Syracuse University

Student Spotlight

Patrick Manley, master's in public administration, class of 2011, Norwich, NY

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(Photo credit: Lauren Long, Post-Standard)

I'm continuing a family legacy at SU.

An inspirational family history:
Syracuse University has been a part of my family for over 100 years. My grandfather, Dr. Thomas F. Manley, attended Syracuse when he received the first baseball scholarship offered by the University. He would later graduate with a degree in medicine, and pass up an offer to play professional baseball for the Boston Red Sox in order to start his own practice. Years later, his younger brother, Dr. George L. Manley, would also attend and graduate from SU with a degree in medicine. The two brothers were enthusiastic about ensuring the success of Syracuse University, and remained very active in its development as alumni. In particular, George had an unwavering passion for athletics and was committed to improving the opportunities for student-athletes. Looking to provide an indoor practice facility for the football team during the Ernie Davis era, he became the primary donor for the field house that presently bears his name. The George L. Manley Field House has been a University landmark for nearly 50 years, and currently serves as the headquarters for SU Athletics. My grandfather and great uncle are both personal heroes, and have provided me with great inspiration over the years. To follow in their footsteps at SU is a dream come true.

Choosing SU:
The chance to continue a legacy at a school that has meant so much to my family was a big selling point for me. However, the reputation of Syracuse University was perhaps the most convincing factor in my decision to pursue a master’s degree at the Maxwell School. Being able to learn from and interact with professors who are experts in their respective fields is an incredible privilege. Faculty members throughout the University are engaging both in and out of the classroom, and the intellectual challenges presented each day are extremely rewarding. Since I stepped foot on campus, my experiences have not only helped me grow as an individual, but a professional as well.

Create memories and leave your mark:
The time you spend at Syracuse will undoubtedly be the best of your life. For me, the crazy idea of constructing a giant head of Jim Boeheim produced some of my most memorable experiences. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect a 5-foot cutout of SU’s Hall of Fame basketball coach to generate so much attention, especially on a national level. As a lifelong SU Basketball fan, being able to contribute to the buzz and enthusiasm that surrounded the 2009-10 season was such an enjoyable experience. Even more gratifying was the outpouring of excitement from fans, students, and alumni. At the end of the season, I was able to donate Big Boeheim to the Jim & Juli Boeheim Foundation, which ultimately raised considerable donations for a great cause. That said, I'd offer this advice to current SU students: your time at SU is what you make of it, so get involved in as many ways as you can. Attend sporting events; get involved on campus and in the community; be creative; take advantage of every opportunity; and most importantly, have fun.

Build relationships:
The most important piece of advice I’d like to share with current and future SU students is simply this: network. Syracuse University has an impressive alumni network that stretches across the globe. In that network are graduates who are willing to invest their time in order to help you succeed in life. Aside from working hard in the classroom, getting plugged into this network before you leave SU is one of the most important decisions you can make. It's easy:
•    Locate an alumni chapter in your area and attend their events
•    Contact alumni in cities where you are interested in working.
•    Build relationships with your professors—they will help you long after graduation and may even become your valued friends and colleagues.

In my brief time at SU, the experiences I’ve had interacting with faculty, staff, and alumni have certainly been the most rewarding. With one year left, I look forward to forging new relationships within the Syracuse community.