Together 'Cuse Initiative Off to Strong Start
5/19/2020 4:00:00 PM | Men's Rowing, Cross Country, Men's Lacrosse, Women's Lacrosse, Women's Rowing, Softball, Tennis, General, Track and Field
Facing previously unimagined challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Syracuse University Athletics decided to implement a new initiative that would draw on the department's strength – those who were responsible for constructing the program's proud history as well as those currently carrying on the tradition.
Together 'Cuse was unveiled and immediately Orange-clad arms begin locking together. The initiative is open to participation from anyone who feels a connection to Syracuse Athletics. Alumni and Orange fans are encouraged to share pictures with Orange teammates and friends from memorable 'Cuse games and events tagging the images with #TogetherCuse. Various Orange head coaches are engaging with student-athletes past and present via video conferencing to stay in touch.
One of the first trials brought on by the cancellation of the spring sports season was the status of student-athletes who potentially lost a year of eligibility.
"When the spring sport season was cancelled and the NCAA created a path for schools to invite seniors back, I was reminded of our guiding principles of integrity, student-athlete welfare and competitive success across all sports," director of athletics John Wildhack said. "With the support of Chancellor Syverud, the athletics department and our coaches are taking on the financial challenge of bringing interested senior spring sport athletes back because it is simply the right thing to do."
Wildhack's heartfelt pledge to Syracuse's student-athletes translated into a gift from he and his wife, Amy, to Together 'Cuse. The Wildhack's committed five percent of his salary to help offset the unbudgeted expense of providing 28 spring sport seniors the chance to continue their education and complete their athletic eligibility.
Earlier in May, Wildhack was joined by Syracuse head coaches Jim Boeheim, Dino Babers, Quentin Hillsman, John Desko and Gary Gait in a voluntary 10 percent salary reduction.
Together 'Cuse was off and running!
Several other prominent alumni across generations have made significant contributions to Together 'Cuse.
An early commitment came from Syracuse University men's basketball head coach and his wife, Jim '66, G'73 and Juli Boeheim. It touched their hearts to see the Orange community support the return of spring senior student-athletes and they were moved to make a sizable gift.
"It's obviously the most difficult time any of us have ever seen," Boeheim said. "When the decision was made to allow these student-athletes to come back, Juli and I talked about it. We are making a donation to the support the scholarships for these spring sport student-athletes.
"I am proud of our school and I am thrilled to be able to step up and make this donation," Boeheim continued. "We're very fortunate to work at Syracuse and be supported by all the administration at the University."
Several Syracuse University Trustees jumped onboard. Sports broadcaster Mike Tirico '88, and his wife Deb '89, a women's basketball letter winner, made a substantial gift. Three-sport letterman Cliff Ensley '69, '70, G'71, and his wife, Sue, the lead donors for Ensley Athletic Center, also made a significant commitment.
"Syracuse University is more than just a school for me. I view it as an extended family," Knight said. "As we do with family members when a crisis like this happens, we've got to find a way to support each other."
Kurt Kleinhans is the son of former Syracuse University rower and men's lacrosse defender Richard C. Kleinhans '43, who went on to become executive vice president of worldwide equipment manufacturing at Kodak in Rochester, N.Y. Richard's love for the Orange was passed on to his family. When his mother Claire B. Kleinhans passed away, Kurt and his siblings decided to make a gift in honor of their parents.
"If my dad was alive, I know he would jump on 'Together 'Cuse' in a minute," Kleinhans said. "He always attributed his experience at Syracuse University as being a very important part of his success in life."
Together 'Cuse is the way Syracuse University Athletics is pulling together as part of the Syracuse Responds efforts. Learn more about Together 'Cuse and how you can make an impact at give.cuse.com. Direct questions to the Orange Club at oclub@syr.edu.
Together 'Cuse was unveiled and immediately Orange-clad arms begin locking together. The initiative is open to participation from anyone who feels a connection to Syracuse Athletics. Alumni and Orange fans are encouraged to share pictures with Orange teammates and friends from memorable 'Cuse games and events tagging the images with #TogetherCuse. Various Orange head coaches are engaging with student-athletes past and present via video conferencing to stay in touch.
