Membership Board, fondly referred to as the “fun aunts and uncles,” is an avenue for OrangeSeeds alumni to stay engaged in the program without the time commitment of Executive Board. These alumni serve as resources, role models, and yet another friendly face on campus.
Andrew Regalado
Hometown:
Chino Hills, California
Major:
Political Science
Fun Fact:
I am not fun
Cole Massie
Cole Massie, 2019
Hometown:
Jackson, Ohio
Major(s):
Public Relations, Policy Studies
Interests:
Politics, sports, Dad jokes, tweeting, Photoshop, suffering through my love of Ohio sports teams, Netflix, tagging people in weird videos on Facebook, hammocking, dank memes, golf, movie references, and knowing random facts
Favorite Quote:
“The grass isn’t greener on the other side. The grass is greener where you water it.” – Neil Barringham
Organizations:
University 100, Residence Life (Resident Advisor), WERW Radio, Club Golf
Thoughts on OrangeSeeds:
OrangeSeeds helped me immensely as a first-year student by allowing me to build a network of new friends, gain professional skills, and help out the Syracuse community. I can’t imagine what my college experience would be like without this incredible organization and all the incredible people I have met through OrangeSeeds!
Dibya Patnaik
Hometown:
Robbinsville, NJ
Major:
Management Pre-law
Interests:
Playing tennis, going on spontaneous adventures, impulsively buying things
Other Organizations:
UNICEF, Enactus, OttoTHON
Favorite Quote:
“Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show” -Anonymous
Thoughts on Seeds:
OrangeSeeds is an amazing group of people who are dedicated to doing good on AND off campus. I’m so grateful to be a part of such an inspiring organization who share a common goal of making a difference. I can’t wait for all the new friendships and experiences to come!
Erin Hernandez
Hometown:
Fanwood, NJ
Major:
Inclusive Elementary and Special Education
Interest:
Theatre, Dance, Sing, Community Service, elephants, roses, swimming, tennis, soccer, the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Yankees, the beach, Disney, Star Wars, Back to the Future, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Other Organizations:
Syracuse Cru
Favorite Quote:
“Without a struggle, there can be no progress” Frederick Douglass
Thoughts on Seeds:
I am so excited to be a part of the 2017-2018 Seed class. Seeds has been the best decision since I step foot here at Syracuse. Since day one of the program, I have felt the love and support of my Seed class, e-board, and membership board all around me. They have become my home away from home. Although I know that challenges lie ahead, it is comforting to know that I have a community of people who have my back through it all. Seeds is a great opportunity I already know will put my skills to the test, teach me valuable lessons, and help me to become a leader.
Jenna Toder
Hometown:
Bedford, New York
Major:
Political Science
Interests:
Community service, reading, basketball, writing, film, politics, comedy
Favorite quote:
“Tread softly, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically.” -Nelson Mandela
Thoughts on Seeds:
I am SO grateful to have such a welcoming, supportive, authentic group like my peers in OrangeSeeds, especially at such an early point in my college career. Additionally, OrangeSeeds has so much more to offer than friendship. I have really enjoyed the community service projects we have begun and the connections I have made thus far. I can’t wait to see what the rest of my experience with this program will entail!
Julia Howard-Flanders
Major:
Undecided in the College of Arts and Science
Interests:
Sailing, cooking/baking, swimming, any type of water sport, skiing, volunteering, and going places with friends (like walking trails, apple picking, movies, honestly whatever)
Other Organizations:
Sailing Club, Francis House Volunteer
Favorite Quote:
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” –Winnie the Pooh
Thoughts on Seeds:
I am super excited about Seeds. I love that we form such a tight family bond; it makes Syracuse not feel so large. It is amazing to be a part of an amazing and motivated group of individuals that look forward to spending time together on Saturday mornings and volunteering in the community.
Justin Boone
Justin Boone, 2020
Hometown:
Fort Washington, Maryland
Major:
Undecided in Whitman & Policy Studies
Interests:
Current events, soccer (Manchester United), basketball (Wizards), music, fashion, food, business, dancing, singing, diversity, The Office, Game of Thrones, positivity, people, dogs, penguins, Facebook, LinkedIn, photos, team bonding exercises, service, the color blue, the number 2, Disney Pixar, and Obama
Organizations:
OrangeSeeds, Orientation Leader, University 100, Phi Sigma Pi, OttoThon
Favorite Quote:
“We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.” – Mother Teresa
Thoughts on OrangeSeeds:
OrangeSeeds is an amazing organization! It allows you to create a mini family within the University while you get out and help the broader Syracuse community.
