In support of the Black Lives Matter movement and Sunday’s student demonstration in Oswego (June 14 at 1:30 p.m.) to celebrate Black Liberation Day, SUNY Oswego President Deborah F. Stanley has organized the painting of a Black Lives Matter mural in front of Sheldon Hall in support of positive change and reform.

Upon hearing the college was moving forward with this initiative, members of the Oswego College Foundation Board of Directors quickly stepped forward to offer financial support and assistance. Jeff Knauss, a member of the Foundation Board and a SUNY Oswego alumnus from the class of 2007 and co-founder of award-winning digital marketing agency Digital Hyve, is leading the effort. 

“When I heard that President Stanley wanted to create a Black Lives Matter mural in front of Sheldon Hall to show the college's solidarity with the demonstration happening on Sunday, I knew that my team at Digital Hyve and I wanted to help,” said Knauss.

Knauss added, “I strongly believe that there is no institution more committed to supporting equality for our black and minority communities than SUNY Oswego."

Joining Knauss on Saturday, June 13, are five members of the Digital Hyve team who are committing their time and talents to paint the Black Lives Matter mural in front of Sheldon Hall. The employees (most of whom are Oswego alumni) listed below are actively participating in SUNY Oswego's efforts to support positive change and reform.

  • Connor DeHaan (Class of 2016)
  • Jon Schoeck (Class of 2006)
  • Anja Godlewski Dykes (Class of 2015)
  • Maureen Lenehan (Class of 2015)
  • Beth Clayton

The alumni, the Oswego College Foundation Board and employees from Digital Hyve join faculty, staff, students and President Stanley in support of the movement and in anticipation of Sunday’s demonstration. In a letter to students on Friday, June 12, President Stanley said, “Across the nation, people of color and their allies are mobilizing to address structural and systemic racism. I pledge to you that SUNY Oswego will live its educational mission to the fullest, and with deep commitment and understanding, we will be unwavering in pursuing justice, equality and peace. We will not rest.  I hear you, I am listening to you, I stand with you.”