled to find its identity early in conference play and the one that sat on the NCAA Tournament bubble unsure of its outcome.

Charlie DiSturco is a senior staff writer for The Daily Orange where his column appears occasionally. He can be reached at csdistur@syr.edu or on Twitter @charliedisturco

TYUS BATTLE hangs in the air during SU’s win over No. 1 Duke. Battle had a team-high 32 points. alexandra moreo senior staff photographer from page 16

weitsman

ADAM WEITSMAN agreed to donate $175,000 to local charities if the Orange beat topranked Duke on Monday. courtesy of adam weitsman from page 16

engstler is averaging 5.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in 15.6 minutes while shooting 42.7-percent from the field.

“She came in with a pretty solid skillset around the board,” Hillsman said on Nov. 27.

“We’re trying to get her to understand the speed of the game and at this level, some of the passes and decisions you make in high school might not work.”

Senior guard Gabrielle Cooper saw the dichotomies of Engstler’s game during the team’s early-season Cancun Challenge. In the three-game tournament, Cooper remembered

Engstler executed acrobatic lay-ins, but also fired high-risk passes that resulted in turnovers.

Engstler committed one mistake trying to wedge a pass to forward Maeva Djaldi-Tabdi in the paint. Djaldi-Tabdi was in the process of backing down her defender, establishing space.

Trying to wedge a pass, Engstler assumed that Djaldi-Tabdi would easily post her defender down low, Cooper remembered. Instead, Engstler flung a pass in Djaldi-Tabdi’s direction, and eventually, out of bounds. It was a play that only worked against lesser competition.

Engstler compared the “typical” adjustment period she’s experiencing to her freshman year at Christ The King (New York). She started on a team with five Division-I players and spent the

“It’s awesome for Jim,” Juli said. “To step away from basketball, it’s a breath of fresh air.”

Weitsman, a native of Owego, didn’t originally attend SU basketball games, but he started going to support Boeheim. He’s followed the team since then, investing his time and regularly asking questions — like changes in offensive strategy — to the Hall of Fame coach during postgame dinners.

He’s followed the season, watching Syracuse drop back-to-back games at Madison Square Garden, and mostly recently, lose its first conference game to Georgia Tech. Weitsman marked Jan. 14 on his calendar to travel to Cameron Indoor Stadium.

The morning of the Syracuse-Duke matchup, Weitsman wanted to get a quick morning workout with a couple of his friends he planned to go to the game with. As Weitsman began his workout, he was reminded of a story he read about SU recruiting target Isaiah Stewart.

Stewart spent the bulk of his childhood in and out of Boys & Girls Clubs. It dawned on Weitsman that many young basketball players, like Stewart, go through the same programs. He wanted to help, contribute more than he already was.

In between workouts, Weitsman ran the idea of pledging money toward Boys & Girls Clubs in three central New York areas to his friends. The bet: If Syracuse can defeat No. 1 Duke, he would donate $150,000.

They loved his idea. Mid-workout, Weitsman posted the bet to Facebook. He knew it would pop up on multiple Syracuse basketball players’ feeds. Maybe it would add extra motivation.

Hours before the game, Weitsman told Boeheim about the pledge. It was already circulating on social media, and his inbox reached triple-digit messages before tip-off. He broke most of her minutes rebounding and facilitating an offense without being its star.

At Syracuse, a knee injury to Kadiatou Sissoko thinned SU’s forward rotation, but Engstler has emphasized her own rebounding while taking the least amount of field goals (82) of any Orange player that averages at least 15 minutes per game.

“I think my role in the offense is just to create more offense,” Engstler said. “I think what I’m doing best is rebounding and getting other people open.”

While Engstler called herself “efficient” in her recent stretch — she tallied five points, five rebounds and four assists in SU’s most-recent win against North Carolina on Jan. 13 — the “little

the news to SU’s head coach in a restaurant under the team’s Marriott hotel. Boeheim was in game-mode, not expressing too much excitement because no team other than North Carolina had ever beaten a No.1-ranked Duke squad at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

“I don’t think people thought Syracuse was going to win,” Weitsman said. “They were like, ‘That’s a nice gesture.’”

