Syracuse University facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Syracuse University

Motto	Suos Cultores Scientia Coronat (Latin)
Motto in English	"Knowledge crowns those who seek her"
Type	Private research university
Established	March 24, 1870; 155 years ago (1870-03-24)
Accreditation	MSCHE
Religious affiliation	Nonsectarian; historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church
Academic affiliations	CUMU IAMSCU NAICU ORAU URA Space-grant
Endowment	$1.90 billion (2023)
Budget	$1.637 billion (2023)
Chancellor	Kent Syverud
Provost	Gretchen Ritter
Academic staff	1,848
Administrative staff	3,848
Students	22,698 (2022)
Undergraduates	15,421 (2022)
Postgraduates	6,552 (2022)
Location	Syracuse , New York , United States 43°02′15″N 76°08′02″W / 43.0376°N 76.1340°W / 43.0376; -76.1340
Campus	Midsize city, 683 acres (276.4 ha)
Newspaper	The Daily Orange
Colors	Orange
Nickname	Orange
Sporting affiliations	NCAA Division I FBS – ACC CHA EARC IRA
Mascot	Otto the Orange

Crouse College, a beautiful Romanesque building, was finished in 1889. It was home to the first College of Fine Arts in the U.S. Today, it houses the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the Setnor School of Music.

Syracuse University (often called 'Cuse or SU) is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. It was started in 1870 and was first connected to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Since 1920, it has been open to people of all faiths. The university is on University Hill, a neighborhood east of Downtown Syracuse. Its campus has many different styles of buildings, from old Romanesque designs to modern ones. Syracuse University has 13 schools and colleges. It is known for its very high level of research.

Syracuse University's sports teams are called the Orange. They compete in 20 different sports. SU is part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for most of its sports. Many famous people have attended Syracuse University. These include President Joe Biden, Nobel Prize winners, Olympic medalists, and Pulitzer Prize winners.

History of Syracuse University

How Syracuse University Started

Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in 1870.

The university's beginnings can be traced back to the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary. This school was founded in 1831 by the Methodist Episcopal Church in Lima, New York. In 1850, it became Genesee College. However, many thought the location was not central enough. New railroads also made it harder for the college to get support. The college leaders decided to look for a new, better location.

At the same time, the city of Syracuse wanted a university. They had tried to get Cornell University to locate there but failed. Ezra Cornell, who started Cornell University, thought Syracuse was not a good place. He insisted his university be in Ithaca.

After years of discussion, Genesee College was allowed to move to Syracuse in 1869. But a court stopped the move. So, a new university, Syracuse University, was started on March 24, 1870. This new university was separate from Genesee College. The Methodist church and the City of Syracuse helped fund the new school. Bishop Jesse Truesdell Peck became the first president of its Board of Trustees.

Left to right: Hall of Languages and Von Ranke Library in 1908.

From left to right: Bowne Hall, Carnegie Library, Archbold Gymnasium.

Syracuse University opened in September 1871 in rented rooms downtown. Judge George F. Comstock, a trustee, gave the school 50 acres of land on a hillside. He wanted the university and the area around it to grow together.

The university was founded to be open to everyone. This meant "open to men and women, white and black." President Peck said there would be "no unfair treatment here against woman." Syracuse had many women students for its time. In some colleges, the number of male and female students was almost equal. Men and women took classes together and participated in many activities together.

Growing the University

In the late 1880s, the university built many new structures. These included Holden Observatory (1887) and two Romanesque-style buildings: von Ranke Library (1889) and Crouse College (1889). These buildings, along with the Hall of Languages, formed the "Old Row." This area became a famous part of the campus.

From its start until the early 1920s, the university grew quickly. It offered programs in science and languages. In 1873, Syracuse added one of the first architecture programs in the U.S. It was also the first school to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. In 1876, it started offering advanced courses. The first doctoral program began in 1911. In 1919, a business school was added. The School of Journalism started in 1934.

