Student Spotlight: Aviya Garg

Aviya Garg ventured out of her comfort zone for an internship and emerged with résumé-building experiences working under one of the most influential business executives in America. 

A senior majoring in public relations at the Newhouse School, Garg spent last summer at General Motors (GM) in Detroit working as an executive communications intern for Mary Barra, the CEO and chair of GM who was named Most Powerful Woman in Business in 2024 by Fortune. Garg went into the internship without knowing anyone in Michigan, let alone at GM.  

“I was scared,” Garg said. “I took a big leap of faith. … I was out there by myself, but it was the best work I could’ve taken.” 

One of Garg’s main responsibilities was responding to messages from GM customers sent to Barra’s office, which included those from survivors of serious car accidents who sought to thank Barra and her team. 

“Responding on behalf of Mary and letting them know, ‘Thank you for your loyalty. I’m so glad your family is okay.’ Really personalizing that message can really make someone feel so reassured after a scary car accident,” Garg said. “I never expected to be working on stories like that, and the fact that I gave some peace of mind and reassurance to those customers was awesome.” 

Garg was also responsible for preparing Barra for her day-to-day responsibilities, providing assistance with communications strategies, scripts and briefings for various appearances. 

A Newhouse internship award helped Garg pay for housing, travel and food during her 12 weeks in Detroit. She encourages other students to look into applying for an award if they’re interested in similar out-of-town internship opportunities.  

What Garg considers her biggest accomplishment in the Motor City was moderating a one-hour Q&A with Barra during the company’s Intern Day.  

“I got to sit on the stage with her and ask questions,” Garg said. “It really showed me how to be part of an event of a large scale and how to communicate with multiple teams which is something I hadn’t done before … I think my proudest moment was ending that Intern Day and coming off that stage and my friends and other interns telling me ‘That was so cool!’” 

Garg beamed with pride after Fortune released its 2024 Most Powerful Women in Business list in the fall.  

“It was a really full circle moment for me because I helped submit her application” for the honor, she said. “Last year, she was No. 9 on that list, and I joked that if we could get her up to No. 8, then I can sleep at night.” 

“So, when I woke up to my phone blowing up that she was No. 1 on that list, I started crying,” Garg added. “It was the cherry on top to a great internship.” 

After a rewarding summer in Michigan, Garg is busy concentrating on her role as firm director for Hill Communications, a student-run PR agency based at the Newhouse School that has 13 clients and over 80 members. 

“Being able to bring my experiences back after working under such an incredible leader, and then becoming a leader myself to so many students and supplying them with knowledge has been a great experience,” Garg said. “It’s exactly what I was hoping to do.” 

Garg hopes to eventually work in corporate communications, though she thinks she’ll start her career after graduation at an agency because she loves a fast-paced work environment. She thanks her professors and classmates in the public relations department at Newhouse for fostering a supportive culture. 

Garg said she was nervous when she arrived at Newhouse as a first-year student “that it would be really competitive and [cut-throat], but what I found instead is a community” that supports each other.  

“We share frustrations about finding jobs and keeping up with our fast-paced industries, what we’re assigned in class, and instead of turning against each other, I just found so much support.” 

Newhouse Alumna Serves Hometown Community Through Work With the Buffalo Bills Foundation

Growing up on a cattle farm in Alden, New York, a rural community 30 minutes east of Buffalo, gave Morgan Foss G’20 an understanding of agriculture, food production and life on a farm.

The master’s degree in public relations Foss graduated with from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications gave her a strong foundation of communication, writing, relationship-building and strategic thinking.

Today, she puts it all together as program manager for the Buffalo Bills Foundation, the nonprofit arm of her hometown football franchise. The foundation supports a wide breadth of initiatives dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Western New York region, but its primary focus is addressing child hunger, food access and supporting healthy eating.

“Buffalo is the sixth most segregated metropolitan region in the country and 1 in 5 children—1 in 8 people overall—are food insecure,” Foss says, illuminating the importance of her work with the foundation. “There are many food deserts within the city and in surrounding communities, despite there being many agricultural areas, like where I grew up.”

