October 31, 2019

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THURSDAY

oct. 31, 2019 high 68°, low 40°

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 |

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Faculty members pressed Chancellor Kent Syverud on his plans for the university’s free speech policies at a University Senate meeting on Wednesday. Page 3

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The Editorial Board commends the NCAA’s decision to allow college athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness, but the organization needs to do more. Page 5

dailyorange.com

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CNY Ghost Hunters have been investigating paranormal activity together since 1997. The group raises money for historical sites that they investigate. Page 7

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Paul Flanagan built the Syracuse ice hockey program out of nothing when he started in 2008. Last year, the Orange won their firstever conference championship. Page 12

‘Perfect balance’

J. COLE SMITH stepped into the role of dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the beginning of the month. He previously served as an associate provost at Clemson University and worked as a professor of industrial engineering. corey henry photo editor

Dean finds opportunity for research, social impact at SU By India Miraglia asst. news editor

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ean J. Cole Smith wasn’t looking for another job when the opportunity to lead a college at Syracuse University crossed his path. Smith previously served as associate provost for academic initiatives at Clemson University. A search firm reached out to him about the SU position. Smith drafted a note declining the possible position, but the firm said something that made him pause. “I know you’re not interested in other jobs right now,” they said. “But I thought you might like this one.” In the end, Smith never hit send on his message, and on Oct. 1, he took on the role of dean of SU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. His vision for his new school is twofold. “Where people think of the best engineering universities in the world, I want them to have Syracuse on their mind,” he said. “But I also want us to be differentiated in our creativity and our application to

city

Microsoft to launch tech hub in Syracuse By Marnie Muñoz staff writer

The Syracuse Common Council will vote on Monday to approve a memorandum recognizing the city, Syracuse University and Microsoft as partners in the Syracuse Surge initiative. The Surge aims to boost economic growth and increase the city’s technological capabilities. SU announced earlier in October that it would be collaborating with the city and Microsoft on the initiative. Through the collaboration,

the three partners will work to advance city goals in public safety, energy and job creation. SU students will also gain career experience. Sam Edelstein, the city’s chief data officer, spoke at a Wednesday meeting of the Department of Public Works Committee. “As many, many cities across the country are considering how they improve their use of data and technology …. us being a model, I think, is a real opportunity,” Edelstein said. Microsoft also announced plans to open a hub in Syracuse to see tech page 4

problems of societal need.” It was the size of the college that first stood out to Smith when considering the dean position, he said. About 1,500 undergraduate students are enrolled at SU’s engineering school — a smaller number than other engineering colleges, Smith said. The smaller population will allow Smith to get to know the faculty and students around him, he said. Half of his job will be external facing, including professional development and helping to advance the university. The other half will be internal: mentoring and interacting with students. “It’s the perfect balance,” he said. Smith’s appointment marked the end of a monthslong search to find a permanent replacement for former Dean Teresa Dahlberg, who stepped down to become vice chancellor and provost at Texas Christian University. His transition to SU has been busy, see smith page 4

on campus

SU surpasses fundraising record By Gabe Stern

asst. news editor

Fiscal year 2019 was Syracuse University’s largest fundraising year in its history, the university announced Wednesday. SU raised more than $163 million in the fiscal year, an increase of nearly 9% from the previous fiscal year. The university raised about $150 million in the 2018 fiscal year. The fundraising includes gifts and pledges, as well as goods and services donated as gifts from individuals and organizations. SU will use the fundraising to support financial aid opportunities, Chancellor Kent Syverud said

in July 2018. This includes a scholarship program for high school valedictorians and salutatorians. SU also created a $3,300 tuition premium for freshmen who enrolled in fall 2018, raising the total tuition estimate to $50,230. About 75% of SU students received some form of financial aid, totaling more than $390 million. More than half of this fiscal year’s fundraising came from alumni. The university attracted more than 60,000 new donors, a 16% increase from the previous fiscal year. There was also a 50% increase in gifts of over $500,000 during the 2019 fiscal year and a 3.5% increase in gifts of more than $1 million.

SU is more than two years into its Invest Syracuse initiative, a plan to raise $100 million to improve university academics, student life and financial aid opportunities. As part of the initiative, the university sought $40 million in fundraising to support scholarships. The university has already raised $54 million. SU raised $1.76 million from the 2018 Boost the ‘Cuse initiative, according to the release. The university is about to launch its largest campaign since the school’s inception. SU said in the release it will have a “historic announcement” related to fundraising in early November. gkstern@syr.edu


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