Planning for Syracuse University’s 150th Anniversary Enters New Phase, Steering Committee Seeks Volunteers

Syracuse University’s Sesquicentennial Steering Committee has moved forward in designing a distinctive and inclusive plan to celebrate the University’s upcoming 150th anniversary. Since its appointment in November 2017, the committee has met monthly to develop a framework for bringing the yearlong celebration to life, a plan which was recently presented to and endorsed by Chancellor Kent Syverud.

“Reflecting on our past and defining our future is what celebrating our sesquicentennial is all about,” says Chancellor Syverud. “Since our founding, Syracuse University has been a pioneer in academia, transforming lives and leading change in so many different ways. That rich history and our bold, forward-looking spirit will chart our course long into the future. I am grateful for the steering committee’s enthusiasm and progress and am confident our sesquicentennial celebration will capture the essence of what it means to be Orange.”

Sesquicentennial events will celebrate Syracuse University’s storied past and present, while highlighting the University’s future built upon innovation and collaboration. Anniversary activities will bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and supporters across the globe in four areas of focus:

• Student life;
• Academics and research;
• Arts and culture; and
• Local, national and global community engagement.

The 150th celebration officially begins in July 2019, building momentum throughout the academic year toward the official founding anniversary on March 24, 2020. The celebration will continue through June 2020.

In the short term, the steering committee will reach out to engage the University community and establish volunteer groups, will continue to identify existing programs and events to be integrated into the celebration, and will provide ongoing updates on the framework to execute the sesquicentennial plan.

“As the appointed co-chairs of the 150th steering committee, we are grateful to the committee for its work over the past few months,” says Bea González, steering committee co-chair and vice president of community engagement. “We are most excited to include the campus community in the planning efforts.”

“We have much to celebrate and honor at Syracuse University as we reflect on the past 150 years—and look ahead to the next 50, 100, 150 and beyond as we continue to develop our master plan for the year-long celebration,” says Sue Ballard, steering committee co-chair and vice president of alumni engagement.

Students, faculty and staff interested in learning more about the steering committee and its upcoming activities can contact co-chairs Bea González at bgonzale@syr.edu or Sue Ballard at sjballar@syr.edu.

Further details and requests for volunteers will continue throughout the fall semester.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://syracuse.edu.