The Bills Foundation supports several nonprofit organizations and programs that uplift the food system and provide healthy foods to underserved families. Foss is one of three employees who liaise with the foundation’s board of directors to respond to funding requests and direct resources to the many hunger-fighting organizations doing the work.

“The Bills organization has such a large platform and influence in the Western New York region. So in this position, I can connect the community’s needs with resources and bring awareness to specific causes.”

A Pandemic-Inspired Pivot

While Foss was always drawn to nonprofit and community-based work, she went to Newhouse intent on entering entertainment public relations after completing an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama.

In the spring of 2020, she was planning to visit Los Angeles for the entertainment immersion experience and was pursuing an internship in Nashville with Sony Music Entertainment, and then … we all know what happened next.

“All of a sudden I was finishing up my master’s degree, teaching undergraduate courses online and doing a virtual internship all from my childhood bedroom while simultaneously working on my family farm,” Foss says.

Not only were her personal plans put on hold, but the entire PR and entertainment industry was a question mark as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. With so much uncertainty, Foss began looking for opportunities closer to home, ultimately leading to her dream career with the Bills.

“It was a crazy time and while many businesses closed, my family farm and the agriculture industry trudged forward to ensure food was produced and stocked on shelves,” says Foss. “The pandemic certainly changed the trajectory of my career, but I’m grateful for it.” She emphasizes that her experience in 2020 built life skills that have wildly benefited her career—including adaptability, organization, being innovative with her time and space and the ability to build relationships through a screen.

Newhouse Public Relations Professor, Students to Host Panel Discussion, Network at PRSA Conference

Part of a professor’s job is to help students amplify their voices. Arien Rozelle is doing just that. An assistant teaching professor of public relations, Rozelle is welcoming four students to her panel discussion at the upcoming Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Northeast District conference Friday, Nov. 15, in Syracuse.

The discussion, titled “Disrupting the Narrative: How Gen Z is Reshaping The Field,” includes Newhouse seniors Cara Steves, Emma Harby and Mariana Godinez-Andraca, and Rozelle’s former student from St. John Fisher University, Michaela Meleca.

“By giving students a platform to share their perspectives, we’re validating their professional insights, encouraging critical thinking and demonstrating that their voices matter in shaping the evolution of our industry,” Rozelle said.

Anthony D’Angelo, a professor of practice and chair of Newhouse’s public relations department, is also presenting a session during the conference titled “This Isn’t a Drill: AI in PR.”

Below, Rozelle talks about the upcoming panel, Generation Z in the PR industry and more.

Your panel discussion is about Gen Z reshaping the public relations field. Why is this an important topic to talk about?

Gen Z represents not just a new demographic of professionals, but a huge shift in communication, authenticity and strategic engagement. Gen Z is the most digitally savvy, ethically driven generation to enter the workforce. They are the first truly digital-native generation. They’ve grown up with social media, real-time communication and an intrinsic understanding of multi-platform storytelling. This means that they have a lot of skills that potential employers want to put to great use. But Gen Z also has expectations of their employers that stand out: They expect to feel like their work has purpose, they expect work/life balance and they expect a high level of transparency and authenticity. This means that if employers want to truly harness Gen Z’s unique capabilities, they need to reimagine their employment practices. That’s a big task.

How will Newhouse students be participating in your discussion and why is this an important experience for them?

Our Newhouse students are really the primary subjects of this conversation. They’re panelists who will provide insights based on their own experiences, which are predictive and actionable. By giving students a platform to share their perspectives, we’re validating their professional insights, encouraging critical thinking and demonstrating that their voices matter in shaping the evolution of our industry. And, the opportunity to speak on this panel also further involves our students in The Public Relations Society of America, the country’s leading organization that serves and supports those in the communications industry. The Northeast District is one of 10 districts that make up the Public Relations Society of America and is comprised of over 1,100 members spread out over nine PRSA chapters in NY, MA, RI, NH, VT and ME. It’s a great networking experience for them!

