Reconnecting and Reminiscing Introduction
Alumni reunions are a longtime tradition at Syracuse University, where alumni have been welcomed back to campus since the 1870s. For almost a century, reunions took place as part of Commencement week, with the 50th reunion class participating in the procession at the Commencement ceremony. In 2007 the University began a new tradition of bringing students and alumni together by merging homecoming and reunion time into one set of events in the fall, now known as Orange Central.Alumni Reunions
Alumni reunions have always been bursting with activities, including breakfasts and cookouts on the Quad as well as parades, athletic events, and lectures. Until 1990, alumni staged a Kum Bak show, which included dramatic and musical performances. In recent decades that event has evolved into an alumni awards ceremony, where accolades such as the George Arents Award, the highest alumni honor, are conferred.
Photograph of the Class of 1921 at alumni reunion parade, 1931. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
For many decades, alumni marched by class in the alumni parade, often in costume, carrying banners or walking alongside floats.
Photograph of the Class of 1948 at alumni reunion, 1958. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Class of 1916 alumni reunion button, circa 1960s. Syracuse University Memorabilia Collection, University Archives.
Chancellor William Tolley’s reunion hat, circa 1960s-1970s. William P. Tolley Papers, University Archives.
Syracuse University alumni have traditionally worn all kinds of reunion hats, buttons, and other items to identify themselves by class.
“It’s Orange for ’57” alumni reunion button, circa 1980s. Syracuse University Memorabilia Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of alumni at Orange Central, 2018. Syracuse University Photo & Imaging Collection, University Archives. Photograph by Liz Coulbourn.
Coming Back Together
Historically, these larger reunions did not attract alumni of color. In recognition of this and in an effort to reconnect African American and Latino alumni with Syracuse University, Coming Back Together was established in 1983. The event has given alumni of color a way to celebrate their achievements, interact with students, give back, and reaffirm their bond with their alma mater on their own terms. Today the triennial reunion has become one of the largest and most well-known of its kind in the nation.
Letter from Robert Hill, Vice President for Program Development, inviting alumni to the first Coming Back Together, June 30, 1983. Syracuse University Advancement and External Affairs Development Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of alumni at Coming Back Together, 2005. Syracuse University Photo & Imaging Collection, University Archives. Photograph by Stephen Sartori.