Syracuse University has a rich history of traditions dating back to 1870. Traditions include our Alma Mater, Fight Song, Crouse Chimes, Goon Squad and more. Remembering the past and where we came from gives us grounding and where we are today. Embrace the history of this great University and take part in our traditional events throughout the year!
Helping to maintain traditions on campus is the Traditions Commission (TC), a long standing student organization. TC supports traditions like Homecoming, Winter Carnival, National Orange Day, and more. This organization works with both Student Experience and Alumni Engagement to keep traditions alive and to support events for alumni and students.
If you would like to sign up to our listservs for Homecoming, Winter Carnival, Senior Celebration or the Traditions Commission, please email sutraditions@gmail.com to get information and get involved. We are always looking for new ideas and new students. Bring your friends along and join in the fun of keeping these rich traditions alive on campus.
Some Orange Traditions
Syracuse University’s Alma Mater, under the title Song of Syracuse, was first sung in public on March 15, 1893, by the University Glee and Banjo Club. Written by Junius W. Stevens, Class of 1895, recalled “…while I was walking home across the city — I lived in the northerly section — an idea for the song came to me. I had often noticed how the setting sun lighted up the walls of Crouse College long after dusk had fallen over the city and the valley. As I walked through the empty streets the words of a song took shape in my mind. By the time I reached home, the song was finished.”
Where the vale of Onondaga
Meets the eastern sky
Proudly stands our Alma Mater
On her hilltop high.
Flag we love! Orange! Float for aye-
Old Syracuse, o’er thee,
Loyal be thy sons and daughters
To thy memory.
Crouse Chimes were first installed in 1889 and renovated in 1981, the Crouse Chimes are rung at least twice a day and again on special occasions. John Crouse purchased the bells on May 25, 1889, from the Meneely Bell Company in Troy. For 54 years, the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity played them, including playing the Alma Mater at 5 p.m. every day.
Down, down the field goes
old Syracuse,
Just see those backs hit the line
and go thro’
Down, down the field they go
marching, Fighting for the Orange
stuanch and true.
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Vict’ry’s in sight for old Syracuse,
Each loyal son knows she
ne’er more will lose,
For We’ll fight, yes. we’ll fight,
and with all our might
For the glory of Syracuse.
The Goon Squad was named after a group of students that historically were involved in helping students move into the residence halls, planning Homecoming Weekend, and organizing Moving Up Day. An orange stripe was painted down the middle of University Avenue all the way to Erie Boulevard to help incoming students find their way to campus.
Since 1954, nine football players have worn the #44; three earned All-American honors (Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little). In basketball, two players (Derrick Coleman and John Wallace) wearing the same number broke scoring records. To reflect the importance of #44, the University’s zip code changed to 13244 and phone prefixes to 442 and 443.
In 1995, after the Traditions Commission recommended changing the mascot to a wolf, students petitioned the chancellor to keep the Orange the official mascot. On Dec. 4, 1995, Otto the Orange became the University’s official mascot thanks to a proclamation by Chancellor Kenneth Shaw. “Though some might say we sacrificed a more powerful image with this decision, I believe that, with the orange, we retain a unique position in college athletics”, Shaw said. In May of 1997, students, alumni, faculty and staff, voted to retain the original drawing of Otto as the official representation. The original mascot, an Indian warrior, of the University got its name from Syracuse being the salt city and because Syracuse is the home of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. Still located on the Quad, the statue of the Saltine Warrior, a gift of the class of 1951, was sculpted by Louise Harriet Meyers. The warrior stayed as the mascot until 1978 when American Indian students complained that the mascot was offensive. For a time, a Roman Gladiator served as the mascot and students even proposed the Abominable Orangeman, an orangutan and Egnaro the Troll. For nearly 40 years, the brothers of Lamba Chi Alpha served as the Saltine Warrior, SU’s original mascot.
National Orange Day began on March 24, 1994, in commemoration of SU Founders Day. Alumni from around the world are asked to show their pride by sporting the color orange on the University’s anniversary. SU students and others participate in service oriented activities. Organized by the Traditions Commission and the Office of Alumni Engagement, this day has hopes of being a legacy for years to come.
Orange became the University’s official color in 1890 when Syracuse became the first college to adopt only one official color. The original school colors, rose pink and pea green, adopted in 1872 were not popular. Orange was chosen to represent the golden apples of Hesperia; the story of the sunrise and the hope for a golden future. Blue is used as an unofficial accent color.
Orange Central is Homecoming plus Reunion and so much more! For a complete listing of all Orange Central events please visit the Syracuse University Alumni Association website.
There are many ways to get involved with Orange Central, from helping decorate to being on the planning committee! No prior experience is necessary, just come and help us plan exciting events for this year! If you are interested in being on the planning committee, please email the Student Engagement Team at stactivities@syr.edu.
