SU is US

For those of you who have been requesting to view or read my commencement speech from last Sunday and before the full Commencement video is posted at commencement.syr.edu:

“Thank you Vice Chancellor Spina, Chancellor Cantor, Board of Trustee Chair Thompson, my fellow Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students, their families, and alumni near and far.

You’re probably thinking – another “words to the wise” sermon by an old-timer who is out of touch with the reality of life as a “boots on the ground” new graduate. Perhaps a couple of minutes for you to daydream or ponder, but not to listen attentively. No call to action. No profound statements to remember years from now.

For those who want to ponder, I will start with my “profound” words – Never forget your roots, and especially your SU roots.

I am referring to the connections you have to the most important things in your life – your family, some of whom who have sacrificed greatly for you to be here today, and your friends, who have been by your side through thick and thin.

I am also including the SU connections you have made while here – those you’ve met along the way and now consider your extended family. They have spent the last few years with you as you learned, explored, achieved and began to realize your dreams.

It doesn’t end here. If you continue to tend to those SU roots you worked hard to develop and nurture, they will grow and spread beyond your wildest dreams. Deep and thick, these roots will help you stand tall and support you during times when you feel shaken to the core.

This is what it means to be an SU alumnus or alumnae. We are everywhere. In every state, in many countries, in cities, suburbs and rural settings, in every profession and vocation, of every age, shape and size, and as diverse as the world itself. Not a day will go by in a major city that you won’t see someone wearing an SU logo. You are now part of our family and we are part of yours. We are strong and proud of our shared Orange heritage. As was seen and heard recently in New York City, Pittsburgh and Boston, wherever you go you will recognize and be recognized and likely hear the familiar “LET’S GO ORANGE.”

However, you shouldn’t simply sit back and reap the fruits of the generations before you, but get out there and add your voice to the chorus. Join your local alumni club, come back to campus for Orange Central and other events, and, when you are in a position, give back of your time, talent and, hopefully one day, treasure, to ensure that those who follow you will have the same great opportunities that you had. The most important thing is that you participate in whatever way you can. Who knows, one day you might be the next Newhouse, Whitman or Falk.

You are now part of Generation Orange – graduates of the past 10 years who are an energetic community of young alumni making a difference all over the world through their work, volunteer efforts, and day-to-day actions – bringing to life all they learned here.

Just make sure that your solid roots stay intertwined with ours. If you do, there is no limit to how tall you will grow and tower over others. And when you do, don’t forget to let everyone know that you got your start at Syracuse.

I am proud to be your alumni president and a trustee. However, I am even prouder to be your fellow alumnus. Now continue to make us all proud of you. Thank you, congratulations and good luck. And to those who are still pondering, now would be a pretty good time to start listening again.”

To see a video of the entire Commencement, click http://video.syr.edu/Video.aspx?vid=ncFyac2xKUmQUGPy8nY6qQ.

In addition to welcoming Aaron Sorkin (‘83) as who some have written is this year’s most anticipated commencement speaker, I am anxiously waiting to hear from the New York Yankees whether, for this year’s SU Day at the Yankees II on June 30^th (http://invite.syr.edu/suyanks/), where we expect a record “Orange” crowd of over 1,600, the Yankees will allow us to have notable Syracuse alumni participate by throwing out the first pitch and singing the National Anthem and God Bless America.

In considering candidates for the singing roles, I was reminded that SU can count among its alumni many famous Broadway, television and movie performers and industry “movers and shakers.” With many thanks to Timothy Davis-Reed, Professor of Practice, On-Camera Acting, of the SU Drama Department, as well as my good friend Jeffrey Comanici, Assistant Dean for Advancement of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and without further ado, let the “credits” role:

Broadway

Stephen James Anthony – Billy in War Horse; Rosie Benton – Kimber in Stickfly; Wayne Barker – Composer, Peter and the Starcatcher; Amelia Campbell – Eunice in A Streetcar Named Desire; Stephen Carrasco – Ensemble in Ghost, The Musical and Billy Elliot; Catherine Charlebois – Swing in Wicked (currently on tour as Nessarose); Van Dean – Producer, Evita, Gore Vidal’s The Best Man, Porgy and Bess, Chinglish, Bonnie and Clyde, and Catch Me if You Can; Adrea Goss – Ensemble in Once; Brad Koed – Biff and Happy cover in Death of a Salesman; Frank Langella – Gregor in Man and Boy; Marissa McGowan – Ensemble in Bonnie and Clyde; Jessie Mueller – Melinda in On a Clear Day (Jessie will also be in Into The Woods in Central Park this summer); Patti Murin – Lysistrata in Lysistrata Jones; Jen Namoff – Producer, How to Succeed . . .; Jay Russell – BBC Interviewer/Porter in End of the Rainbow; Sharone Sayegh – Ensemble in Mamma Mia; Emily Shoolin – Ensemble in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark; Brendon Stimson – Ensemble in Newsies The Musical; Josh Young – Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar; Blake Whyte – Ensemble in Mamma Mia; and Brian Zeilinger – Producer, Death of a Salesman and Catch Me If You Can; Television

