Los Angeles Posse Joins Scholars from Atlanta and Miami at Syracuse University

The first Posses from Atlanta, Miami and Los Angeles arrived at Syracuse University this past fall. Scholars were welcomed to a campus community that cultivates Scholarship in Action, Syracuse’s unique learning program designed to deepen student engagement with the world.  

Embracing the philosophy wholeheartedly, two Los Angeles Scholars are already very involved on campus and the surrounding community.

Luis Gonzalez
Luis Gonzalez’s connection to Syracuse began before he enrolled as a student. As a high school finalist in the university’s Maxwell School of Citizenship Scholarship Competition, Luis presented a proposal on ways to deepen and strengthen student involvement. Out of roughly 60 finalists, he placed second in the small group portion and eighth overall.

“The best way to lift a school is by empowering students to change the issues that hinder school success,” says Luis.

As an elected voice for his peers, Luis continues to demonstrate his dedication to student empowerment in the student association. Now representing students from The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, he holds weekly office hours so constituents can raise current campus issues. He also attends weekly general assembly meetings to help review student proposals and plan upcoming campus events.

“The Student Association is the defender of students,” says Luis. “I'm using the leadership skills I've developed as a Posse Scholar to execute that responsibility.\"

Chelsea Thomas
Chelsea Thomas’ plan to major in policy studies at Syracuse aligns very closely with her passion to improve the lives of others.

 “Volunteering for my community lets me build relationships with real people,” says Chelsea. “I’ve found that getting involved with community service you’re passionate about is much more beneficial to you and the people you’re serving.”

As a member of OrangeSeeds, a selective on-campus service organization that provides first-year students with volunteer opportunities, she has served meals at the Syracuse Samaritan Soup Kitchen, built wooden shacks on the quad to raise awareness about local housing issues and participated in the Crop Walk in downtown Syracuse to help raise money for hunger relief.

 “OrangeSeeds is all about taking initiative ,” says Chelsea. “Posse trains us to be leaders inside and outside the classroom.”