Ceremony and Splendor Introduction
Commencement is one of Syracuse University’s most formal and jubilant traditions. For many students, this is the rite that ushers them into adulthood. The Commencement ceremony itself has always been full of ritual and customs: the procession of students, faculty, and administrators; academic attire; the conferring of degrees; and regalia such as banners and the Charter Mace.Commencement Ceremony and Graduates
Syracuse University held its first Commencement on June 27, 1872 in Wieting Opera House in downtown Syracuse. Having entered the fledgling University at upper grade levels, 19 graduates — including one woman — received their bachelor’s degrees that day. They would not have worn caps and gowns at the ceremony. Syracuse University graduates first wore this familiar graduation attire at the 1897 Commencement, but it was not fully adopted until 1901.
Syracuse University Commencement program, 1872. Syracuse University Commencement Collection, University Archives.
This is the program for Syracuse University’s first Commencement. The last page lists all 19 graduates, including the sole woman, Mary L. Huntley.
Photograph of Syracuse University graduates, 1891. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Syracuse University Commencement program, 1911. Syracuse University Commencement Collection, University Archives.
Many early Commencement programs had special covers, like this leather-bound 1911 program.
Photograph of Chancellor James Roscoe Day speaking at Commencement in Archbold Gymnasium, 1916. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of graduates in Archbold Stadium, 1970. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Some graduates chose not to wear caps and gowns as a sign of student protest and as part of the 1970 Student Strike that had begun in the weeks prior. That May the Ohio National Guard killed and wounded several Kent State University students protesting the invasion of Cambodia, and college students across the nation, including those at Syracuse, responded with more protests.
Photograph of graduates at Commencement, 1983. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of Commencement in the Carrier Dome, 2003. Syracuse University Photo & Imaging Collection, University Archives. Photograph by Stephen Sartori.
Particular colors and symbols pertain to each school and college, illustrated in banners as well as the tassels on graduates’ caps.
The Syracuse University Mace
Along with academic attire, certain regalia reinforce the solemnity of the event. An ancient symbol of authority, the mace represents the University’s mission and integrity. Mace bearer and University Registrar Keith J. Kennedy first carried the original mace in the 1949 Commencement procession. The current Charter Mace was commissioned with funds donated by Gordon D. Hoople, an alumnus, professor, and Board of Trustees chair who also served as mace bearer. Replacing the original mace, it was first used in Commencement in 1959.
First Syracuse University mace, circa late 1940s. Syracuse University Memorabilia Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of Gordon Hoople, mace bearer, carrying the original mace in the Commencement procession in Archbold Stadium, 1956. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Class Marshals
Each year two outstanding seniors are selected to be Class Marshals, representatives for their class who embody school spirit, academic excellence, and active campus involvement. The Senior Class Marshals have traditionally led the student procession at Commencement.
Photograph of Class Marshals leading the procession of graduating seniors in Archbold Stadium, 1938. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Class Marshal sash, circa 1950s. Syracuse University Memorabilia Collection, University Archives. Gift of Patricia Beyle.
Photograph of Class Marshals and other graduating seniors, 2018. Syracuse University Photo & Imaging Collection, University Archives. Photograph by Stephen Sartori.
Honorary Degree Recipients
In addition to conferring degrees upon new graduates, Syracuse University has awarded honorary degrees since 1872. There have been a wide variety of recipients, each chosen for outstanding achievements in their field, innovative and creative achievements, humanitarian deeds, and the honor brought to Syracuse University.
Photograph of Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt receiving an honorary degree from Chancellor Charles Flint, 1930. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of singer Marian Anderson receiving an honorary degree from Chancellor William Tolley, 1960. Syracuse University Photo & Imaging Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of Onondaga Faithkeeper Oren Lyons ‘58, honorary degree recipient, 1993. Syracuse University Portrait Collection, University Archives.