Television

Taye Diggs – Series Regular, “Private Practice;” Reid Scott – Series Regular, “Veep” (new show on HBO); Vanessa Williams- Series Regular, “Desperate Housewives;” Neal McDonough – Series Regular, “Justified,” and New Series “LA Noir” created by Frank Darabont; Patti Murin (also Broadway) – Series Regular on the new Louis CK pilot that looks like it’s going to go to series; Kevin Michael Richardson – Voice of Cleveland Brown, Jr. on “The Cleveland Show” and Pantho on “Thundercats;” Tom Everett Scott – has had recurring roles on “Southland” and “GCB” this season and is the voice of Booster Gold on “Batman: The Brave and the Bold;” Aaron Sorkin – Creator and Executive Producer of “The Newsroom” debuting on HBO in June; Heather Dubrow – “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” – She was also a regular on “That’s Life,” “Stark Raving Mad” and “Jenny” before that under her stage name of Heather Paige Kent; and Evan Weinstein – is Executive Producer and creator of “Big Time” and a new reality series on ABC Daytime; his Assistant Producer on the show is Dana Abrams.

Movies

Neal McDonough (mentioned above) and Vera Farmiga are SU’s two biggest guns. Neal just completed The Philly Kid directed by Jason Connery (Sean’s son) and is in pre-production for Heartbreak Hill – which he also wrote – and for Nick Fury in which he will reprise his role as “Dum Dum Dugan” as part of the new Avengers franchise being produced by Marvel Studios and Paramount. Vera is currently filming the lead in The Warren Files with Patrick Wilson and has a film in post production and three in pre-production, including A Pure Life with Elle Fanning and The Locals with John Tuturro, Shirley MacLaine and Alan Arkin; Eric Bilitch just had his film Submarine Kidgreenlit to production this summer, which he wrote and is producing. It will be shot on the new 3D Sony cameras for a budget of about $15 million; and Tom Everett Scott who just finished shooting Parental Guidancewith Marissa Tomei and Billy Crystal.

As you can see from the above, my mantra “We Are Everywhere” also applies to the entertainment industry. It is a testament not only to the quality of the education and opportunities available at SU, but also the talent and energies of our fellow alumni who have chosen these career paths. So, the next time you are sitting in your seat taking in a play or musical, watching TV or at the movies, don’t be surprised to see one of these famous SU alums, who, like many of you, also got their start at Syracuse.

Congratulations to the Class of 2012 and welcome to the family of SU alumni!

Brian

The culture of philanthropy that has been developing at Syracuse University is so much more than the soon to be successfully completed Capital Campaign. It now begins with undergraduate students and continues with the newest generation of alumni who are poised to become the leaders of the future. This month I will focus on this new multi-generational spirit of giving back.

Generation Orange - Otherwise known as graduates of the last 10 years, this is a term that was coined in 2010 to capture, engage and activate the SU young alumni population. Now more than ever, the graduating classes leave SU and scatter all over the world. The youngest alumni need to know that, not only will there be other SU alumni wherever they land after graduation, other alumni, along with the University, will be there to support them. Staying engaged with SU following graduation can help GenOrangers expand their network, meet new friends and make new connections and “softly land” wherever they end up. It is also their gateway of connection to the University – whether they are interested in getting involved with a local club, being an admissions representative, mentoring an undergraduate, making a gift to the part of SU that they care about the most or simply finding other young alumni in their area. There are many Generation Orange events coming up. Check out http://www.syr.edu/alumni/Young%20Alumni.html or follow on twitter @SuGenOrange. Over the summer there will also be a series of SUccess in the City events nationwide, including in Boston, DC, Atlanta, LA, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago and more.

Student Philanthropy Council - The Council was started in the fall of 2010 with a goal of building a culture of philanthropy among the SU student body. A legacy of giving is seen in other schools across the country and SU needed to jump on the bandwagon. Modeled from Texas A&M’s Maroon coats, 15 student leaders (mostly juniors and seniors) who had a passion for and dedication to SU were assembled. They met and began planning how to create a culture of philanthropy with their peers and future students. The Council is also known for having started Tuition Runs Out Day last Spring 2011 to create awareness on campus that the SU education and experience is only partially covered by tuition and fees – approximately 85% of the way through the year donations and gifts to the University kick in and make that education and experience possible. The Council will host many of the Philanthropy Week (see below) events, particularly the Student Leaders Reception at the Chancellor’s Residence. When not planning for Philanthropy Week, Council members can be seen at Orange Central weekend and various events for faculty, staff and alumni wearing their now famous blue blazers with orange trim.