Justin Schoenbach
Hometown:
Livingston, NJ
Major:
Forensic Science
Interests:
Game of Thrones, House Stark, Designated Survivor, Survivor, Syracuse Basketball, Syracuse Football, the color blue, Clash Royale, Kan-Jam, Spikeball, the lack of consistency of honeydew, positivity, astronomy, The Barry B. Benson, the benefits of procrastination, meeting new people, Ducks, mainstream songs, the New York Yankees, The Indianapolis Colts, Nickelodeon, OrangeSeeds, and the number 6
Other orgs:
Otto’s Army, SU Red Cross, Syracuse University Bowling Club, Hillel
Quote:
“Whether you’re made of old parts, new parts, or spare parts, you can shine no matter what you’re made of.” -Bigweld, Robots
Thoughts on Seeds:
If there’s one thing I don’t regret in life, it’s becoming a seed! OrangeSeeds not only broadened my social network and allowed me to give back to the community, but it also taught me valuable lessons I can take on for the rest of my life, whether it be applying for a job or knowing how to send a professional email.
Kate Christie
Hometown:
Hamden, CT
Major:
Psychology
Interests:
Listening to music, running, lacrosse, skiing, Psych, New Girl, Black Mirror
Other Orgs:
Ski Team, Relay for Life
Favorite Quote:
“Sometimes we get so wrapped up in getting what we want, that we forget to ask ourselves why we wanted it in the first place.” -Ian Gallagher, Shameless
Thoughts on Seeds:
OrangeSeeds has helped me find my ‘home away from home.’ However, I was not only given an incredible support system, full of love, encouragement, and an overall sense of unity, in being a part of OrangeSeeds. I was also given the opportunity to take part in working towards meaningful change for the greater Syracuse community and beyond. Through OrangeSeeds, one is able to take part in making a difference. That, along with being able to create such strong, lasting bonds with my fellow Seeds, is truly an honor.
Kevin O’Donnell
Hometown:
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Major:
Advertising and Marketing
Fun Fact:
I eat a bowl of raw spinach with dinner every night
Kyle Rosenblum
Kyle Rosenblum, 2020
Hometown:
Limerick, Pennsylvania
Major:
Psychology
Interests:
Soccer, The Office, The Killers, Wawa, going on adventures, and Cheeseburgers
Organizations:
OrangeSeeds, Ottonomous Productions, Pre-Health Society
Favorite Quote:
“We have to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, work. But work has to come third.” – Leslie Knope
Thoughts on OrangeSeeds:
OrangeSeeds is an amazing first-year leadership and community service program which allows the rare opportunity for a small group of first-year students to build incredible bonds by helping the community. OrangeSeeds strives to make Syracuse University and the greater Syracuse area into a better place by working together to affect meaningful change.
Kyra Meister
Kyra Meister, 2019
Hometown:
Ashburn, VA
Major(s):
Communication and Rhetorical Studies/Policy Studies
Interests:
Musical theatre, Gilmore Girls, brunch, Syracuse basketball, Costco samples, baking cookies, spending time with friends & family, baseball (Go Nats!!), cheesy Hallmark movies
Organizations:
First Year Players, Orientation Leader, OttoTHON, Skills Through Experience Program
Favorite Quote:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou
Thoughts on OrangeSeeds:
This organization is so unique in the fact that it’s one of a kind – at no other college or university will you find yourself an “OrangeSeeds.” It gives first-year students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the university and surrounding community so early on, something I think is crucial when it comes to attending a new school with so many possibilities and unknowns. OrangeSeeds has given me many skills, opportunities, and incredible friends. These friends become family, and inspire me to be better every day because of their love for giving back to the school we call home. You don’t fully realize just how much OrangeSeeds changes you until that first year concludes. The best feeling is when you finally look back and see what an incredible individual you have become, all thanks to this wonderful program.
Lauren Miller
Hometown:
Chicago, IL
Major:
Undecided in Newhouse and Policy Studies
Interests:
Hiking, traveling, news/politics, art as a means of talking about social issues, cooking, yoga, coffee, The Office, SNL, rom coms, intersectional feminism, photography, deep dish pizza… Lactaid, mindfulness/positivity, The Chicago Cubs, “mainstream” indie music
Other Organizations:
Camp Kesem, TNH, Chaarg, Rec Department
Favorite quote:
“Let’s go dancing while we still have feet.”
Thoughts on Seeds:
I’m so grateful to be a part of Seeds. Immediately upon joining it, I was enveloped by some of the most loving, supportive and passionate people I’ve meet in my time at SU. That sentiment of love and passion carries throughout everything we do in Seeds, from service projects to the meetings and everything in between. Even though I’ve only been a Seed for a month, it has quickly become something I look forward to every week.
