WE REMEMBER MA7T - Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public ...

WE REMEMBER MA7T

Francine J D'Amico 

From: International Relations Learning Community [IRLC@L1STSERV.SYREDUj on behalf of 

Francine D'Amico [FJDAmico@MAXWELL.SYREDUj 

Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2006 9:55 AM 

To: IRLC@L1STSERV.sYREDU 

Subject: Welcome to the International Relations Learning Community 

Attachments: 124SYLFALL2006.doc 

Follow Up Flag: Follow up 

Flag Status: Flagged 

Categories: IRLC, Red Category .'. 

Just a message to welcome all of you to Syracuse University's International Relations Learning Community! I am the 

academic advisor for the IRLC and will be teaching the PSC 124 Introduction to International Relations course that is part 

of the IRLC shared experience for those who have not already taken the course. 

I am looking forward to our first class meeting on Monday, August 28th, at 11 :40 AM in Heroy Geo Lab 113 - this is the 

brick bUilding between the Dome and the Maxwell School. This week will be discussing our shared summer reading, The 

Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, so please bring your copy to class. I am attaching the syllabus for your information and 

will bring print copies to class. A copy of the syllabus will also be available on electronic reserve at Bird library. To 

access library reserve, click here: http://library.syr.edu/ and select "Find Reserve" from the menu on the right. My name 

should be listed shortly (not up yet). 

Please note that there are two editions of our course text, Goldstein & Pevehouse, International Relations, on sale at the 

campus bookstore in Schine Center. Be sure to purchase the SEVENTH (7th) edition (2006) from the second shelf from 

the top where the PSC 124 texts are located. You will see a yellow tag with "PSC 124 D'Amico," and there are several 

used copies available, which are less expensive. 

I look forward to seeing you all at our IRLC 'Welcome" event on Monday evening at 7:00 PM in Sadler Hall. We will be 

discussing our Fall Retreat to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and other IRLC activities for the semester. 

"Dr. D" 

Francine J. D'Amico, PhD 

Associate Professor of Political Science 

Director of Undergraduate Studies in International Relations 

International Relations Program 

225 Eggers Hall 

The Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs 

Syracuse University 

Syracuse, New York 13244-1020 

315-443-8215 (direct) or 2306 (messages) 

315-443-9204 fax 

fjdamico@maxwell.syr.edu 

«124SYLFALL2006.doc» 

1

Samantha Allen 

Sungeun Bae 

Sara Bobak 

Chad Brooker 

Conor Byrt 

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS LEARNING COMMUNITY 

Zachary Barker Chittick 

Naina Dhawan 

Ryan Fisher 

Rebecca Fleischer 

Benjamin Forer 

Emily Gagliardi 

Eleni Gilman-Harts 

Lauren Godfrey 

Ke Huang 

Seung Jin Heo 

Uk Kang 

Nayab Khan 

David Kim 

Sung Hae Kim 

2006-2006 

Aisling Korff-Dickenson 

Voon Kyong Lee 

Ejolee "EJ" Mitchell 

Aida Mogos 

Candace Morrison 

Ekaterina Mozhaeva 

Marta Vargas Munoz 

Katelyn Rasmus 

Va Bajen Sarr 

Myungjoo Shin 

AlecSim 

Deanna Southerling 

Mindy Tadai 

Courtney Taddonio 

Bradley Turner 

Matthew Wanetik 

Tsz Wing Fong 

Edward Wong 

Hwang Voungjun

Dates litems To Remember 

• August 23th 

New Student Move In 

• August28 

IRLC Welcome Event 

• September 8 

IRLC Trip to Ottawa 

• September 21 

IR Program Undergrad Reception 

Don't forget to 

bring your 

passport or 

birth certificate 

& photo ID! 

So what is International Relations??? 

WELCOME: 

IIITERIIATIOIIAL RELATIOIIS 

LURIIIIIGCOMM6111TY 

Welcome to the International Relations Learning Community! 

Hello and welcome to the International Relations 

Learning Community (IRLC), located on 

the 4th floor of Sadler Hall. The Faculty and 

Staff working with the IRLC are eager to 

meet and work with you this upcoming year. 

As members of the IRLC you will have additional 

opportunities offered to you, and we 

hope you will take advantage of them. All 

members of the learning community will live 

and learn together in Sadler hall. The building 

has many features that help it stand out 

amongst the others on campus. While housing 

over 450 undergraduate men and 

women, Sadler boasts one of the best dining 

centers on campus, a late night snack bar, 

access to a covered parking garage, and the 

shortest walk to the famous Carrier Dome, 

home of the 2003 NCAA Champs. 