Weitsman got to his seat, the closest row behind the Orange’s bench. Usually quiet at games, he was invested in every play, itching for SU to start fast. But the Orange didn’t, down 12-0 in the opening minutes.

He tilted his head into Boeheim’s timeouts, listening and taking pictures of the scene.

Weitsman’s yelled after every Syracuse bucket and got louder as SU fought back into the game.

And while his phone blew, now total strangers clinging onto his challenge, Weitsman soon started to lose his voice.

Down only a point at half, SU stayed with the Blue Devils as Tre Jones left the game, and Jack White missed all of his 10 shots.

Frank Howard sped up, Tyus Battle took over the scoring reigns and Paschal Chukwu controlled the paint. Weitsman’s optimism grew, the possibility of his donation materializing. In overtime, Howard’s go-ahead steal and layup made him optimistic. And Chukwu’s putback dunk in the final minute made it a reality.

“Didn’t feel it in the beginning,” Weitsman said. “But felt it all in the end.”

He took to Facebook after and stayed around the stadium long after the game. Usually grumpy after games, Weitsman’s friend, Boeheim, was in good spirits, Weitsman said.

“Adam,” Boeheim said to him then,” The Boys (& Girls) Clubs are going to be really happy tomorrow.”

— Senior staff writer Matthew Gutierrez contributed reporting to this article. kjedelma@syr.edu | @KJEdelman

things” have held her back. Hillsman has reminded her during practice to call for the ball more and communicate better, something Engstler said she didn’t have to do much of in high school.

Mangakahia and other teammates have reminded Engstler of maintaining focus in games, like receiving a pass with extended arms or always boxing out for a rebound. To execute at the level she was expected to before the season, Engstler will have to cut out the mistakes that’s kept her off the court.

“I’m just hoping I can become more consistent and stable,” Engstler said. “Once I get that down, the rest of my freshman year will be great.” nialvare@syr.edu | @nick_a_alvarez

CLASSIFIEDS

dailyorange.com

jan. 16, 2019 15

LEASE TODAY LEASE RENT FROM BEN TODAY LEASE TODAY YOUR AD 2019-2020 Academic YearLEASE TODAY LEASE COULD BE TO LEASE TODAY LEASE Houses and Apartments, LEASE Rates as low as LSE HERE! 1 to 8 bedrooms $940 per month TAY Euclid, Ostrom, Ackerman,TODAY Sumner, Livingston LEASE TODAY LEASE Contact General Manager Mike Dooling Furnished, Off street parking, On SiteTODAY LEASE TODAY *Subject to change.

at (315) 443-2315 for more details.

laundry, Pet friendly. Half the price of Luxury Dorms, and twice the freedom 315-420-6937 or rentfromben.com

MP A C E K A L P IP R T Welcome to

, gymnastics im, canoe, sw re , o is m n d n to an Teach te er ski, pho kayak, wat

Tripp Lake Camp is looking for males and females who like to travel, meet new people, and teach activites to children.

If you’re interested in spending your summer in MAINE, give us a call or stop by our website for more information.

1-800-997-4347 www.tripplakecamp.com TRIPP LAKE CAMP for Girls

Copper Beech Commons 300 University Avenue 2, 3, & 4 Bedroom Fully Furnished Units 6, 10, & 12 month leases Rates starting at $716 All-inclusive Private Tenant Shuttle

Skyler Commons 908 Harrison Street Fully Furnished Studio Apartments 12 month leases

Now Leasing for 2019-20!

Check us out at: HousingSU.com • info@housingsu.com 315-565-7555

Housing Available ❑ Ackerman/Sumner/Lancaster Aves. ❑ 2, 3, 5, 6 Bedrooms 3, 6 Bedrooms ❑ Furnished ❑ Free Washer & Dryer ❑ Off street Parking ❑ Leases Begin June/August 2019 ❑ 12 & some 10 month leases ❑ www.willco-su-rents.com Call Rich @ 315-374-9508

EUCLID AVE

Available June

3, 4, 5, 6 bedrooms and rooms for rent Local landlord Off-street parking Fully-furnished Laundry facilities Short walk to campus Rent starts at $445 per bedroom Leases negotiable