Maddie Peck
Maddie Peck, 2020
Hometown:
Beverly, Massachusetts
Major:
Nutrition
Interests:
Running, art, reading, coffee
Organizations:
OrangeSeeds
Favorite Quote:
“Two roads diverged in the wood and I, took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
Thoughts on OrangeSeeds:
I am thrilled to be part of such an eclectic group of leaders who share a common passion for making our world a better place!
McKinley Vrees
Hometown:
Holliston, Massachusetts
Major:
Spanish, Pre-Med Track
Fun Fact:
I learned how to do stitches on a raw chicken wing
Michelle Truong
Hometown:
San Jose, CA
Major:
Marketing Management/Public Relations
Interests:
Food, I love FOOD, going on adventures and trying new activities, anything and everything Disney, and I love caring for others. I am a firm believer that there is a lot of love to give.
Other Organizations:
RHA, Z89, CitrusTV, Enactus
Favorite Quote:
“You’re stronger than you seem, braver than you believe, and smarter than you think.” -Winnie the Pooh
Thoughts on Seeds:
I never thought there would be a community filled with such loving, supportive, and positive people, but I found that community in Seeds.
Nick Gold
Nick Gold, 2019
Hometown:
Fairfax, Virginia
Major:
Sports Management; Finance Minor
Interests:
Sports, Working with kids, Parks and Rec, Late night television (Colbert’s monologues and Fallon’s everything else), Beyonce, Handwriting, Star Wars fan theories, Lounging in Panasci, Being petty but in a good way
Favorite Quote:
“Give 100%. 110% is impossible. Only idiots recommend that.” –Ron Swanson
Organizations:
Student Philanthropy Council, U100, Lifeguard with Rec Services, Ottothon
Thoughts on OrangeSeeds:
Without OrangeSeeds, my freshman year wouldn’t have been the same. It is so much more than a way to give back to the community. I had the most incredible experiences and met my best friends through the program. I can’t wait to give back to this incredible club that did so much for me and help new seeds forge their own way through SU.
Paige Wucherphfennig
Hometown:
Glastonbury, CT
Major:
Management and Information Management and Technologies Dual
Interests:
Dance, traveling, sewing, fashion
Other Organizations:
Danceworks and Women in Leadership
Favorite quote:
“Take and minute and let it ride” -Knaan (my tattoo!)
Thought on Seeds:
I’m thrilled to be part of such an amazing organization and I can’t wait to see where the rest of the year takes me. This group already feels like my second family.
Sameeha Saied
Hometown:
Orlando, FL
Major:
Psychology
Interests:
Baking, Reading, Music, movies, television (the holy trinity), Dancing (not well), Singing (also not well), Sunsets, Stars, Flowers, Babies, Ice cream
Other Organizations:
OttoThon Morale Committee
Favorite Quote:
“Have courage and be kind.”
Thoughts on Seeds:
I came to Syracuse all the way from Florida, knowing nobody, and missing my family and friends more than I thought possible. I signed up for OrangeSeeds on a complete whim, thinking it would be like any other community service organization, and I didn’t know it then but signing up was probably the smartest spontaneous decision I’ve ever made. Seeds is so much more than service. It’s leadership, creativity, teamwork, kindness, and, most of all, family.
Santiago Correa
Hometown:
Bogota, Colombia – Miami, Florida
Major:
Mechanical Engineering
Interests:
Stocks trading, Value investing, Being physically active (gym, soccer, etc.), Photography, Computer-Aided Design, Community service, Elon Musk, Tesla, Clean energy, 3-D Printing
Other orgs:
American Society of Mechanical Engineering
Favorite quote:
“Don’t judge my story by the chapter you came in on”
Thoughts on Seeds:
OrangeSeeds is one of the best programs/organizations I have been part of. It has given me the opportunity to expand my leadership skills as I develop a support network and help the Syracuse community. Seeds is a crucial program all freshmen should apply for. OrangeSeeds is like training wheels; it helps students acquire and enhance skills they will need in years to come when they become leaders at Syracuse University and in the world.
Tyler Smith
Hometown:
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Major:
Human Development and Family Science
Fun Fact:
I have fun tattooed on my wrist
Will DeVito
Will DeVito, 2020
Hometown:
Greenlawn, New York
Major:
Television, Radio, and Film
Interests:
Guitar, Skiing, Acting, Movies, Fireworks, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Pixar, Family Parties, Montauk, Chilling with Friends, Buying things I don’t actually need on Amazon
Organizations:
OrangeSeeds, First Year Players, Delta Kappa Alpha, Newhouse Peer Mentor
Favorite Quote:
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
Thoughts on OrangeSeeds:
OrangeSeeds is truly a one-of-a-kind program that I am so happy to be a part of. It allows for students to truly make whatever they want out of their experience. Seeds has not only allowed for me to meet a group of amazing people and gain new experiences, but it has also helped me learn more about myself and the kind of person I aim to be.