The faculty and staff who make up the advising 

board for the IRLC are individuals devoted 

to your success here at SUo Within the 

hall, the Resident Director is Adrienne Kuzyk, 

The international system has grown in complexity since the 

end of the Cold War and international issues and events impinge 

increasingly on our daily lives. Modern communications 

bring contemporary problems instantly to our attention. No 

state, and no people, particularly Americans, can be isolated 

from world events or unaffected by issues involving foreign 

policy and war, international trade, or developments in countries 

far from our borders. To gain an understanding of these 

issues is rewarding in itself, and necessary for the informed 

citizen. It also opens the way to a variety of careers, in government, 

international organizations, law, business and nonprofit 

institutions, and academia. 

The International Relations Undergraduate Program, which is 

housed in the Maxwell School in the College of Arts and Sciences 

at Syracuse University, is multi-disciplinary and includes 

courses in Political Science, Economics, History, Geography, 

Anthropology, and Sociology. In addition, cultural studies 

such as fine arts and literature can be as important in the 

understanding of other societies as social sciences. 

Soon to be Home Sweet Home, Sadler Hall 

the Resident Advisors (RA) for the Learning 

Community are Jessica Holman and Monal 

Shah, and the peer mentor is Larry Chen. 

On the academic side of the table are Dr'; 

Professor Francine D'Amico, Director of Undergraduate 

Studies for the International 

Relations Program (she will be teaching your 

introductory course), Nell Bartkowiak, the 

Global Programs Coordinator, and Ryan Williams, 

the Associate Director of Graduate 

Studies for the International Relations Program. 

demic and career aspirations. Working with Professor Francine 

D'Amico, Director of Undergraduate Studies, and the IR 

Staff, you can choose from a variety of topics including: International 

Law & Organization, International Political Economy, 

Intercultural Communication, and International Security & 

Diplomacy. Geographic concentrations include: Africa, Asia, 

Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. 

You are urged to take advantage of 

the off-campus study opportunities 

offered by SU Abroad and the Maxwell-Washington 

International Relations 

Semester, and to participate in 

the frequent lectures and other 

events which take place on campus. 

The Chair of the Program, Matt Bonham, 

and the Global Programs Coordinator, 

Nell Bartkowiak, will be 

happy to help you learn more about 

these opportunities. 

This broad approach enables you to design your own pro 

The Maxwell School of 

gram, responsive to your individual interests, as well as aca- Citizenship and PUblic Affairs.

Syracuse UnilJersiry 

International Relations Learning Communiry 

Sadler Hall 

1000 Iming A,JenUe 

Syracuse, NY 13244 

WE'RE ON THE WEB!!! 

HTTP://LC.SYR.EOU/ OR 

HTTP://WWW.MAXWELL.SYR.EOU/ 

lR/ UNOERGRA OUATE/ MAIN .ASP 

oCanada!!! 

On September 8th the International Relations 

Learning Community will be traveling 

north to Canada to visit Ottawa, Ontario. 

While there, we will visit the Canadian Parliament 

building and the US Embassy. Ottawa 

is the federal capital of Canada in the province 

of Ottawa, so we may get a glimpse of 

the parliamentary process in action. We will 

tour the Parliament and receive a briefing on 

US-Canadian relations and careers in the 

foreign service from officers at the US Embassy 

in Ottawa. Students will also have 

some free time to visit museums, sightsee, 

or just hang out. 

All Learning Community students are expected 

to attend, so mark this in your calendar 

now. 

Please note that all students will be required 

to provide a passport or proof of US citizenship 

(birth certificate and photo ID) in order 

to enter Canada and return to the United 

States. If you are not a US citizen, you will 

be required to bring your passport and may 

be required to secure a visa to travel to Canada 

as well. Please check with the Center 

for International Student Services on Canadian 

entry requirements for international 

students studying at Syracuse University: 

http://international.syr.edu/ 

Think the fall retreat sounds great? 

Walt until we visit the UN In the spring. 

Here are some shots of the 2005·2006 

IRLC students at the UN in NYC. Every 

spring we take a retreat to the big apple 

to tour the UN and receive a briefing 

from UN officials on current events. 

This past year we heard about the newly 

formed Human Rights Council. 

.... Members 

of the 2005 

20061RLC in 

front olthe 

Canadian 

Parliament 

building dur 

Ing the Fall 

retreat to 

Ottawa last 

September.

International Relations Learning Community 

Fall Retreat 2006 

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada


From: 

Sent: 

To: 

Subject: 

Attac hments: 

Follow Up Flag: 

Flag Status: 

Categories: 

Here are some 

Matt Wanetik [mrwaneti@syr.edu] 

Wednesday, September 20,200610:39 AM 


Re: Ottawa pix? 

