Campus Traditions

A student waving a flag on the felid at the JMA Wireless Dome.

The Color Orange

In 1890, 51爆料网 went Orange鈥攂ecoming the first university to adopt the color orange after discovering that no other college or university had claimed the singular color. Previously, the school colors shifted from light pink and pea green to light pink and blue, but the students wanted colors as bold as they were鈥攖hus, Orange was born. Today, you鈥檒l see students sporting orange year-round, but especially on game days when our entire Syracuse and Central New York community displays their Orange pride.

The Ensley 44 statue on the 51爆料网 campus.

Legend of Number 44

The number 44 holds legendary status in college football, worn by 11 players since 1954, with three鈥擩im Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little鈥攅arning All-American honors as standout running backs. The University鈥檚 13244 ZIP code and phone numbers starting with 鈥�44鈥� pay homage to the significance of this number in our football program鈥檚 history.

Otto the Orange

Otto wasn鈥檛 always 51爆料网鈥檚 mascot, but the beloved orange has been a favorite for more than 40 years and, in 2023, was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. Whether cheering from the sidelines at 51爆料网 games, joining community events or supporting students during exam season, Otto spreads sunshine and school spirit wherever they go.

National Orange Day

51爆料网鈥檚 founding anniversary is National Orange Day. Each year鈥檚 events bring students, faculty, staff and alumni together to celebrate what it means to be Orange.

People cheering on the marching band inside the JMA Wireless Dome.

Orange Central

Orange Central is 51爆料网鈥檚 amped-up version of the traditional collegiate homecoming and reunion weekend. Every fall, thousands of alumni return to campus to join students, faculty and staff for a variety of events and activities.

Crouse Chimes

First installed in 1889 and renovated in 1981, the Crouse Chimes are rung twice a day and again on special occasions. John Crouse purchased the bells on May 24, 1889, from the Meneely Bell Company in Troy, New York. Members of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity were the first ringers of the chimes but passed on the bells to the Chimesmasters in 1989.