• Scholarship matching programs allow donors make a lasting impact on their Orange family.
• Students who go above and beyond use scholarships to achieve their goals.
• First-of-their-kind programs allow Syracuse University students to explore new opportunities on campus.

From scholarship matching that multiplies every dollar to first-of-their-kind academic centers shaping emerging fields, this year’s giving touched every corner of the student experience. Here’s a closer look at the ways donor support is opening doors across the Orange community.

Launched in April 2025, the Syracuse Promise is a three-year, $50 million fundraising initiative aimed at making a Syracuse education more affordable for high-achieving students from all backgrounds. At its core is a $10 million matching program—for every eligible donor gift, the University contributes matching funds, doubling the impact on student scholarships.

Nearly a year after the initiative was started, more than $11.3 million in donor commitments have been secured, matched with nearly $5.7 million in University funds, bringing total scholarship support to more than $17 million—supporting undergraduate and graduate students across more than 10 schools and colleges.

“This initiative is critically important because it allows us to attract and retain students who strengthen our academic excellence and elevate our entire community,” says Tracy Barlok, senior vice president and chief advancement officer. “We’re inviting our alumni and donors to be part of something transformational—to pay it forward to help future generations of students pursue a Syracuse University education and thrive—both as students and as future Orange alumni.”

Financial support at Syracuse also extends well beyond tuition assistance. The Seinfeld Scholars Program made possible by Life Trustee Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56, H’24, recognizes students and faculty who dare to stand out—those who transform personal challenges into purpose, lead through service and pay their success forward.

Inspired by Judy’s credo of “Never Give Up,” the program honors students who bring their whole, authentic selves to their education and communities. It’s a reminder that Syracuse isn’t just investing in academics—it’s investing in people.

“What’s so profound about the Seinfeld Scholars program is the thought that they aren’t investing in an organization,” says former scholar Claire Ceccoli ’25. “They’re investing in me as a human being.”

Beyond individualized support, donor investment has also helped position Syracuse at the leading edge of emerging fields—from the creator economy to AI-driven communications.

This year, Syracuse University launched the Center for the Creator Economy, the first academic center of its kind on a U.S. college campus. A joint venture between the Martin J. Whitman School of Management and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, the center will offer courses in creative content and digital strategy, host workshops and speaker series, provide on-campus incubators and publish research on creator economy trends.

The center reflects a simple reality: Goldman Sachs estimates the creator economy will approach $500 billion by 2027, and nearly half of U.S. teenagers already earn income through digital channels. Syracuse University will help students lead in that world—not just enter it.

Meanwhile, in Newhouse, a landmark gift from Real Chemistry founder and chairman Jim Weiss ’87 brought the Weiss Center to life. Weiss’ $1.75 million commitment ensures students are career-ready in the rapidly changing field of communications.

In addition, Weiss established The Agency, Home of the Weiss Center, a collaborative, agency-style learning environment where students engage directly with AI tools, influencer marketing strategy and health communications at the professional level.

“Never has there been a better time to do what we do in our fields,” Weiss says. “Newhouse students have firsthand access to how we are changing the industry.”

Every gift this academic year—whether to scholarships, new academic centers or programs that expand opportunity—moved Syracuse closer to a simple goal: giving students what they need to succeed.

Make your gift now to support Syracuse University students in the year ahead.