Syracuse University will host a Commencement ceremony—delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic—and other celebratory events for the Class of 2020 during the weekend of Sept. 17–19.
Commencement will be held Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Stadium. This University-wide ceremony, where Syracuse University Chancellor and President Kent Syverud will formally confer degrees, is for all undergraduate, graduate and doctoral candidates. Doors open at 8 a.m.
Following Commencement, all 2020 Newhouse graduates and their families are invited to join Dean Mark J. Lodato and the faculty and staff for a celebratory reception. The event will include a dean’s welcome, recognition of participating graduates and an opportunity to reconnect with faculty. A precise time and location will be announced soon; stay tuned for details.
For more information about Commencement activities for the Class of 2020, see the event listing.
If you are in the Newhouse School, chances are you have heard the term “Newhouse Mafia,” which refers to Newhouse’s illustrious alumni network.
From what I have seen, Newhouse alumni vouch for current students in truly amazing ways: not only do they serve as role models for present classes, but they also go the extra mile in areas such as mentorship and job referrals.
As a student in the Goldring arts, style and culture journalism program, I have had a substantial number of meetings with former graduates of the program. Here is a list of important questions I have learned to ask Newhouse alumni:
1. How did you customize your Newhouse experience around your desired profession?
If you are talking with someone who holds a position you aspire to have, focus on understanding how they shaped their college experience to prepare for that position. You might ask them what classes they enrolled in that proved useful to their career-based endeavors, or what organizations or clubs they joined that gave them relevant experience they needed.
The more specific, the better. I had an alumna, Kayla Boyd, provide me with specific classes she took to increase her knowledge in fashion, which is one of my focuses in the Goldring program. I ended up taking one of the classes she mentioned, and it was one of the most enriching courses on my schedule!
2. If you could go back to your Newhouse days, what would you do differently?
This question can be useful to point out things you might want to focus on — or avoid — in your own college trajectory. Do they wish they created closer relationships with professors? Used more on-campus resources? Spent less time worrying about the job search and more time enjoying the moment?
From asking this question, one of the most valuable responses I have received is that they wished they had said “yes” to everything. They highlighted how special this time in my life is, and how I may never get the same chance to take on as many creative pursuits again.
3. What do you wish someone told you before going into the industry you’re involved in?
I have found this question to be very important, especially if I am interested in an alumna’s specific career path. The answer might also offer insight into what you should prioritize while you are at Newhouse. As for follow-up questions, it might be helpful to also ask about what changes they’ve noticed in their industry since starting, and what helped them navigate those changes.
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Newhouse alumni embody the sentiment of “once in Newhouse, always in Newhouse,” and I could not be more grateful for that. Newhouse alums inspire me, and if they can achieve their dreams, I can too.
Colette Goldstein is a graduate student in the Goldring arts, style and culture journalism program.
Starting fresh at Syracuse University was thrilling, but the bitter chill of a Central New York winter hit hard – and fast. As an international student who moved to the U.S. in summer, carrying heavy winter wear from halfway across the world was not an option because of limited luggage allowances.
But instead of a shopping spree at a big-box retailer, I decided to give Syracuse’s thrifting scene a chance first. These are three recommendations from my experiences to find sustainable, stylish and affordable winter essentials:
Wildflowers Armory (217 S. Salina St.)
Wildflowers Armory was my first stop, and it felt like walking into a Pinterest board brought to life. Located in the heart of Syracuse’s downtown, this collective shop is home to around 10 different stores offering handmade, vintage and upcycled goods.
From woolens and knit sweaters to quirky scarves and handmade jewelry, the stores offered a well-maintained and chic collection perfect for a student budget. I left with a full-length burgundy wool coat and a book – perfect essentials to relax with on a cold day.
Boom Babies (489 Westcott St.)
The next store I visited was Boom Babies in the city’s Westcott neighborhood, just a 20-minute walk from campus. Known for its retro vibe, this store was bursting with character and color. Although its dazzling prom and wedding dresses initially stole the spotlight, the store also had a selection of vintage winter clothing, footwear and casual accessories.
