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Gallery: Biden speaks at portrait unveiling, SU leading figures attend ceremony

From left to right, Syracuse University’s School of Law Dean Terence Lau, Board Chairman, Jeffrey M. Scruggs, President Joseph R. Biden Jr., Biden’s former classmate Bill Brodsky and artist Michael Shane Neal reveal Biden’s newly commissioned portrait. The reveal took place Tuesday afternoon in the Melanie Gray Ceremonial Courtroom in Dineen Hall.

Avery Magee | Photo Editor

From left to right, Syracuse University’s School of Law Dean Terence Lau, Board Chairman, Jeffrey M. Scruggs, President Joseph R. Biden Jr., Biden’s former classmate Bill Brodsky and artist Michael Shane Neal reveal Biden’s newly commissioned portrait. The reveal took place Tuesday afternoon in the Melanie Gray Ceremonial Courtroom in Dineen Hall.

Lau delivers introductory remarks at the portrait unveiling. During the ceremony, Lau announced that with the support of the SU’s alumni, the university doubled the memorial scholarship to commemorate President Biden’s late son Beau, an alum of the Law School.

Avery Magee | Photo Editor

Lau delivers introductory remarks at the portrait unveiling. During the ceremony, Lau announced that with the support of the SU’s alumni, the university doubled the memorial scholarship to commemorate President Biden’s late son Beau, an alum of the Law School.

Ceremony speakers applaud Brodsky for his commissioning of Biden’s portrait. Brodsky and Biden were good friends when they attended SU law together, the former President said during his speech.

Avery Magee | Photo Editor

Ceremony speakers applaud Brodsky for his commissioning of Biden’s portrait. Brodsky and Biden were good friends when they attended SU law together, the former President said during his speech.

Emery Bielecki, president of the College of Law’s Student Bar Association, introduces Biden before his remarks. Kayzjah Charles, the School of Law’s class of 2026 president, spoke alongside Bielecki as the student representatives during the ceremony.

Avery Magee | Photo Editor

Emery Bielecki, president of the College of Law’s Student Bar Association, introduces Biden before his remarks. Kayzjah Charles, the School of Law’s class of 2026 president, spoke alongside Bielecki as the student representatives during the ceremony.

Biden accepts a standing ovation as he takes the podium for his remarks. Tuesday marked Biden’s first appearance at Syracuse University in a decade.

Avery Magee | Photo Editor

Biden accepts a standing ovation as he takes the podium for his remarks. Tuesday marked Biden’s first appearance at Syracuse University in a decade.

Biden recalls how he found the law school at SU after accidentally stumbling into the dean’s office thinking it was a library. Biden studied law at SU in the late 60s, crediting SU for teaching him the “legal grounding” that shaped his career in public service.

Avery Magee | Photo Editor

Biden recalls how he found the law school at SU after accidentally stumbling into the dean’s office thinking it was a library. Biden studied law at SU in the late 60s, crediting SU for teaching him the “legal grounding” that shaped his career in public service.

Biden examines his portrait, painted by Neal, whose art hangs in the National Portrait Gallery. During his remarks, Neal said he hoped to portray the president’s openness as a leader as well as his courage and determination.

Avery Magee | Photo Editor

Biden examines his portrait, painted by Neal, whose art hangs in the National Portrait Gallery. During his remarks, Neal said he hoped to portray the president’s openness as a leader as well as his courage and determination.

Chancellor-elect Mike Haynie sits alongside Student Government Association President Germán Nolivos, incoming SGA President Emily Castillo and incoming Vice President Max Lachut. Chancellor Kent Syverud and his wife Dr. Ruth Chen did not attend the ceremony, sharing regrets for missing the day.

Avery Magee | Photo Editor

Chancellor-elect Mike Haynie sits alongside Student Government Association President Germán Nolivos, incoming SGA President Emily Castillo and incoming Vice President Max Lachut. Chancellor Kent Syverud and his wife Dr. Ruth Chen did not attend the ceremony, sharing regrets for missing the day.

Dr. Jill Biden finds her seat before the portrait’s unveiling. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Sharon Owens and representative John Mannion also attended Tuesday’s event.

Avery Magee | Photo Editor

Dr. Jill Biden finds her seat before the portrait’s unveiling. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Sharon Owens and representative John Mannion also attended Tuesday’s event.

The Ottotunes, Syracuse’s orange pants-wearing a cappella group, dance at the ceremony’s reception. The group sang “America the Beautiful” during their set.

Avery Magee | Photo Editor

The Ottotunes, Syracuse’s orange pants-wearing a cappella group, dance at the ceremony’s reception. The group sang “America the Beautiful” during their set.