Philanthropy Week – Kicking off on April 9^th, SU will hold its Second Annual Philanthropy Week, a celebration of the fundamental importance of philanthropy at SU. Included among the week’s events are the Orange Circle Awards, which celebrate members of the Orange family who have dedicated so much of their time, treasure and talent to transforming communities near and far, and the Inaugural Phanstiel Lecture, named after Trustee Howard Phanstiel (‘70,‘71) and his wife Louise, which will feature John Wood, former Microsoft executive and founder of Room to Read. For more information visit campaign.syr.edu/special-groups/students/philanthropy-week

And, finally, for more information about the Capital Campaign, click  http://campaign.syr.edu/, and to make a donation, click https://secure.syr.edu/giving/.

I want to extend a special thanks to Helene Kahn ‘10 of the Office of Development for her help in preparing this post.

Happy spring and Go Orange!

Brian

Eighteen years ago, when my step-brother and I first opened our law firm, he ordered the then new craze – desktop computers!  As they were being delivered, he directed that one be installed in my office, to which I responded:  “That’s really not necessary. I won’t ever be using it.”  That reminds me of what President Rutherford B. Hayes said when he made a call from Washington, D.C. to Pennsylvania using that new strange device – Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone -  “An amazing invention, but who would ever want to use one?”

In my never-ending search for how those connected to Syracuse University changed the world for the better, I thought that this month I would report on some of SU’s more famous inventors and their inventions.  This is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but rather a sampling.  For those of you who may know others, feel free to leave a comment at the bottom.

Robert Jarvik (’68, H’83) – Dr. Jarvik invented the artificial heart – the Jarvik 7 – which was first implanted in a patient in 1982. He later became well-known for appearing in commercials for Lipitor.  He is married to Parade Magazine columnist Marilyn vos Savant and is the nephew of Dr. Murray Jarvick, the co-inventor of the nicotine patch.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Jarvik

Dennis Crowley (’98) – A graduate of the Newhouse School, Mr. Crowley co-founded Dodgeball, the predecessor of Foursquare, while attending graduate school at NYU.  Dodgeball was purchased by Google in 2005.  In 2009, he co-founded Foursquare, which offers location-based social networking services via mobile devices, and as of mid-2011 had over 10 million users.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Crowley

Federick J. Doyle (’51) – As Chairman of the NASA Apollo Orbital Science Photographic Team, Dr. Doyle worked on the development of the large format camera for space shuttle missions. Dr. Doye received his degree from the L.C. Smith College.

http://www.oprfhistory.org/explore_local_history/hometown_legends/science/doyle/default.aspx

Christopher T. Gentile (’81) – A graduate of the L.C. Smith College, Mr. Gentile worked on the development of the Nintendo Power Glove for the Nintendo video game system, the first 3D interactive input device. He is also credited for creating Disney’s “Ride The Comix”, the first immersive virtual reality theme park ride, and Cablevision’s VOOM, the first HDTV satellite system.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/ctgentile

Charles F. Brannock  – Mr. Brannock, who attended SU, was the inventor and manufacturer of the famous Brannock Device for measuring overall length, width and heel-to-ball length of the foot.  Invented in 1925, the instrument was a sales aid, but by ensuring more accurate fittings, the device also helped his customers alleviate or avoid foot problems due to ill-fitting shoes. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2007.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_F._Brannock

Mary Spio (’98) -  An L.C. Smith College graduate, Ms. Spio began her career designing, launching and operating communications satellites for PanAmSat.  She later invented and received several patents at Boeing for Customer Engagement and Demographic Targeting technology. This disruptive digital innovation has been used to redefine how major motion pictures are distributed to movie theatres worldwide by way of satellite transmissions. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Ocean’s 11, Planet of the Apes, Spy Kids and Monsters, Inc. are among the numerous ones that have been digitally delivered to big screens everywhere using technology she helped to pioneer.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/maryspio2

Amin Al-Ahmad (’92) – Another L.S. Smith graduate, Dr. Al-Ahmad is co-holder of the patent for an in-vivo physiological monitoring system that enhances the view of the heart during surgical procedures. Since joining the Stanford medical faculty in 2003, he has won the E. William Hancock Cardiovascular Medicine Teaching Award, been named a faculty fellow, and was appointed medical director of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory.

http://sumagazine.syr.edu/2010summer/alumnijournal/profiles/aminal-ahmad.html

After reading about these individuals, you can’t help but be so proud to have had the opportunity to study at the same institution that produced such shining examples of accomplishment and contribution to society.

