Syracuse University

Syracuse University, often called "Cuse" or "SU," is a private research university in Syracuse, New York. It was founded in 1870 and has roots in the Methodist Episcopal Church, though it became nonsectarian in 1920. The campus, located in the University Hill neighborhood, features a beautiful mix of old and new buildings.

The university has 13 schools and colleges and is known for its strong research programs. Its athletic teams, called the Orange, compete in 20 sports and are part of the Atlantic Coast Conference, except for men's rowing and women's ice hockey. Many famous people have been connected to Syracuse University, including former President Joe Biden and winners of Academy, Emmy, and Grammy Awards.

History

Founding

The history of Syracuse University begins with the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded in 1831 in Lima, New York. Over time, this grew into Genesee College. However, the college sought a new location and eventually moved to Syracuse in 1870, becoming Syracuse University. The city provided support, and the university opened its doors in 1871.

Expansion

From its early days, Syracuse University grew quickly. It added new programs and buildings, including one of the first architecture programs in the U.S. and the first Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Generous donations helped the university expand, and it became known for its strong programs in various fields.

Modern

After World War II, Syracuse University became a major research institution. With more students returning to study, the university added new programs and campuses. It continued to grow and develop into the twenty-first century, facing challenges and changes along the way.

1988 crash of Pan Am Flight 103

On December 21, 1988, a terrible event happened when Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed over Lockerbie, Scotland. Thirty-five students from Syracuse University were among those who died. The university held a memorial and special events to honor them each year.

Twenty-first century

In recent years, Syracuse University has faced various challenges, including incidents of harmful language and symbols on campus. Students have worked together to address these issues and make the university a better place for everyone. The university continues to evolve and support its community.

Campuses

The university is located on a large campus with many different types of buildings, from older ones built in the 1800s to newer, modern designs. The center of campus has green spaces, paths for walking, and art, giving students a nice place to relax. The campus looks out over downtown Syracuse, a city with about 150,000 people.

The Main Campus, also called North Campus, holds most of the classrooms and student homes. The main square, called The Quad, is surrounded by important buildings. Many students live in campus housing, and first-year students must stay on campus. There are many places to eat, including dining halls and cafes. There are also theaters for performances.

South Campus is a bit farther away and has more homes for students, plus places like an ice skating rink and art spaces. Downtown Syracuse has some university programs, including design classes, in buildings that were once warehouses. The university also has offices and learning centers in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C.

The university has many art pieces, including famous works by artists like Picasso and Rembrandt, shown around campus. Students can see art in galleries and also study special collections of rare items in the university libraries.

Academics

Syracuse is a big research university where many students live on campus. Most students join the four-year program that includes both arts and sciences and professional studies. The university also has many graduate students and does a lot of research work.

Popular majors at Syracuse include Communication, Journalism, Social Sciences, Business, Visual and Performing Arts, and Engineering. The university has over 200 majors to choose from and offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral degrees. Students can also study abroad in more than 40 countries.

Research

Syracuse University is known for its strong research work. It is one of the top universities in the United States for research activity. In 2019, the university spent over $154 million on research projects, placing it 136th in the country. Researchers at Syracuse study many important topics, including business, science, engineering, education, and the environment.

The university has many special centers for research, such as the Burton Blatt Institute, which helps people with disabilities, and the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, which has several centers for business studies. In 2015, Syracuse researchers helped discover gravitational waves for the first time, a major scientific achievement. The university also works with famous science labs around the world. In 2022, it started a new center in Washington D.C. to study ways to improve democracy and trust in news reporting.

Syracuse University Press

The Syracuse University Press focuses on many areas of study, including cultures from the Middle East and Native America, peace studies, Irish and Jewish cultures, New York State, television, and sports. It was started in 1943 and is part of a group of leading university presses in the United States.

Student life

Syracuse University has students from all 50 US states and over 127 countries. About half of the students are women, and many come from outside the United States.