P9070034jpg; P9070031jpg; P9080074jpg; P9070072jpg 

Follow up 

Flagged 

pies i took: 

Red Category

Hallowe'en 2006: 

Matt & EJ Mitchell 

Alpha Chi Omega Fall Formal 2007 

Matt and Anna Firliet

Hillel trip to New Orleans Spring 2007: 

Operation Blessing 

Photos by Julia Chazkel & Rebecca Chad

Pictures Sent from the Wanetik Family:

Matt With Alpha Epsilon Pi Friends 

Summer 2008

"Swing on Down" 

Performed by Alex Rawdin and Greg Morrison 

Music and Lyrics by Donavon Frankenreiter 

(Swing on down, swing on down to me) 

(Swing on down, swing on down to me) 

In the morning when the suns still shy 

And the last star lingers and the pale blue sky 

That's when I know you're around 

I said thats when I know you're around 

And in the evening when the light come to the tree's 

And the birds sing a song as if they're singing to me 


I said that's when I know you're around 

I'm dreaming if you could 

Swing on down, swing on down to me 

I want to know if you would 


Every time I see something like that 

I want you to (swing on down to me) 

Baby won't you just (swing on down) 

Swing on down to me 

Every time the rain comes out but the sun still wants to shout 


I said that's when I know you're around 

And you know all the colours they just speak to me 

Tell me stories of how it used to be 

When you were still around, I wish you were still around 

Because I want you to 


From the clouds wont you just 

(Swing on down), swing on down to me 

Baby won't you just 

(Swing on down), swing on down to me 

I want to see you today 

I want you to swing on down to me 

It's going to feel so good 

All the colours they tell me things 

And the birds in the trees 

And the stars in the sky 

Alex Rawdin 

Whitman School of Management 

Syracuse University clo 2009

Hey everyone, my name is Tyler Young and I am a brother of the Alpha Epsilon Pi 

fraternity and was one of Matt's pledge brothers. I could probably talk about all of the 

Wani moments, quotes, and jokes that we all love for days on end, but today I felt it 

was appropriate to talk about one of these moments that really showed me that he 

will always be there for us all no matter what. 

Now, after all of my brothers and I found out about Matt's passing, we were in a state 

of shock. After a few hours went by, a few of us could not be at the house any longer, 

so we went down to Bruegger's Bagels on Marshall Street to attempt to eat 

something. We ended up sitting outside ofBruegger's at one of the tables out there. 

As we sat there, we really had nothing to say. At one point however, the song "Lean 

on Me" came on out loud from somewhere around us and I just remember us all 

looking at one another. This was a moment that I will never forget as we all knew 

that if in need, we were there for each other. 

Now, if you know how Marshall Street and everything down there is set up, you know 

that there are alleyways on each side of Bruegger's. We were all sitting in front of 

Bruegger's as I said, and were facing toward one of these alleyways. 

As time went on, I just remember people-watching out there with one of my friends 

and brothers, Asher Epstein. Then we saw a woman cross the alleyway. 

She was walking towards us from the other side of the alley, not aware of her 

surroundings. The driver ofa truck backing up into the alleyway, also must not have 

been aware ofhis surroundings and did not see this woman walking across. For a few 

seconds, I (and I later found out Asher as well) just sat there, about to watch as this 

woman was about to get hit by the truck backing up. As the woman and the truck 

came closer to one another, I truly had an out of body experience. After just sitting 

there, about to watch all of this occur, I suddenly jumped out of my chair and 

screamed out to the woman to stop walking and to get out of the way. She instantly 

stopped on a dime and just barely missed being hit by the truck. 

After the truck continued on in the distance deep into the alleyway, the woman then 

crossed the street and approached me. She said, "I just want to thank you from the 

bottom of my heart. You really do not even understand what that meant to me. One 

day I willrepay you." After she walked away, Asher and I just sat back and took in 

what had just happened. This woman, who I had never met before and most likely 

will never see again, told me she would one day repay me for what I had done for 

her.

Now, I soon realized that I really did not have anything to do with saving this 

woman. I mean yes, I physically jumped out of my seat and verbally screamed to the 

woman to warn her, but the fact of the matter was that it really felt as if I did nothing. 

I remember sitting back in my chair after this all happened...as I started to laugh. 