In times like this I tend to think of all the great memories I've had throughout the years. I'll always remember our team winning NCAA's and bringing the trophy home to Syracuse. Moments like this come and go but the memories live forever!🍊🏆 #TogetherCuse @Cuse pic.twitter.com/o6xg7NOYTo
— Justyn Knight (@justyn_knight) May 19, 2020
One of the first trials brought on by the cancellation of the spring sports season was the status of student-athletes who potentially lost a year of eligibility.
"When the spring sport season was cancelled and the NCAA created a path for schools to invite seniors back, I was reminded of our guiding principles of integrity, student-athlete welfare and competitive success across all sports," director of athletics John Wildhack said. "With the support of Chancellor Syverud, the athletics department and our coaches are taking on the financial challenge of bringing interested senior spring sport athletes back because it is simply the right thing to do."
Wildhack's heartfelt pledge to Syracuse's student-athletes translated into a gift from he and his wife, Amy, to Together 'Cuse. The Wildhack's committed five percent of his salary to help offset the unbudgeted expense of providing 28 spring sport seniors the chance to continue their education and complete their athletic eligibility.
The 28 returning student-athletes have a cumulative grade-point-average of 3.2 and represent all seven of Syracuse's spring sports – men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's rowing, tennis, softball and men's and women's track and field.#TogetherCuse @Cuse https://t.co/OqODLE13zl pic.twitter.com/9oLBJ43AEU
— ♛Chandler Jones (@chanjones55) May 20, 2020
Earlier in May, Wildhack was joined by Syracuse head coaches Jim Boeheim, Dino Babers, Quentin Hillsman, John Desko and Gary Gait in a voluntary 10 percent salary reduction.
Together 'Cuse was off and running!
Several other prominent alumni across generations have made significant contributions to Together 'Cuse.
An early commitment came from Syracuse University men's basketball head coach and his wife, Jim '66, G'73 and Juli Boeheim. It touched their hearts to see the Orange community support the return of spring senior student-athletes and they were moved to make a sizable gift.
"It's obviously the most difficult time any of us have ever seen," Boeheim said. "When the decision was made to allow these student-athletes to come back, Juli and I talked about it. We are making a donation to the support the scholarships for these spring sport student-athletes.
"I am proud of our school and I am thrilled to be able to step up and make this donation," Boeheim continued. "We're very fortunate to work at Syracuse and be supported by all the administration at the University."
Several Syracuse University Trustees jumped onboard. Sports broadcaster Mike Tirico '88, and his wife Deb '89, a women's basketball letter winner, made a substantial gift. Three-sport letterman Cliff Ensley '69, '70, G'71, and his wife, Sue, the lead donors for Ensley Athletic Center, also made a significant commitment.
Recent alumnus and former NCAA Track and Field National Champion Justyn Knight '18 made a leadership donation. Knight, who is currently training to represent Canada in the postponed 2020 Summer Olympics, cited his positive experience at Syracuse University as a driving force behind his desire to give back.Syracuse was the only school that gave me an opportunity to compete. 0 stars, 0 offers and I was able to live out a dream I had since I was a kid. I will always cherish the memories I made at @Cuse #TogetherCuse https://t.co/9fqfAHKgOi pic.twitter.com/0egMLYMe9W
— Zack Mahoney (@zahoney16) May 20, 2020
"Syracuse University is more than just a school for me. I view it as an extended family," Knight said. "As we do with family members when a crisis like this happens, we've got to find a way to support each other."
Kurt Kleinhans is the son of former Syracuse University rower and men's lacrosse defender Richard C. Kleinhans '43, who went on to become executive vice president of worldwide equipment manufacturing at Kodak in Rochester, N.Y. Richard's love for the Orange was passed on to his family. When his mother Claire B. Kleinhans passed away, Kurt and his siblings decided to make a gift in honor of their parents.
"If my dad was alive, I know he would jump on 'Together 'Cuse' in a minute," Kleinhans said. "He always attributed his experience at Syracuse University as being a very important part of his success in life."
Together 'Cuse is the way Syracuse University Athletics is pulling together as part of the Syracuse Responds efforts. Learn more about Together 'Cuse and how you can make an impact at give.cuse.com. Direct questions to the Orange Club at oclub@syr.edu.
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