Syracuse University hopes to put on its biggest birthday bash ever this year.

On March 24, SU will turn 144. The day was dubbed National Orange Day in 1994, more than 100 years after SU officially adopted orange as its only school color in 1890, according to the traditions page under the Office of Student Activities.

SU hopes to stage a big celebration partly because 44 is in the year, said Sam Edelstein, assistant director of regional programs and engagement in the Office of Alumni Relations. Although not all the details have been fully fleshed out, Edelstein said that he wants students, faculty and staff to participate in the celebration.

“We’re partnering with everyone on campus to make sure that everyone is involved with the celebration,” Edelstein said.

Edelstein said he hopes not only the university will celebrate, but that alumni across the nation and the world will join in, too.

Alumni Relations is partnering with the Syracuse University Traditions Commission, which organizes an event every year. The traditions commission also hosts events for Homecoming, Winter Carnival, Senior Celebration and several other occasions.

The university has celebrated its birthday in the past by showing a montage of alumni wishing SU a happy birthday and handing out cupcakes in Schine, said Ben Glidden, president of the traditions commission. The commission worked with alumni relations to reach out to alumni, he said.

Glidden said he is excited to work with administrators and groups to do something big for this year. He said many students don’t know when the university was founded. He added that he hopes an increase in participation from the university will generate more interest this year.

“We want to bring students together to celebrate,” Glidden said.

The traditions commission has promoted the event by having a “Find Otto” contest on their website, where students could search the website to find a hidden Otto.

Winter Carnival will take place before National Orange Day, from Feb. 17-22, so Glidden said the traditions commission is focusing on that first. He added that some details surrounding the event still need to be solidified.

Published on February 10, 2014 at 1:17 am

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