The Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service at Syracuse University is marking its 30th anniversary. Conceived in 1994 by then-Chancellor Kenneth Shaw and his wife, Mary Ann, the center was founded to make student learning and volunteer service a priority. Mary Ann Shaw, also the Chancellor’s associate, played a significant role in its early years.
The center has been a pivotal point for Syracuse University, engaging students with the wider Syracuse community through experiential learning opportunities. For over three decades, students have participated in various service learning and volunteering initiatives around Syracuse.
Senior Claire Ceccoli ’25, a leadership intern at the Shaw Center, has contributed to the annual bed-building project for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, ensuring beds for children without them. “We want to help the community, and we’re also learning from them. It’s a two-way street, doing this work with that reciprocal learning mindset,” said Ceccoli, who is studying public relations and psychology at Syracuse University.
Alumnus Derek Wallace ’00 participated as a Literacy Corps tutor and student manager at the Shaw Center. He credits the skills and experiences gained there for his professional journey that led him to become CEO of Golden Fork Media and founder of the children’s brand “Kalamata’s Kitchen.” Wallace reflected, “It’s hard to imagine what I would be doing or where I would be if I wasn’t given those opportunities to do well, do good and create change in the community under the mentorship of [Shaw Center Associate Vice President and Director] Pam Heintz.”
The Shaw Center has curated numerous programs and initiatives. Ceccoli highlighted how she organized the bed-building projects alongside Sleep in Heavenly Peace, working with the Syracuse University Volunteer Organization. Wallace recalled initiatives such as Shooting for A’s and Balancing the Books, launched during his time with the Shaw Center, focusing on skills application outside the classroom.
Commenting on the center’s impact on her career, Ceccoli expressed her dedication to community engagement. Wallace shared a similar sentiment, attributing his career path to the mentorship and opportunities provided by the Shaw Center.
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, a podcast episode of “’Cuse Conversations” features Ceccoli and Wallace discussing their experiences. The episode is accompanied by a transcript available as a PDF. The event on April 21 will commemorate the influential role the Shaw Center has played in shaping community-focused leaders.