Annually, the Royal Orange Court is composed of seniors who represent Orange spirit in their academic, co-curricular and community involvement. Below is a brief history of those selected to Royal Orange Court (formerly Homecoming Court). Those bolded were crowned Orange royalty.
2022
- Jordan Pierre – Senior Royal
- Adia Santos – Queen
- Ronny Ditchek – King
- Matthew Hassan
- Diane Benites
- Grismeldys Beato
2020
- Bradley Frederick
- Victoria Munley
- John McCabe
- Nick Julian
- Matthew Quezada
- Samuel Harasimowicz
- Domonique Charles
- Camille Sosa
- Karis Felton
- Miriam Joyce
2019
- Oladeji Awe
- Andrea Roque
- Shawn DePaz
- Tyler Youngman
- Scott Bingle
- Andrew Regalado
- Alyssa Pizzi
- Sarah Crawford
- Allie Westbrook
- Marielle Gomez
- Alexandra Jennerjahn
2018
- Danny Higgins
- Katie Dills
- Jazzi-Blue Baker
- Quincy Nolan
- Shazif Shaikh
- Audra Linsner
- Ryan Patel
- Elizabeth Tarangelo
- Evan Lewis
- Abigail Covington
2017
- Brandyn Munford
- LaNia Roberts
- Bella Carter
- Charles Keppler
- Darriea Clark
- Jaqueline Page
- Jen Sweet
- Malcolm-Ali Davis
- Michael Lehr
- Obi Afriyie
2016
- Bilal Vaughn
- Miracle Rogers
- Andrew Martini
- Andrew Ramos
- Beth-Elle Schussler
- Jennie May
- Jonathan Godron
- Khianna Calica
- Liam Sullivan
- Nedda Sarshar
2015
- Kavell Brown
- Nina Rodgers
- Chris “Speedy” Morman
- Emily Malina
- Jane Hong
- Kanique Swinson
- Kara Sheplock
- Lauren Green
- Nick Aliquo
- Paul Haramis
2014
- Kevin Claffey
- Jen Bundy
- Andy Pregler
- Carly Cott
- Emily Ballard
- Ivan Robles
- Jack Kaczmarczyk
- Rachel Wolsky
- Regina King
- Ricky Zaffuto
2013
- De’Marcus Woods
- Ciara Schoenauer
- Benjamin Glidden
- Colin Brown
- Danielle McCoy
- Janine McElhone
- Jennifer Bacolores
- Jonathan Gregalis
- Michael Emer
- Molly Nelson
2012
- Kevin Belbey
- Lauren Meadors
- Andre Sadler
- Chelsea Marion
- Chloe Slade
- Harris Maidenbaum
- Lawrence Jackson
- Rodney Fleming
- Stephanie Kranz
- Whitney Clinkscales
2011
- Darryl White
- Stevie Jasuta
- Alex Rogers
- Anna Stolzenburg
- Calvin Iverson
- Firdaus Arastu
- Katie Walpole
- Lookman Mojeed
- Nick Deyo
- Samantha Hay
2010
- Justin Cole
- Chasity Cooper
- Aaron Hudson
- Beth Anne Kieft
- Christopher Brown
- Danielle Sutton
- David Baer
- Kendell Bryant
- Mary Cappabianca
- Nina Elias
2009
- Darren Goldberg
- Jillian Zarem
- Alec Sim
- Caitlin Guthoff
- Katie Hudson
- Lissette Silva
- Melissa Russ
- Mark Zito
- Sean Haley
- Wyan Smith
2008
- Matt Abdifar
- Shannon Feeney
- Ben Youngerman
- Emily Thompson
- Helen Koutsourades
- Ian Solomon
- James (Jimmy) Bell
- Megan Lange
- Sammy Kanter
- Shannon McLouglin
2007
- Dan Klamm
- Alana Edmunds
- Fern Langham
- Kayleigh Minicozzi
- Lauren D’Angelo
- Matthew Correia
- Mike Curtis
- Nick Huertas
- Nick Natario
- Nicola Jones
2006
- Dennis Jacobs
- Alex Askew
- Becky Daniels
- Brandon Mathieu
- Bryan Dumas
- Clarence Cross
- Julie Walas
- Kiana Cornish
- LaMonica Falkquay
- Paul Hanus
Winter Carnival is a tradition that dates back to 1930, Winter Carnival historically offers outdoor and indoor activities, including human dog sled races, ice-carvings, chili cook-offs, snow sculptures, and other events that coincide with Syracuse Winterfest.
Senior Celebration is one of the final festivities for seniors to get together with fellow classmates and friends in celebration of their time at Syracuse University! Senior Celebration takes place on the Thursday before graduation.