Summer Visit to my Alma Mater

Crouse College

Home of College of Visual and Performing Arts, Syracuse University

St. Mixer, 12” x 16”, Oil on Panel, ©2006
Jennie Traill Schaeffer

Painting Alumni Retrospective, 914Works,
Syracuse University, 2014

It's been 12 years since I've been back to Syracuse University, and 26 years since graduating in, well, you do the math. Last visit there was in 2014 for inclusion in a Painting Alumni Retrospective held at 914works, organized by then, senior painting major, Paul Weiner, as a way to connect with the university, students and professors. I recall seeing my painting professor, Jerome Witkin, and reconnected with him 14 years after I graduated. Also I was accompanied by my mom for a great weekend back in Syracuse, but somehow I just have a couple of photos in my records. Read more about the show in Daily Orange.

Alum, Jennie Traill Schaeffer

Shaffer Art Building, Syracuse University

This summer, In July 2026, my family spent the day at SU on our summer trip; I saw the campus, people and art through memories, experiences, and changes. We toured Shaffer Art Building, where I studied Painting and Art History with artists Jerome Witkin, Gary Trento, Sharon Gold, Michael Sickler,  and visiting artist, Cara Tomlinson. I worked withmany other art professors, both in 2-D and 3-D, and in the Art Education department while I was there. Technically, SU gave me one physical BFA, but I dual majored in Painting / Art Education, earning what felt like the equivalent of two BFAs. (I know that a single degree is standard for dual majors.) This is more intriguing as Syracuse University was the nation’s first school in 1874 to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts program! I pointed out Crouse College started its building in 1888, which is where I took freshman year foundation classes in 2-D and Drawing, and as a member of the Syracuse University Marching Band and Tau Beta Sigma sorority, I spent much time in this historic and remarkable building. (image at top of post)

Work by Professor Emeritus, Kermit J. Lee, Jr. | Slocum Hall, Syracuse University

Across from Shaffer Art Building I was struck by artwork on exhibit in the Slocum Hall, home to the School of Architecture. Though I knew several architecture students, Iwas never inside as a student. Upon seeing at first the value in the work, ties to architecture, watercolor and abstraction, I learned Professor Emeritus Kermit J. Lee Jr. also suffered a stroke, back in 1994, two years before my enrollment. The work on display featured the artist's ability to adapt his painting through his left hand due to losing the senses in his right hand. I initially loss the function of my right hand after my stroke last year, however I worked hard, with support, and progressed from paralysis to continue use of that hand and pick up painting again. Reading about his stroke from this exhibit, combined with awareness that every stroke survivor has a unique experience and recovery, led him on his path, different from mine.

Professor Emeritus Kermit J. Lee Jr., Artwork adapted to his stroke, Slocum Hall, Syracuse University

While on my summer trip, my family and I met up with several of my alumni friends from the SUMB, and while visiting one of them I was reminded about a piece I made for her. We both stayed an extra year together, with our dual majors. Seeing the art brought me back.

Untitled, Mixed Media inspired by Crouse College, approx. 5"× 12", ©2001

Gifted to my SU friend who studied Engineering and Music, also in SUMB with me.

It was a treat to share this with my sons and husband who had never been, able to both be nostalgic and have hope of seeing a glimpse into the future. My five years at SU were monumental, pivotal, and filled with challenges. There's more I mentioned on TraillWorks' IG post about my visit to SU, noticing the campus, architecture, history and culture. 🧡