Syracuse Sun

On a winter day 25 years ago, Paul Parpard G’94, then a professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University, observed the snow-covered turrets of Tolley Hall and the rooftops of Maxwell Hall and Crouse College from his office in Lyman Hall. Inspired by this view, he captured a photo that later became the basis for his painting “Syracuse University Winter.”

This year, Parpard’s painting was selected as the winner of the second annual Syracuse University Poster Challenge. Donors who contribute at least $25 to the Annual Fund before June 30 will receive one of 600 numbered, limited-edition posters. The Annual Fund supports the University's highest priorities.

Parpard, now 82, is an accomplished artist residing in Cazenovia, New York. He has maintained an art studio there since 1968. His career began at Syracuse University as a graphic designer, where he created various promotional materials including brochures and holiday cards for athletic teams. Notably, he designed the logo for Syracuse Football’s centennial celebration in 1989.

Transitioning to education, Parpard served over ten years as a professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. He taught courses in communication design, advertising design, and computer graphic design. In 1994, he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University.

Reflecting on his time at the university, Parpard noted that some of his favorite years were from 1985-89 when his daughter Denise Parpard Harrison G’89 was studying at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. During her subsequent career in promotional marketing for companies like CHANEL and Estée Lauder in New York City, Parpard organized annual trips for his students to visit museums and art studios and meet with Denise's colleagues.

A devoted supporter of Syracuse sports teams, particularly football and basketball, Parpard frequently attends games at the JMA Wireless Dome. He celebrated his 80th birthday there during a Paul McCartney concert in 2022.

Expressing gratitude towards Syracuse’s advancement staff for selecting his painting for this year's poster challenge supporting the Forever Orange Campaign, Parpard said: “It’s great to think that Syracuse alumni all around the country will have a copy of this poster. It means a lot to me to be able to help raise scholarship money for future Syracuse students.”

Donors can claim their limited-edition poster by making a gift of at least $25 to the Annual Fund before June 30.

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