Episode 15: lonely campus podcast with Michael Mazzaroppi
Please note that all podcast episodes were recorded and produced prior to July 31, 2025. The Office and Diversity and Inclusion has since closed.
Episode 15 of the lonely campus podcast focuses on Syracuse University staff Michael Mazzaroppi. Michael is an Access Coordinator in the Center for Disability Resources, as well as part-time faculty teaching American Sign Language (ASL) courses. In this podcast, he opens up about his identity as a Deaf, openly gay male, as well as his journey to Syracuse University. Michael grew up in Solvay, New York and then attended Gallaudet University, which is the only higher education institution that serves Deaf and hard of hearing students exclusively. From there he worked professionally supporting Deaf and hard of hearing students in Japan and Manhattan Michael opens up about his experiences in these various locations as well as periods of loneliness and isolation. He also shares strategies he's used to remain active and connected with others. We greatly appreciate Michael sharing his story so that others can gain insight from his experience. Transcript available upon request.
Episode 15 of the lonely campus podcast focuses on Syracuse University staff Michael Mazzaroppi. Michael is an Access Coordinator in the Center for Disability Resources, as well as part-time faculty teaching American Sign Language (ASL) courses. In this podcast, he opens up about his identity as a Deaf, openly gay male, as well as his journey to Syracuse University. Michael grew up in Solvay, New York and then attended Gallaudet University, which is the only higher education institution that serves Deaf and hard of hearing students exclusively. From there he worked professionally supporting Deaf and hard of hearing students in Japan and Manhattan Michael opens up about his experiences in these various locations as well as periods of loneliness and isolation. He also shares strategies he's used to remain active and connected with others. We greatly appreciate Michael sharing his story so that others can gain insight from his experience. Transcript available upon request.
Creators and Guests
Host
Amy Messersmith
Amy Messersmith is one of two inaugural Office of Diversity and Inclusion Administrative Fellows at Syracuse University. She is the Associate Director of Student Support Services (SSS) and works closely with the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). HEOP and SSS are two opportunity programs that serve undergraduates at SU, many who are first generation college students. Amy collaborated with a team of likeminded staff and faculty to create The SENSES Project in 2021, which is a student focused recording studio and podcasting program for HEOP and SSS students and their friends. If you want to share your story on the lonely campus podcast, please email Amy at akhoran@syr.edu.
Guest
Michael Mazzaroppi
Michael Mazzaroppi is a native of Solvay, New York and is currently an Access Coordinator in the Center for Disability Resources as well as part-time faculty teaching American Sign Language (ASL) courses at Syracuse University.