How will you bring your research on Gen Z in the public relations field into the classroom at Newhouse?

As an assistant teaching professor, I use my research to primarily inform my teaching. I think it’s important to really get to know my audience and teach them in ways that resonate with them. Research about Gen Z has been used in my classes to update and create new assignments, develop new teaching strategies and to introduce activities about ethics, diversity and AI in the classroom.

What do you want the audience to take away from the discussion?

If we really hear what Gen Z is saying, we will understand that this is a transformative moment in professional communication. We’re witnessing a reimagining of public relations that goes beyond generational differences—it’s about creating more meaningful, transparent and impactful communication strategies. It’s a really big moment for the field, and for our students as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Master’s Alumni Profile: Carson Crestohl G’24

Newhouse Master’s Program: Public Relations 
Current Position: Coordinator, Content & Community, Golf Canada

How did you land your current position? 

I spent a lot of time on cover letters and tailoring my resume to the position and maintained good relationships with past employers who recommended me for the role. Before the final interview, I was required to complete a mock content plan and utilized many of the skills I learned at Newhouse as well as my knowledge of Golf Canada to go above and beyond. 

What positions have you held previously? 

I have been a communications intern at the New York State Golf Association, an athletic communications intern at Syracuse Athletics, part of the Syracuse Hillel and an editorial and marketing associate at Matchplay Golf Marketing. 

What is an average day like for you on the job? 

I begin by responding to inquiries on social media, develop graphics and video content, develop content plans focused on upcoming tournaments, a season or off-season. 

How do you feel Newhouse prepared you for your current position? 

My graphic design and video production classes were extremely helpful and allowed me to get confident using content creation tools prior to starting. From a campaign perspective, Newhouse provided me with the knowledge required to set and measure goals, as well as to utilize paid, earned, shared and owned (PESO) assets in developing content. 

What are the moments of your career so far that have been the most important? 

Working the 2023 RBC Canadian Open and being offered the full-time position with Golf Canada. 

What unique features encouraged you to apply to your graduate program? 

Going to graduate school in the United States with a major college sports program was always of appeal. I also always had an interest in working for the Syracuse Athletics department, which certainly seemed as if there were opportunities for students to get involved with ‘Cuse Athletics. In addition, Newhouse provided a sports media emphasis, which for someone who was coming from a sports background and hoping for a sports future, was a major point in its favor. In addition, the Newhouse reputation and alumni network was a significant consideration.  

Did Newhouse expose you to new aspects of your respective field?

Absolutely. At first, I was primarily interested in communications and marketing, but my program helped open my eyes to both the content and agency spaces. In my graduate internship with the New York State Golf Association, I worked with content in a professional setting for the first time and discovered a passion for it.  

Did you take advantage of the Newhouse Career Development Center?

Yes, I made an appointment when I arrived and made sure they were well aware of my interests. I also was able to access the alumni network, which was a very helpful feature for networking opportunities.  

What are some of the obstacles and misconceptions that students should be aware of when it comes to your field?

Do not discount the importance of leveraging your past and current opportunities to assist with the job search. Leaving a good impression is paramount in case a potential employer comes calling. Also, writing is very different in an academic versus a professional setting, especially in marketing communications. Trim out all the fat.  

What advice do you have for current or incoming students? 

Never underestimate the importance of building connections with professors. They are constantly getting requests from hiring managers regarding students they would recommend. The same goes for your peers, you never know when they might be in a position to hire or recommend you. 

A Step Ahead at Christian Louboutin

Alexandra Cuoco ’25 was determined to land an internship with Christian Louboutin, a luxury fashion industry leader known for its shoes’ signature red soles. Although no summer internships were available when she looked in December, she was not deterred. Cuoco connected with a hiring manager through LinkedIn and sent a pitch extolling her majors in public relations (PR) and French and Francophone studies, past internships and passion for the fashion industry. The hiring manager responded and, four rounds of interviews later, she was on her way to New York City for the summer.