Boldly patterned sweaters, 80s-inspired jackets and quirky accessories made me feel like I was stepping back in time in the best way possible. I got myself a pair of retro combat boots that were both warm and stylish with a strong grip – a must for braving the icy sidewalks.
Cluttered Closet (742 S. Beech St.)
Finally, I popped into Cluttered Closet, a consignment shop also located in the Westcott neighborhood. The store felt like a well-loved wardrobe, and the diverse collection catered to the student budget, with quality finds at surprisingly low prices.
I found myself a thick, oversized jacket to fit the classic “student rushing to class at 8 a.m. in the cold” look. The shop offered clothing options for all body types as well as a vast array of accessories. The staff was helpful, offering tips on layering for warmth without compromising style.
If you are new to Syracuse and looking to build a winter wardrobe that is both functional and fashionable, these thrift stores are worth a visit. You will find more than just clothes – you will discover the stories of the city, the people and its vibrant culture. Who knew thrifting could make winter feel so much warmer?
Manaswini Pillai is a graduate student in the magazine, news and digital journalism program at the Newhouse School.
A new year means new trends to spot and look forward to. At Newhouse, we are all about staying ahead in the media industry. So here are four upcoming non-artificial intelligence trends that students can prepare for using Newhouse resources:
Advances in extended reality (XR), including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are poised to redefine how audiences interact with media. The technology is becoming more accessible, with standalone VR headsets like Apple’s Vision Pro and the Meta x Ray Ban AR-equipped smart glasses expected to be more affordable and user-friendly.
According to a report by Statista, more than 90% of Generation Z respondents were willing to see what a piece of furniture or decoration would look like in their home using AR. This gravitation towards XR will likely encourage experimentation with techniques that transform traditional passive media consumption into active participation.
As a Newhouse student, I recommend courses like Immersive Design and Virtual Reality Storytelling to learn skills that combine media, technology and socio-cultural demands.
Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the ownership and monetization of digital content. Decentralized blockchain-based solutions will empower creators to bypass traditional gatekeepers.
This could lead to a surge in exclusive, direct-to-consumer (D2C) business models, where fans financially support creators without intermediaries.
As a Newhouse student, I recommend courses like Digital News and Innovation and Emerging Media Platforms to keep up with evolving communication methods and media trends.
Media is leveraging big data to offer hyper-personalized user experiences. Streaming services like Netflix, Spotify and YouTube have already pioneered recommendation algorithms, but the next wave of innovation will go deeper.
By integrating biometric data from wearable devices or smart home systems, platforms could tailor content not just to your interests but to your mood and environment.
As a Newhouse student, I recommend courses like Content Management, Development and Innovation and Data-Driven Journalism to learn content development and management practices that optimize digital content delivery.
According to an Onio article, a NielsenIQ study that found 78% of U.S. consumers consider a sustainable lifestyle as very important.
Investments in renewable energy to power data centers or virtual production technologies to reduce their carbon footprint – especially in fields like journalism where on-ground reporting is key, which often means extensive travel – could be key to attracting an increasingly eco-conscious world.
The media industry should focus its efforts on supply chain, recruiting new tech talent or upskilling existing talent to optimize communication channels to be able to process data and disseminate information in the most carbon-efficient manner, thereby reducing its impact on environmental degradation.
As a Newhouse student, I recommend courses like Trendspotting in Digital Media and Advanced Media Business to stay atop the best ethical and environmental considerations concerning the media business.
These trends are only some in a changing media industry, driven by technology and shifting consumer values. As Newhouse students, we can adapt to these innovations to thrive in an evolving landscape.
Manaswini Pillai is a graduate student in the magazine, news and digital journalism program at the Newhouse School.
Madelyn Geyer, Ali Vito and Holly Zahn comprise inaugural Copilot Future Forward Program class.
The Newhouse School has launched a new program for staff members to explore the potential of using artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, creativity and innovation in the workplace.
The Copilot Future Forward Program begins this semester. Participants will have access to the paid version of Copilot—Microsoft’s version of an AI assistant—and receive hands-on training and resources to incorporate AI tools into their daily tasks.
Three staff members comprise the inaugural class after attending a December 2024 workshop at Newhouse on using AI tools to augment workplace productivity. Dean Mark Lodato selected participants following a call for applications from the Newhouse Office of Research and Creative Activity.
