CFSA Hosts Virtual End-of-Year Celebration, Names Rick Cieri 2019-2020 CFSA Mentor of the Year

Screenshot of CFSA's padlet.com "CFSA 2020 Scholars and Mentors Celebration" wall

Every year, CFSA hosts a reception to recognize the many students who sought CFSA’s support throughout the year and honor the faculty and staff mentors that encouraged them in their efforts. In lieu of an in-person event this year, CFSA invited students, mentors, and campus supporters to contribute to a virtual “CFSA Scholars and Mentors Celebration” hosted on padlet.com. Many students and alumni left comments and notes about their experiences as applicants, and numerous members of the campus community offered congratulations to the students who applied for nationally competitive awards and scholarships this year. You can view the completed wall by following this link: https://padlet.com/SU_CFSA/CFSA2020Celebration.

Rick Cieri '17, CFSA's 2019-2020 Mentor of the Year Award recipient

As part of the event, students and alumni were also encouraged to nominate a CFSA Mentor of the Year. Each year, a Mentor of the Year is selected for their significant support of students applying for nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships.  CFSA is pleased to announce that this year’s recipient is Rick Cieri ’17! Rick is an International Program Advisor for Syracuse Abroad, working with the Madrid, Santiago, and Discovery Madrid programs. This year, Rick collaborated with CFSA to support applicants for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which funds study abroad opportunities for undergraduate Pell grant recipients. Rick tirelessly coordinated information sessions on the program in the Fall and Spring semesters, advised students at writing workshops, and held special office hours for applicants in Syracuse Abroad’s Bird Library location. His efforts directly led to a record 62 applicants for the award, with 12 recipients and 2 alternates selected this fall (spring 2020 recipients have yet to be named).

Rick, who is also an alumnus of the Boren Awards program and the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, regularly provides CFSA and prospective applicants with useful insight into these opportunities as well. Thank you, Rick for supporting so many students interested in national scholarships!