Alumnus gifts new Catholic Center, chapel to Syracuse University
ground breaking
Above: Syracuse University alumnus and benefactor Daniel D’Aniello, ’68 SU (left) and university Chancellor Kent Syverud turn over the ceremonial indoor ground for a new Catholic center and chapel to be built at the corner of East Adams and Walnut Place.
Ceremonial groundbreaking took place May 11
By Tami S. Scott, Associate editor
Catholic students, faculty and staff at Syracuse University will soon have a new chapel and renovated Catholic Center at 110 Walnut Place, thanks to a transformational gift from philanthropist, life trustee and dedicated SU alumnus Daniel D’Aniello ’68 H’20 and his wife, Gayle.
“Faith in God has always been a guiding principle in my life, and I am proud to support the new Catholic Center and chapel; a gathering place for our Catholic students to support them and their faith while at Syracuse University,” D’Aniello said in a May 13 prepared statement from Syracuse University.
Weather permitted an outdoor ceremonial shovel moment as well with SU student Luke Radel (left) and SU Catholic chaplain Father Gerry Waterman, OSM Conv.
The D’Aniellos newest gift is part of the Forever Orange Campaign to raise $1.5 billion in private philanthropy with goals to make an impact locally and globally through various initiatives.
Campus and religious leaders, including Bishop Douglas J. Lucia and SU Catholic chaplain Fr. Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv., were among those gathered for the ceremonial groundbreaking on May 11.
Organizers were well-prepared for the city’s fickle weather, so the groundbreaking happened twice: the first and formal groundbreaking occurring inside the current center with D’Aniello and SU Chancellor Kent Syverud “breaking ground” from a rectangular-shaped garden box filled with dirt. The other was outside as participants again wielded shovels to overturn the soil within the mound initially designated for the day.
According to the SU press release, Father Waterman said the Syracuse Catholic community has grown dramatically over the last several years with significantly increased attendance at worship services. He added there’s also been a growing student interest in activities hosted at the Catholic Center.
