Stan ’72 and Board Chair Kathy Walters ’73 Donate $1.1 Million to Support Maxwell X LAB, Pet Therapy Room

Two major gifts totaling $1.1 million from Board of Trustees Chair Kathy Walters ’73 and her husband, Stan ’72, will help ensure research excellence and student success at Syracuse University. The Atlanta-based couple has pledged $1 million to establish the Walters Community Partnership Fund in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Benefiting the Maxwell X LAB, the fund supports collaborations between the Maxwell School and the community, focusing on behavioral science research and public policy through community partnerships.

The Walters also have underwritten the Kathy ’73 and Stan Walters ’72 Pet Therapy Room in the Barnes Center at The Arch. The dedicated room houses the Deborah A. Barnes Pet Therapy Program and provides students with opportunities to interact with certified therapy dogs from PAWS of Central New York; Pet Partners of CNY; and GO TEAM Therapy, Crisis and Airport Dogs.

The announcement of both gifts follows the public launch of Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University, the largest, most ambitious campaign in University history.

“As board chair, Kathy’s support of our bold and ambitious vision is matched only by her deep commitment to the success of Syracuse University students,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “She and Stan are leaders in their giving toward our achievement of that vision. Their investment in the Barnes Center at The Arch reflects their deep dedication to our students, and their support of the Maxwell Schools’ community partnerships helps Syracuse University make an impact beyond our campus.”

Committed to sustaining programs of distinction, Kathy says she is honored to support Forever Orange, the success of which hinges on individual giving.

“A gift to the Forever Orange campaign is an investment in the future of Syracuse University,” Walters says. “Stan and I are proud to use our ideas and resources to advance academic excellence, provide an unsurpassed student experience, and expand transformational learning opportunities. By leveraging our strengths, the University can change lives and improve the world.”

Founded in 2017 in the Maxwell School’s Center for Policy Research, the X LAB examines the impact of human behavior on policy and program outcomes. Much of the work is steeped in social science and behavioral economics research, focusing on anti-poverty, the arts, criminal justice, education, government service and health. The Walters Community Partnership Fund enables X LAB researchers to work with up to five government or nonprofit agencies a year. Recent clients include the Buffalo Water Board, the City of Syracuse, the Onondaga County Health Department, ProLiteracy and The Glimmerglass Festival.

Maxwell Dean David M. Van Slyke says the new fund expands the capabilities of the X LAB, which already has helped clients recoup millions in overdue property taxes, close the achievement gap for children entering kindergarten, and increase the number of students taking SAT prep classes.

“Thanks to the Walters’ generosity, our students can develop, implement and evaluate meaningful policy interventions,” says Van Slyke, also the Louis A. Bantle Chair in Business and Government Policy. “This fund helps fulfill our mission of generating tangible positive results with nonprofit and public sector partners across the country and around the world.”

Proponents of “hands-on learning” (in every respect of the phrase), the Walters are equally excited about their pet therapy room, which opened at the end of August. With its padded, slip-resistant flooring and comfortable seating, the room hosts an average of 175 students per week—many of whom are seeking a stress reliever or longing for their family pet at home.

Dolan Evanovich, senior vice president for enrollment and the student experience, says students have shared positive feedback about pet therapy helping them relieve stress. “The Walters Pet Therapy Room is part of our holistic approach to student health and wellness, empowering students to find fun, healthy ways to cope with and lower stress levels,” he explains.

The Walters also have supported Syracuse University Libraries; the Department of Athletics; and the College of Arts and Sciences, where they have established a science research fund.

A global business leader, Walters retired in June from Georgia-Pacific as executive vice president and president of its consumer products group. She previously held leadership positions at Scott Paper Co., Kimberly-Clark Corp. and Sappi North America.

Walters earned an MBA at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Also an alumnus of the College of Arts and Sciences, Stan was an outstanding offensive lineman for the Syracuse Orange, before embarking on a 12-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles. The two-time Pro Bowler subsequently spent 14 years as a radio color commentator for the Eagles.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors close the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University

Syracuse University’s powerful network is Forever Orange. Fueled by 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can harness our momentum to build upon academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. We owe it to the next generation of inquirers, innovators, dreamers and entrepreneurs. Forever Orange will engage thousands of supporters. Whether you already know and love Syracuse University or are just discovering how you can fuel our bold aspirations and game-changing initiatives, you are Forever Orange. Syracuse is and will remain a unique blend of innovation and tradition, of heightened expectations and reduced barriers, of innovative research and meaningful service by and for our students, our faculty, our community and the world. For more information, visit foreverorange.syr.edu.