The marching band will entertain during the Orange Central Homecoming Tailgate on the Quad.
Syracuse University 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 Tanner Lecture on Ethics, Citizenship and Public Responsibility 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 Arents Awards 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 Erica Branch-Ridley ’87; advertising agency principal Eric Mower ’66, G’68; scholar, teacher and administrator Shalala; and sports marketing guru Brandon Steiner ’81.
Additionally, the Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award will be presented to higher education advocate Molly Corbett Broad ’62, H’09 and the world’s oldest female marathon finisher, Harriette Line Thompson ’47, during a luncheon on Friday, Oct. 23, from noon to 2 p.m. at Drumlins Country Club.
The Generation Orange Award will be presented to Muss Akram ’10 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 Syracuse University 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 class of 1965 and the class of 1960. Special groups of alumni are also reconvening for Orange Central, including the College of Law, CitrusTV, Hendricks Chapel Choir, the Spirit Team, Study Abroad and the marching band.
When alumni arrive on campus, they are encouraged to visit the Orange Central check-in and registration area 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 campus shuttle tours. Tours will take place at various times during the weekend.
The week-long celebration will feature a special display in the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center honoring the Syracuse 8, the African American football players who protested racial discrimination within the football program. There will also be a discussion and signing of the newly published book “Leveling the Playing Field: The Story of the Syracuse 8” from 3-4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, at Huntington Hall Commons.
In the world of sports, the women’s soccer team will play Miami University at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, and then Wake Forest at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. The men’s soccer team will play North Carolina State at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22. All soccer games will be played the SU Soccer Stadium. The homecoming football game pits Syracuse against Pitt 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. Syracuse Homecoming 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 http://orangecentral.syr.edu.
In addition to special alumni reunions, highlights of Orange Central include:
SyracuseCOE Tour
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, contact Stacy Bunce at sbunce@syr.edu.
Department of Anthropology Speaker Series: Anita Fábos
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,” featuring Anita 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.
Dedication of the Spector Seminar Room
5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22
Bird Library, Lower Level
Join the Syracuse University Libraries for the dedication of the Spector Seminar Room in the lower level of Bird Library.
Syracuse Homecoming Showcase
8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22
Schine Student Center, Goldstein Auditorium
See performances from talented student groups at this annual showcase sponsored by the Traditions Commission.
Panel: The Current Status of Online Education at SU
9-10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 23
307 University College
Learn how Syracuse University 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.
Tree of 40 Fruit
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 the Tree of Forty Fruit. James will discuss Van Aken’s work, from its conceptual underpinnings through the fascinating grafting science that makes it possible.
Falk College Complex Tours
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
Walking Tour of Campus Art
10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 23
SUArt Galleries, Shaffer Art Building
Join David Prince, associate director of the Syracuse University 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.
Maxwell Complex Open House and Tours
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.
Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Luncheon
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 Molly Corbett Broad ’62, H’09 and concert pianist and marathon runner Harriette Line Thompson ’47.
Tours of Dineen Hall
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.
College of Law Mock Trial
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.
Forward March: SU’s Continuing Commitment to the Veteran and Military Community
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 Syracuse University graduate to be awarded the Medal of Honor. For more information, contact the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at 315-443-0141.
“Orange Tank” Student and Alumni Business Pitch Competition
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 http://whitmanhomecoming2015.eventbrite.com.
Syracuse 8 Book Talk and Signing
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 Syracuse 8,” 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 http://syracuse8.com.
WAER Open House
3-5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
795 Ostrom Ave.
Visit with the staff and learn about the latest news and updates.
Tanner Lecture on Ethics, Citizenship and Public Responsibility
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 or bdwalawe@syr.edu.
50 Years at Newhouse
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.
Former Student-Athlete Reception
4-5:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Manley Field House Lobby
Join Syracuse University 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.edu for more information. Register online.
Syracuse Law Honors Community Award Ceremony
6-7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
Melanie Gray Ceremonial Courtroom, first floor, Dineen Hall
College of Law alumni are invited to attend the Syracuse Law Honors Community Award Ceremony in Dineen Hall’s Melanie Gray Ceremonial Courtroom. Registration is required. For additional information, contact Kristin Pardee at 315-443-1339.
Arents Award Dinner
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 Erica Branch-Ridley ’87; advertising agency principal Eric Mower ’66, G’68; Shalala; and sports marketing guru Brandon Steiner ’81 will be honored for their professional accomplishments at a gala dinner at Goldstein Auditorium. Business dress. Cost is $50 per person.
Stargazing at Holden Observatory
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.
Generation Orange Celebration
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 Generation Orange Award!
Crouse College Chimes Tour
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.
Whitman Alumni Welcome Brunch
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 http://whitmanhomecoming2015.eventbrite.com.
Meet Teresa Dahlberg: Engineering and Computer Science Dean’s Breakfast
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.
Holtkamp Organ Presentation
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. Syracuse University 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.
Orange Central Homecoming Tailgate
Two hours before kickoff
Saturday, Oct. 24
Orange Central Homecoming Tailgate Tent, Shaw Quad
Catch all the excitement before kickoff and the Syracuse spirit on the Quad at the Orange Central Homecoming Tailgate. Enjoy delicious food, beverages, giveaways and a fun photo booth, as well as the marching band, spirit team and Otto.
SU Football vs Pitt
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.
Farewell Brunch
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.
Parent Advocacy Resources for Alumni: Tips, Tools, and Trends
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.
