The city of Syracuse is much more than just Syracuse University.

Greg Mytelka, a junior theater management major and co-chair of engagement for SU’s Student Association, knows that better than most. Over the summer, Mytelka drove to Syracuse’s North Side four days a week to lead refugee students in theater exercises.

It was the students who ended up teaching him, Mytelka said.

Even as temporary Syracuse residents, we have the potential to do more than just reap the benefits of what the city has to offer. We are members of the city too, after all.

One way we can show our gratitude to Syracuse is by helping community members put food on the table during the holiday season. Conveniently enough, an SA food drive, “Thankful for Syracuse,” is being held this week.

“The city of Syracuse existed before Syracuse University did,” Mytelka said.

SU doesn’t pay property taxes, so it’s important to show gratitude, and a food drive is the perfect way for students to participate as citizens here.

Food insecurity is a major problem both on and off campus, said Syeisha Byrd, director of office engagement programs at Hendricks Chapel.

In fact, Onondaga County has a 12.5 percent food insecurity rate, according to a Feed America report. To promote conversation about this issue, SA will host Vito Lovecchio, donor relations manager of the Food Bank of Central New York, Thursday night to discuss food insecurity.

“Let’s put the ‘Syracuse back’ in ‘Syracuse University,’” Mytelka said.

To show gratitude, you can donate to the cause or drop off non-perishable food items in any of more than 30 collection boxes located across campus.

We’re more than a university. 

Patrick Linehan is a sophomore newspaper and online journalism and policy studies. His column runs biweekly. He can be contacted at pjlineha@syr.edu.

Published on November 7, 2018 at 7:15 pm