Members of the Syracuse University community took part in a variety of activities and events throughout the summer of 2025, continuing long-standing traditions and engaging with both campus life and broader communities.
The Goon Squad, a group known for assisting students during move-in, continued its 81-year tradition by helping new and returning students settle into their residence halls. Welcome Week included photo opportunities at the Syracuse University sign for arriving students.
Undergraduate research was highlighted at the annual SOURCE Summer Research Symposium, where students presented their work. The event featured diverse projects, including one student who showcased her research with a gecko named Oatmeal.
Syracuse University Libraries organized the SummerStart resource fair to support first-year students as they transition to campus life by connecting them with various departments and resources.
Veteran entrepreneurs participated in the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, hearing from Willie Reddic, associate professor of accounting and associate dean for business education in the Whitman School.
Other summer events included participation by College of Professional Studies members in the 174th Attack Wing Runway 5k at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Beekeepers harvested honey on South Campus, which will be available for purchase in the fall.
Kasey Laurent, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, led wind tunnel lessons during the STEM Trekkers summer program. Football coach Fran Brown spoke to high school students about sports management and analytics at Falk College of Sport.
Students engaged in study abroad experiences through programs such as a walking tour of Rome landmarks with the School of Education and a group hike to the Hollywood sign as part of Syracuse University Los Angeles programming. Exercise science students traveled to Peru to study human adaptation to altitude as part of their coursework.
SummerFest brought together university community members for games like Jenga and cornhole. The Upstate New York International Counselor Tour introduced high school guidance counselors to Syracuse’s offerings; representatives from Syracuse Abroad discussed study abroad options during this event held at Schine Student Center.
English Language Institute students visited Niagara Falls on an excursion designed to provide cultural experiences outside classroom learning. The inaugural class of Bandier Master’s in Music Business met with program director Bill Werde during graduate boot camp at Newhouse School.
The Spelman College Glee Club performed at Hendricks Chapel’s “Return to Community: A Sunday Gospel Jazz Service,” concluding events related to Syracuse International Jazz Fest. Other performances included Orange Juice jazz combo playing in Clinton Square during Jazz Fest activities.
Students from Newhouse School’s summer program joined ABC’s “Good Morning America” team as it moved studios in Hudson Square, New York City. Members of the university community also walked in Central New York Pride Parade alongside Otto the Orange mascot on June 21.
Men’s lacrosse coach Gary Gait threw out a ceremonial first pitch during SU Day at Yankee Stadium; fans gathered there watched a game between Yankees and Orioles. The men’s lacrosse team advanced to Championship Weekend after defeating Princeton Tigers 19-18 in NCAA quarterfinals—marking their 27th Final Four appearance, third most among Division I teams (https://cuse.com/news/2025/5/19/mens-lacrosse-syracuse-returns-to-final-four).
Faculty artists were recognized through participation in “On My Own Time” art exhibition; selected works will be displayed at Everson Museum of Art from October 4–November 9. Libraries staff contributed donated food items collected via “Food for Fines” program delivered to Coach Mac Food Pantry at Hendricks Chapel (https://news.syr.edu/blog/2025/06/10/syracuse-university-libraries-food-for-fines-program-supports-campus-food-pantry).
Student inventors worked on prototypes through Invent@SU open house sessions while information studies students presented research before SEC Crypto Task Force in Washington D.C., demonstrating connections between technology policy and academic inquiry (https://ischool.syr.edu/students-present-research-to-sec-crypto-task-force-in-d-c).
Garden managers worked on irrigation systems for Pete’s Giving Garden while employees participated in wellness initiatives like outdoor recreation events on campus Quad. Women’s rowing placed twelfth nationally during NCAA Championships—their fifth consecutive appearance (https://cuse.com/news/2025/6/2/womens-rowing-finishes-twelfth-at-ncaa-championships).
A range of other activities—from staff barbecues and art exhibitions to immersive international trips—rounded out summer engagement across academic disciplines and social settings.