Great 5,6,7 Bedroom House Fireplace, ADT Alarm Lots of parking Great porch Pets OK

Call or text anytime: 315-263-5757

315-447-9390

HEALTHY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR CLINICAL TRIALS

BOOM BABIES

Call (315) 464-9869 or email trials@upstate.edu Compensation provided UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

UVColvin.com

UNIVERSITY HOMES 2,4,5,6,7 BEDROOM Single family homes Safe, clean, great locations FURNISHED PAUL WILLIAMS 315 481 9517 30 years of quality service

Collegehome

your home away from home

2020-2021 2 thru 8 Bedrooms FURNISHED No charge for laundry & parking

John O. Williams Quality Campus Area Apartments Call John or Judy

315 - 478 - 7548 collegehome.com

Syracuse’s Premier Boutique Cool Clothing, Unique Jewelry, Gorgeous Gowns PT/ FT Retail Sales Near Campus; Off Euclid Walk-in & fill out app only M-F 11-7pm

Nice homes

2019-2020

Must-see Well-maintained 4-5 bedroom Furnished Free laundry Off st parking for five Call or text Peter at 315-439-3055

Collegehome

your home away from home

515 Euclid No charge for laundry & parking

2019-2020 4-6 Bedrooms Call John or Judy

315 - 478 - 7548 collegehome.com

AUDI/VW (used) 7 Days Sales - 38 Years *Good/Bad Credit!!

Service 315-789-2200 SelectEuroCars.com

S

Checking In

Down goes Duke Syracuse upset No. 1 Duke, 95-91, at Cameron Indoor Stadium to improve its postseason resume.

See dailyorange.com

S PORTS

Eric Devendorf left Syracuse basketball in 2018. Catch up with the Detroit Mercy coach.

See Thursday’s paper

Meet the commit John Bol Ajak, a basketball player from the Westtown School, is SU’s newest recruit.

See Thursday’s paper

dailyorange.com @dailyorangeÍner ͯ´ Í°Ž¯¡Í:Í PAG E 16

ONE DOWN DiSturco: Syracuse beating Duke is significant, but the Orange still have a ways to go

men’s basketball

Friend of Boeheim’s donates $175,000

By KJ Edelman

asst. sports editor

FRANK HOWARD AND OSHAE BRISSETT celebrate after SU’s 95-91 win over top-ranked Duke. The Orange went down 14-2 early, but stormed back and put the game away in overtime. alexandra more0 senior staff photographer

CHARLIE DISTURCO ‘MY WAY’

D

URHAM, N.C. — One of Syracuse’s most unexpected wins in recent memory should not be overlooked: The Orange defeated No. 1 Duke inside Cameron Indoor Stadium. That in itself, deserves credit.

But to say that Syracuse is on the brink of a dominant conference run would be a stretch. Don’t get it twisted: Duke’s rotation was depleted. Its best 3-point shooter, Cam Reddish, sat out with an illness, and its best defender and floor general, Tre Jones, left with a shoulder injury eight minutes in, never to return. This upset, while monumental and definitely an NCAA Tournament resume booster, does not change the fact that Syracuse (12-5, 3-1

Atlantic Coast) has many questions still unanswered. Preseason hopes are returning, and it’s time to simmer down.

Nearly one month ago, SU head coach Jim Boeheim addressed Syracuse’s fourth nonconference loss after falling to Buffalo. “Your record is what you are,� the 43-year head coach said. “This is what we are. It’s not what people thought we could be or hope we could be or think we could be.

This is what we are.�

That was in reference to Syracuse’s No. 16 preseason ranking and the high expectations that followed suit. SU seemed primed for another deep tournament run entering the season.

Tyus Battle entered the NBA Draft only to pull his name out of the running and return for his junior year. Oshae Brissett, once considered a future NBA-talent, immediately said following the Sweet 16 loss to Duke that he’d play for another season. Even Frank Howard, Boeheim said,

had improved his shot drastically in the offseason and arrived a more polished player.

Then, everything changed.

