Syracuse University looks forward to an exciting fall 2026 on campus featuring Family Weekend (Oct. 16-18) and Orange Central Homecoming Weekend (Nov. 6-8).

Family Weekend, coordinated by , is set for Oct. 16-18. Students have the opportunity to show off campus to their families during a weekend that features a variety of programs highlighting the Syracuse University student experience. This year, the Orange football team will host Louisville on Saturday, Oct. 17, during Family Weekend.

�ճ����’s Orange Central Homecoming Weekend, including Law alumni, is set for Nov. 6-8, when the Orange host Clemson in the JMA Wireless Dome. Additional details and hotel block information will be released in the coming weeks.

Syracuse University is also planning on-the-road programs and/or ticket blocks as the Syracuse Orange head to away games across the country. Details will be shared as soon as they are available.

The University welcomed more than 1,000 alumni, friends and their families back to campus over the weekend to celebrate our community, our incredible spirit and school pride during Orange Central Homecoming Weekend 2025.

There was excitement in the air for Homecoming Weekend. Relive the magic below through photos that capture the memories, connections and good times.

For more fun moments, browse the Orange Central photo album on the .

Nearly a century ago, Edward Joseph Rimkunas ’40 donned a blue and orange uniform to lead the Syracuse University Marching Band. Now, decades later, the uniform is returning to the public eye, displayed for the first time by the during .

The uniform—which consists of a jacket, pants and drum major baton—is a recent acquisition by the archives, which is part of the Special Collections Research Center in the Syracuse University Libraries. And while the repository has other marching band uniforms, the one that belonged to Rimkunas is the oldest in the archives’ collection. He wore it during his junior and senior years, around 1938 to 1940, and it was donated in the last year by his grandson.

Despite the passage of time, the uniform’s detailed stitching and vibrant colors remain.

University archivist says she’s excited to bring the uniform to Orange Central, which runs Friday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 19.

“It’s a beautiful piece, and it’s in such wonderful condition,” she says.

, Rimkunas was born in Hoosick Falls, New York, and was the leader of his high school band. At Syracuse, he played trumpet in the University Marching Band before being promoted to drum major. He also served in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (ROTC) and was a member of the ROTC honorary society, Pershing Rifles.

A business administration major, he graduated in 1940 from the University with a bachelor of science. He changed his last name to “Richards” after leaving campus, and in 1948, he founded Richards Insurance, now known as , according to the archives. He died in 1994.

A 1940 University yearbook mentions Rimkunas “strutting down the field in front of the band.” An accompanying photo captures the jubilant drum major, his head thrown back and his knee up in a high step, toe pointed down to the ground.

“Besides photographs and newspaper clippings, there aren’t many materials that document the marching band from the late 1930s to early 1940s,” Mason says. “So it’s really special to not only have the uniform with all its brass buttons, but also to connect it to a specific student. This item documents not only something about the history of the marching band but also the experience of a student at Syracuse University.”

The uniform will be displayed during Orange Central in room 304ABC of the Schine Student Center at the archives’ table, where alumni can see other historical memorabilia and materials and learn about the current in the .

Mason says the University Archives tables at campus events like Orange Central for “lots of different reasons.”

“First, we want alumni to be aware that the University Archives exists—that documenting the history of SU, which is also their history—is important,” she says. “Additionally, I hope to inspire curiosity about SU history. If alumni know about us and what a valuable resource we are to the University and to them, as well as how we use our collection material for research, instruction and exhibitions, then they may be inclined to donate something of their own that documents their time on campus.”

Mason had one such interaction with an alum last year, tabling at the Senior Alumni Reunion, where the archives typically does a large pop-up exhibition. The University Archives has a “substantial number” of freshman beanies—the caps first-year students were expected to wear most of the year, from about the late 19th century to about 1970—in  the archives’ Memorabilia Collection.

“The Goon Squad was originally established to enforce this, they were not as helpful as they are now,” Mason says. “Upperclassmen could tell first-year students to tip your hat and they would have to tip their hat out of respect. It put them in their place, but also, it was a great way for other freshmen to find each other. So they knew they weren’t alone.”

Last year, Mason put out a Class of 1963 beanie at the reunion’s pop-up exhibition. An alum from the Class of 1964 came up to the table and asked why there was no cap for her year.

“I was like, ‘We don’t have one,’” Mason said. “And she said, ‘Do you want one?’”

The alumna later sent a ’64 beanie to the archives.

Interactions like those are how the archives often gets donations from alumni, Mason says, but she added that it is also just enjoyable to showcase fun items from the collection during campus events.