Who among those recent graduates (our Generation Orange), students or soon to be students will be another famous inventor who got his or her start on the Hill?  The question is not if, but only when, that next great SU inventor will use her or his education to make a difference in the world.

Thanks for reading and Go Orange!

Brian

I’m sure you’ve heard of the marketing slogan “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” variations of which you can now see on t-shirts, hats and other mementos for almost every vacation and other destination. I even have a shirt from Aruba that says “What happens on the Island, stays on the Island.” Thank goodness that’s true.

The slogan made me think about those SU alumni who didn’t get enough “Orange” during their 4, 5 or more years of studies and either stayed at SU or returned “home” again to teach at or work for our beloved alma mater. These are truly special people who love SU so much that they could not leave or were drawn back to the Hill. This month I spotlight some of these amazing alumni:

Kelly J. Brown – Kelly received her B.S. in Public Relations in 2003, and is currently the Director of the Tina Press & David Rubin Career Development Center at Newhouse. She came back to Syracuse in 2007 because, as she says, “it is ‘home’ to me – My friends, family and great memories are here.” www.linkedin.com/in/kellyjbrown

Kim Brown – Kim graduated from both Newhouse and Arts & Sciences in 2006 with a dual major in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science. She is the Alumni Programs Coordinator for Career Services, which position she took in September 2010 after working as a reporter for WSYR-TV. “Being able to return ‘home’ to SU and create new memories as a staff member is incredible – there’s no other university I’d feel this passionate about,” said Kim. www.linkedin.com/in/kimbrown1

Jonathan J. Hoster - A 2002 graduate of Newhouse with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a 2011 graduate of the School of Education with a Master’s degree in Literacy Education, Jonathan returned to Central New York in 2006 and to SU in 2007. After four years as an Assistant Director in Admissions, he recently became an Undergraduate Recruitment Specialist in the L.C. Smith College. He has also served as President of the SU Alumni Club of CNY since 2008. Jonathan considers himself “a very proud and passionate SU alumnus,” which enable him to speaks to prospective students and their families “sincerely about the SU experience [he] lived and in which [he] strongly believe.” www.linkedin.com/pub/jonathan-hoster/1/97a/a65/

Binh Q. Huynh – Binh received his degree from Visual and Performing Arts in 2006 and never left, having begun working as a counselor in Admissions shortly after graduation. He is now working on his Master’s degree at Maxwell. Binh is currently the Director of the Summer College. He knew from the start that he “wanted to get into the world of admissions upon graduation,” and “couldn’t imagine going on the road talking about any other school besides SU.” Some of you may even remember Binh’s radio alter ego, Dr. Romeo. www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=29112663&trk&tab_pro

Helene M. Kahn – A 2010 graduate of Arts & Sciences/Maxwell with a degree in Policy Studies, Helene also never left SU. Soon after graduation, she started working as a Development Associate in the Office of Development, and has been instrumental in the development of the Generation Orange concept and in the formation of the Student Philanthropy Council. In her position, Helene feels as if she has “the opportunity to build relationships with young alumni and students that have an incredible passion for Syracuse University.” www.linkedin.com/pub/helene-kahn/13/537/294

Jeffrey Rubin – Jeff graduated in 1995 with a degree in Information Management & Technology and received his Master’s degree in Telecommunications & Network Management in 1997, both from the iSchool, and is another alumnus who never left. While getting his Master’s he started teaching as an Adjunct, which then turned into a career. He is now an Associate Professor at the iSchool. Also, in 1996, he started SIDEARM Sports (a web design firm) housed at SU. He is the CEO and over 550 college athletic programs across the U.S. and Canada license use his software to run their website. “From the moment I arrived on campus in 1991, Syracuse felt like home. The University and the Syracuse community has helped me in so many ways, that I have never thought of leaving,” said Jeff. www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyrubin

Bill Smullen – The U.S. Army sent Bill to SU as a Major for two full years (1972-1974) where he received his Master’s from Newhouse in Public Relations. In June 2003, Bill returned to SU to become Director of National Security Studies in Maxwell and with a dual appointment to teach Public Relations in Newhouse. When he returned, he was just shy of 30 years of service in the Defense Department, the State Department and working for General Colin Powell in private life in between the public sector jobs. He returned to SU when asked because he viewed this as his “season of giving back” and “an opportunity to pass along to future leaders lessons good and bad what [he] learned along the highway of life both professionally and personally.” See www.nss.edu for his bio.

