Syracuse University mourns chemistry professor as CNY schools mark fall milestones
Syracuse University confirms the sudden passing of chemistry professor Nancy Totah, while schools across Central New York navigate a season of change, new programs, and community events.
Students and faculty at Syracuse University are mourning the sudden death of Associate Professor of Chemistry Nancy Totah, who had taught and mentored students at the university since 2001, according to the Daily Orange.
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Totah, who was teaching Organic Chemistry I and Introduction to Chemical Research this fall, was described as “devoted” to her students and colleagues by College of Arts and Sciences Dean Behzad Mortazavi. Her passing was confirmed in an email to Arts and Sciences students on Wednesday, October 21. The university has encouraged students in need of support to contact the Barnes Center at the Arch Counseling or Student Outreach and Support, and faculty to connect with the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, per the Daily Orange.
By The Numbers
- 2001: Year Nancy Totah began teaching at Syracuse University, per the Daily Orange.
- 1,100 acres: Farmland in Cayuga County preserved with new state funding, according to The Citizen (Auburn).
- $5 million: Amount awarded by New York State to preserve farmland in Cayuga County, per The Citizen (Auburn).
What’s new for CNY schools and families
While the Syracuse University community processes this loss, other Central New York schools are navigating a busy fall. In Cayuga County, Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES went into lockdown on Wednesday after a student entered the building with two BB guns in their backpack, according to The Citizen (Auburn). The incident brought a visible law enforcement presence to the campus, with Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office deputies standing outside during the lockdown.
For families in the Syracuse City School District and nearby towns like DeWitt and Salina, the fall season brings both challenges and opportunities. The I-81 viaduct project continues to impact commutes, especially for those traveling along I-690 and James Street, and school events are adapting to changing traffic patterns and construction detours.
State investment in farmland and its impact on education
New York State announced a $5 million grant to preserve 1,100 acres of farmland in Cayuga County, marking the 30th anniversary of the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program, according to The Citizen (Auburn). While the funding is focused on agricultural preservation, it also supports local school districts by maintaining the rural character and tax base of communities in Cayuga County. This can help stabilize enrollment and resources for schools serving farming families.
Richard Ball, commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, announced the funding at Heer Farm in Onondaga County, highlighting the cross-county impact of state investment in agriculture. For students in agricultural programs or FFA chapters, this funding helps ensure continued access to hands-on learning and career pathways in farming and environmental science.
School safety and wellness in focus
The lockdown at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES is a reminder of the ongoing focus on school safety across Central New York. While the incident involved BB guns and not firearms, it prompted a swift response from school staff and law enforcement. The district said the lockdown was lifted after the situation was resolved, and no injuries were reported, according to The Citizen (Auburn).
In Oswego County, the Morris Family Advised Fund awarded a grant to strengthen pediatric mental health and wellness services at Oswego Hospital, supporting a dedicated pediatric mental health and wellness unit within the expanded Emergency Department, per Oswego County News Now. This investment aims to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for children and adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis, which can have ripple effects for school counselors and families throughout Central New York.
Community events and local school connections
Fall in Central New York means more than just football Saturdays at the JMA Wireless Dome. The Clay Historical Park will host a free presentation titled “17th Century Christmas at Ste. Marie” on Saturday, November 21, according to Eagle News. This event offers families a chance to connect with local history and learn about the early holiday traditions along the shores of Onondaga Lake. For students in the Liverpool and North Syracuse districts, programs like this can supplement classroom learning with hands-on experiences.
Meanwhile, the popular Rise N Shine Diner is expanding to the town of Clay, opening a new location on Route 31 behind the Barnes & Noble, as reported by Eagle News. The original location in Syracuse’s Westcott neighborhood will remain open. For high school students and families, this means more options for weekend breakfasts and after-school meetups, especially for those living north of the city.
For more on upcoming events and school news, check the community events page and our Syracuse schools section for updates.
Housing trends and family decisions
Rising home prices continue to affect families across Central New York. The number of homes available for sale in New York State increased nearly 10 percent in September, while prices continued to rise compared to last year, according to the latest housing report from the New York State Association of REALTORS, as cited by Eagle News. For parents considering a move to a new school district or neighborhood, these trends can influence decisions about where to live and enroll their children.
In towns like Geddes, Salina, and Clay, families are weighing the benefits of suburban schools, commute times, and access to extracurricular activities. The ongoing I-81 project and changing real estate market are shaping the choices available to CNY families this fall.
Where to check for updates
For the latest on school news, safety updates, and community events in Syracuse and Central New York, visit your district’s website, Syracuse University’s news page, and the CNY Signal schools section for ongoing coverage.
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Sources
- Daily Orange, Syracuse University chemistry professor Nancy Totah dies, SU confirms
- The Citizen (Auburn), Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES locked down after student entered building with BB guns
- The Citizen (Auburn), NY awards $5M to preserve 1,100 acres of Cayuga County farmland
- Oswego County News Now, Morris Family Advised Fund Awards Grant to Strengthen Pediatric Mental Health & Wellness Services at Oswego Hospital
- Eagle News, See how much home prices are increasing in CNY counties
- Eagle News, Rise N Shine Diner expanding to the town of Clay
- Eagle News, Clay Historical Park to host 17th century holiday presentation
