Good morning, Syracuse.

Christina Dickerson is the new Upstate community relations manager who will lead employee giving programs + coordinate regional volunteer efforts.

She replaces Zanette Howe, who retired after many years of service.

The United Way of Central New York introduced new President and CEO Carrie Large on a recent Talk CNY podcast, where she discussed plans to connect residents with essential services and opportunities.

The interview aired on July 29.

Jessica Harris, chair and associate professor at SUNY Oswego, earned the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching for her effective work with students and faculty.

She has taught many courses since joining in 2015 — and her efforts in advising and mentoring remain a hallmark of her career.

Syracuse University’s new orientation helps incoming students and families bond in small groups using index cards to share hopes and fears.

Held at campus sites like Hendricks Chapel and the Barnes Center, the sessions build confidence for the fall semester.

Veterans from around the country join Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, a program that starts with a four-week online course then an eight-day in-person residency on campus (20th cohort) to build essential business skills while applications remain open year-round.

Syracuse University hired Ryan Schram as the first executive director of its Center for the Creator Economy to lead program expansion and launch an 18-credit minor in content creation; he will start next week and work on campus and at SU outposts.

State data from the 2024-2025 school year showed that eight Central NY schools reached 100% proficiency on the Algebra II Regents exam, while some Syracuse City high schools, such as Corcoran (8%), scored much lower.

Suburban schools performed better due to higher funding and newer facilities.

The Upstate Freshwater Institute installed a 700-pound research buoy in Otisco Lake in June to measure water quality conditions twice daily (at midnight and noon); its data will guide future projects to slow the lake’s declining health.

State DOT announced that demolition of downtown I-81’s aging bridges — a long-held community goal — is set to begin in 2027, with plans to replace them with a street-level grid that reconnects neighborhoods.

Linda Brown-Robinson will symbolically lift her late husband’s hammer when work starts.

SU football training camp begins soon as the revamped coaching staff, built after a 3-9 season, faces high expectations with insiders divided between defensive coordinator Vince Kehres and offensive line coach Juan Castillo making the immediate impact.

ESPN named Syracuse center Uche Izoje as one of 10 college basketball players with breakout potential for the upcoming 2026-27 season after a record-setting freshman year with multiple ACC honors.

She returns as a top frontcourt player for Syracuse.

On Tuesday night, the Syracuse Mets lost 6-5 to the Rochester Red Wings at ESL Ballpark after Ronny Mauricio hit a two-run homer in the seventh that briefly kept the team in the game - they rallied twice but could not secure a comeback win.

Syracuse.com announced its 2026 All-CNY boys golf team and named standout players including Brayden Sentz of Cooperstown, Tommy Goodelle and JP Lazzaro from New Hartford, Patrick O’Connor of Christian Brothers Academy, and Danny Young of Westhill — the athletes will compete in summer tournaments and aim for college golf success.

Former Syracuse star Carmelo Anthony said that the basketball program needs more funds and a renewed culture to compete with top teams when speaking at the Summer Slam fundraiser in Skaneateles last Tuesday.

Attendance nearly doubled — he signed bottles for auction to boost support for the program.

Tim McGraw Concert

6:45-8:30 p.m. — Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview — Tickets TBA — Tim McGraw graces Syracuse with his Pawn Shop Guitar Tour alongside 49 Winchester.

Usher and Chris Brown Concert

3:30-8:30 p.m. — JMA Wireless Dome — Tickets from $148 — Experience an unforgettable night with Usher and Chris Brown live in Syracuse.

North Syracuse Speed Dating for Singles in Their 30s and 40s

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Vicinos Brick and Brew — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and friendly setting.

Billy Idol Concert

7:30 PM — Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of classic rock with Billy Idol in a vibrant outdoor setting.