Julie L. Walas - Julie is a 2007 graduate of Newhouse and Arts & Sciences with a dual degree in Broadcast Journalism and Policy Studies. Like her fiancé Binh Huynh, Julie also never left SU and took a position as an admissions counselor soon after graduation. She is now the Director of Undergraduate Recruitment and Student Engagement at the iSchool. Some may also know Julie as the mascot (Otto) coach. According to Julie, “SU and the Syracuse community have afforded [her] opportunities as a young professional that are unmatchable and [she’s] appreciated the autonomy, support and encouragement of [her] colleagues and the leadership [at SU].” www.linkedin.com/pub/julie-walas/5/b29/340

Kevin Wall – A 1994 graduate of Newhouse with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a 1996 Master’s degree holder in Health and Physical Education from the School of Education, Kevin first served as an Academic Advisor at University College for six years before becoming Director of Student-Athlete Support Services in the Department of Athletics for the past three years. “Working at SU allows me to help students in their growth and development, just as others helped m during my time as a student,” said Kevin. www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-wall/0/987/340

As the famous poet Maya Angelou said, “You can never go home again, but the truth is you can never leave home, so it’s all right.”

The common thread among these alumni is that they will always consider SU their “home,” a place where they were nurtured and received not only a great education, but also grew as individuals and citizens. These are alumni who, like many of us, feel passionate about their alma mater, but have decided to “give back” by devoting their professional life to the generations of students who followed them. Thank you for your hard work, dedication and devotion, and for allowing us to get to know a little bit more about each of you.

Brian

“The ancient Romans had a tradition: whenever one of their engineers constructed an arch, as the capstone was hoisted into place, the engineer assumed accountability for his work in the most profound way possible: he stood under the arch,” said Michael Armstrong. While Syracuse University may not have a tradition exactly like this one, at least not to my knowledge, it does have other traditions that have continued for many years and that serve as a strong and unique bond between the past, present and future.

This past September, I reported on some of the more well know traditions, including the Color Orange, Otto the Orange, The Number 44, Homecoming (now known as Orange Central), the Kissing Bench, the Crouse Chimes and the SU Seal. It was the most viewed post of the year, and was the subject of a record 266 views on one day! Because there are so many SU traditions, I promised another post (or two) featuring other favorites. How many of these do you remember?

The Alma Mater - The Alma Mater was written by Junius W. Stevens in 1893 and was first sung under the title “Song of Syracuse” by the University Glee and Banjo Club on March 15, 1893. As Stevens, Class of 1895, recalled, “While I was walking home across the city, 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.” And we are glad he did.

http://syr.orgsync.com/sutraditions

The Goon Squad - A tradition at Syracuse University that dates back to the 1940s. The Goon Squad consists of volunteer upperclassmen who assist new students and their families as they move into residence halls and at other events throughout the orientation program. In addition to unpacking vehicles and moving in new students, Goon Squad members also answer questions and provide campus directions to new students and their families throughout the Syracuse Welcome program. You may also recognize members by their bright orange (unique) shirts.

http://orientation.syr.edu/volunteers/

The Golden Horseshoe - On November 13, 1915, a cheerleader, Charlie Stiemke, picked up a golden horseshoe that had been thrown on to the field by a person attending a game. He threw it over the goal and SU beat Colgate 38-0. Since then, it became a tradition the men’s head cheerleader tosses a golden horseshoe over the goal to the women’s head cheerleader. If she catches it, SU will win.

National Orange Day - It 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 Relations, this day has hopes of being a legacy for years to come. Most alumni clubs plan special events for or surrounding National Orange Day, so please check with your local club to participate.

http://syr.orgsync.com/sutraditions

The Orange Grove - Located adjacent to the Quad, the Orange Grove is comprised of orange hewn granite pavers engraved with the names of SU friends, fans, faculty, staff, and alumni. This picturesque campus landmark is a permanent tribute to those individuals who have made SU the outstanding institution it is today.  The Founders Walk is part of the Orange Grove and is comprised of large pavers that encompass the perimeter of the Grove. In November 2011, in recognition of its popularity and prominence on campus, the Orange Grove was expanded by one-third.  If you are interested in purchasing a paver, please click on the link below.

www.orangegrove.syr.edu

The Hendricks Chapel Steps - The steps are the traditional gathering place of students and others wishing to raise matters of community concern. In the 1970s students protested the Vietnam War and pushed for racial and gender equality; in the 1980s students opposed the apartheid regime in South Africa; in the 1990s students took a stand against sweatshop labor that led to changes in the college apparel industry; and, in September 2001, thousands came together for a vigil in response to the attacks on 9/11.

