Your Guide to Syracuse University's Orange Central Alumni Weekend

Syracuse University's Orange Central, formerly known as homecoming week, is a special time when alumni return to campus to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate their shared Syracuse experience. This guide provides an overview of the events and activities planned for the weekend, offering something for everyone who wants to relive their college days and create new memories.

Signature Events

Senior Alumni Brunch

Celebrate the graduating classes of 1962 and 1972 at the Senior Alumni Brunch, held at Drumlins Country Club. Alumni and current students can enjoy a meal together, browse through old yearbooks, and take photos with Otto the Orange. The brunch is a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. The Senior Alumni Brunch is $30, with special prices for Early Orange ($25) and those under the age of 21 ($10).

Syracuse University Alumni Awards Celebration

Celebrate the accomplishments of SU alumni at this special event. The George Arents Award recognizes alumni who are trailblazers or leaders in their fields and is considered the university’s highest honor. The Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award is awarded to senior alumni who have demonstrated exceptional loyalty and service. The Military/Veteran Alumni Award goes to alumni who have shown extraordinary service and achievement, either during their time in the military or in careers they built after their service. The Syracuse University Alumni Awards Celebration will adhere to a cocktail-attire dress code.

Orange Central Tailgate

Get game-ready at the Orange Central Tailgate, which features giveaways, food, and photo opportunities. Meet Otto the Orange and the Marching Band before they head off to the SU vs. Wagner College football game.

Academic and Intellectual Engagement

"Student Voices in Print" Exhibition

View the “Student Voices in Print” exhibition and meet Meg Mason, the archivist behind the curation. The exhibit showcases student contributions such as articles, poetry, fiction, illustrations, and cartoons. Mason will be available to provide background information and answer questions about the exhibit.

Read also: SU and the City

Back in the Classroom Lectures

Orange Central offers a series of classroom-setting lectures, highlighting alumni successes and post-graduation opportunities. Examples include:

"Broadway Bound" with Ben Holtzman and Sammy Lopez: Unpack the story and writing process behind their play, "How to Dance in Ohio."
"Connecting Indoor Air Quality to Health Safety" with Jensen Zhang and Bing Dong: Discuss strategies, limitations, and approaches to improving indoor air quality.
"Career Connections: Students and Alumni": Explore how to navigate career resources and opportunities. There will be two sessions on Friday, each lasting 45 minutes.

Stargazing Tours at the Holden Observatory

Graduate students from the Department of Physics will host stargazing tours at the Holden Observatory. Admission is free to all.

Special Collections Research Center’s Fall Exhibition

Visitors can explore the Special Collections Research Center’s Fall exhibition “Architectural Origins: Syracuse University Buildings, 1870-1970,” on the 6th floor of Bird Library.

Reunions and Gatherings

Brad Rubin Alumni Celebration

Hear the story of SU alumnus Brad Rubin, who graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in architecture. This celebration is geared toward those who got involved during their years at SU - Greek life, the SU Art Museum, the LGBTQ Resource Center, SU Bands and media outlets, to name a few.

Shaw Quadrangle Cookout

Head to the Shaw Quadrangle for a cookout featuring traditional cookout foods, balloon art, a photo booth, and caricatures. Designated tables will host alumni in reunion years.

Read also: History of Bird Library

Athletic Events

Syracuse University vs. Wagner College Football Game

Head to the JMA Wireless Dome to support the SU football team as they take on Wagner College.

Block S Club Weekend

The Block S Club Weekend brings Syracuse Athletics alumni together for a weekend dedicated to connection, celebration, and shared tradition.

Block S Club Registration Headquarters: At the Block S Club Registration HQ on Friday, you will receive your name badge which you will need to access the weekend events, along with branded swag, snacks, drinks, an opportunity for photo ops with athletic gear, and more. Complimentary parking is available in the Comstock Lot at the John A. Lally Athletics Complex. Shuttle service is also available to take you to and from the Dome if preferred.
Esports and Gaming Center: On Friday, former athletes are invited to experience the Esports and Gaming Center inside Schine Student Center on the second floor! Explore 24 state-of-the-art PCs, gaming consoles, racing simulators and VR stations-or enjoy a classic game with friends in our tabletop gaming area.

Library Events

Orange Central Student Startup Showcase

The LaunchPad in Bird Library will host an Orange Central Student Startup Showcase. Alumni are invited to engage with Blackstone LaunchPad creative and innovative student entrepreneurs.

“Make Your Own Book” Workshop

The Libraries will host a “Make Your Own Book” at Bird Library. The Preservation Librarian and staff and students from the Access & Resource Sharing department will instruct attendees on how to make a customized book.

Practical Information for Block S Club Weekend

Game Tickets: Information on how to claim complimentary game tickets.
Parking: Complimentary parking is available for the Women's Lacrosse and Women's Basketball games in the West Lot, Raynor Lot, and Irving Garage. Paid parking is available for the Men's Lacrosse game in the West Lot.
Discounts: Information about discounts available with the Block S Club name badge.
Family Friendly Activities: Information on family friendly activities available besides the lacrosse and basketball games.
Women's Basketball Pregame Hospitality: If you registered for the Women's Basketball Pregame Hospitality, you will receive your drink tickets outside of Club 44 on Sunday at 12:30 pm.

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