Charity Inspired by Fervor, Potential, and Idealism
The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University has received a significant boost in its sustainability research and education efforts, thanks to the endowment of the Pontarelli Professorship by Tracey and Ken Pontarelli '92.
Established as part of the Forever Orange Faculty Excellence Program, the Pontarelli Professorship values high-quality teaching, experiential learning, evidence-based research, engaged citizenship, and public service impact. Jay Golden, the Pontarelli Professor of Environmental Sustainability and Finance, has been instrumental in elevating Syracuse University's rankings in environmental policy and management, currently tied with Harvard for No. 6 in the nation.
Golden's work extends beyond the classroom. In collaboration with Nina Wilson from the School of Architecture, he is spearheading innovative strategies, policies, and professional practices for resiliency in the built environment. Meanwhile, students are delving into research on energy systems, biotechnologies, and carbon capture technologies for various industrial sectors.
One of the most notable projects involves students working with Thomson Reuters and the global footwear and apparel industries to develop best management practices and policies that can eradicate the use of forced labor in the global supply chain. Another initiative, led by students from the Dynamic Sustainability Lab, has resulted in an energy dashboard that quantifies and visualizes energy consumption on campus, by buildings, and by energy source. This dashboard is currently being used in partnership with Campus Dining to quantify food wastes across the campus.
The Dynamic Sustainability Lab, launched in 2021, has maintained a consistent number of 40 to 50 paid undergraduate and graduate sustainability research fellows each semester. Students from the lab have a high job placement rate with diverse organizations such as Morgan Stanley, KPMG, the State of New York, and the Department of Defense. The lab spans almost every college across the University, reflecting the University's commitment to sustainability education and research.
Ken Pontarelli '92, a graduate of Syracuse University with a bachelor of science in finance from the Whitman School and in economics from the Maxwell School, attributes his professional success to the University and supports students pursuing careers in sustainability. The Pontarellis' recent gift builds on their years of support, helping position the University as a thought leader in sustainability.
While the Pontarelli Professorship is not exclusively focused on sustainability, its investments in academic and experiential programs ensure that environmental policy research is well-grounded in an understanding of markets and financial mechanisms. The University has also committed additional funds to support teaching and research activities in environmental sustainability, finance, and public policy.
As the Pontarelli Professorship continues to evolve, it is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainability research and education at Syracuse University, contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
- The Pontarelli Professorship, a key element at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, fosters education and self-development by focusing on personal growth, career development, and skills training, particularly in the field of environmental sustainability, finance, and public policy.
- Through specialized research initiatives at Syracuse University's Dynamic Sustainability Lab, students obtain practical experience in areas such as energy systems, biotechnologies, and carbon capture technologies, aiming for personal growth and career development that contributes to wider sustainability goals.
