The marching band will entertain during the Orange Central Homecoming Tailgate on the Quad.
鶹ƵUniversity welcomes hundreds of alumni and family members back to campus during the annual Orange Central homecoming, Oct. 22-25. The events calendar is rich with activity, including a roster of student events beginning Oct. 19.
Scheduled activities feature tours, informative lectures and the chance to reconnect with former classmates. Some of the highlights for the week include the annual sports matchups, tours of new university buildings, a Crouse Chimes tour and Holtkamp organ presentation, stargazing at Holden Observatory, a presentation about the Tree of 40 Fruit and the talk by Donna Shalala, G’70, H’87, president and CEO of the Clinton Foundation and former Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Several outstanding alumni will be honored during Orange Central. The will be presented during a gala dinner from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, 
Oct. 23, in the Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium. The honorees are Emmy Award-winning media executive ; advertising agency principal ; scholar, teacher and administrator ; and sports marketing guru .
Additionally, the will be presented to higher education advocate and the world’s oldest female marathon finisher, during a luncheon on Friday, Oct. 23, from noon to 2 p.m. at Drumlins Country Club.
The will be presented to during the Generation Orange Celebration on Friday, Oct. 23, from 9-11 p.m. in the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center. The award honors alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years and have made an impact on campus and in their communities through their volunteer work and philanthropy on behalf of the University.
“Orange Central is such a special time, because it brings our whole 鶹ƵUniversity family together. Alumni can reconnect, reminisce about their student years and take in all the beauty and energy of our campus, which constantly changes but stays rooted in tradition,” says Mark Verone, University Alumni Association president. “Many of the events and activities are also open to our current students, and alumni love to meet them, hear about what they’re studying and share stories.”
Classes celebrating special reunions this year include the and the . Special groups of alumni are also reconvening for Orange Central, including the , CitrusTV, , , and the .
When alumni arrive on campus, they are encouraged to visit the in the Panasci Lounge, Schine Student Center. Alumni can pick up name badges, alumni buttons,weekend program guides and last-minute schedule updates before heading out across campus. University volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions. Also, alumni can sign up for . Tours will take place at various times during the weekend.
The week-long celebration will feature a special in the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center honoring the 鶹Ƶ8, the African American football players who protested racial discrimination within the football program. There will also be a of the newly published book “Leveling the Playing Field: The Story of the 鶹Ƶ8” from 3-4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, at Huntington Hall Commons.
In the world of sports, the women’s soccer team will play at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, and then at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. The men’s soccer team will play at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22. All soccer games will be played the SU Soccer Stadium. The homecoming football game pits on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Carrier Dome.
Several scheduled student events sponsored by the Traditions Commission give students a chance to celebrate SU traditions and show their Orange pride with free food, T-shirts, prizes and more.
Among the student Orange Central activities are Slice of Orange Days Monday and Tuesday in the Schine Student Center. A Traditions Commission Trivia Night will be held Wednesday. 鶹ƵHomecoming Showcase, featuring student performance groups, will be held Thursday, and a “Lip Sync Battle” on Friday. On Saturday, University Union and the Traditions Commission will present Broad City, featuring Comedy Central stars Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer (tickets available at Schine Box Office). The Homecoming King and Queen will be announced at this event.
More information on Orange Central events can be found at .
In addition to special alumni reunions, highlights of Orange Central include:
11 a.m.-noon and 1-2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
727 E. Washington St.
Join the staff of the SyracuseCoE for a tour of their state-of-the-art research facility. SyracuseCoE is New York State’s Center of Excellence for Environmental and Energy Systems. Tours will be led by Ed Bogucz, executive director of the Center of Excellence. To register, contactStacy Bunce atsbunce@syr.edu.
4-5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22
Dr. Paul & Natalie Strasser Legacy Room, 220 Eggers Hall
Join the Department of Anthropology for “New ‘Bad Girls’ of Sudan: Women Singers in the Sudanese Diaspora,” featuringAnita Fábos, associate professor of international development and social change in the Department of International Development, Community and Environment at Clark University.
Sports, SIDEARM, and the iSchool: A Perfect Partnership
5-6:30 pm., Thursday, Oct. 22
335 Hinds Hall
How do 823 NCAA, D1, D11 and other teams interface with thousands of fans through mobile, websites, social media and live streaming? Learn how one company, SIDEARM Sports, and its founder/president/CEO, Jeff Rubin ’95, ’98, bring IT, sports and students together in a unique partnership with the iSchool.
