A memorial service for Sheryl Jean Nathans, former Syracuse television reporter and adjunct professor of journalism in Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, will be held May 1 at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel, located on the SU campus. Parking will be available in the Irving Garage, located on Irving Avenue. A reception will immediately follow in the University's Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center.
Nathans died April 9 at Keystone Hospice in Wyndmoor, Pa., after a battle with cancer. She was 55.
A native of Philadelphia, Nathans was an anchor and reporter at WIXT Channel 9 from 1983 to 1996. She left Channel 9 to become an investigative reporter at WTVH Channel 5, and worked there until late 1998. She also did free-lance work, most recently as a media consultant for the 2001 Syracuse mayoral campaign of Bernie Mahoney.
The memorial service will be an opportunity to reflect on Nathans' longtime career in TV news, the impact she had on people and her dedication and contribution to the community, says Gladys Cleland, assistant professor of journalism at the State University of New York College at Morrisville and a longtime friend of Nathans.
"Sheryl's power to inform, influence and entertain was pervasive. She helped many with the nature and scope of the stories she covered throughout Central New York. Her hallmark was seeking the truth. She will definitely be missed," says Cleland.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sheryl Nathans Scholarship Fund, S.I. Newhouse School, 215 University Place, Syracuse, N.Y. 13244. Checks should be made to the S.I. Newhouse School and include "Sheryl Nathans Memorial Fund" in the check's memo line.
Contributions may also be made to the Sheryl Nathans Children First Fund, in care of the Rape Crisis Center, 1065 James St., Syracuse, N.Y. 13203, or the Keystone Hospice, 8765 Stenton Ave., Wyndmoor, Pa. 19038.