Asher then asked what was so funny and I answered by saying, "That was Matt. Matt 

definitely had something to do with that. I mean ...Asher at one point, I was watching 

this soon-to-be accident with you, and the next thing I know I am out of my 

seat screaming at the top of my lungs for her to stop walking." Asher, stunned as 

much as I was, quickly agreed that Wani had once again lent his helping hand to help 

a brother out. We both sat there for some time in pure awe of what had just happened 

and what Matt had just done for us and for that woman. 

Now, this was the type of brother and human being Matt truly was. Always giving 

and helping others when in need. It was at this moment that I knew Matt would be 

watching out for us for the rest of our lives. 

Thanks again Matt for always being there for us in the good and the bad times. I am 

sure from that experience we shared together on that early October day, that you will 

always be with us forever. We love you Matt.

Dear SU abroad, Strasberg 

We are good friends of Matt Wanetik who are studying abroad in London, and we are writing to you 

today to attempt to comfort you in the wake of this terrible tragedy. We pledged with Matt during the 

spring semester of our Fresrunan year, and since then he has become an amazing friend to all three of us. 

As his good friends, we know that nothing we can say will completely alleviate the pain you all must be 

feeling, so we would just like to share some of our feelings with you on Matt that has helped us to reflect 

on the amazing person he was. 

Wanny (as we called him) was by far the most motivated person any of us had ever met. As you 

know, during his short time in Strasberg, he managed to travel to over 4 or 5 different countries (we 

struggle.to plan a single trip). Anything he ever wanted to accomplish he put 100% effort into. Halfassing 

it just didn't exist in his vocabulary-he was just too passionate of a person. This reflected in 

everything he did, both school wise and in his social life. Last year during the spring semester, everyone 

in our house received a text message from Wanny saying "Slip N' Slide at the house at 3". All of us 

showed up to the house expecting Wanny to come and bring an actual Slip N' Slide, but instead, he had 

grabbed all of the tarps from our house and laid them out in a row, then thrown soapy water on top. No 

one thought it would work, but Wanny was very confident. Sure enough, Wanny ran, jumped, and slid all 

the way down it. After he had tried it at least 9 or 40 times, we trusted that it was a good idea, and joined 

him. Eventually, he even set up a table as a ramp which he used to jump over some of the brothers in our 

house (you can see a video of it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TlepZ9RCkQ). 

Wanny always seemed to have this persona about him that separated him from everyone else. With 

his unique smile and memorable laugh, when he was around you, you could just feel your spirits lifting. 

Whenever he cracked ajoke (as he usually did), even if you didn't laugh at it he would laugh at it himself. 

And as soon as he started laughing, you just couldn't help but laugh along with him. But that was the kind 

of person he was, he was able to laugh at himself all the time. We feel this is why he could always give 

his all in everything he did, because if he failed, he would learn from his mistake and move on. Nothing 

ever stopped him from trekking forward and continuing with his life. And so as we sit here mourning for 

him, we realize that it will always be painful to think about him, but just as Wanny was always able to do, 

we can't let this get us down. We need to take it in and learn from it, and continue on in Wanny's memory. 

Ifwe are able to do this, we will not only become better people, but a piece ofWanny will live on in us 

all. 

Our hearts are with all of you, and we are glad that you all were able to spend time with Wanny before 

his passing. As long as everyone can remember the amazing qualities that made him who he was, he will 

be with us forever. Wanny, we will miss you and never forget you. 

Sincerely, 

Matthew Spitulnik 

Patrick Nowack 

Lucas Levin


From: 


Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:44 PM 

To: 'ugir@listserv.syr.edu' 

Cc: Samantha Clemence; 'Raymond Bach'; Suzanne Shane; SUAbroad; 'Marshall A Spevak' 

Subject: Memorial Service for Matt Wanetik 

Hello IR community: 

I am just writing to pass along the information I have just received from the SU Chaplain's office: the memorial service 

for Matt Wanetik will be held Friday, November 21 s t, at 3:00 PM in Hendricks Chapel. If you have any messages of 

condolence for Matt's family or pictures or stories to share for the "Book of Remembrance" we are compiling for Matt's 

family, please forward them to me at your earliest convenience so we can include them. 

"Dr. D" 










315-443-9204 fax 

fidamico@maxwell.svr.edu 

1

Email message received 10/03/08 11:58 PM from Beijing: 

Matt, even though we might not have known each other for a long period 

of time, I just wanted you to know that you have left a big imprint in 

my time in Syracuse. I am sure that anyone that has ever met you will 

say the same. I remember playing the game "War" with you throughout 

your freshman year and I will never forget your determination and your 

will to win and to have a great time. I will never forget those times. 