“Christian Louboutin is a dream company of mine,” she says. “I have always wanted to work in the fashion industry since I was a little girl, and I was excited to use my French skills and love for fashion in this role.”

The internship proved to be the perfect fit. Cuoco worked with Louboutin’s editorial and VIP teams for PR and gained an inside view of the French company’s day-to-day operations. She visited Louboutin boutiques as well as its boutiques at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and other companies, acquiring knowledge about the buying and selling of its shoes and other accessories. She learned Fashion GPS software, which helps companies track sample inventory trafficking, worked on press releases and spoke French with some colleagues.

“The atmosphere of the company as well as my work made me wish I could stay 24 hours a day,” says the senior in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the College of Arts and Sciences. “I had the most supportive and amazing mentors, and I felt so lucky they chose me.”

Newhouse Public Relations Student Forms Special Connection With Hill Communications Client

I’ll never forget the sheer excitement I felt when I found out I had been accepted as an intern as a first-year student at Hill Communications. There is something incredibly validating about joining an esteemed student-run organization like Hill Comm, especially when your eagerness to contribute and learn matches their enthusiasm for your future with the firm. Moving over 2,000 miles from home to study public relations at the Newhouse School was a gamble, particularly in the isolating wake of COVID-19, but suddenly, it felt like everything was falling into place. I had found my new home.

Hill Communications holds a special place in the hearts of both students and faculty for many reasons. It offers students the chance to apply their classroom knowledge and skills to real, paying clients, representing Newhouse as part of a Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)-affiliated and nationally recognized student-run PR agency. Hill Comm is one of the many organizations that sets Newhouse apart, and contributing to it throughout my college career has been an honor.

Those who know me well know I love a challenge. When asked which client team I preferred to join among the many incredible clients Hill Comm had in the Fall 2020 semester, I chose the one that pushed me most out of my comfort zone: GreenHill Investment Reporting. My knowledge of the financial technology space was minimal, and terms like “family office” or “RIA” were foreign to me. However, I was determined to learn quickly and see my work in action.

GreenHill made that goal a reality. From day one, our clients were invested in us as students and PR practitioners. They understood the complexities of the industry and provided every resource we needed to succeed. Even as an intern, I felt valued and appreciated by both GreenHill and my team. My ideas were implemented, and I gained hands-on experience that very first semester. By the end of that semester, I knew I was here to stay.

Now finishing my eighth semester with the team as account supervisor, I’m proud to say I did. Looking back on the work we have been able to facilitate for GreenHill over the past four years is beyond impressive. Multiple press releases, a complete rebrand, countless hours put towards competitor and industry audits and most recently, AI platform integration to create branded product demos and knowledge management resources for GreenHill customers — just to name a few. Our work for our clients takes what we learn in the classroom and pushes it another step higher.

On April 18, I welcomed Bill McFadden and Harry Cubit of GreenHill Investment Reporting to Syracuse University for an in-person visit to film social media content and play out new ideas, something that has become a biannual tradition over the years. Unbeknownst to me, this day had a little more in store than a final workshop with my favorite clients. A Zoom screen popped up with my entire family, Hill Comm alum and GreenHill’s Jack Curran and Melissa Cubit, who all took time out of their busy days to celebrate me.

Former team members of mine and our wonderful faculty advisors began to fill the room. I was absolutely floored, humbled and beyond grateful, though most of what I could get out in the moment were thank yous between tears of joy. I was awarded a plaque for my contribution and dedication to GreenHill over the last four years, surrounded by so many of the people I love, and it is a day I will never forget.