The Copilot Future Forward Program seeks to foster a community of AI-savvy professionals who can lead by example within their departments. The program builds on Newhouse’s commitment to provide opportunities to explore the responsible use of artificial intelligence across the entire school community.
JaNeika James G’05 and her twin sister, JaSheika, grew up watching television and “fell in love with TV” and the possibilities it could mean for them.
Today, the two are accomplished TV writers and producers of several shows, including JaNeika’s role as supervising producer on FOX’s groundbreaking hit show, “Empire,” among others.
“Our story is an example of how dreams can be manifested. A lot of people think that you have to know every single step to get to where you want to be,” JaNeika says. “The truth is, if you’re clear and have a vision for what it is that you want to do with your life, all you have to do is declare it.”
On Feb. 7, JaNeika will bring her message to young scholars as the keynote speaker at the 21st Annual WellsLink Leadership Program’s Transitions Ceremony. The ceremony, which is open to the entire University community, honors WellsLink Scholars from the previous year who have successfully transitioned to their second year on campus. Those who would like to attend are encouraged to RSVP.
As youngsters, the James twins lived on an Air Force base in Wiesbaden, Germany, where their mother was stationed. Access to television was limited, and the offerings available were predominantly in German.
Thankfully for the sisters, their grandparents in the U.S. mailed them VHS tapes of popular U.S. TV shows like “A Different World,” “The Cosby Show,” “Cheers,” “The Golden Girls” and “Empty Nest.”
Watching television became “a source of comfort” for the sisters, and JaNeika says it provided hours of entertainment and it “allowed us to dream of what was possible for ourselves,” says JaNeika, who earned a master’s degree in television, radio and film from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
It was an unlikely way to start their lifelong love affair with television, but today, JaNeika and JaSheika are accomplished TV writers. JaNeika was supervising producer on FOX’s groundbreaking hit show, “Empire,” co-executive producer on Netflix’s limited series, “True Story” and HBO Max’s reboot of “Gossip Girl,” and an executive producer on Peacock’s hit show, “Bel-Air.”
JaNeika and JaSheika co-authored a book, “Living Double,” describing their experiences working in the ultra-competitive TV industry in Hollywood. It outlines how, no matter the obstacles, the sisters were determined to turn their dreams into reality.
Last month, six students from the Newhouse School’s advanced media management (AMM) program traveled to Las Vegas to attend CES, the largest tech and media trade show in the world. As fellows for AMM, the students worked with Advanced Media Professor in Residence Shelly Palmer, a leading voice in the tech industry, to research exhibitors throughout the fall semester.
At the show, they assisted Palmer during his industry client tours and gained valuable insight from his interviews with X CEO Linda Yaccarino, Mark Cuban and other influential media executives. The fellows — Grace DeBoer, Sydney Hvizdvzak, Laura Knaflewski, Aiden Kwen, Niara McIntyre and J.K. Rees — were led by program director Adam Peruta. During their time in Vegas, the students also connected with Newhouse and Syracuse University alumni and other industry professionals at networking events.
Some recent media appearances or interviews by Newhouse School faculty, or stories about Newhouse programs and initiatives.
Lauren Bavis, Magazine, News and Digital Journalism
Adam Peruta, Advanced Media Management
Joel Kaplan, Magazine, News and Digital Journalism
Bill Werde, Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries
Robert Thompson, Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture
Roy Gutterman, Magazine, News and Digital Journalism
Edward Russell, Advertising
Anthony Adornato, Broadcast and Digital Journalism
Anthony D’Angelo, Public Relations
The 2024 One Show Young Ones student competition had thousands of entries from over 50 countries, proving to be one of the most competitive award cycles yet. One Show Young Ones is one of the toughest competitions for creative advertising students as it draws from the best work from the top undergraduate, graduate and portfolio creative advertising programs around the world.
In 2024, Newhouse creative advertising students earned an impressive 18 awards, including a Silver Cube Award, a Portfolio Award, two Merit Awards and 14 Shortlist Awards, earning Newhouse a top 10 ranking among U.S. undergraduate programs.