You have the unique ability to light up a room and make everyone feel 

-welcome in any situation. You left us too soon but you will always be 

remembered by your friends as the smart, funny, outgoing, and friendly 

person that you are. I know that those who had the pleasure to meet 

you will never forget you. 

Larry Chen 

International Relations Learning Community 2006-2007

Email received Sunday 10/05/08 10:05 PM 

I'm extremely saddened by the unfortunate news of Matt's death. 

Death is always grim and I can only pray for patience for loved 

ones Matt left behind. This weekend I lost my Great Uncle and my 

grandmother hasn't been doing well either as of lately, so I can 

understand Matt's family's predicament. I remember Matt's lively 

presence and great sense of humor vividly. I have a fond recollection 

of how even in intro to IR class freshmen year how he used to say, 

"Come on Dr. 0," whenever he wanted ask a question or try to ask for 

some sort of extension for our papers or even negotiating for make-up 

quizzes. It's just such a shame to hear of his death. Matt was the 

kind of person who always made his fellow students laugh and he will 

definitely be missed. Even though I didn't know Matt very well it's 

just so hard to believe he's not here anymore with us. I suppose it's 

a hard thing to deal with because I feel like we all in our learning 

community freshmen year all of us started college together and now 

here I am planning on graduating and next year a lot of my peers will 

be graduating as well it makes me think Matt should have been there as 

well, so much potential that could have been. I suppose his death 

makes me feel now more than ever that each and everyone of us here 

are blessed and shouldn't let our potentials go to waste, to do 

something to change the world, for our futures, but more importantly 

for our classmates like Matt who are no longer with us. On behalf of 

my whole family I would like to pass on our condolences to Matt's 

grieving father and brother, truly it's such a shame. 

Sincerely, 

Nayab Khan 

International Relations Learning Community 2006-2007

Email message received 11/02/08 @ 9:53 AM: 

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

Dear Wanetik Family, 

Matt was a student in my class on the politics of globalization this time last year. He was always an active 

participant in our discussions and had a great sense of humor. I vividly remember his multi-media 

presentation of his research on how globalization has brought different traditions of music together to 

form new kinds of music. We all learned from him and appreciated his creative talent 

Like many at the SU community, I am extremely saddened by the sudden departure of such a vibrant 

young man. Please allow me to convey to you my deepest sympathy! 

Hongying Wang 


Syracuse University

Matt at Kreuzberg Hill 

Berlin, Germany 

August 2008


From: News and Publications message broadcast list for employees. [EMPLOYEE 

NEWS@L1STSERV.SYREDU] on behalf of Email SUNews [sunews@SYREDU] 

Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 1:29 PM 

To: EMPLOYEE-NEWS@L1STSERV.SYREDU 

Subject: Message From Dean Wolfe on Death of SU Student in Strasbourg 

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, 

It is with a sad heart that I inform you of the death of SU student Matt Wanetik earlier today at the home of his host 

family in Strasbourg, France. I am writing on behalf of Chancellor Cantor, who is present in Strasbourg, as she was 

already there on University business, and is now gathered with our students, faculty and staff at the SU Abroad center 

there. 

Matt, a junior political science and international relations major in The College of Arts and Sciences, had been studying in 

Strasbourg this semester through the SU Abroad Strasbourg center. The cause of his death has not yet been determined. 

Our thoughts are with Matt's family and all who know him. In a difficult time such as this it is often comforting for friends 

to come together. An informal gathering will take place in Hendricks Chapel at 4 p.m. today. This is an opportunity to 

share and help one another. 

In addition, the University has a broad array of counseling services available to all who desire assistance through the 

Counseling center (443-4715), Hendricks Chapel (443-2901), and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (443-1087). 

Information on memorial service activities will be provided once plans have been made. 

This is a difficult day for many in our University community, and we will continue to reach out and extend care. 

Sincerely, 

Thomas V. Wolfe, Interim Senior Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs 

1


From: Francine J D'Amico 

Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 1:38 PM 


Cc: Kandice Salomone; Susan S Wadley; Nell Silva Bartkowiak; Diane McKenney; 'Raymond 

Subject: 

Categories: Red Category 

Hello International Relations Community: 

Bach'; Terra L Peckskamp; Michael D Schneider; Mitchel B Wallerstein; Michael J 

Wasylenko; Kathleen Anne Ciciarelli 

Sad news 

We are all deeply saddened to learn of the accidental death of Matt Wanetik, Class of 2010, who has been studying 

abroad this semester. Matt was a member of our International Relations Learning Community in 2006-2007 and 

majoring in International Relations and Political Science, and he had just declared his minor in Global Political Economy. 

