Syracuse University has almost 150 years under its belt, and in that time several deep-rooted traditions have defined the SU community. Below are some of the most prominent traditions that you can partake in and teach your loved ones this Family Weekend:

Crouse College chimes

Ever wonder where those ringing bells come from? The Crouse chimes have rung for almost as long as the university has been open. They ring twice every day and once more on special occasions.

National Orange Day
SU has celebrated National Orange Day every March 24 for the past 23 years. The event is celebrated across the world as alumni represent their alma mater by wearing orange. There are also events hosted on campus that day for current students to celebrate their Orange pride.

“I find it wonderfully rewarding to see the support that students have from parents,” said Pam Heintz, associate vice president and director of the Shaw Center, in regard to Family Weekend and the community that it represents.

Mascot

Known as “The Orange” up until 1990, Otto the Orange can be found dancing around campus and at sporting events throughout the school year. SU’s mascot has been debated in the past, but was settled in 1995 when then-Chancellor Kenneth Shaw announced Otto would remain the mascot so SU would “retain a unique position in college athletics.” Two years later, there was a formalized vote to keep Otto as the school’s official representation.

Lucky number

It’s no coincidence SU’s phone prefixes are either 442 or 443 — the school’s lucky number is No. 44. Three All-American football players — Ernie Davis, Jim Brown and Floyd Little — have worn the number and made it iconic.

Represent the SU tradition by wearing the iconic number when you watch the Orange take on the Clemson Tigers on Friday at 7 p.m. in the Carrier Dome.

Published on October 11, 2017 at 9:48 pm

Contact Lydia: lnilesst@syr.edu