Alumni
The Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies boasts an amazing community of more than 2,000 active alumni. Graduates of our program have gone on to great success in a wide variety of career fields, including education, law/public policy/politics, media, organizational communication/business, and public relations/marketing. Many of them return to campus to speak with and provide valuable mentorship opportunities to current CRS students.
We are equally proud of all our alumni and eager to share their stories. If you are an alumnus with news to share, please connect with us.
Featured Alumni
Marc Mason
B.S., M.A., M.P.A., C.A.S., Syracuse University
2012, 2015
Human Capital Consultant, Federal Management Partners, Inc.
Marc Mason is a human capital consultant with Federal Management Partners, Inc. (FMP). FMP’s mission is to help organizations become more responsive, efficient, and effective by providing high value and quality service. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in CRS, he holds a joint master’s degree in public administration and international relations from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Watch a video of Marc discussing why CRS and Syracuse made a difference in his career.
Evin Floyd Robinson
B.S., M.S., Syracuse University
2012, 2014
Co-Founder, New York on Tech
Technology Consultant, Accenture
Evin Robinson co-founded New York on Tech, a nonprofit organization that aims to create and improve pathways for impoverished students and those from underrepresented populations to gain exposure to and proficiency in the fields of technology and innovation. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in CRS and economics, Evin holds a master’s degree in information management from Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies. He was listed in Forbes magazine's sixth annual “30 Under 30” listings of the most influential people under the age of 30. Watch a video of him discussing the value of the skills he learned in CRS.
Terrance D. Smith
B.S., Syracuse University
2011
Director of Residential Life & Community Programs, Springfield Commonwealth Academy
After graduating from CRS, Terrance Smith started his own entertainment company, Simply Terrance Productions, anchoring operations in Belgrade, Serbia, and Prishtina, Kosovo, where he conducted a two-year study on how artists developed resilience in post-war-torn regions. His findings were featured in National Geographic as well as his book Inside These Walls, written by collaborative partner Mackenzie Reiss ’12. In 2015 he premiered his first feature-length documentary Scratching a Broken Record in Eastern Europe. Watch a video of Terrance discussing how CRS prepared him for his career.
Gerry McNamara
B.S., Syracuse University
2006
Assistant Coach, Syracuse University Men’s Basketball
Gerry McNamara virtually took over Central New York during his Syracuse University basketball career. After pursuing a career in the professional ranks, he returned to Syracuse to join the Orange coaching staff. In 2011-12, he was promoted to a full-time assistant’s post, working primarily with Syracuse’s guards. He has tutored NBA first-round draft picks Dion Waiters, Michael Carter-Williams, and Tyler Ennis. Watch a video of Gerry talking about how his CRS education helped him become an effective coach.
Chapin Springer
B.S., Syracuse University
2004
Communications Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Chapin Springer is a communications officer for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which works with partner organizations worldwide to help people lead healthy, productive lives. His focus at the foundation is education; he talks to people about the foundation’s work, priorities, and impact in schools across the United States. Watch a video of Chapin discussing why he chose to major in CRS and how it prepared him for his career.
Nicki Mayo
B.S., Syracuse University
2001
Multimedia Journalist, Nicki Mayo News, LLC
Nicki Mayo is the multimedia journalist behind Nicki Mayo News, LLC. She is a national correspondent, covering breaking news for the Associated Press Radio Network and contributing to the Race and Ethnicity team. Nicki also reports and produces videos for the American Heart and Stroke Association and teaches journalism and speech at Cheverly STEM Education Center while serving as president of the Baltimore Association of Black Journalists. Watch a video of Nicki talking about her CRS experience.
Michelle Lane-Cull
B.S., Syracuse University
1996
Senior Manager, Deloitte Consulting
As a senior manager at Deloitte Consulting, Michelle Lane-Cull specializes in organizational transformation and strategy and works with the federal government. She began her career at the White House in President Bill Clinton’s administration with networking help from a fellow CRS alumnus. Watch a video of Michelle describing why majoring in CRS was the best choice she ever made.