He was also a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and the University Union Comedy group, and he enjoyed performing 

stand-up comedy and playing soccer with an SU intramural team. He also enjoyed running and track, especially hurdles, 

and playing the guitar and piano. He participated in an Alternate Spring Break trip to New Orleans in Spring 2007 to help 

with the clean-up effort there and was active with his temple youth group in his hometown of Wayne, Pennsylvania. He 

recently described himself as "a devoted follower of Syracuse men's basketball and the Philadelphia Phillies." His 

wonderful sense of humor will be sadly missed. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Matt's father, Seth, and brother, Michael, and his special friend, Allison Reiber. All 

of Matt's many friends and all members of the Syracuse University community are encouraged to gather at the chapel 

this afternoon to share their remembrances. Grief counselors will be available. A memorial service is being planned for 

a later date. 

Dr. D'Amico 








Syracuse. New York 13244-1020 


315-443-9204 fax 


1 

.',



Sent: Friday, October 03,200811 :00 PM 

To: ugir@listserv.syr.edu 

Subject: Remembering Matt Wanetik 

Categories: Red Category 

Hello Intenational Relations community: 

I 

I know that many of you are away from campus and were unable to gather at the chapel on campus today, and I just want 

to let you know that we are thinking of all of you and will let you know as soon as plans for Matt's memorial service here at 

Syracuse are finalized. We will, of course, hold the service at the convenience of Matt's family, so they can be here with 

us. 

Matt loved Syracuse, and at the chapel today is was clear that the Syracuse community also loved Matt. Many of his 

friends wrote messages of condolence for Matt's dad, Seth, and his brother, Michael, and I am collecting them together to 

send to Matt's family. If any of you have a mesasge you would like to include or a remembrance of Matt you would like to 

share with them, please send your messages to me and I will put them together with those written today. Hillel is also 

collecting messages at services this evening, and you may send messages you wish included there to Hillel's director, 

Lowell Lustig, to whom I have copied this message. 

If anyone needs to talk, you may e-mail me a number where you can be reached or phone me at home at 315-781-7012, 

or you may contact the chaplin's office at 315-443-2901 or the Counseling Center at 315-443-4715. 

"Dr. D" 










315-443-9204 fax 


1

Memorial Service, Hendricks Chapel 

Friday, 21 November 2008 

Hello, most of the students call me "Dr. D." I work with all the International 

Relations majors here at Syracuse. I also teach the "Introduction to International 

Relations" course and am faculty advisor for the International Relations Learning 

Community, and it was there that I met Matt Wanetik in August 2006, his first 

semester here at Syracuse, and I have been his academic advisor ever since then. 

He would bound into my office, full of energy and enthusiasm, with a broad grin 

and a "Hey Dr. D! How's it going?" The last time we talked, Matt was in my office 

selecting his courses for his study abroad in Strasbourg, and he was so eager to 

go, I think he could have flown to France on his own power. I am so very glad he 

had the opportunity for that experience. 

In our International Relations Learning Community, we say that "The World is Our 

Textbook," and Matt enjoyed exploring that world in and beyond our c1assroom 

as in our Fall retreat to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, where we toured the Canadian 

Parliament and had a mission briefing at the US embassy on US-Canadian 

relations and careers in foreign service. I can just picture Matt as a diplomat - his 

extroverted personality and wonderful sense of humor made him a very "people" 

person. I think Matt could talk you into anything and talk himself out of just 

about anything as well. 

If the students in our International Relations Learning Community learned that 

"the world is our textbook," Matt also taught us all a lesson: "the world is our 

playground." Even at his young age - just on the cusp of adulthood -- Matt had 

already learned life's most important lesson: at the end of the day, it's not our 

grade point average or the length of our resume or the list of our professional 

accomplishments that matter. What matters most in life is the quality of our 

human relationships. Matt knew this, and he lived it every day: he put people 

first - his friends and his family knew they could count on him to have time, to 

make time for them if they needed him, whether it was to listen to a problem or

to help with some personal crisis or to instigate some new adventure. Matt was 

ready to listen, to help, to do, to go, to play. 

At Matt's funeral service, his Uncle Rick told us a story about Matt's experience as 

an intern at a concert venue. The story ended with Matt in charge, wearing a 

headset and carrying a clipboard like an old pro. And as Uncle Rick spoke, I began 

to picture Matt arriving in heaven. He passed through the gates and, being Matt, 

began introducing himself all around, telling a joke here, an anecdote there, and 

making friends along the way. I imagined that he would make his way into the 

inner sanctum, and then, eventually, with more jokes and stories, he would end 

up right next to the "Big Guy" himself. And I wondered, "What would Matt ask 

for?" And the answer came as I watched Game 1, then Game 2, then the pennant 

and then, miraculously, the World Series - surely he had asked for what few 

dreamed was possible, for his beloved Phil lies to win and keep on winning. I don't 

think I ever prayed for an outcome to a sporting event before, but I did then, and I 

knew that at that moment, Matt was watching and celebrating with us all. 

