Syracuse UniversityScholar Spotlight

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    Academic excellence is central to Syracuse University's purpose, and is highlighted by the many students who regularly showcase the University's scholarly tradition. Each week, we profile one of these students to provide a glimpse into the stories and achievements that make our students special. 
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    Stephanie Breed ’15

    “Hop on Pop” and “Goodnight Moon” are two of the most nostalgic children’s books and always put a smile on one Syracuse University student’s face. Stephanie Breed, a senior art history major in the College of Arts and Sciences with a minor in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises in the Whitman School of Management and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program, recently took a trip down memory lane, only to discover her “present.”

    Q: Where are you from?

    A: I was born in Rochester but spent most of my childhood in Manlius, just a few miles away from the Syracuse University campus. In high school, I fostered my creativity by making jewelry, scrapbooking and being part of my school’s yearbook staff.

    Q: What internship did you recently undertake?

    A: I interned at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, where I paid homage to the Syracuse-born author of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” The internship was everything I dreamed it would be and then some. The museum combines my two passions - art and children’s books - and was basically a dream come true.

    Q: What program did you create to help local children?

    A: I am the founder of Books are Food for Thought, a program that provides books to underprivileged children in Central New York, in particular those children who receive free or reduced meals at community centers and schools. I created the organization in 2008 and since then, more than 20,000 books have been delivered to area children. Spreading literacy has always been very important to me, and Books Are Food for Thought has given me the opportunity to get books directly into the hands of kids and see the positive effects.

    Q: What are your plans after Syracuse University?

    A: I am gearing up for the future, working on applications for graduate school and keeping an eye out for museum jobs. I will miss cheering in the student section at Syracuse basketball games, but will be able to look back at my time at Syracuse with the well-earned (butterfly) wings of an alumna.

    By Christina Tiberio