The university's growth was greatly helped by Chancellor James Roscoe Day and John Dustin Archbold. Archbold was a successful businessman and a close friend of Chancellor Day. He gave almost $6 million to the university. He also paid for eight buildings, including Archbold Stadium (opened 1907) and Archbold Gymnasium (1909).

The Old Row at Syracuse University in 1920.

The first annual class of Syracuse University in July 1876.

In 1905, Andrew Carnegie donated $150,000 for a new library. The university raised the same amount as an endowment. The new Carnegie library opened in 1907 with over 71,000 books.

Modern Era and Challenges

After World War II, Syracuse University became a major research institution. More students enrolled because of the G.I. Bill, which helped veterans pay for college. In 1946, nearly 9,500 freshmen were admitted, much more than before the war. New campuses were opened in Endicott, New York, and Utica, New York. These later became Binghamton University and Utica University.

By the late 1950s, Syracuse was one of the top universities for research. It had many professors and students working on investigations. In the 1950s and 1960s, Syracuse added more programs. The College of Engineering started one of the nation's first computer engineering programs. In 1962, Samuel Irving Newhouse Sr. donated $15 million to build a school of communications, now known as the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Syracuse University's Flight 103 Memorial.

On December 21, 1988, 35 Syracuse University students died in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The students were coming back from a study-abroad program. Every year, the university holds "Remembrance Week" to honor these students. They also have "Remembrance Scholars" and "Lockerbie Scholars" programs. These programs give scholarships to students in memory of the tragedy.

University Campuses

Syracuse University has a campus with many different types of buildings. These range from old Romanesque styles to modern designs by famous architects. The main part of campus has a grassy quad, walkways, and outdoor sculptures. It feels like a traditional college campus. The university is located above downtown Syracuse, a medium-sized city.

The university also owns a Sheraton Hotel on campus. It owns the Drumlins Country Club, a golf course nearby. It also has locations in New York City and Washington, D.C..

Main Campus: Learning and Living

Hendricks Chapel on the Quad.

Hall of Languages, a historic building on campus.

The Main Campus, also called "North Campus," has almost all the academic buildings and student dorms. The most important part is The Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle, known as "the Quad." Academic and administrative buildings, including Hendricks Chapel, surround it. Buses connect the Main Campus to South Campus and downtown Syracuse.

View from the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle.

Ernie Davis Hall, a residence and dining hall opened in 2009.

About 70% of students live in university housing. First and second-year students must live on campus. All 22 dorms are coeducational, meaning both male and female students live there. Each dorm has a lounge, laundry, and study areas. Dorms are secure with a card access system. There are also special living communities for students with similar interests. The university has six dining centers and several cafes. The Syracuse Stage building, near Main Campus, has two theaters.

Many older buildings on campus are part of a historic district. Three buildings—Crouse Memorial College, the Hall of Languages, and the Pi Chapter House of Psi Upsilon Fraternity—are listed as important historical places.

Libraries: A World of Knowledge

Carnegie Library at Syracuse University.

Syracuse University's main library is the E. S. Bird Library, opened in 1972. It has 2.3 million books and many other resources. It is one of the largest libraries in the country. The historic Carnegie Library holds science and technology collections. The university's Special Collections Research Center has very old items. These include ancient tablets, papyrus, and books from the 11th century. It also has works by famous thinkers like Galileo and Isaac Newton.

A special part of the collection is the personal library of Leopold Von Ranke. In 1887, the university bought all 19 tons of his books.

Bird Library at Syracuse University.

Bird Library also has the largest collection of national archives from Kenya and Tanzania. Syracuse University is a special library for U.S. government publications. It also has a large collection of old 78 rpm records. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library has over 15,000 items on African, African-American, Afro-Latino, and Caribbean studies.

The Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive has about 540,000 recordings. These include voices of Thomas Edison and Amelia Earhart. Since 2011, this lab has produced Sound Beat, a daily music program.