All of these award-winning campaigns were created in portfolio courses taught by professors of practice Mel White and Kevin O’Neill in the advertising creative track at the Newhouse School at Syracuse University.
“The students that won these 18 awards demonstrated fresh thinking and came up with original ideas that simply blew me away,” said White.
Brooke Hirsch ’24 was one of only five students worldwide to win an ADC Cube Award in the newly introduced AI category of the One Show Young Ones ADC competition. Hirsch won the Silver Cube for her digital idea “AI vs. AI“; silver is the highest award given in this category. Her idea, created for The New York Times, combats misinformation by using AI to detect and notify people of false AI content in real-time. The idea is simple yet groundbreaking: use AI to fight AI. Created in Portfolio 3 taught by White.
Hirsch was also named the fifth most awarded copywriter in North America in the 2024 One Show Young Ones ADC competition. In addition to winning the Silver ADC Cube in the AI category, she won a Merit Award in the ADC Advertising Integrated category for “AI vs. AI.” Read more about Hirsch’s award-winning “AI vs. AI” idea.
Ryan Garret Conner ‘23 was one of just nine global winners in the Advertising category of the One Show Young Ones Portfolio competition. Conner’s portfolio, which included a series of impactful campaigns, earned recognition across multiple categories. His “Once is Enough” campaign for Tums uses a striking visual approach to communicate the core message: “Only taste it once.” This campaign was created in Portfolio 2 taught by O’Neill and Portfolio 3 taught by White.
Another one of Conner’s featured campaigns was his digital AI idea for Volvo called “On the Line” (OTL). Conner addressed a pressing real-world problem: many women walking home alone at night can be put in dangerous situations. The OTL app, a collaboration with copywriter Mackenzie Murphy ’23, would use generative AI to create personalized fake calls to provide women with a sense of security in potentially dangerous situations. Conner’s other featured campaign, “Get Back our Animals” for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), creatively addresses animal extinction by tying the loss of Instagram followers to endangered species statistics. These two campaigns were created in Portfolio 3 taught by White.
Hirsch earned a Shortlist Award in the Portfolio competition as well.
Quincy Whipple ’24 and Ella Fiegner ’24 won a Merit Award for their integrated campaign “Skin Stories” for Dove. This campaign highlights the stories behind wrinkles on a woman’s face, showing wrinkles are something to be proud of rather than something to be ashamed of.
Dove would sponsor female celebrities attending the Met Gala. Before the Met Gala, they would be on Vogue’s “Get Ready With Me” video series, where stars put on makeup for the red carpet. The twist? The celebrities apply no makeup and instead focus only on applying skincare products. The campaign extends to a digital movement with celebrities posting bare-faced selfies under the hashtag #MySkinStories.
The campaign would also include an art gallery in the Met displaying large photographs of real women and the stories behind their wrinkles, because there is so much beauty in aging skin. Created in Portfolio 3 taught by White.
Newhouse students also won 14 Shortlist Awards for a range of creative campaigns. Some of the highlights include:
“Ease of Assembly” Campaign
Avery Schildhaus ‘24 created the “Ease of Assembly” print campaign for Ikea, with catchy headlines that capture the brand’s DIY instructions. Created in Portfolio 2 taught by O’Neill.
“You Can’t Beat a Search Dog” Campaign
Katelyn Hughes ’24 and Lang Delapa ’24 created the “You Can’t Beat a Search Dog” campaign for the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, highlighting the skills of search dogs. Created in Portfolio 2 taught by White.
“Whiff of Terror” Campaign
Lara Molinari ’24 and Marlana Bianchi ’24 created the “Whiff of Terror” campaign for Listerine. The campaign was inspired by the idea that certain foods cause bad breath and can be a monster in social situations. The students used generative Firefly AI to make the food monster visuals. Created in Portfolio 2 taught by White.
• Meiling Xiong ’24, art director, and Maggie Mellon ’24, copywriter, won a Shortlist Award in the Integrated category for their integrated campaign for Duolingo titled “Real Housewives of Duolingo.” Created in Portfolio 3 taught by White.
• Remi Tsunoda ’24, art director, and Avery Schildhaus won a Shortlist Award in the Experiential category for their experiential campaign for Velveeta titled “Saucy Sounds.” Created in Portfolio 3 taught by White.
