SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)— Thousands of undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral candidates tossed their caps at Syracuse University’s wide commencement ceremony at the JMA Wireless Dome. But for one SU grad, Ava Poleta, today’s celebration wasn’t just about finishing college but continuing a family legacy.
More than 60 years ago, Ava’s grandparents, Victoria and Ed Mantie, first met each other on campus. It was an accidental class, a car ride, and eventually a long and deep connection, sharing their love for each other and Syracuse. The couple returned to the 315 this weekend to watch their granddaughter graduate from the same Alma Mater.
Ava is not the only grandchild to attend Syracuse; her older sister graduated in 2018, and is now engaged to another Orangeman she met at college…