Finally, I just want to say that as a parent myself, I know that a parent's greatest 

fear is that our child will be taken from us. I also know that for a parent who has 

lost a child, our greatest fear is that our child will be forgotten, that the memories 

will fade. We have compiled a "Book of Remembrance" for Matt's family, and 

today we pledge that Matt will never be forgotten by our Syracuse community. 

We will think of him whenever we travel, whenever we explore, whenever we see 

his beloved Orange take the basketball court or his beloved Phil lies take the field 

- and most of all, we will remember Matt whenever we laugh. 

"Dr. D" 

Francine D'Amico, PhD 

Associate Professor, Department of Political Science 

Undergraduate Director, International Relations Program

X's Campus Memorial Remarks - By: Marshall Spevak 

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," 

says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My 

ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." 

- Isaiah 55:8-9 

Only God knows what the higher purpose is for our friend Matt 

Wanetik. But for the short time he was here, and the time I've known 

him, he has been more then just a friend, he has truly been my brother, 

in every sense of the word. 

I'll be the first to admit, when we first met, in that first week of 

pledging, we were 20 total strangers and Matt and I, we probably 

weren't the biggest fans of each other. But as I grew to know him, as I 

lived about a foot away from him, I learned what a truly spectacular 

human being he was. 

To us in the house, he wasn't Matt, he was X. He was Jew X. By 

definition it was Jew X who was the summation of every Jewish 

person in the world. He was the benevolent one, the funny one, the 

quixotic one, he was the one you wanted with you when the times 

were tough, and he was the one you wanted standing right next to you 

when with one out, Eric Bruntlett on third, Carlos Ruiz hits a bloop 

single to third base to propel our Phightin' Phillies to their first World 

Championship in 28 years. I don't think we could have been more 

spot on with the nickname, and it stuck to him perfectly, just like his 

vivacious personality stuck to us. I couldn't help but think that while I 

was standing on Broad Street son1e weeks ago, with the parade in tow, 

that Matt was looking down upon us, enjoying the moment, while at 

the same time trying his hardest to send some sort of signal down to 

Charlie Manuel not to resign Pat Burrell again. 

It's only so often you come across a unique kid like X, so passionate 

to just live life one day at a time. He was a son, a brother, a nephew, a 

friend, and for as long as I live I will remember him, I will think about 

him, and I will pray for him, so he to may "dwell in the house of the 

Lord forever."

The Daily Orange - SU junior dies while studying abroad Page 1 of2 

The Daily Orange - SU junior dies while studying abroad Page 2 of2 

Cantor and Quinn spent time that day at the Strasbourg center with students who had gathered to talk 

about Wanetik's life and how they were coping with the loss, Quinn said. 

SU is planning a memorial service, but no date has been set. Alpha Epsilon Pi held small gatherings at 

the house over the weekend and wrote letters to Wanetik's family in Philadelphia. 

"The best thing about him was his smile, his laugh," Abdifar said. "I don't think you can put it into 

words. He brought something different than everyone else. He was definitely a huge part of our lives." 

akalliso@syr.edu 

© Copyright 2008 The Daily Orange 

http://www.dailyorange.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticlePrinterFriendly&uSto... 10/13/2008

syracuse.com's Printer-Friendly Page Page I of I 

syracuse.com 

The Post-Standard 

SU student dies in France 

Matt Wanetik reportedly fell while studying this semester in Strasbourg. 

Saturday, October 04, 2008 

By Douglass Dowty 

Staff writer 

A Syracuse University student studying abroad died Friday at the home of his host family in 

Strasbourg, France. 

Matt Wanetik, a junior political science and international relations major in The College of Arts 

and Sciences, had been studying in Strasbourg this semester through the SU Abroad Strasbourg 

Center. 

Wanetik was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity at SUo A fraternity brother said Friday 

night university officials told him that Wanetik died after a "slip-and-fa"" accident. 

"It was an accident, an unfortunate death," junior Ben Porush said. 

Wanetik served as house manager for the fraternity a year ago. He was also active in comedy 

groups on campus, fraternity brothers said. 

In a YouTube video made for a class freshman year, Wanetik is shown running to class for a 

test. But when he arrives, the test has been canceled. 

