Communication & Rhetorical Studies

10/15/2026

From CRS to the NBC News control room.

Meet Cheyenne Darcy Amaya ’18 at VPA Industry Day: Friday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center.

As an associate producer at NBC News, Cheyenne shapes coverage of breaking news and special reports, often from the control room as stories unfold.

Interested in news, media, or communications careers? Come ask her how she got from CRS to NBC.

Register here: https://syr.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1931053

10/14/2026

Sylvia Sierra, associate professor in Communication and Rhetorical Studies, was one of ten VPA faculty members presenting at the second annual VPA Faculty Research and Creative Activities Symposium on October 2 at Schine Student Center.

Her talk, “Singing in Conversation,” drew on an interactional sociolinguistic study of intertextual media references among friends and family.

07/14/2026

Congrats Max! 🙌🏼

From the Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies (CRS) to the music industry! 🗣️🎵

This First Destination Friday, we’re introducing Max Statman, who’s putting his CRS skills to work at Missing Piece Group as a marketing and PR intern. 🎉

Class of 2026, tell us what you’re up to by taking the First Destination Survey!

Take the survey: https://bit.ly/4eZiQo5

04/24/2026

🎉 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! 🧡💙

04/07/2026

🎤 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.

04/06/2026

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!

03/30/2026

🏀 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.

03/23/2026

🍊 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

11/19/2025

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!

10/24/2025

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!