Let’s not end it here. Please send to me at spectorb@syr.edu any other notable SU traditions that you would like me to feature in the third and final installment.

On a separate, but important, note, thank you to those of you who responded to my request last month to include SU in your charitable giving plans during the holiday season.

I truly appreciate you reading my blog, and welcome your comments and suggestions.

Go Orange!

Brian

With the successful and enjoyable events of Orange Central and the celebration of Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, our attention is now focused on the holiday season and the end of another year. Most of us have much for which to be thankful. However, this is the time of year when we need to remember those less fortunate or who suffered setbacks during 2011. Each of us may know someone who lost a job or a beloved family member, or who faced the challenge of a sickness or illness in their family. Also included are those for whom affording to attend college or stay in college has become difficult or impossible. This is where each of us can do our part to help those in need.

As you make decisions regarding your own charitable priorities this year, please consider making a gift to Syracuse University to ensure that current and future students continue to enjoy the same quality education and experience we each had. As they say, it’s not the size of the gift that counts, but instead that you give.

There are so many choices, but it all begins with The Fund for Syracuse, the University’s primary resource of annual unrestricted support from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends. The Annual Fund, administered by the Chancellor, provides the necessary flexibility to fund those areas of greatest need, and is vital to the health and continued growth of the entire University. The Scholarship Fund gives the Office of Financial Aid flexibility in awarding additional aid to those students whose families face unexpected challenges in providing for their children’s studies at Syracuse. Gifts to any of the schools, colleges and academic units allow the Deans and Directors to take advantage of emerging opportunities, and address unforeseen challenges within their respective units. You may also direct your support to the Library, Hendricks Chapel, among others.

Ever wonder how your gift might be used? Here are just some examples:

• $85 will provide one non-fiction book for the SU Library.
• $150 will provide overnight accommodations for a guest lecturer.
• $200 will provide one electronic microscope for a biology lab.
• $500 will provide travel to a national tournament for a mock trial team member.
• $1000 will provide one workstation in a computer cluster.
• $6000 will fund one Dean’s Scholarship for a year.

However you choose to allocate your annual support, all gifts to The Fund for Syracuse provide ready resources to ensure that students continue to receive every opportunity for growth at SU and solid preparation for lifelong success.

How do you give to SU? Just follow the link givetosu.syr.edu.

Also, for more information on giving to The Fund for Syracuse, please visit fundforsyracuse.syr.edu, or e-mail your questions to giving@syr.edu

For those with more financial capability, there are opportunities to endow a scholarship or professorship, and other naming opportunities. For additional information on these, see campaign.syr.edu or contact Tammy Schlafer at tsschlaf@syr.edu.

I am sure that you will feel good about making your gift and spreading holiday cheer Orange style. Thank you and happy holidays!

Brian

No, there isn’t an Otto Hall on the SU campus, at least not yet. However, there are many buildings on campus, the origins of the names of which you may not know. In my ever shrinking spare time I was wondering who some of these people are and how they are associated with the University. Here is a small, but interesting, sampling of what I found:

Holden Observatory – The second building on campus after the Hall of Languages and a national landmark was named in memory of Charles Demerest Holden, an 1877 graduate who died in 1883. Mr. Holden’s father was the first Vice-President of the Board of Trustees and a prominent Syracuse merchant. There was actually a plan to move it to the top of Mt. Olympus, but it was never realized. In 1991, it had to be moved slightly to make room for Eggers Hall.

Carnegie Library – Named after Andrew Carnegie, who in 1905 informed SU that he was willing to donate $150,000 for the erection of a university library provided the University raised an equal sum as an endowment for up-keep of the library. The University raised the required endowment in little over a month, with the largest share being contributed by John D. Archbold (who also donated $300,000 to cancel the mortgage on the University Block given to build the Gymnasium named after him). Do you know what else was named after him?

Slocum Hall – In 1915, as a memorial to her father, a former State senator from Onondaga County and a pioneer in urging systematic and scientific agricultural education, Mrs. Russell Sage donated $300,000 to the University for the construction of a building to house the Joseph Slocum College of Agriculture.

Hendricks Chapel - Named for Francis J. Hendricks, former Mayor of Syracuse, Assemblyman, State Senator and Republican leader of Onondaga County, who died in June 1920. Hendricks, a member-at-large of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees from 1895 to 1920 and member of the Forestry College Trustees from 1913 to 1920, left the University $500,000 for the erection of a memorial chapel in memory of his deceased wife, Eliza Jane Hendricks.