South Campus: Apartments and Sports

After World War II, a large hill owned by the university was used for housing veterans. In the 1970s, these temporary homes were replaced by permanent townhouses. These homes have kitchens, bathrooms, and private bedrooms. More than 2,000 students live on South Campus. It is about a mile from Main Campus and has frequent shuttle bus service.

South Campus also has the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion and the Goldstein Student Center. It is home to the John A. Lally Athletics Complex. This complex is where 20 Syracuse University sports teams train. Other sports facilities are also located here.

Downtown Syracuse: Art and Innovation

The Nancy Cantor Warehouse, a university building downtown.

Lubin House in Manhattan, a university location in New York City.

In 2004, the university bought or leased buildings in downtown Syracuse. Five design programs are now in a renovated building called The Warehouse. These programs work closely with the community. The Warehouse also has an art space for local and international artists. The School of Architecture also moved downtown temporarily for renovations to its campus building.

The Syracuse Center of Excellence focuses on environmental and energy technologies. It works to improve health and sustainability in cities. The Connective Corridor project aims to link the main campus with the arts and culture areas downtown.

Other Locations: Beyond Syracuse

Syracuse University has offices in Los Angeles, California, and New York City. It also has admissions offices in Atlanta, Chicago, and Boston. The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs has operations in Washington, D.C. There is also a new Center for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship in D.C.

Art and Collections on Campus

Syracuse University Art Museum

Syracuse University has its own art museum. The main gallery is in the Shaffer Art Building on the main campus.

The Warehouse Gallery

The Warehouse Gallery is a modern art space. It is part of the SU Art Museum but is located in a former warehouse off-campus. It shows art from international artists.

Louise and Bernard Palitz Gallery

This gallery is in the Lubin House in New York City. It has changing exhibitions, including works from the university's art collection.

Other Art Spaces

Students can show their work at places like the Lowe Art Gallery. The Robert B Menschel Photography Gallery features work from both professionals and students. The White Cube Gallery shows student art outside of the art school.

SU has a permanent art collection of over 45,000 objects. These include works by famous artists like Picasso and Rembrandt. Many sculptures and murals are displayed around campus. Students can also explore primary sources at the Special Collections Research Center. This center has rare books, manuscripts, and items related to popular culture.

Academics and Learning

Syracuse is a large research university where most students live on campus. It has a strong four-year undergraduate program. This program balances arts, sciences, and professional studies. The university also has many graduate programs and a high level of research. It is officially recognized by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The most popular majors at Syracuse University include:

• Communication and Journalism
• Social Sciences
• Business and Marketing
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Engineering

About 91% of freshmen continue their studies at Syracuse. This shows that students are happy with their experience. The student-faculty ratio is 15:1. This means there are 15 students for every one teacher. Also, 58.5% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

How Syracuse University is Organized

Syracuse University has 13 schools and colleges. Each focuses on different subjects.

The university is managed by a Board of Trustees. This board chooses the chancellor and sets their salary. There is also a university senate that helps oversee all educational matters. The senate includes administrators, faculty, students, and staff.

Becoming a Syracuse Student

Syracuse's admissions process is "more selective." For the Class of 2020, over 39,000 students applied for about 3,350 spots. The average SAT score for admitted students was 1271.

In 2018, 26% of new students were students of color. 18% were the first in their family to go to college. 21% received federal financial aid, which helps low-income students. 75% of students received some financial aid. Students came from 48 states and 59 countries. In fall 2019, Syracuse University accepted 44% of applicants.

Degrees and Study Abroad

The university offers over 200 different majors for undergraduate degrees. These degrees are offered through nine undergraduate schools and colleges. Syracuse also offers Master's and doctoral degrees.

The university has offered international study programs since 1911. SU Abroad offers programs with universities in over 40 countries. The university has eight international centers. These centers offer structured programs in places like Beijing, Florence, London, and Madrid.

University Rankings and Reputation

Slocum Hall, home of the School of Architecture.

