Forever Orange: Colin Connolly ’24
Syracuse University’s Forever Orange Scholarship provides half of the tuition for students who enroll full-time in a qualifying graduate degree or certificate program at Syracuse University. The scholarship is automatically available to all Class of 2025 graduating Syracuse University seniors who are eligible for admission—no separate scholarship application is needed. Graduating seniors who have already been admitted to a qualifying graduate program are also eligible.
Learn more about recent students like Colin Connolly who have taken advantage of a Forever Orange Scholarship.
Colin Connolly
Undergraduate Program: Communication and Rhetorical Studies, Marketing Minor, Information Management and Technology Minor
Newhouse Master’s Program: Audio Arts
What drew you to Syracuse University for your undergraduate studies?
Originally, Syracuse was not even on my radar as an undergraduate possibility. I attended the University of Pittsburgh my freshman year and began taking intro film courses there. After hearing of the opportunities within the entertainment industry that Syracuse University provided, I decided to transfer over, and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
What made you want to pursue a master’s degree?
While I was an undergrad, I had a lot of experience with television production with the ACC Network broadcasts, ACC Network studio shows and Citrus TV. I worked with Z89 radio when I was here and began to learn about the music industry. I heard of the audio arts program mixing production experience with the music industry and thought that it was the perfect route for me to go after undergrad.
How did you first hear about the Forever Orange Scholarship and how did it play a role in your decision to attend graduate school?
I have known about the Forever Orange Scholarship since I transferred to Syracuse. The scholarship is single-handedly the most important factor that allowed me to continue my education, and I am extremely grateful for that opportunity. The funding allowed me to continue my education at a higher level and focus on growing my network and developing professional relationships.
What unique features of your Newhouse graduate program made you want to apply?
I chose Newhouse because it is THE school to go to for careers in the entertainment industry. The opportunities at Newhouse are unparalleled, and the professors are some of the most impressive, caring and hardworking people I have met in my life. The audio arts program allowed me to continue down the path of mastering my production skills while maintaining a focus on the music industry and the music business, which is an experience that not many other schools in the country offer.
What moments in graduate school have been the most exciting or defining thus far?
I thoroughly enjoyed our summer sessions (also known as “bootcamp“), where we met with only our cohort and went through six intensive weeks of learning together. By the end of it, we formed great friendships that have lasted all year and are sure to last after this program ends. Through my classes, I have gained valuable insight into the music business from label executives and Newhouse graduates who are in fields that align with my interests. This great network has provided me with the opportunity to finish up my program this summer in New York City, where I will be joining Sony Music Entertainment in their International marketing and digital strategy department.
What advice would you give to students that are in the initial stages of deciding to pursue graduate school?
I have told some of my friends who are graduating this year and are on the fence about continuing their education that if you have gone through the effort to research and start applying to graduate school, it is the path meant for you. The insight and professional skills that I have developed over the last year, coupled with a higher education, are invaluable to me.
For more information on Newhouse School graduate programs, please email nhmasters@syr.edu.