Heroy Geology Laboratory - Named for William B. Heroy, an internationally known petroleum geologist and a 1909 graduate of SU. Heroy was director of the Institute for the Study of Earth and Man at Southern Methodist University, Dallas. He gave stocks worth $1 million, which subsequently doubled in value, toward the cost of the building.

Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center – Former the DKE fraternity, in the spring of 1996 plans for the Center were announced. The renovated and expanded facility encompasses the previous Faculty Center and is also the home for the Office of Alumni Relations. Fall 1997′s Homecoming Weekend marked the Halloween dedication paying tribute to the donors, including naming donors Alfred and Ann Goldstein.

For additional information about these buildings and other existing and former (lost) SU buildings on and off campus, see:

http://archives.syr.edu/buildings/

In preparing this post, I couldn’t help but be amazed at how many of the campus buildings would not be there but for the vision and generosity of alumni and other donors.

There is still plenty of space available on the Hill for a new SU building for you to name in honor or in memory of someone special.

Finally, I look forward to seeing those of you who will be attending Orange Central on November 10^th-13^th. If you see me, please make sure to say hello. For those who have not yet done so, you may still register at:

www.orangecentral.syr.edu

Thanks so much for checking out my blog.

Go Orange!

Brian

The tradition of Homecoming has its origins in alumni football games held at colleges and universities since the mid-19th century. Many colleges make claim to having the first Homecoming, including Missouri, Illinois and Baylor. Homecomings usually include a football game, a parade with the marching band, a Homecoming King and Queen and their court, and other activities for alumni and students.

At Syracuse, there was always a Homecoming in the fall of each year, and Reunion (for classes celebrating their 5^th, 10^th, 15^th, etc. anniversary) after the end of spring semester. Some time ago, Reunion for classes 25 years and older was moved up to the fall and combined with Homecoming. Beginning in 2007, all of the class reunions were held in the fall in conjunction with Homecoming and the weekend became known as Homecoming+Reunion.

In 2009, the weekend was re-branded as “Orange Central,” and has continued as such through this year. In addition, Orange Central has expanded to include more affinity reunions and to recognize key groups and themes, including this year’s focus on the military, health and wellness and sustainability. Also this year, Senior Alumni Celebration (for classes 50 years and older) was held on a separate weekend (September 9-11, 2011).

Orange Central has evolved into an action-packed weekend of events that offers something for every SU graduate. In addition to visiting campus to reminisce and marvel at all the changes, renew old connections and make new ones, and enjoy an autumn weekend in beautiful Upstate New York, there are so many interesting and exciting events from which to choose. I hope you will join 2011 co-chairs Emme ’85, supermodel, television personality, author, and advocate for positive body image and self-esteem, Jeff Glor ’97, a CBS correspondent who has covered some of the major stories of the past decade and now is the news anchor on CBS’s The Early Show, and Roosevelt “Rick” Wright G’93, associate professor who for more than 35 years has taught radio and television at Newhouse, at many of these events, which include:

Thursday, November 10^th - Board of Trustees new Trustee Induction, and a One on One Interview of Sean O’Keefe, former NASA Administrator and a 2011 Arents Award winner, by Orange Central Co-chair Jeff Glor.

Friday, Novermber 11^th – Tribute to Veterans, Remembrance Scholar Rose Laying Ceremony and Convocation, Orange Central Parade, Orange Central Pep Rally, Orange Central Bash featuring the Orange Circle Awards, and the SU v. South Florida football game.

Saturday, November 12^th, Breakfast with the Deans, Mind-Body Wellness, Healthy Living for Today Program, Arents Awards Luncheon honoring Oren Lyons, Sean O’Keefe, Rick Fedrizzi and Joanne Alper, Generation Orange Reception, Affinity Reunion Receptions, and the SU v. Fordham men’s basketball home opener.

In addition, Alumni Club Presidents will be holding their meeting and Alumni Admissions Representatives will be holding their bi-annual meeting during this weekend. Having served as a club president and still as an admissions representative, I want to personally thank these dedicated alumni for their hard work, dedication and passion.

Please check back at www.orangecentral.syr.edu for updated information and to register.

Thanks again for checking in. Hope to see all of you at Orange Central. Feel free to drop me a line at spectorb@syr.edu. Until next month, Go Orange!

As many of us remember from the opening song in Fiddler on the Roof, tradition plays a very important role in life. The history of Syracuse University is steeped in tradition. My goal this month is to share some of the more famous ones. A few months from now, I will blog about other memorable and continuing SU traditions.

As writer Gayle Jones once wrote:

“When you tell a story you automatically talk about traditions, but they’re never separate from the people, the human implications. You’re talking about your connections as a human being.”

