Brace yourself, “The Blizzard” is coming this Saturday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. as the student section fills the JMA Wireless Dome dressed in white as the Orange men’s basketball team takes on N.C. State.
This special effort from Otto’s Army, Syracuse University’s student section, is a partnership with the Forever Orange Student Alumni Council (FOSAC) to highlight the importance of giving back.
Gregory Slodysko ’24, president of Otto’s Army, emphasizes what the organization means to the University’s student-athletes.
“If you’ve ever seen some of the post-game interviews for football or basketball, often either our coaches or the opposing team’s coaches mention how much Otto’s Army affects each and every game. […] No team wants to play ’Cuse at home, and a large part of that belief is thanks to Otto’s Army.”
On Saturday, students will be wearing Blizzard T-shirts with QR codes on the back that lead to a link to make a gift that will go directly to Otto’s Army.
“All money raised will go directly to Otto’s Army so we can continue to improve the student section for years to come. For this reason, giving back is important because it allows Otto’s Army to remain one of the best college student sections in the nation,” Gregory says. “In the past, we have used the money raised to help fund our bus trips so that we can turn critical away games into home games and support our Orange on the road. Giving back for the Blizzard game this year will continue to help us grow and improve the gameday experience for all Syracuse students.”
For the Class of 2024, the gifts are especially meaningful. A gift of at least $24 in honor of their class year means the student will receive special cords at Commencement to show that they gave back.
“Those who give back bring students to Syracuse University. Without them, many students wouldn’t be able to come to school here. FOSAC helps remind the campus community of those who brought them here, whether it be alumni or donors they’ve never met,” says Megan Edenfeld ’25, president of FOSAC. “We encourage students to take pride in being part of the Orange family and help maintain the spirit that draws so many to SU. By fostering student-alumni connections, FOSAC empowers students while also reminding alumni that they will forever have a place in the Orange family”
The Blizzard is forecasted for Saturday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. in the JMA Wireless Dome.
“If you plan to attend this game (student or not), please wear white and prepare for the snow. Let’s ice out the dome next Saturday,” Gregory says.
Can’t join us in the JMA Dome? Here’s how to support Otto’s Army with a gift.
Story by Laura Verzegnassi ’25
