As we close in on 2025, let’s take a few moments to reflect on some of Syracuse University’s 2024 highlights. There was plenty to celebrate, from cultural events to notable anniversaries: Coming Back Together welcomed more than 1,500 Black and Latino alumni to campus, and the Barner-McDuffie House was dedicated. ’Cuse50 recognized outstanding alumni entrepreneurs, and Dario Nardella, the mayor of Florence, Italy, delivered the keynote Commencement speech to the Class of 2024. The Maxwell and Newhouse schools commemorated their 100th and 60th anniversaries, the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs marked its 10th anniversary, the Goon Squad kept moving at 80 and the JMA Wireless Dome hit the magical 44.
Our faculty continued to advance research and contribute to the greater good in numerous areas, including biomaterials, quantum technology, astrophysics, geophysics, sustainability, population health, human rights, inclusive education and media literacy.
More than 25,000 gathered in the JMA Dome to celebrate Jim Boeheim Day in February.
Women’s head basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack ’89 and women’s rowing head coach Luke McGee received ACC Coach of the Year accolades. All-American Dyaisha Fair ’24 capped off her collegiate career in third on the NCAA Division I all-time scoring list. Men’s basketball head coach Adrian Autry ’94 posted a 20-win inaugural season. Fran Brown launched a new era as head coach of Syracuse football, leading the Orange to nine regular-season wins and an upcoming appearance in the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl. The Miron Victory Court was dedicated.
Bruce Springsteen and Pink rocked the Loud House, and the White House honored the University’s Artist in Residence Carrie Mae Weems H’17 with the National Medal of Arts.
A total solar eclipse on April 8 wowed a crowd on campus, while new locations shined bright for study away programs in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Study abroad students in Strasbourg, France, witnessed the Olympic Torch Relay destined for the Summer Games in Paris. As always, there was an Orange presence, with alumni athletes competing in multiple sports, and broadcasters and student interns covering the bases for the media.
Through it all, the Forever Orange Campaign continued to reflect the generosity of University supporters, ensuring ongoing opportunities that position students and faculty for excellence, now and in the future.
