Syracuse: It's Everywhere   Whenever I’m outside the confines of Central New York and folks ask where I’m from, chances are they know of Syracuse—usually as either the place that gets all the snow or as the home of the Dome (which they’ve seen on TV looming against the gray sky) and Syracuse University.       There are times, however, when an inquirer is less than skilled with New York State geography, so I go through a well-rehearsed routine and throw out all sorts of landmarks to guide the inquisitive one to the Salt City: Central New York, I say, between Buffalo and Albany. Where Interstate 81 and the New York State Thruway intersect. Near the Finger Lakes. I also like to say “upstate New York,” just so I can explain that Syracuse is nowhere near New York City; what they usually consider upstate—say, Westchester County—is downstate to me.       But after working on this special summer issue profiling 44 SU alumni, I have a new answer to where Syracuse is: It’s everywhere. After all, at last count, there were more than 200,000 alumni scattered around the globe. And, without meandering into the metaphysical, I dare say that Syracuse is a state of mind. Anyone who has spent time here won’t forget it. Syracuse travels with them, secure in their memory. Hopefully, fond recollections of campus life, college friends, the city and surrounding area, and an enduring education stick with them—although I’m sure thoughts of snow always pile up in the memory bank too. In fact, anytime I talk with alumni, questions about the weather inevitably come up. And I can always detect a sense of glee in their attitude when they realize they’re soaking up sun and clear skies somewhere pleasant, while I’m usually staring out the window at snow (except now, I hope, because it is June).       What amazes me most about SU alumni, though, is how they’ve carried Syracuse out into the world—or, should I say, into their worlds. I’m forever pointing out alumni in the news to friends and family. “See that?” I ask. “Another one from SU.” In fact, it’s gotten to the point where I almost expect people to be SU alumni.       In this issue, you’ll meet alumni from around the globe. In no way is this a comprehensive collection of SU’s star graduates. There are too many of you to fit in one issue. Instead, I look on this as a sampling of alumni who have distinguished themselves through hard work and a commitment to their causes and professions, people who are passionate about what they do. Some you’ll immediately recognize because they’ve been in the spotlight of pop culture; others you’ll meet for the first time. It’s an intriguing mix too—there’s an Alaskan wildflower artist, a Ringling Bros. clown, and a terrorism expert. There are also advocates, ambassadors, architects, entrepreneurs, and writers. And that’s just a partial list.       I could go on, but I’ll leave that to you—to explore these pages and join us in celebrating the accomplishments of your fellow alumni and friends. Who knows, maybe you’ll locate an old floor mate, someone you used to sit next to in biology class, or a fellow graduate that you knew was destined for stardom.       And the next time someone asks you where Syracuse is, say it’s everywhere—just look for the Orange.   Jay Cox Editor