Reflecting on my journey with Hill Communications and GreenHill Investment Reporting, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride. These past four years have not only shaped my professional skills but have profoundly impacted my personal growth. I have learned the true value of perseverance, the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and the power of human connection. As I prepare to enter this next chapter of my life, I carry with me invaluable experiences, cherished memories and lasting relationships. I am deeply thankful for the opportunities and support I have received, and I look forward to embracing the future with the confidence and knowledge that Hill Comm and GreenHill have instilled in me. Leaving Syracuse and Newhouse, I have so very much to be grateful for.

2024 Newhouse Student Awards

Each spring, the Newhouse School recognizes those students whose dedication, ingenuity, academic excellence and creativity exhibit extraordinary talent and effort. We congratulate our 2024 award winners!

Undergraduate Awards

Advertising Awards

Deborah Fink Green Award

• Victoria Aragi
• Chloe Powell

Harry D. Meyers Memorial Prize in Advertising

• Samantha Levine
• Jack Levin

Most Promising Advertising Student

• Caitlin Espiritu

Newhouse Advertising Department Award for Academic Excellence

• Chloe Powell

John Philip-Jones Advertising Student of the Year Award

• Philip Lockitt

Bandier Program Awards

Bandier Leadership Award

• Vir Batra
• Liv DuFine

Bandier Innovator/Operator Award

• Michael Divestea

Broadcast and Digital Journalism Awards

Don Edwards Broadcast Journalism Award

• Chile Adele
• Nicole Aponte

The Radio-TV-News Power Producer Award

• Lindsey Fine

Magazine, News and Digital Journalism Awards

Heather L. Fleishman Memorial Scholarship

• Sadiya Kherani
• Emily Bruck
• Alejandro Rosales

Henry J. Leader Memorial Prize in Editing

• Eden Stratton
• Anish Vasudevan

Henry J. Wolff Prize

• Nicole Aponte
• Cole Bambini

Lauretta H. McCaffrey Journalism Prize

• Danny Amron

Maria Riccardi Scholarship

• Ahna Fleming
• Anna Ginnelli
• Julia Kahen
• Stephanie Wright

Newhouse Award for Journalism Excellence

• Katie Hill

The Samuel V. Kennedy III Award for Newspaper Editing

• Kyle Chouinard
• Richard Perrins

William Glavin Award for Excellence in Magazine Writing

• Eden Stratton
• Mattea Vecera

The John Mitchell Award for Sports Reporting

• Connor Smith

All Journalism Awards

Bob Heisler Award for Excellence

• Lilli Ianella
• Karla Perez

Photography and Graphic Design Awards

Bertram J. Davis Scholar Award

• Arthur Maiorella

Dr. Frank Meola Photography Prize

• Murphy McFarlane

Society for News Design/Marshall Matlock Designer of the Year

• Samantha Currier

The Visual Communications Department Prize in Design

• Brett Kaplan

The Visual Communications Department Prize in Immersive Media

• Elizabeth Carlson

The Visual Communications Department Prize in Motion Graphics

• River Taylor

The Visual Communications Department Prize Video Production

• Jess Van

Public Relations Awards

Julie Mendez Diversity and Inclusion Award in Public Relations

• Nyah Jones

The Public Relations Department Chair Award for Leadership

• Samantha Messina

The Public Relations Public Service Award

• Dillon Williams

The William P. Ehling Award

• Aidan Shephard

Television, Radio and Film Awards

Edward L. Hersh Award

• Katherine Cefalo

Glenn Steinfast Award for Excellence in Documentary Film Production

• Jamari McNabb

Gordon J. Alderman Memorial Prize

• Jordan Bullock
• Alexandra Lobel
• Marin Stott
• Abigail Weber

Irene M. Sholkin Prize in Script Writing

• Jessica Whitmire

Oscar Micheaux Filmmaking Award

• Alicia Ingabire

Stan Alten Excellence in Audio Award

• Vir Batra

The Zach Trifone Love of Life and Music Award

• Vir Batra

Armando Doreste Award

• Joy Mao

All Undergraduate Majors

Dean’s Service Award

• Cole Bambini
• Elizabeth Carlson
• Thomas Cohen
• Nhya Gonzalez
• Alexandra Lobel

