Give and take: Charitable members of SU community honored at Orange Circle Awards
The audience roared from all sides of the room as three Syracuse University alumni and one Drama Department professor strode to the stage to receive a glass award from Chancellor Nancy Cantor.
In the Regency Ballroom of the Sheraton University Hotel and Conference Center on Tuesday afternoon, 2003 alumnus Mark Klein called up each winner to the stage. Klein, one of last year’s winners, described them as ‘incredible individuals who have selflessly given to the community.’
The trophies, known as the Orange Circle Awards, have been given out since 2009. The event was part of the university’s second Philanthropy Week, which raises awareness about the importance of giving back to SU and recognizes those who support SU through generous donations, according to a SU News release. Each year, one student group and three university alumni who have contributed to their communities receive the awards.
The three alumni who received the award this year were 1966 alumnus Eric Mower, who runs his own communications firm; 1966 alumna Judith Mower, who contributes to businesses and civic organizations across the country and in Europe; and 1978 alumna Angela Robinson, who hosts In Contact, the only public affairs show in Atlanta that addresses topics from an African-American perspective.
The student group that won this year’s award was All Star C.A.S.T., or Community Actors & Students’ Theater, a program that pairs SU students with students from the community with special needs, fueling their passion for theater. The group’s faculty adviser and drama professor Elizabeth Ingram accepted the award for the group. In her speech, Ingram acknowledged the joys children with special needs have when collaborating creatively with SU students.
‘Twenty-one years later, we have four different theater groups, and we have created theater in a safe, nonjudgmental environment,’ she saidproudly with a smile.
Ingram also talked about her daughter, who was born with Down syndrome. Moving from England to Syracuse, Ingram decided to start a theater company, and her daughter suggested that students with disabilities should be a major component of the program.
A video played in the ballroom, briefly highlighting the accomplishments of each winner. One colleague of the Mowers said in the video: ‘It is a privilege to be in Syracuse because of the Mowers.’
Robertson received praise as a force of nature bringing people to a common goal. Of the All-Star C.A.S.T., one person expressed that everyone takes joy in seeing those who are perceived as less intelligent knock down any preconceptions.
After the presentation, the room opened up for to a conversation with the audience and many student attendees participated. All winners explained the effect the university had on their lives and answered questions about how students can also give back to the community and make a difference.
Before the awards were distributed, the attendees enjoyed a luncheon, talking with one another and enjoying a gourmet Asian chicken salad with egg rolls on the side.
While eating, the crowd discussed two topics: their greatest accomplishment at SU and how they hope to stay connected as part of the SU community. The dining tables were decorated with orange napkins and tablecloths, and everyone was given custom-made fortune cookies, containing inspirational messages for the attendees.
Robinson talked about her efforts of expanding knowledge and interest in SU in her hometown of Atlanta.
‘You don’t ever want the best and the brightest students to wear a sweatshirt from another school,’ she said.
Stressing the importance of service to the community, she advised students to put their best efforts in whatever they may undertake in the future.
‘Just run with it,’ she said. ‘The best part of it all is being fulfilled.’
The Mowers, the 1966 alumni who received the award during the ceremony, talked about their contributions to both SU and the Syracuse community. They said they could never repay back the university for all that it has done for them. The two encouraged students to build their social intelligence, reminding them that many opportunities are available to them.
‘We are sending unique graduates into the world. We’re not a label or a cookie-cutter school,’ Eric Mower said proudly.
The recipients received a large ovation from the audience at the end of the reception. Many students stayed behind to interact further with the winners.
Student Association President Dylan Lustig serves on the Student Philanthropy Council and applauded this year’s winners.
‘I always think of an SU alum as someone who gives back to the community and makes a huge impact,’ said Lustig, a sophomore international relations and economics major. ‘I think the winners are a testament to the SU alumni network.’
