SU expands traditions with Homecoming 2003 celebration

SU expands traditions with Homecoming 2003 celebrationOctober 13, 2003Matthew R. Snydermrsnyder@syr.edu

At night, the Hall of Languages will be bathed in orange light with the uniquely orange expanse of the Carrier Dome glowing in the background. By day, bright orange banners and flags will be seen across campus. In the continuing revitalization of a celebration rich in tradition for the University community and its worldwide alumni network, Syracuse University will host Homecoming 2003 Oct. 13-19.

“Homecoming 2003 features a variety of activities that we think have a great deal of appeal for the entire campus community and our alumni as well,” says Ellen King, director of student events. “Again this year, we have received tremendous ideas and support from our students in developing a series of programs that not only offer social activities to unite the community through rich traditions, but provide educational programming that deepens students’ connections to SU.”

Several Homecoming events are free and open to the public, including: The parade at the Schine Student Center, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.; Carrier Dome pep rally, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.; fireworks on the Quad, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m.; and Orange Grove dedication on the Quad, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. Other highlights include the Orange Friendzy Pre-Game Bar-B-Q on the Quad, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m.-noon; and the SU football game against Boston College, Oct. 18 at noon in the Carrier Dome.

The festivities are co-sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Alumni Relations. This year’s honored reunion classes include the classes of 1973, 1978, 1983 and 1993. Events for alumni will include a Friday night party and Saturday pre-game festivities at the Carrier Dome.

“Homecoming continues to be an exciting tradition for our students, as well as for our alumni who return to SU to celebrate the traditions they enjoyed while they were students here,” says Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs.

Homecoming was first celebrated at SU in 1930, with the Orangemen facing off against Pittsburgh on the football gridiron. It was ten years before the next Homecoming; in 1940, SU revived the Homecoming football game and offered activities that would become traditions, including the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen.

Growing in popularity over the years, Homecoming grew to include parades, pageants and pep rallies, with student involvement so strong that at one point Homecoming was overseen by the sophomore class.

During the late 1950s, SU built a football rivalry with Colgate so fierce that the annual game was taken off the schedule, appearing for the last time in 1962. Homecoming survived through the 1970s and 1980s, complete with Kings and Queens, banner competitions, parades, picnics and dances. “Orangemania” was developed in the 1980s, but by the 1990s, Homecoming events were sporadic and largely viewed as Greek-only events.

Then, in 2002, Homecoming was once again celebrated campus-wide with a week-long schedule of events, including a pep rally, football game, banner competition, and sold-out kickoff concert. Organizers of this year’s events promise even more excitement. “It is evident from the activities planned across campus all week that the Homecoming traditions are alive and well, and truly an important part of Syracuse University life past and present,” says Wells.

Free public parking will be available on a space-available basis Friday after 5 p.m. in the Stadium, Henry, Fine and Standart lots west of the Carrier Dome and at Manley Field House. On Saturday, paid public parking will be available at Skytop. For more information, contact King at 443-9592 or suhomecoming2003@syr.edu, or Elaine Cardone in the Office of Alumni Relations at 443-3516 or sualumni@syr.edu.