S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, a top school for communications.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Syracuse tied for 58th among national universities in 2021. The Academic Ranking of World Universities placed Syracuse in the top 100 world universities for social sciences in 2019. Syracuse was also named one of the top schools for Fulbright Awards in 2020–21.

The School of Architecture's Bachelor of Architecture program was ranked 5th nationally in 2019–20. This was for both "most Hired from" and "most admired" categories.

Dineen Hall, the College of Law.

Martin J. Whitman School of Management.

The School of Information Studies offers courses in information management and technology. Its graduate program was ranked 6th best in the U.S. for Library and Information Studies in 2022.

The School of Management was renamed the Martin J. Whitman School of Management in 2003. It has about 2,000 students. Its graduate program was ranked tied at No. 84 among business schools in 2022.

The College of Law was ranked tied for 102nd nationally in 2022. It has a program called the Cold Case Justice Initiative. This program investigates old civil rights cases. President Joe Biden is a graduate of the College of Law.

The statue of Abraham Lincoln outside the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs combines social sciences with public administration. It was ranked as the No. 1 graduate school for public affairs in the U.S. in 2022.

S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Military Times ranked Syracuse University the top "Private School for Vets" in 2020. Syracuse University was also ranked tied for 30th in "Best Colleges for Veterans" by U.S. News & World Report in 2022. The university opened the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) in 2020. This is a special facility for veterans and military families.

From left to right: Link Hall, Life Sciences Complex, and Shaffer Art Building.

The graduate program of the College of Visual and Performing Art (VPA) is considered one of the top 50 programs in the US. VPA ranked No. 14 in multimedia/visual communications.

Research and Discovery

Holden Observatory, the second-oldest building at the university.

The National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel & Gayle D'Aniello building houses the Institute for Veterans and Military Families.

Syracuse is known for "Very High Research Activity." In 2019, Syracuse spent $154.3 million on research and development. The university's Office of Research helps promote new discoveries. It supports research in many fields, including business, science, engineering, and communications. Syracuse was a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group of leading research universities.

SU has 29 research centers and institutes. These centers often work across different subjects. The Burton Blatt Institute researches issues for people with disabilities. The Martin J. Whitman School of Management supports many research centers related to business. In 2010, the university launched SURFACE. This is an online library for research, run by the Syracuse University Library System.

Other research programs include the Syracuse Biomaterials Institute. Syracuse University also works with major science labs like CERN and Fermilab. It is also involved with the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, which helped discover gravitational waves in 2015.

In June 2022, Syracuse University started the Center for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship. This center works to improve trust in journalism and democracy. It hosts speakers and supports research.

Syracuse University Press

Syracuse University Press publishes books on many topics. These include Middle East studies, Native American studies, and peace and conflict resolution. The press was founded in 1943.

Student Life at Syracuse

Syracuse University has students from all 50 U.S. states and over 127 countries. About 52% of the 2020 class were women. Around 15% of students are from outside the U.S. The Center for International Services helps these students.

Student Media

The CitrusTV control room during a news taping.

CitrusTV is the university's student-run television studio. It is one of the largest in the country, with over 300 active members.

There are also many student-run magazines and publications. The Daily Orange is an independent student newspaper. It has been published since 1903 and is often ranked among the best student newspapers.

WAER is a radio station owned by the university. It plays jazz music, NPR, and Syracuse Orange sports. WJPZ-FM and WERW are independent student-run radio stations. They play popular music, rock, world music, and sometimes news.

Student Government

The Student Association (SA) was founded in 1957. It represents undergraduate students from both SU and ESF. SA elects a President and Vice President each year. They also oversee how student activity fees are used. The SA helps students have a voice in university rules.

Graduate students are represented by the Graduate Student Organization (GSO). Law students are represented by the Law Student Senate. All three groups elect students to the Syracuse University Senate.

Fraternities and Sororities

Pi Chapter House of Psi Upsilon Fraternity.

Syracuse University has many fraternity and sorority groups. These groups are part of national organizations. Students from ESF can also join these groups.