The Beth Mowins ’90 Award in Sports Media

• Stella Balaskas
• Audrey Glynn

Excellence in Web Development and Coding Award

• Jiaqi Jin
• Claire Ceccoli

Newhouse First-Year Achievement Award

• Lars Jendruschewitz
• Sunny Suaya

George Plavocos Radio Achievement Award

• Rebecca Podd

David Rubin 1st Amendment Prize

• Richard Perrins
• Madison Neuner
• Whitney Williams

Class Marshals

• Nicole Aponte
• Sophia Darsch
• Annie Levin

Newhouse Scholars

• Nicole Aponte
• Victoria Aragi
• Isabel Bekele
• Kayla Black
• Madelyn Doolittle
• Jared Dowling
• Payton Dunn
• Aidan Hayes
• Lilli Iannella
• Murphy McFarlane
• John Perik
• Chloe Powell
• Abigail Weber

Graduate Awards

Graduate School Master’s Prize

• Peri Huling
• Jeannie Jedlicka
• Gloria Rivera
• Madison Neuner
• Carrie Welch
• Justin Dalaba
• Hunter Harpin
• Grace Kos-Dondlinger
• Nathan Krieger
• Christopher Sill

A. William Bluem Award

• Hayden August
• Chris Sill
• Nathan Krieger
• Eva Casey

Catherine L. Covert Research Award

• Xi Liu
• Benjamin Tetteh (Honorable Mention)

Charnice Milton Award for Community Journalism

• Za’Tozia Duffie

Public Relations Certificate of Achievement

• Mindan Chen
• Alexandra Hosilyk
• Emma Reville
• Abigail Kludt
• Grace Kos-Dondlinger

The Magazine, News and Digital Journalism Graduate Achievement Award

• Julia Carden
• Greta Stuckey

The William Doescher Outstanding Public Relations Master’s Degree Student

• Grace Kos-Dondlinger

Isabelle Kelly: Bridging Healthcare, Innovation and Communication

Isabelle Kelly, a talented dual degree student at Syracuse University, is making her mark as a 2024 Weiss Center Ambassador. With a passion for public relations, finance and healthcare, Isabelle is poised to become a trailblazer in the ever-evolving landscape where these fields intersect.

A Dynamic Duo: PR Prowess and Finance Finesse

As a Newhouse student, Isabelle is honing her skills in strategic communication, media relations and campaign management through her public relations major. Simultaneously, she is studying finance at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, gaining expertise in financial analysis, investment strategies and business operations. This unique combination of disciplines equips Isabelle with a well-rounded understanding of both communication and financial realms.

Born to Make a Difference

Isabelle’s passion for healthcare runs deep, as she was born into a family of medical professionals. With a physician father and sisters pursuing careers as physician assistants, Isabelle recognized the vital role of healthcare accessibility and communication from a young age. When the opportunity to become a 2024 Weiss Center Ambassador arose, she saw it as a perfect alignment of her passions and aspirations.

Fresh Perspective and Engaging Strategies

As the youngest of six children, Isabelle brings a fresh perspective to her role as an ambassador. Focusing on promoting the Weiss Center to the Newhouse community, she envisions utilizing social media and word-of-mouth campaigns to keep people informed. Isabelle believes that engaging events and workshops can attract students from various disciplines, sparking conversations about the intersection of technology, healthcare and communication.

Growth and Skill Development

As a brand ambassador, Isabelle hopes to gain valuable insights into the industry and sharpen her skills in campaign and event planning. She values the opportunity to learn from experts and receive constructive feedback to enhance her abilities further, setting the stage for a successful career in the dynamic world of healthcare communication.

Mastering the Juggling Act: Prioritizing Passions and Responsibilities

Despite her busy schedule as a dual major student, Isabelle maintains balance through meticulous organization and prioritization. She acknowledges the challenges of juggling academic and extracurricular responsibilities but emphasizes the importance of finding time for personal interests and relationships. To relieve stress, Isabelle immerses herself in her passion for geography, finding curiosity in the world’s diversity and intricacies.