Mike Hopkins
B.S., Syracuse University
1993
Head Coach, University of Washington Men’s Basketball
Mike Hopkins was named head coach of the University of Washington men's basketball team in March 2017. Previously he was a member of the Syracuse University men's basketball coaching staff, which he joined in 1995. He played a key role in the recruitment and success of Carmelo Anthony, Rakeem Christmas, Johnny Flynn, Jason Hart, Gerry McNamara, Andy Rautins, and many more who all were able to pursue professional basketball careers either in the NBA or overseas. He is also one of the most popular players in Syracuse University basketball history. Watch a video of Mike talking about the skills he learned in CRS and their importance to his career.
Notable Alumni
| 2014 | Zachary Weiss Director of Public Relations & Brand Partnerships, Nice Laundry |
|---|---|
| 2013 | George Kingma Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Douglas Elliman Real Estate |
| 2013 | Juliet Maloff Communications Manager, Central New York Community Foundation |
| 2013 | Ian Dickerson Enterprise Accounts Executive, Accurate Background |
| 2013 | Suraj Balani Digital Analyst, Havas Worldwide |
| 2013 | Lauren Polun Sales Representative, Stryker |
| 2013 | Tali Simon Education Programming, Park Avenue Synagogue |
| 2013 | Stephanie Rose Jr. Publicist, A+E Networks |
| 2013 | Devin Redmond Associate, Goldman Sachs |
| 2013 | John Wolohan ITC Communications, Pratt & Whitney |
| 2012, 2015 | Marc Mason Human Capital Consultant, Federal Management Partners, Inc. |
| 2012, 2014 | Evin Floyd Robinson Co-Founder, New York on Tech |
| 2012 | Shane Kimmel Regional Vice President, Ash Brokerage |
| 2012 | Andrew Steinbeiser Marketing Communications Manager, Valiant Entertainment |
| 2011 | Priscilla-Marie Ilarraza Public Relations Specialist, Seiko Corporation of America |
| 2011 | Terrence O’Neill Assistant Golf Professional, Moraga Country Club |
| 2011 | Bethany Devendorf Sales Engineer, Hearst Magazines |
| 2011 | Jon Hogan Assistant Director of Individual Giving, Huntington’s Disease Society of America |
| 2011 | Amanda Fishman Marketing Producer, Client Services, Quartz |
| 2011 | Igor Carvalho Social Strategy Manager, Nickelodeon |
| 2011 | Dan Orlando Reporter/Media Consultant, Penton |
| 2011 | Terrance D. Smith Director of Residential Life & Community Programs, Springfield Commonwealth Academy |
| 2011 | Wei Wong VP, Strategy Director, SS+K |
| 2010 | Daeya Tarolli Malboeuf Executive Director of Communications, Syracuse University Enrollment Management/SU Abroad |
| 2010 | Candice Celestin Digital Communications, International Trade Administration |
| 2010 | Sable Alexis Nerette Musician/Artist |
| 2010 | Juanita Ward Head Girls Basketball Coach, Hartfield Academy |
| 2010 | Alex Redlus Associate Project Manager, JLL |
| 2010 | Algerson Andre Marketing Manager, The Execu|Search Group |
| 2010 | Alex Adelson Account Executive, Match Marketing Group |
| 2009, 2011 | Kevin Kern Archivist |
| 2009 | Cory Ferreira Senior Business Development Director, Oracle |
| 2009 | Andrew Farah CEO, Density/Managing Partner, Rounded |
| 2009 | Arthur Jones Indianapolis Colts, National Football League |
| 2009 | Matthew Sonneborn Communications & Political Strategist, U.S. House of Representatives |
| 2009 | Lauren Thomas Production and Marketing Partnerships Coordinator, the Walt Disney Studios |
| 2009 | Jenn Vasquez Proprietor/Marketing Consultant, JCV Consulting |
| 2009 | Kerri Adler Program Scheduling Coordinator, EpixHD |