5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22
Bird Library, Lower Level
Join the 鶹ƵUniversity Libraries for the dedication of the Spector Seminar Room in the lower level of Bird Library.
8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22
Schine Student Center, Goldstein Auditorium
See performances from talented student groups at thisannual showcase sponsored by the Traditions Commission.
9-10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 23
307 University College
Learn how 鶹ƵUniversity is responding to the national demand for online education. Join experts from the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the iSchool, Newhouse School, University College, and the Whitman School of Management as they address the current status of online course and program offerings and their plans to compete in a global market.
9-10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Shaw Quad
Imagine 40 different fruit varieties growing on a single tree. Stephanie James, director of the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ School of Art, will stand in for Sam Van Aken, sculptor and VPA professor, and the man behind theTree of Forty Fruit. James will discuss Van Aken’s work,from its conceptual underpinnings through the fascinating grafting science that makes it possible.
9-11:30 a.m. and 2-4:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 23
After more than three years of planning, Falk College’s five academic departments and its administrative offices have been combined in the new site of the Falk Complex at MacNaughton and White halls, formerly the College of Law. Tours will be led by students, faculty and staff of Falk College and will depart on the half-hour from the main lobby
10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 23
SUArt Galleries, Shaffer Art Building
Join David Prince, associate directorof the 鶹ƵUniversity Art Galleries, for a fascinating look at the many art treasures on the SU campus. Tour will begin and end at the SUArt Galleries in the Shaffer Art Building.
Tours depart at 10, 10:45 and 11:30 a.m.
Friday, Oct. 23
Refreshments will be available for alumni throughout the afternoon. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact Norma Shannon at 315.443.5504 or nshannon@syr.edu.
Noon-2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Drumlins Country Club
A special luncheon for all alumni who have already celebrated their 50th reunion, especially those from the classes of 1940, 1945, 1950, 1955 and 1950, and to recognize the recipient of the Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award. This year’s recipients are American Council on Education President and concert pianist and marathon runner
2-5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
100 Dineen Hall
A decade in the planning, Dineen Hall is truly a game changer for the College of Law. The 200,000-square-foot, five-story, state-of-the-art Dineen Hall brings the entire college into one inviting space, creating a real community for legal education in the 21st century and beyond. Tour the building that opened in 2014 and is already listed among the 50 most impressive law school buildings in the world.Meet student tour guides outside of the Cole Admissions and Financial Aid Suite, Room 100.
2-5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC Courtroom, Ground Floor, Dineen Hall
All are welcome to attend the Mock Trial hosted by the Moot Court Honor Society.
2-4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Institute of Veterans and Military Families, 150 Crouse Drive
This open house at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families will highlight the late Sergeant William Shemin ’24, the first 鶹ƵUniversitygraduate to be awarded the Medal of Honor. For more information, contact the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at 315-443-0141.
3-6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Grand Hall, Whitman School
Ten pre-selected teams of Whitman students and alumni will compete before a panel of judges and the alumni audience. Awards will be presented to winning teams. Register to attend at
3:30-5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Sharon H. Jacquet Education Commons, Huntington Hall
To coincide with the publication of the SU Press book “Leveling the Playing Field: The Story of the 鶹Ƶ8,” the School of Education presents a book talk and discussion, followed by a book signing. Written by David Marc, the book is a compelling human drama that touches not only on race and sports, but on generational conflict, American cultural history, the ability of institutions to cope with change and the struggle of individuals for personal dignity. Books for purchase will be available at the event and at the University bookstore or at
3-5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
795 Ostrom Ave.
Visit with the staff and learn about the latest news and updates.
3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Maxwell Auditorium
This year’s Tanner Lecture on Ethics, Citizenship, and Public Responsibility features Donna Shalala ’70 M.S.Sc./’70 Ph.D. (S.Sc.), former president of the University of Miami and president and chief executive officer for the Clinton Foundation, who will present “Ethical Leadership in Higher Education: Who Wants This Job Anymore?” Reservations for the lecture are not required. For more information, contact Bethany Walawender at 315-443-5850 orbdwalawe@syr.edu.