Grounded in Values

As Isabelle navigates her journey as the Weiss Center Ambassador, she remains grounded in her personal values and commitments. She strives to find harmony between her academic pursuits, professional aspirations and personal well-being. With her resilience, creativity and dedication, Isabelle exemplifies the qualities of a rising star in the world of healthcare communication.

Isabelle Kelly’s journey is one of passion, innovation and the desire to make a difference. As she continues to bridge the gaps between healthcare, innovation and communication, there is no doubt that she will leave a lasting impact on the industry and the lives she touches along the way.

Student, University Volunteers Build 44 Beds for Community Children in Need

The number 44 holds a special significance on the Syracuse University campus, and in true University fashion, 44 children in the City of Syracuse will soon receive new beds and bedding—some for the first time—through a project that has touched the hearts and hands of several dozen University students, staff and organizational volunteers.

The 108 volunteers gathered on Feb. 23 at Skybarn on South Campus for a three-hour workshop to sand, drill and assemble wooden bunk beds. The group included 86 University students, 11 staff, faculty and retirees, plus 11 other members of the Syracuse chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP).

SHP, whose mantra is “No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town,” is one of 270 chapters nationwide. The organization’s mission is to build and deliver new beds and bedding to children who may have been sleeping on a couch or the floor, and who, in many cases, have never had a bed of their own.

The Syracuse SHP group has partnered with the Shaw Center for Public and Community Service—the University’s hub for academic community engagement—for several years. Though the chapter has built and delivered 4,564 beds to Syracuse-area children since it began in 2018, 870 kids are still on the waitlist. SHP leaders say 76% of the beds built here will go to children who live within two miles of campus.

Friday’s event was organized by Syracuse University Volunteer Organization (SUVO) president Claire Ceccoli ’25, a dual public relations and psychology major from Norwalk, Ohio. She says this is the first time in a decade that SUVO has initiated a large-scale volunteer project, and it’s one that seemed to resonate with everyone who heard about it.

Crafting a Legacy

While a student at Syracuse University, Imani Wallace ’16—the internationally acclaimed and award-winning spoken word artist known also by her stage name, Lyrical Faith—found her voice and launched on her path as an artist, activist and educator.

Wallace, a public relations major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, was a student leader and very engaged in the campus community. Her senior year, she was recognized with a Martin Luther King Unsung Hero Award for her service and advocacy.

What do your identities as an artist and an activist mean to you?

I see art and activism as intertwined. I see art through the lens of spoken word poetry, which is both writing and performance. And activism is speaking out against societal ills, providing counternarratives, actively challenging power structures, advocating for what is just and calling out what is unjust. I use the word “artivism” to describe how I use my art—something I’m deeply passionate about—as a way to communicate about these social ills and injustices around the world.

I think about the leaders who came before me—my ancestors and the peoples whose shoulders I stand on—who spoke out about Black struggles and Black liberation. I think about what they’ve done, what they sacrificed, the streets they marched, what they gave up and the lives that were taken from them. They paved the way for me to be navigating the spaces I am and using my voice as I do. It’s my responsibility and my social duty to pave the way for those who will come after me to continue the fight for what is right.

I hope to inspire and to educate. Over the years that I’ve been writing and performing, I’ve been able to reach thousands of people. And every time I step up to a microphone and share a poem, it’s an opportunity to spark someone’s imagination, broaden someone’s perspective, or change someone’s mind. I take that responsibility seriously—you never know how you will impact another person’s life. Art has the power to bring strangers together and make people feel like they are not alone in what they’re experiencing, whether that’s grief, a mental health struggle or joy.

And of course, it is also cathartic. Sharing my thoughts and experiences, and having others connect with them, makes me feel seen and understood. So, spoken word is my way of shining in the world. And by shining myself, I hope to give others permission to shine their own light, in their own way.