Media

CitrusTV is a student-run television studio at the university. There are also many student magazines and newspapers, such as The Daily Orange, which has been published since 1903. WAER is a radio station that plays jazz, news, and sports. Other student radio stations also exist.

Student government

The Student Association represents undergraduate students and elects leaders each year. Graduate and law students have their own groups too.

Fraternities and sororities

The university has many fraternity and sorority groups that follow fair rules for all members.

Syracuse University Ambulance

Syracuse University Ambulance is a student group that helps with medical emergencies on campus. It started in 1973 and now has many volunteers who help keep students safe.

Programming board

University Union plans fun events for students, like concerts and movies. The Goon Squad helps welcome new students.

Spiritual life

Main article: Hendricks Chapel

Hendricks Chapel is a place where students can meet for many different kinds of spiritual groups. There are also other places on and off campus for students to gather.

Campus food

The university has many places to eat, including dining halls and cafes. Some of these places have won awards for their food. Students help share extra food with people who need it, and they grow some of their own vegetables too.

Athletics

Main article: Syracuse Orange

Syracuse Orange

Syracuse University's sports teams are called "the Orange." They have eight men's teams and twelve women's teams. Popular teams include men's and women's basketball, football, and men's and women's lacrosse. These teams play in the JMA Dome, also called the Carrier Dome. Other sports play at Manley Field House, except for ice hockey, which is at the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion. Most teams compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Syracuse has won 31 team national championships. The men's lacrosse team has won 14 titles, and the men's rowing team has won six. The men's basketball team, led by coach Jim Boeheim, has won many games and a national championship in 2003. The football team won its first national championship in 1959.

Syracuse began playing lacrosse in 1916 and has won many championships since then. The women's lacrosse team reached the national championship game for the first time in 2012.

JMA Dome

Main article: JMA Wireless Dome

In the late 1970s, Syracuse University needed a better stadium for its football team. The old Archbold Stadium was too small and could not be expanded. So, the university built the Carrier Dome, which opened in 1980. It could hold many fans and also became the home for the men's basketball team.

In 2022, the Carrier Dome was renamed the JMA Wireless Dome after a naming rights deal. The Dome has had many upgrades, including a new fixed roof, air conditioning, better Wi‑Fi, and new seating. These changes make it a modern sports venue for fans to enjoy games.

Alumni

For a more comprehensive list, see List of Syracuse University people § Notable alumni.

Syracuse University has over 260,000 alumni from all 50 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, and more than 171 countries and territories. Many famous people have attended or graduated from the university. Some well-known alumni include Joe Biden, the 46th president of the United States, and Kathy Hochul, the 57th governor of New York. Others include Aaron Sorkin, a playwright and screenwriter, and Eileen Collins, the first woman to command a Space Shuttle. The university also counts Carmelo Anthony, a basketball player, and Dick Clark, a television host, among its graduates.

Alumni have made their mark in many fields. In politics and public service, there is Donna Shalala, a politician and academic. In sports, notable names include Donovan McNabb, a former football player, and Carmelo Anthony, a basketball player. The university has also produced accomplished journalists and broadcasters such as Bob Costas and Ted Koppel.

Affiliations

Affiliated institutions

State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Main article: State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

The College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) works closely with Syracuse University. They share many resources and have campuses right next to each other. ESF was started in 1911 and was once part of Syracuse University. Now, ESF is its own school, but students from both can take classes at the other school. They also share libraries, sports facilities, and student clubs.

State University of New York Upstate Medical University

Main article: State University of New York Upstate Medical University

This medical school used to be part of Syracuse University but became separate in 1950. The two schools are close to each other and offer some joint programs together.

Formerly affiliated institutions

State University of New York at Binghamton

Main article: Binghamton University

Binghamton University started in 1946 to help veterans returning from World War II. It was first a branch of Syracuse University. In 1950, it joined the State University of New York system.

Utica University

Main article: Utica University

Utica University was founded by Syracuse University in 1946. It became independent in 1995 but still has a special relationship with Syracuse University.