4-5:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium, Newhouse 3
Join us for a reception celebrating the Newhouse School’s 50th anniversary. To RSVP, please contact Amanda Griffin at algri100@syr.edu.
4-5:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Manley Field House Lobby
Join 鶹ƵUniversity Athletics for the second annual Athletics alumni homecoming reception. Come visit your former teammates, as well as Athletics coaches and staff. This event is complimentary, but limited to only former athletes and their families. Contact the Orange Club at 315-443-1419 or oclub@syr.edufor more information.
6-7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Melanie Gray Ceremonial Courtroom, first floor, Dineen Hall
College of Law alumni are invited to attend the 鶹ƵLaw Honors Community Award Ceremony in Dineen Hall’s Melanie Gray Ceremonial Courtroom. is required. For additional information, contact Kristin Pardee at 315-443-1339.
6-9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center
This event celebrates all alumni and honors recipients of the George Arents Award.
Established in 1939, the George Arents Award is the University’s highest alumni award. It is presented annually to recognize the extraordinary achievements of alumni who are pioneers and leaders in their fields. This year, Emmy Award-winning transmedia executive advertising agency principal and sports marketing guru will be honored for their professional accomplishments at a gala dinner at Goldstein Auditorium. Business dress. Cost is $50 per person.
7:30-9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Holden Observatory
Join physics faculty and graduate students for a rare opportunity to climb the winding staircase and gaze at the stars through the historic 1887 telescope found in the Holden Observatory.
9-11 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center
Party with Otto, stock up on Orange swag and enjoy delicious food and drinks at this free event. We’re celebrating Generation Orange, our graduates of the last 10 years, and honoring Muss Akram ’10 with the
8, 8:15, 8:30, 8:45, 9 and 9:15 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Tours depart from 301 Crouse
Join the VPA and the Setnor School of Music for an exclusive tour of the Crouse College Chimes. Your Chimemaster tour guide will take you to the highest heights of Crouse College to see and hear the 10 bells that compose the “Chimes of Crouse.” Sign-up is required and limited to 12 guest for each time slot. Tours will be 10-15 minutes each, and guests can also visit Setnor Auditorium to hear the Holtkamp Organ while in Crouse College. Please note that this tour requires steep staircase climbing and walking. Check-in for your time slots will be in 301 Crouse.
8:30-10:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 24
Grand Hall, Whitman School
All Whitman alumni are invited to gather in the Grand Hall from 8:30-10:30 a.m. for food, beverages and assorted activities, including a Whitman School update, building tours and a presentation by members of the ENACTUS team. Register at
9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 24
Sandra & Avi Nash G’77 Classroom for Collaboration, 369 Link Hall
Dean Teresa Dahlberg hosts a breakfast gathering for College of Engineering and Computer Science alumni and friends. Come visit, chat with students and catch up with the college while reuniting with faculty, staff and fellow alumni.
9-9:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 24
Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College
Join VPA and the Setnor School of Music for an exclusive tour of Crouse College’s historic Holtkamp Organ. 鶹ƵUniversity Organist Annie Laver will take visitors on a historical trip featuring an up-close and personal visit with the Holtkamp Organ housed in Setnor Auditorium. The presentation will be from 9-9:30 am, and the organist will be available from 8:30-10 am for questions and conversation about the organ.
Two hours before kickoff
Saturday, Oct. 24
Orange Central Homecoming Tailgate Tent, Shaw Quad
Catch all the excitementbefore kickoff and the 鶹Ƶspirit on the Quad at the OrangeCentral Homecoming Tailgate. Enjoy delicious food, beverages, giveaways and a fun photo booth, as well as the marching band, spirit team and Otto.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Carrier Dome
Come cheer on the Orange football team in Saturday’s big ACC matchup with the Pittsburgh Panthers. In addition to the game, you can watch as members of the alumni cheerleaders join today’s cheer squad on the field for the festivities.
8:30 a.m.-noon, Sunday, Oct. 25
Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center, Second Floor
A last chance to visit with old friends and new acquaintances. Cost is $15 per person; reservations required.
10:30 a.m.-noon, Sunday, Oct. 25
Sharon H. Jacquet Education Commons, Huntington Hall
University alumni and School of Education experts share tools and resources to support inclusion for children and students with disabilities of any age.