The oldest fraternity at SU is Delta Kappa Epsilon, started in 1871. The first sorority, Alpha Phi, was founded at SU in 1872. Gamma Phi Beta (1874) was the first group to use the term "sorority." The university does not allow these groups to discriminate based on race, gender, or other factors.

Syracuse University Ambulance

Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA) is a student organization. It responds to over 1,500 medical emergencies each year. SUA was started in 1973 by students who saw a need for emergency medical services on campus. Today, it has 100 student volunteers. SUA provides emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the school year. It is funded by student health fees.

University Union: Campus Entertainment

University Union (UU) is the official student group for planning events. It is run entirely by students. UU organizes large concerts like the annual Juice Jam and Block Party. It also hosts smaller concerts, movie screenings, and events with comedians and speakers. UU has been the main source of large-scale entertainment on campus since 1962.

Religious Life

Hendricks Chapel is an interfaith chapel on the Quad. It is the spiritual center of Syracuse University. The Chapel has ten chaplaincies for different faiths, including Baptist, Buddhist, Islamic, Jewish, and Roman Catholic. Many student religious groups also meet there.

Other buildings on campus support specific religious groups. These include the Alibrandi Catholic Center and the Winnick Hillel Center for Jewish Life.

Campus Food

The Schine Student Center, which includes food options.

The university has five dining halls, thirteen cafes, and two food courts. These serve thousands of students daily. The Ernie Davis dining hall, built in 2009, is known for its architecture and good food. Syracuse manages its own food program. Since 2017, the university has received high marks from PETA for its vegan food options.

A student group called the Food Recovery Network donates about 70 pounds of leftover food each day to food banks. In 2020, a campus garden produced 450 pounds of fresh food for student pantries.

Syracuse University Athletics

A basketball game in the JMA Dome.

Syracuse University's sports teams are called "the Orange" since 2004. The school's mascot is Otto the Orange. SU has teams in eight men's sports and 12 women's sports. The men's and women's basketball teams, the football team, and both lacrosse teams play in the JMA Dome. Other sports are played at Manley Field House or the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion. Most Syracuse teams compete in NCAA Division I in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Syracuse football opener in the JMA Dome.

Syracuse University rowing crew in 1910 on Onondaga Lake.

SU teams have won 31 national championships. These include 14 for men's lacrosse and six for men's rowing. The men's basketball team, led by coach Jim Boeheim, won the 2003 NCAA championship. The men's basketball team holds the record for the largest attendance at an on-campus game, with over 35,000 fans.

In 1959, Syracuse won its first National Championship in football. The team had Ernie Davis, who became the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961. Sadly, Davis passed away before playing professionally.

Syracuse first played lacrosse in 1916. The men's lacrosse team has won 11 National Championships, the most in college lacrosse history. The women's lacrosse team reached the NCAA Division I National Championship game in 2012.

The Syracuse University rowing team is a full member of the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA). The women's rowing team qualified for the first NCAA Division I Rowing Championship in 1997.

The Syracuse University men's lacrosse team at the White House after winning the 2008 NCAA Division I national championship.

The JMA Dome

The JMA Dome with its new roof.

In the late 1970s, Syracuse University needed to improve its football stadium. The old Archbold Stadium was too small. So, the university decided to build a new stadium. In 1978, Archbold Stadium was taken down. The Carrier Dome was built in its place, opening in 1980. It had a unique inflatable roof. It also became the home for the men's basketball team.

In 2018, the university announced a major renovation for the Carrier Dome. This $120 million project was finished in 2022. The old inflatable roof was replaced with a fixed, partly clear roof. Air conditioning was added, along with the largest video board in college sports. The upgrade also included new lighting, sound systems, and Wi-Fi.

In May 2022, the Carrier Dome was renamed the JMA Wireless Dome, or JMA Dome. This was part of a 10-year naming rights deal with JMA Wireless.

Famous Syracuse Alumni

Syracuse University has over 260,000 alumni. These graduates live in all 50 U.S. states and over 171 countries. Many famous people have attended Syracuse University.