| 2008 | Donathan Brown Associate Professor, Ithaca College |
| 2007 | Chelsea Strodel Leveille Director of Operations, Syracuse University Women’s Lacrosse |
| 2007 | Christopher House Assistant Professor of Communications Studies, Ithaca College |
| 2007 | Sharon Clott Kanter Deputy Style Director, PEOPLE Magazine | PEOPLE.com |
| 2007 | Yadira Harrison Vice President, Civic Entertainment Group, A Seacrest Global Group Company |
| 2006 | Gerry McNamara Assistant Coach, Syracuse University Men’s Basketball |
| 2005 | Bridget Matty Director for Community Partnerships at National Security Council, The White House |
| 2005 | Matthew Liebman Account Executive, Television Sales, ESPN |
| 2005 | Jeff Skuse Vice President, Marshall Boxes, Inc. |
| 2005 | Jacqueline Smith Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) |
| 2004 | Chapin Springer Communications Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
| 2004 | Jenn Pedde Global Manager, Alumni & Community, Oliver Wyman |
| 2004 | Christine Rose Vice President of Services, AnchorOps |
| 2004 | Erin Way Website Associate, American College of Cardiology |
| 2003, 2005 | Andrew Lee Industry Analyst, GSA |
| 2003 | Capt. Alvin Phillips United States Homeland Security |
| 2003 | Lisa Wolk CEO, SpectreVision |
| 2002 | Marc Gagnon Financial Services, EY |
| 2002 | Graham Warner Chief Operating Officer, Global Transaction Banking Americas, Deutsche Bank |
| 2001 | Nicki Mayo Multimedia Journalist, Nicki Mayo News, LLC |
| 2001 | Mohamed Jalloh Partner, Jalloh & Jalloh LLC |
| 2001 | Joe Rocchio Vice President of Sales Enablement, MasterCard Advisors |
| 2001 | Josh Altman Realtor and TV Personality (Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing) |
| 1999 | Danielle Nottingham Correspondent, CBS News |
| 1998 | Donovan McNabb National Football League Quarterback; Broadcaster, NFL Network |
| 1998 | Matt Caruso Director, Corporate Communication, Innovation & Enterprise Solutions, KPMG US |
| 1996 | Michelle Lane-Cull Senior Manager, Deloitte Consulting |
| 1996 | Pete Yorn Singer-Songwriter (Musicforthemorningafter, Pete Yorn) |
| 1995 | James Janack Associate Professor of Communication, Eckerd College |
| 1993 | Mike Hopkins Head Coach, University of Washington Men’s Basketball |
| 1993 | Brian Balthazar Vice President of Programming and Development, HGTV |
| 1991 | Alison Gutterman Owner, Jelmar (CLR and Tarn-X Product Brands) |
| 1991 | Kevin Chernett Executive Vice President, Global Partnerships and Content Distribution, Live Nation |
| 1990 | Richard McAuliffe Chairman, Mayforth Group |
| 1988 | Stephanie Goldman Incoming President, Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey; Board Member, Lighthouse International and Parkinson’s Foundation |
| 1986 | David Greenberg President, Greenberg Capital LLC |
| 1985 | Jocelyn Greenky Brand Architect; Owner, Sider Road Media; Author, The Big Sister’s Guide to the World of Work: The Inside Rules Every Working Girl Must Know |
| 1985 | Emme Supermodel, Entrepreneur, Author, Lecturer, Women’s Advocate |
| 1985 | Jake Tanksley Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Syracuse University |
| 1985 | Phil Romain Chief Human Resources Officer/Associate Executive Director, Health & Home Care |
| 1983 | Michelle Paige Patterson President, MRP Global Relations, Inc. |
| 1983 | Karen Davis Director of Career Services, Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science |
| 1960 | Ted Koppel Broadcast Journalist (Nightline, Talk of the Nation) |