Philanthropy Driven by Passion, Potential and Purpose: Ken Pontarelli ’92
Pontarelli ’92 B.S. (Econ) credits the University for changing his life, opening up opportunities to pursue his passions and achieve professional success that allows him to focus on the public good. In return, he and his wife, Tracey, are paying it forward by supporting Syracuse students pursuing meaningful careers in the vital field of sustainability.
See related: Giving
Maxwell School Welcomes the University’s Public Health Department
The addition brings hundreds of students and more than a dozen faculty experts to 'enhance our vital voice in the study of health,' says Dean David M. Van Slyke.
See related: School History
Retiring University Professor, Decorated Public Servant Sean O’Keefe Reflects on Legacy of Service
O’Keefe says his time as a Maxwell graduate student taught him the importance of employing a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, examining the wide range of possible outcomes and identifying what success looks like.
See related: Alumni Experience, School History
From the Alumni Director: Celebrating Community
Director of Alumni Relations Jess Murray's spring 2025 letter to alumni and friends.
From the Dean: A Strong and Resilient Community
Dean David M. Van Slyke writes to alumni about the challenges of the changing federal landscape and the importance of public service.
Rose Tardiff: Sparking Innovation With Data, Mapping and More
As the City of Syracuse’s director of neighborhood and business data and evaluation, the Maxwell alumna taps skills she learned in Maxwell’s geography program.
See related: Alumni Experience, Student Experience
Alumna Rain Henderson Says Maxwell Shaped an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Consulting firm founder Rain Henderson says her Maxwell education grounded her in “systems thinking, public accountability and cross-sector collaboration.”
See related: Alumni Experience, Student Experience
Alumnus Derek Wallace Harnesses the Power of Food for Understanding
As CEO of Golden Fork Media and founder of the children’s book series Kalamata’s Kitchen, he draws on lessons gleaned—and risks taken—as a policy studies major.
See related: Alumni Experience, School History, Student Experience
Former Orange Point Guard and Maxwell Alumna ‘Roxi’ Nurse McNabb Still Driving for an Assist
She supports young athletes through her Caris Sports Foundation.
See related: Alumni Experience, Student Experience
Alumnus Paulo De Miranda: Maxwell Offered ‘Much More Than a Formal Education’
He co-founded the Brazilian startup DEEP and grew it into a market leader in sustainability impact measurement.
Maxwell Serves as a Catalyst for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Alumni share how Maxwell prepared them to address challenges and innovate for good.
See related: Alumni Experience
Maxwell Advisory Board Welcomes New Leadership
Alumni Cathy Daicoff and Nate Shanok lead the board as chair and vice chair, respectively.
See related: Promotions & Appointments, School History
Maxwell Alumna Dara Drake Named the University’s First Knight-Hennessy Scholar
Knight-Hennessy Scholars is a multidisciplinary, multicultural graduate scholarship program at Stanford University. Each Knight-Hennessy scholar receives up to three years of financial support to pursue graduate studies at Stanford while engaging in experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world.
See related: Academic Scholarships, Alumni Experience
Memorial Fund Honors Remarkable Journalism Career, Supports Students Involved with IDJC
The siblings of alumna Denise Kalette ’68 B.A. (PSc) have created a memorial fund in her honor to support students engaged with the University’s Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship.
See related: Academic Scholarships, Alumni Experience, Awards & Honors, Giving, Student Experience
Clothing Line That Considers Neurodivergences Takes Top Prize at Lerner Competition
A team of students from across the University won $8,000 at the Social Impact Pitch Competition for their Solace Collective clothing pitch.
See related: Awards & Honors, Student Experience
Exceptional Alumni Honored with Arents Award
Alumni Paul Greenberg ’65 B.A. (PSc) and Judith “Judy” C. Mower ’80 M.A. (SPsy)/’84 Ph.D. (SPsy) were among a trio honored with the George Arents Award at the Syracuse University Alumni Awards Celebration held on April 4 at the National Veterans Resource Center.
See related: Alumni Experience
Ryan Monarch Receives Moynihan Award for Teaching and Research
The assistant professor of economics will make remarks at the Maxwell School Graduate Convocation on Friday, May 9.
See related: Awards & Honors
Maxwell Alumnus Joins California Wildfire Relief Efforts
As a congressional staffer for U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, Zayn Aga lined up resources for those impacted by the devastating Eaton Fire.
See related: Alumni Experience, Government, Natural Disasters, United States
‘Empowered and Prepared to Contribute’: Awards of Excellence Honorees Reflect on Maxwell’s Impact
Held at Syracuse University’s new DC home, the annual event honored five exceptional alumni who embody the school’s commitment to engaged citizenship.
See related: Alumni Experience, Awards & Honors, Giving
Veteran Finds His Calling Behind the Lens and Caring for Those in Need
Injured in the line of duty, Rob Rivera ’19 E.M.I.R., says he has been fueled by the University’s support in his transition from the military to running a photography business.
See related: Student Experience, United States