Some notable alumni include:

• Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States.
• Kathy Hochul, the 57th Governor of New York.
• Eileen Collins, the first female Space Shuttle commander.
• Prince Sultan bin Salman, the first Arab astronaut.
• Writers like Joyce Carol Oates and Stephen Crane.
• Journalists and broadcasters like Ted Koppel, Megyn Kelly, and Bob Costas.
• Actors and artists like Dick Clark, Taye Diggs, Peter Falk, and Vanessa Williams.
• Athletes like Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Carmelo Anthony.

University Connections

Connected Institutions

State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

The College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) has a long connection with Syracuse University. It shares many campus resources and is located right next to Syracuse University. ESF was founded in 1911 as the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University.

ESF is a separate school, but it shares resources with SU. Students from both schools can take classes at the other. Degrees from ESF have the Syracuse University seal. The two schools also have joint ceremonies for new students and graduation. ESF and SU students share libraries, sports facilities, and student clubs.

State University of New York Upstate Medical University

The medical school was once part of Syracuse University. In 1950, SU sold the medical school to the State University of New York system. The campuses of both universities are next to each other. They work together on some programs, like a Master of Public Health degree.

Past Connections

State University of New York at Binghamton

Binghamton University was started in 1946 as Triple Cities College. It was a branch of Syracuse University. It helped veterans returning from World War II get an education. In 1950, it became part of the State University of New York system.

Utica University

Utica University is a private university in Utica, New York. Syracuse University founded it in 1946. Utica University became independent in 1995. However, students there can still get a special bachelor's degree from Syracuse University through a partnership.

Images for kids

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  Syracuse University seal

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  Syracuse University wordmark

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  Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in 1870

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  Hall of Languages and Von Ranke Library in 1908

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  Bowne Hall, Carnegie Library, Archbold Gymnasium

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  The Old Row, campus of Syracuse University, 1920

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  First Annual Class of Syracuse University in July 1876

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  SU's Flight 103 Memorial

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  Hendricks Chapel

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  Hall of Languages

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  View from the Kenneth A. Shaw quadrangle

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  Ernie Davis Hall

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  Carnegie Library at Syracuse University

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  Bird Library at Syracuse University

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  The Nancy Cantor Warehouse

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  Joseph I. Lubin House in Manhattan

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  The CitrusTV control room during a taping of CitrusTV News

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  Pi Chapter House of Psi Upsilon Fraternity

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  The Schine Student Center

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  Syracuse Orange logo

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  Basketball game in the JMA Wireless Dome

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  Syracuse football opener in JMA Wireless Dome

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  Syracuse University rowing crew, 1910 on Onondaga Lake

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  The Syracuse University men's lacrosse team are honored at the White House by President of the United States George W. Bush for winning the 2008 NCAA Division I national championship.

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  JMA Wireless Dome, campus view

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  Joe Biden, 46th president of the United States

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  Kathy Hochul, 57th governor of New York

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  Donna Shalala, politician and academic

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  Ruth Johnson Colvin, founder of the non-profit organization ProLiteracy

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  Arthur Rock, businessman and early investor in Silicon Valley

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  Eileen Collins, first female Space Shuttle pilot and commander

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  Aaron Sorkin, playwright and screenwriter

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  Al Waleed bin Talal, Saudi businessman, investor, and a member of the Saudi royal family

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  Sultan bin Salman Al Saud, Saudi prince and first Arab astronaut

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  Joyce Carol Oates, author

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  Dick Clark, radio and television personality

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  Megyn Kelly, political commentator and news anchor

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  Mike Tirico, sportscaster

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  Bob Costas, sportscaster

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  Vanessa Williams, national recording artist and actor

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  Peter Falk, actor and comedian

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  Vera Farmiga, actress, director, and producer

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  Jerry Stiller, actor and comedian

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  Drew Taggart, member of the Chainsmokers

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  Jim Brown, Football Hall of Fame halfback