Communication & Rhetorical Studies

🎉 We are thrilled to share that Kennedy Jones, G'26, has been selected by the Graduate School for a 2026 Outstanding TA Award! The honor recognizes Kennedy for going above and beyond in the classroom—through teaching, leading discussion sections, and supporting faculty in high-enrollment courses.

Reflecting on her most impactful CRS experience, Kennedy credits working alongside Dr. Ariel Gratch, who oversees the Public Advocacy and Presentational Speaking courses where she served as a TA. "Someone who is willing to share any and all of their knowledge, at any given time, is rare," she says. "His understanding of pedagogy and his overwhelming support shaped me into the instructor I have become."

Kennedy's teaching philosophy centers on meeting students where they are: "I strive to make each student feel both their collective presence and belonging in the classroom while also valuing their individuality."

After CRS, Kennedy will take on the role of Health, Financial, and Legal Coordinator at Finger Lakes Community Action Program's Success Center Campus. Law school is also in her plans, where she will continue using her rhetorical knowledge.

Congratulations Kennedy! 🧡💙

🎤 TONIGHT. Carnegie Library. 5:15 PM.

A Wampanoag myth. A First Amendment argument. A story about grief and art. A meditation on great leadership.

Eight finalists. Three awards. One stage.

The White-Denison Public Speaking Competition Finals are here — and this year we're welcoming back a very special guest judge: CRS Professor Emerita Lynn Greenky, former coordinator of this very competition.

Come watch. Be moved. Be in the room.

CRS alum Jennifer Vasquez '09 is coming to campus — and she wants to talk to YOU. 🎓

Whether you're a first-year figuring out your path or a senior deep in the job search, Jenn is here to share real talk about careers, life after college, and what a CRS degree can do for you.

📅 Thursday, April 9 | 1:25–2:40 pm | Maxwell Auditorium
(Immediately following CRS 287 — stick around!)

You can also catch her at the White-Denison Public Speaking Competition:
📅 Tuesday, April 7 | 5:15–7:00 pm | Carnegie Hall 122

Jenn's career has spanned marketing communications across a range of industries and organizations. She's also a great resource if you're curious about life in NYC — whether you're already from there or thinking about making the move.

All CRS students welcome — all years, all concentrations. Don't miss it!

🏀 CRS in the news — and we couldn't be more proud.

Gerry McNamara ('06 CRS) has been named Head Coach of Syracuse Men's Basketball. A 2003 national champion, G-Mac spent 15 years as an assistant at SU, then led Siena to a MAAC title and NCAA Tournament appearance in just two seasons as head coach.

Now he's home.

"I love this place. I love what Syracuse means: to the fans, to the players who have worn this jersey, to the people of Central New York," McNamara said.

Welcome back, Coach!

📅 TODAY — Monday, March 30
⏰ 4:00 p.m.
📍 Miron Victory Court, outside the JMA Wireless Dome
Join us for McNamara's official welcome and press conference — his first public remarks as head coach.

🍊 Go Orange! 🍊
We are sending all our energy to our CRS students suiting up TONIGHT as Syracuse Women's Basketball takes on undefeated UConn in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament!

Saturday's first-round win over Iowa State (72–63) was one for the books, and our students showed up big:

🔥 Laila Phelia '26 poured in 18 points to keep the Orange in front

🔥 Maddy Potts '28 made her first start of the season and delivered

🔥 Aurora Almon '27 came up with a steal-to-assist on the break

🔥 Angelica Velez '27 continues to be a key part of the guard rotation as the team navigates the postseason without Dominique Darius

CRS is proud of you — on the court and in the classroom. We'll be watching and cheering tonight from Sims Hall and beyond. Let's go, 'Cuse!
🧡💪


18s

CRS and Speech Comm alums, we sent you a CRS alumni survey! Tell us about your experiences in CRS. It takes a few minutes. If you didn't get the survey, reach out to [email protected] and we'll send you the link!

Congrats to Rachel Hall who recently presented at the inaugural VPA - Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts' Faculty Research and Creative Activities Symposium ! 🙌

During the event, select faculty members shared their research and creative work with students, faculty and staff. What an inspiring day of discovery!

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of CRS alum Tiana Mangakahia ’21, who lost her battle with breast cancer this week at the age of 30.

Tiana, a standout point guard for Syracuse Women’s Basketball since 2017, was known for her resilience, determination and heart. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, she fought her way back onto the court for her senior season in 2020–21, appearing in 20 games and helping lead Syracuse to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. She was celebrated as “the ultimate fighter.”

“Tiana was brilliant in every sense of the word,” says Kendall Phillips, professor of Communication and Rhetorical Studies and director of the Lender Center for Social Justice. “She was smart, dedicated and engaged as a student. She also brought an infectious energy and enthusiasm to every class session.”

Our hearts are with Tiana’s family, teammates and all who loved her.

On May 1, the vibrant CRS community came together at SKY Armory to celebrate the Class of 2025 and honor our incredible award winners.

We’re so proud of our graduating students and the recipients of the J. Calvin Callaghan, Mary Elizabeth Earle, and White-Denison Awards. Your hard work and brilliance inspire us all.

Here’s to a year of growth, grit, and unforgettable moments.