A Past of Always Moving Forward

From being the nation’s first institution to offer a bachelor of the fine arts degree to founding one of the nation's first iSchool's, at Syracuse University, we’ve always had a legacy of firsts. We opened doors for women in 1870, welcoming leaders like Karen DeCrow, an icon in the women’s rights movement, and Eileen Collins, the first female commander of a Space Shuttle. We played a role in the first G.I. Bill and continue to be recognized today as one of the best private schools for military service members, veterans and their families—a commitment that is shown through our National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC). In 1890, a committee was formed and discovered that no other college or university had claimed their singular color orange. That's when we adopted orange as our official color. These are just a few fearless firsts from our first 150 years, and we believe there’s even more to come.

Today, as in our past, Syracuse University is where game changers connect education and action to go beyond what’s possible. As an inclusive, student-focused research university we prepare scholars, innovators and leaders to not just engage in an ever-evolving world—but to shape it.

Founding

Since our founding, we’ve been an inclusive and welcoming place. At the 1870 inauguration of Syracuse University, Dr. Jesse Truesdell Peck (a founder and first chair of the Board of Trustees) charged the faculty to remember that "the conditions of admission shall be equal to all persons ... there shall be no invidious discrimination here against women or persons of any nation or color... brains and heart shall have a fair chance ...…” And to this day, we carry that forward to further a future that respects and reflects the contributions of all.

Land Acknowledgment

Since his inauguration in April 2014, Chancellor Kent Syverud has initiated several measures that honor the Haudenosaunee. Among them is the University’s policy of opening public events with an acknowledgement of the Onondaga Nation. The land acknowledgement is to be used to open university-wide, public events hosted by Syracuse University to acknowledge our deep connection and respect for the Haudenosaunee people.

“I acknowledge with respect the Onondaga Nation, firekeepers of the Haudenosaunee, the Indigenous people on whose ancestral lands Syracuse University now stands.”

Commencement Speakers

Syracuse University’s Commencement is an annual milestone that marks a profound rite of passage in our students’ lives and honors their achievements. The Syracuse University Commencement speaker is chosen through a selection process that starts more than a year in advance, when students, staff, faculty, alumni and others in the community offer suggestions. You can view a full list of previous Commencement speakers here.

Here, you’ll be able to make an immediate impact through extensive research opportunities, community engagement initiatives and a strong emphasis on applied learning. With dedicated faculty, cutting-edge resources and partnerships with industry, government and nonprofit organizations, find the support and opportunities you need to address the world’s greatest challenges and create meaningful change. Get ready to take on the world as a game-changer to advance your career, field and community. 

Syracuse University fosters a collaborative learning environment that encourages you to actively engage in and with the world around you. With a strong focus on multidisciplinary studies, you’ll be equipped with the comprehensive perspectives and practices necessary to solve interconnected issues.

Syracuse University offers the resources, programs and opportunities to turn groundbreaking ideas into world-shaping impact. Through initiatives like the Blackstone LaunchPad and partnerships with local businesses, students have the chance to bring their entrepreneurial visions to life. Our dynamic environment connects creative thinking and experiential learning to help future leaders and innovators thrive in a competitive, ever-changing world.