Please note that all podcast episodes were recorded and produced prior to July 31, 2025. The Office and Diversity and Inclusion has since closed.

Episode 15 of the lonely campus podcast focuses on Syracuse University staff Michael Mazzaroppi. Michael is an Access Coordinator in the Center for Disability Resources, as well as part-time faculty teaching American Sign Language (ASL) courses. In this podcast, he opens up about his identity as a Deaf, openly gay male, as well as his journey to Syracuse University. Michael grew up in Solvay, New York and then attended Gallaudet University, which is the only higher education institution that serves Deaf and hard of hearing students exclusively. From there he worked professionally supporting Deaf and hard of hearing students in Japan and Manhattan Michael opens up about his experiences in these various locations as well as periods of loneliness and isolation. He also shares strategies he's used to remain active and connected with others. We greatly appreciate Michael sharing his story so that others can gain insight from his experience. Transcript available upon request.

Please note that all podcast episodes were recorded and produced prior to July 31, 2025. The Office and Diversity and Inclusion has since closed.

Episode 14 of the lonely campus podcast focuses on Alex Shaffer, a Renee Crown Honors Program scholar and sociology major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs with minors in political science and psychology. As a high school student, she earned a Girl Scout Gold Award for founding the Purple Pantry, a food pantry in her local community of Cortland, NY. While at SU, she's been active in the Food Recovery Network, which distributes leftover food from university dining halls to local communities in need. She's also been president of the Disability Student Union and Syracuse Abroad Global Ambassador. Alex talks about her extensive community activism and the importance of giving back. She also speaks openly about being a college student living with a disability. Finally, Alex shares insights on her experiences of college loneliness and provides helpful suggestions on how to find community on campus.

Please note that all podcast episodes were recorded and produced prior to July 31, 2025. The Office and Diversity and Inclusion has since closed.

Episode 13 of the lonely campus podcast features Prof. Christopher Perrello, an Assistant Teaching Professor at Syracuse University in the School of Information Studies. He also teaches in the Communication and Rhetorical Studies Department in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Prof. Perrello started as a high school social studies teacher and then came to SU to earn an MS in Communication and Rhetorical Studies in 2013. Since then, he has made a positive impact at the university in multiple roles, including Career Counseling, online curriculum development, and, most recently, teaching. In this podcast, Prof. Perrello opens up about going to college in the 1990s, his subsequent career journey, and navigating his identity as an openly gay man. We greatly appreciate Prof. Perrello sharing both his personal and professional growth in this podcast. His powerful story stands as an example of how Syracuse University has been able to retain a valuable campus member by supporting his professional development. Produced and edited by Amy Messersmith. Transcript available up request.