Syracuse Sun

As Syracuse University celebrates 80 years of the Goon Squad welcoming new students to campus, alumni Sue Weber and current student Jack Withee reflect on their experiences. The Goon Squad, established in 1944, initially enforced a policy requiring new students to wear beanie caps during their first semester.

Sue Weber ’68 recalls wearing her beanie in 1964 and cherishes it along with the straw Goon Squad hat she received as a sophomore. Although the tradition of wearing beanies has ended, the Goon Squad remains a significant campus tradition.

The Goon Squad, now comprising over 550 student leaders, will assist more than 4,000 incoming students during move-in as part of Syracuse Welcome, the university’s orientation program. "I went to a very small [high] school, and when you joined a group like the Goon Squad, it immediately gave you a bunch of great friends," says Weber. She met her husband Eric at Syracuse University and values the friendships formed through the squad.

Jack Withee ’26 emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment for new students. "We’re greeting them at the door as they come to campus," he notes. Withee shares his own positive experience with Erin from the Goon Squad who reassured him on his first day.

Both Weber and Withee discuss their motivations for joining the squad and its lasting impact. "I wanted them to feel welcomed and know that they made the right choice coming to Syracuse University," says Weber. For Withee, helping others is about paying forward the support he received.

The legacy of the Goon Squad is evident in its enduring presence on campus. "It leaves a lasting memory," says Weber. Withee adds that being part of this tradition is an honor and reflects Syracuse's supportive community spirit.

For more insights from Weber and Withee, listen to episode 167 of “’Cuse Conversations” podcast or read its transcript available online.