“The table or a pop-up exhibition encourages alumni to relive a bit of their past here, and it often generates conversation between staff and alumni, who share their own memories of being students on campus,” she says. “I often learn from them about University history, and I often take notes!”

If a former student or their family has an item related to their time at the University they are interested in donating, they are encouraged to reach out to the Special Collections Research Center by emailing scrc@syr.edu.

Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate your Orange pride! It’s time to sign up for , Oct. 17-19.

Syracuse University alumni are invited back home for an amazing fall weekend packed with tradition, connection and a celebration of what it means to be Orange. Whether you just graduated or it’s been years since you’ve stepped on campus, this year’s homecoming promises something special for every member of the Orange family.

Highlights include Forever Orange Friday, a family-friendly celebration that will make history as the first homecoming event to take place in the brand-new Miron Victory Court at the JMA Wireless Dome. From 6-9:30 p.m., alumni and their families can enjoy food and drinks, snap photos with Otto, create game day crafts with Arts at SU students and watch the Syracuse University Marching Band rehearse right on the Dome turf. Plus, learn about some of our amazing student organizations and find out how you can support the cool things they’re doing!

Start Saturday morning with our Homecoming Alumni Breakfast in the Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium from 8:30-10:30 a.m. This signature gathering brings together alumni, current students and leaders from across the University. Collect stamps on your “One University passport” by visiting booths representing the University’s schools and colleges to earn an exclusive, clear game day tote bag!

Get to cheer on the Orange against Pittsburgh at the JMA Wireless Dome (kickoff time TBA). Get ready for the game at the Orange Central Homecoming Tailgate on Shaw Quad beginning 2.5 hours before kickoff. This festive, pre-game celebration features classic tailgate fare, game day giveaways and a special performance by the Marching Band on the steps of Hendricks Chapel one hour before game time—a homecoming tradition that brings together generations of Orange pride.

Many signature experiences—including Forever Orange Friday, the Homecoming Alumni Breakfast and the Orange Central Tailgate—offer special pricing for Generation Orange recent graduates.

, take advantage of our before they sell out and get ready to come back to your forever Orange home away from home!

For the complete schedule of events, registration information and football ticket details, visit .

Syracuse University looks forward to an exciting fall 2025 on campus featuring Family Weekend (Sept. 26-28) and Orange Central Homecoming Weekend (Oct. 17-19).

Family Weekend, coordinated by , is set for Sept. 26-28. Students have the opportunity to show off campus to their families during a weekend that features a variety of programs highlighting the Syracuse University student experience. This year, the Orange football team will host Duke on Saturday, Sept. 27, during Family Weekend.

The Orange Central Homecoming Weekend, including Law alumni, is set for Oct. 17-19, when the Orange host Pitt in the JMA Wireless Dome. Additional details and hotel block information will be released in the coming weeks.

Syracuse University is also planning on-the-road programs and/or ticket blocks as the Syracuse Orange head to away games across the country, including special programming for Syracuse vs. Tennessee in Atlanta this August, as Syracuse at SMU on Saturday, Oct. 4.

The University welcomed about 1,300 alumni, friends and their families back to campus over the weekend to celebrate our community, our incredible spirit and Orange pride during Orange Central Homecoming Weekend 2024.

The campus came alive with excitement, memories and plenty of good times, including watching the football team pull out a thrilling 38-31 win in overtime against Virginia Tech.

Check out some of the photos below from the weekend’s activities. For more fun photos, browse the Orange Central photo album on the .

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend as Syracuse University gears up for Orange Central Homecoming 2024. This year’s celebration, set for Nov. 1-3, will be a vibrant and family-friendly weekend, bringing the campus community together in a spirit of camaraderie and Orange pride.

While there is a , be sure not to miss these signature programs from the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving:

Friday, Nov. 1: Kick off the weekend with Forever Orange Friday from 6-9 p.m. on the Shaw Quad. Enjoy delicious cookout food, lawn games, a photo booth and time with Otto the Orange while mingling with student organizations participating in our Student Organization Challenge.

Saturday, Nov. 2: Start your day with our Homecoming Alumni Breakfast from 9-10:30 a.m. inside Schine’s Goldstein Auditorium. Connect with alumni, students, faculty and staff from various schools and colleges—all in one place. Pick up your exclusive game day clear tote, then head to the Quad for our tailgate.

Sunday, Nov. 3: Wrap up the weekend with our *NEW* SU Arts Fair and Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Shaffer Art Building lobby. Stop by as your schedule allows to enjoy hands-on art activities, an Instagram photo station, balloon artist, drumming performances and guided tours of the Syracuse University Art Museum—plus a delicious brunch.