Wanetik was also active in the University Union, the student activities group, Porush said. 

Chancellor Nancy Cantor, who already was in Strasbourg on university business, has gathered 

with students, faculty and staff at the center, said Thomas V. Wolfe, interim senior vice president 

and dean of student affairs, in a Friday e-mail to students and staff. 

Staff writer Tom Leo contributed to this report. 

©2009 poslstandard 

Copyright 2009 syracuse.com. All Rights Reserved. 

http://www.syracuse.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-15/122311054723031 O.xml&coll=l 2/4/2009

SU Student Remembered Page 1 of 1 

SU Student Remembered 

Story Published: Oct 18, 2008 at 11 :13 PM EST 

Story Updated: Oct 20,2008 at 12:12 AM EST 

(!@ PRfNTTHIS 

Powered by rwOickablity 

A memorial 5K race was held for the Syracuse Uuniversity student who recently died while 

studying abroad in France. 

Matt Wanetik was a junior at SU and a member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. 

No official cause of his death has been released, but French police have ruled out foul play. 

His fraternity brothers hosted an event in his honor. Last year, Wanetik created the 5K run to 

benefit the Lance Armstrong Livestrong Foundation. 

Alpha Epsilon Pi estimates they raised about $2,000. That money will go towards the Matt 

Wanetik Memorial Foundation and research on Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome, a 

genetic heart condition that can cause sudden death. 

Find this article at: 

http://www.wtvh.com/home/related/31235069.htmI 

ID Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. 

©2007 WTYH-TV. All Rights Reserved. 

http://www.printthis.c1ickability.com/ptlcpt?action=cpt&title=SU+Student+Remembered... 11/2112008

The Daily Orange - Run named in memory ofjunior Page I of I 

From: Linda Harkness 

Sent: 15 October 2008 12:30 

Cc: Boonyo; Brian Nocella; Charine John; Claire Rasul; Danny Lang; Deneice Francis; EI Houcein Aarab ; 

Eugenia Francis; Lisa Wilkinson; M. Okore ; Melissa Wlilby; Meredith Hyde; Michele Britton; Peter Leuner 

; Rachel Tafesse; Rustem Baysaloglu; Vicky Hill 

Subject: Tribute Film Club.... tonight 6.30 

Importance: High 

T..ibute Fillt1. 

Club 

In Melt1.o..y of 

Matt Wanetik 

Please come to a 

special session of 

Faraday Film 

Club on 

Wednesday 

October 15 th in 

honor ofMatt Watenik. Comedy was dear to 

his heart so in memolY ofMatt, whether you 

knew him or not, please come along and share 

some laughs. 

Student Lounge, 6.30 pm 

Refreshments provided 

Linda Harkness Syracuse University (USA) London Program 

Senior Student Services Coordinator Faraday House 

48-51 Old Gloucester Street 

London WCIN 3AE 

tel: 02074009322 

fax: 02074009341 

www.syracuse-u.ac.uk 

L. Harkness@sy@cuse-u.ac.uk



Sent: Tuesday, October 07,20082:39 PM 


Cc: Thomas V Wolfe; Donald J Planty; Deanna Phillips; Denise Marie Sokolic; Kandice Salomone; 

Susan SWadley 

Subject: Funeral services for Matt Wanetik 

Hello International Relations Community: 

I have just received the following information regarding funeral services for Matt Wanetik: 

Sunday, October 12 

Main Line Reform Temple 

491 Montgomery Street 

Wynnewood, PA 19096 

Visit www.mlrt.org for directions 

The family will receive friends at the Temple beginning at 1 p.m. 

Internment immediately following at 

Haym Salomon Memorial Park 

Frazer, PA 

The family will return to their home 

11 Windsor Circle 

Wayne, PA 19087 

Shiva will be observed only Sunday evening with service at the family home at 7 p.m. 

Memorial services will be held on campus at a later date yet to be determined, at the convenience of Matt's 

family. 

I will continue to collect remembrances of Matt and messages of condolence to his family until the campus 

memorial service. 

Several students have sent photos to include in our book of remembrance, and you are certainly welcome to 

send 

any photos you would like to share. 

Dr. D'Amico 









1

Haym Salomon Memorial Park 

Frazer, PA 

The family will return to their home 

11 Windsor Circle 

Wayne, PA 19087 

Shiva will be observed only Sunday evening with service at the family home at 7 p.m. 

2 

",

In Celebration of the Life of 

Matthew Wanetik 

June 20, 1988 - October 3,2008 


Hendricks Chapel 

November 21, 2008 

3:00pm

WE REMEMBER MATT

WE REMEMBER MA7T - Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?