Howard suffered a lower leg injury before the season that held him out until Nov. 21 against Colgate. SU dropped two-straight at Madison Square Garden against Connecticut and Oregon without its senior leader. One month later, on its home court with Howard back, the Orange blew a double-digit lead and fell to Old Dominion on Dec. 18.

Three days later, Syracuse dropped to 7-4 against UB, a number of nonconference losses SU has never made the tournament with. That’s when Boeheim stood at the podium and hung three fingers in the air, one for each postseason win. “The expectations are all based on (that) we won three games last year,� the SU head coach said. “We lost 14 games last year in the regular season. We have the same team back with some help, but it’s the same team

see duke page 14

Jim Boeheim waited for his pizza, his nerves still intact before Syracuse’s matchup against No. 1 Duke.

On the other side of the Pizzeria Toro table, Adam Weitsman — who rarely talked basketball with his close friend — badgered SU’s head coach with pregame questions.

The two regularly met before and after games at restaurants around Syracuse. Weitsman knew minimal information about basketball, and Boeheim appreciated the change.

But midway through their conversation in North Carolina, Weitsman broke tradition. “You know what, I feel like today is different,� Weitsman said to Boeheim. “I think we’re going to win today.�

Boeheim, who had remained stoic for most of the talk, widened his grin. Weitsman had added an incentive to a possible SU victory.

If Syracuse could pull off a win, Weitsman promised to donate $50,000 to three Boys & Girls Clubs around central New York — Tioga, Binghamton and Syracuse facilities. He announced the $150,000 donation on Facebook hours before Monday’s game, which was later increased to $175,000.

As Weitsman watched Syracuse surge past an early Blue Devils lead at Cameron Indoor Stadium, his post went viral, hitting a boom after SU won 95-91, in overtime. “Jim was telling me yesterday before the game that we were 17-point underdogs,� Juli Boeheim said. “But Adam believed in us.�

Though the Boeheim and Weitsman families consider themselves close friends, the two met in 2015 through a mutual business friend.

Boeheim has raised millions for the family’s “Boeheim Foundation,� while Weitsman’s grandfather founded Tioga County’s Boys & Girls Club.

They steered their personal conversations to families, local events and life philosophies. They bonded over Boeheim’s “foodie guy� attitude, testing different foods after basketball games. see weitsman page 14

women’s basketball

Emily Engstler adjusting in ‘roller coaster’ 1st season at SU

By Nick Alvarez

asst. sports editor

It took Emily Engstler one minute to relegate herself on the bench.

Against Maryland Eastern Shore on Dec. 5, the freshman jogged in-between possessions, therefore delaying Syracuse’s 2-3 zone.

SU head coach Quentin Hillsman, known for unorthodox subbing methods, yanked his prized recruit

off the court and made her watch the ensuing 96-51 blowout.

A week after the game, Hillsman said Engstler “definitely� didn’t do the “little things� that he expects from all of his players. While dazzling with highlight plays — like her two-handed swat against Niagara on Dec. 17 — Engstler has committed rookie mistakes for No. 12 Syracuse (14-2, 3-0 Atlantic Coast). After the benching, Engstler averaged 15-plus

minutes throughout the next three games, a reminder of the trial-anderror required for a freshman despite Engstler’s top-prospect status.

This season, Englster’s rebounded efficiently and helped SU bridge its current eight-game winning streak into conference play. But her struggles still remained against Virginia Tech on Jan. 6, when a lack of hustle combined with nervousness cost Engstler playing time, totaling

five minutes in an overtime win.

Multiple coaches and players noted her raw ability. Through 16 games, however, it has come in spurts. “I think I’m still on a roller coaster right now,� Engstler said. “Sometimes I’m consistent, sometimes I’m inconsistent. I’m really just trying to adjust.�

Earlier this season, before she registered a collegiate minute, Engstler was the No. 9 high school recruit in the

country. Associate head coach Vonn Read lauded her dribble-drive technique. Hillsman tabbed Engstler as the next freshman to make an “immediate� impact. Star point guard Tiana Mangakahia joked with Engstler about topping Mangakahia’s assist record in a preseason exhibition.

But more than halfway through Syracuse’s campaign, the stats haven’t followed the hype. Engstler see engstler page 14