When speaking about SU traditions, we also talk about the “people,” specifically, the generations of students who preceded and followed us as we earned our orange stripes, and how we are all connected based on these common bonds. As I have said, “SU is US.”

The Color Orange – In 1890, orange became the official color of SU, the first college to adopt only one official color. It was chosen to represent the golden apples of Hesperia – the story of the sunrise and hope for a golden future. Orange replaced the original dashing school colors – rose pink and pea green. However, the specific hue of orange was not established until 1908, when a shade between blood orange and Princeton Orange was selected. Blue has been used as an official accent color.

http://www.syr.edu/futurestudents/undergraduate/gettoknowus/sutraditions2.html

Otto the Orange – Some think that Otto has been around forever. But, it was not until 1976, upon the retirement of the Saltine Warrior, when Otto was born, not until 1985, when an SU Bookstore buyer sketched Otto that its identity took shape, and not until 1995 when, under student pressure, Otto was formally declared the official mascot (its name winning over “Opie”). Today, our beloved mascot can be found at most sporting and other events entertaining young and old and on many items of clothing on campus and off.

http://www.syr.edu/futurestudents/undergraduate/gettoknowus/sutraditions2.html

http://archives.syr.edu/exhibits/spirit_athletics.html

The Number 44 – A revered number at SU. Since 1954, three football players have worn the number and earned All-American honors – can you name them? Did you know that one recently returned to campus to join the Athletic Department? In basketball, two players wearing this number broke scoring records. Who are they? And, the University’s zip code was even changed to 13244 and telephone prefixes became 442 and 443.

http://www.syr.edu/futurestudents/undergraduate/gettoknowus/sutraditions2.html

http://archives.syr.edu/exhibits/spirit_athletics.html

Homecoming (now Orange Central) – This is probably one of SU’s largest traditions on campus. It has served as a weekend every fall to foster a “coming home” environment for alumni and to allow them to reconnect. The name and events have changed throughout the years, most recently when Reunion (which had been in the spring) was combined with Homecoming in 2007 to become Homecoming+Reunion, and then renamed Orange Central in 2009. However, it continues to be a very special weekend and usually includes a football game, pep rally and parade. Also held that weekend are the Arents Awards (the highest award given to alumni) ceremony and Orange Bash during which the new Orange Spirit Awards are bestowed. This year’s Orange Central will be held on November 10-13, 2011. http://www.syr.edu/alumni/events/orangecentral/

The Kissing Bench – Donated by the Class of 1912, this smooth stone bench sits of the west lawn of the Hall of Languages. It earned its name because of the tradition that held that couples who kiss on the bench will eventually marry each other. What a great place for a guy to propose!

http://archives.syr.edu/exhibits/spirit_social.html

The Crouse Chimes – Installed in 1889 and renovated in 1981, the chimes are rung twice a day and on special occasions. John Crouse purchased the bells on May 25, 1889 from the Meneely Bell Company in Troy, NY. For 54 years the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity played them, including the alma mater at 5:00 p.m. every day. In 1943, when DKE brothers went to fight in World War II, their sister sorority Alpha Phi took over. Today, the Chimemasters, a recognized student organization, oversees the playing of the melodic bells.

http://www.syr.edu/futurestudents/undergraduate/gettoknowus/sutraditions2.html

The SU Seal - “Suos Cultores Scientia Coronat,” translated, means “Knowledge crowns those who seek her.”　 The University’s first seal was most likely adopted in 1871. In 1945, Keith J. Kennedy designed another seal, closely related to the image on this page, which was executed by W. A. Dwiggins.

http://www.syr.edu/futurestudents/undergraduate/gettoknowus/sutraditions2.html

Thank you to those who responded to my request for input for this post. The next volume of traditions will include some other favorites such as the Goon Squad, The Daily Orange, The Onandagan, National Orange Day, the Orange Grove, freshmen beanies, the golden horseshoe, the Hendricks Chapel steps, Mayfest, Orange Aid, placard cheering, Winter Carnival, Colgate Weekend, the Varsity banner flip after a football win, Block Party, Senior Celebration, and, of course, our Alma Mater. Please e-mail me at spectorb@syr.edu with any others I may have missed or to share with me your memories of SU traditions.

Don’t forget about CBT X on September 22-25, 2011 (www.syr.edu/alumni/progdev/cbt/), and Orange Central on November 10-13, 2011(http://www.syr.edu/alumni/events/orangecentral/). I hope to see you during one of these exciting weekends.  Also, for some great articles and information check out SU Magazine (http://sumagazine.syr.edu/) and ‘Cuse Chronicle (www.syr.edu/alumni/newsletters/cusechronicle/2011/201108.html).

Until next month, I wish you all the best.

Go Orange!

Brian