Orange Central Homecoming 2024 is more than just a weekend of events; it’s a celebration of the Syracuse University community and our incredible spirit. Whether you’re a graduate, a current student, or a member of Syracuse’s faculty or staff, we hope you’ll join us for a weekend filled with fun, food and festivities. Sign-up is .

Syracuse University has finalized the dates for an exciting Fall 2024 on campus featuring Coming Back Together (Sept. 12-15), Family Weekend (Sept. 27-29) and Orange Central Homecoming Weekend (Nov. 1-3). Graduates of the College of Law can anticipate special programming during the Nov. 1-3 weekend.

is Syracuse University’s Black and Latino alumni reunion. Highlights of the weekend, set for Sept. 12-15, include a celebrity basketball game, comedy show, cookout on the Quad, fundraising gala, worship service and brunch. CBT provides alumni an opportunity to engage with current students, share exciting experiences with fellow graduates and learn about ways to give back.

Family Weekend, coordinated by , will be held Sept. 27-29. The weekend provides a great opportunity for students to show off the campus to their families and features a variety of programs that showcase the unsurpassed Syracuse University student experience. This year, the Orange football team will host Holy Cross during Family Weekend.

The Orange Central Homecoming Weekend, including Law alumni, is set for Nov. 1-3, when the Orange host Virginia Tech in the JMA Wireless Dome. Additional details will be released in the coming weeks.

Syracuse University is also planning on-the-road programs and/or ticket blocks as the Syracuse Orange head to away games at UNLV, NC State, Pitt, Boston College and Cal. There’s no better time to be Orange!

The University welcomed about 2,000 alumni and friends back to campus to celebrate Orange Central and Law Alumni Weekend.

From tailgating to special reunion events and open houses, the campus was alive with excitement, memories and good times.

Check out some of the photos below from the weekend’s activities. For more fun photos, browse the Orange Central photo album on the .

We’re only a month into 2023, but it’s not too early to start planning for the fall. Syracuse University has finalized the dates for three signature fall weekends on campus—Law Alumni Weekend, Orange Central and Family Weekend. Each weekend will feature a full schedule of events and activities, including an Orange football game in the JMA Wireless Dome.

will be held Sept. 21-23 and will include engaging and informative panel discussions and opportunities to reminisce with classmates, faculty and friends. Plus, attendees can celebrate this year’s Law Honors Award and Alumni of Color Award recipients, meet with current students and earn CLE credits. The weekend will also feature a football game against Army.

The Office of Alumni Engagement’s Orange Central celebration is set for the following weekend, Sept. 28-Oct. 1, when the Orange host defending ACC champion Clemson in the JMA Wireless Dome. The annual homecoming and reunion weekend features opportunities for alumni to reconnect with classmates, get an inside look at the exciting things happening at the University today and revisit their favorite spots around campus. for the most updated information—including hotel options and registration details when they become available—and enjoy a look back at 2022’s celebration.

, coordinated by New Student and Family Programs, will be Nov. 3-5. The weekend provides a great opportunity for students to show off the campus to their families and features a variety of programs that showcase the unsurpassed Syracuse University student experience. This year, the Orange will host Boston College during Family Weekend.

Orange Central is Syracuse University’s annual reunion and homecoming celebration, and this year’s festivities drew nearly 1,500 attendees from 48 states to campus to celebrate their love of Syracuse.

The weekend featured reunion gatherings, the much-anticipated Alumni Awards Celebration, “Back to the Classroom” academic programs, a cookout on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle, a family-friendly and spirited tailgate before the football game versus Wagner, and of course a 59-0 victory by the undefeated football team.

Check out some of the best photos from Orange Central.

Seven outstanding alumni will be honored by Syracuse University as part of the 2022 Alumni Awards Celebration on Friday, Sept. 30. The celebration is one of the signature events of , the University’s annual homecoming and reunion weekend. Find out more about the events and register on the . Registration closes on Sept. 25 at 11:59 p.m.

This year’s honorees for the 2022 George Arents Award, the University’s highest alumni award, are cartoonist Robb Armstrong ’85, JetBlue President and COO Joanna Geraghty G’97, L’97, theatrical producer Stacey Mindich ’86 and retired cable executive Robert Miron ’59. Carole A. Leland ’56 will receive the Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award, recognizing alumni who have graduated more than 50 years ago and have demonstrated loyalty and service to the University. The 2022 Generation Orange Award, which recognizes graduates of the last 10 years, will be given to Jamal Salmon ’12. Melvin Stith G’73, Ph.D.’78 will be the recipient of the 2022 Military-Veteran Alumni Award.

For more information about the recipients, visit the .