• Remi Tsunoda and Avery Schildhaus won a Shortlist Award in the Integrated category for their integrated campaign for Velveeta titled “Saucy Sounds.” Created in Portfolio 3 taught by White.
• Ryan Garret Conner and Mackenzie Murphy’s print ad campaign for WWF, titled “Get Back Our Animals,” won a Shortlist Award in the Advertising Out of Home & Print category. Created in Portfolio 3 taught by White.
• Jack Wojtowicz ’24, art director, and Mikaela Kraker ’24, copywriter, won a Shortlist Award in the Advertising Integrated category for their integrated campaign for Duolingo titled “One Eagles Nation.” Created in Portfolio 3 taught by White.
• Ryan Garret Conner and Mackenzie Murphy’s integrated ad campaign for Volvo, titled “On the Line,” won a Shortlist Award in the Design for Good: Interactive category. Created in Portfolio 3 taught by White.
• Olivia Valcourt ’25, art director, won a Shortlist Award in the Design for Good: Advertising category for her print ad campaign for the Trevor Project titled “4X More Likely.” Created in Portfolio 1 taught by White.
• Ava Schefren ’24, art director, and Alex Lund ’24, copywriter, won a Shortlist Award in the Advertising Integrated category for their integrated campaign for Duolingo titled “Language of Luxury.” Created in Portfolio 3 taught by White.
• Livvy Doe ’24, art director, and Emily Saad ’24, copywriter, won a Shortlist Award in the Advertising: Art Direction category for their print ad campaign for Tile titled “Creepy Crawlings.” Created in Portfolio 2 taught by White.
• Ella Fiegener and Quincy Whipple won a Shortlist Award in the Design for Good: Advertising category for their integrated campaign for Dove titled “Skin Stories.” Created in Portfolio 3 taught by White.
All 18 awards won by Newhouse creative advertising students at the One Show Young Ones competition affirm the outstanding talent that comes from the Newhouse School’s creative advertising program.
Molly Egan is an undergraduate student from the creative advertising track at the Newhouse School.
Read more about the latest episode of the “Newhouse Impact” podcast and listen to the show.
Doula care can provide both medical and mental health assistance for new and expectant mothers. Such care is often in addition to doctors’ visits and hospital births. Advocates say it leads to better outcomes for both mother and child, but research shows a majority of people don’t know what it is and that it’s available. Newhouse research into Black mothers and doulas adds that if people know about the care, around two-thirds have a favorable view. Better messaging to women, ideally at the point of other health care, could help.
On this episode of Newhouse Impact, Bryce Whitwam, a doctoral candidate at the Newhouse School of Public Communications, shares his examination of the issue. We also hear from SeQuoia Kemp, founder of Doula 4 a Queen, and a trained nurse. They discuss the value of doula care, the cultural barriers it can help ease and why more people don’t know about it.
Whitwam’s research paper, “Delivering Change: The Diffusion of Doula Care in Black American Communities,” was awarded the top student paper by the International Communication Association (ICA) in 2024.
Eight Newhouse School students have been honored in the annual Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) Design Annual Showcase, winning awards for projects that reflect graphic design’s influence in shaping and serving commerce and culture. The projects were completed in a final capstone course during the students’ senior year.
The team of designers who participated in the 2024 Pixels & Print project at the Newhouse School was also recognized in the professional category of Designing for Good. Pixels & Print is an intensive, 48-hour workshop in which students, faculty and staff collaborate with professionals in the industry on a design makeover for a deserving organization. Last year’s client was The Baldwin Fund, which took on a $50 million campaign initiative to raise money for cancer research and establish a National Cancer Institute in Syracuse.
The winning entry included a new logo for The Baldwin Fund, motion graphics, banners, branded items such as T shirts and tote bags, and a refreshed website.
The following projects created by Newhouse students also won awards, which were announced in January. The competition included more than 8,000 submissions; only the top 10% of entries are selected as winners.
“This is graphic design harnessed to effectively crystallize and express the essence of organizations, companies, brands, products, services, cultures [and] causes,” GDUSA said in its awards announcement.