Singing as a family
By Charnice Milton
June 12, 2011 - 7:07pm
Members of the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble reflect on the bonds they made over the years as they close out their 34th year of performances.

The members of the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble don't see their choir as just another student organization. Even as they prepare for their 35th anniversary next year, they will do it the best way they know how — as a family.

"We say we're a close-knit family and we are," said Byron Canada, the group's director. "You find your closest friend in the choir. You will go through things with people in the choir."

Despite large capacity, Carrier Dome’s first priority is SU
By Kaitlin Santanna
May 26, 2011 - 9:44am
Although Syracuse has the largest indoor arena within 260 miles, major concerts and community events are rare because of its commitment to Orange athletics and campus activities.

Looming over the Syracuse skyline is a 527,320 square foot mass of gray cement on the campus of Syracuse University. Though bland to the eye on its exterior, the building frequently radiates orange and the emotion of fervent fans from the inside.

The Carrier Dome is a staple of the university, providing a lifetime of memories for its guests. It welcomes students on preview days, bids them farewell during commencement and hosts countless events in between.

Networking at the SU and SUNY-ESF commencement
By NewsHouse Staff
May 15, 2011 - 1:33am
The annual spring exercise honors nearly 5,500 SU graduates, many of whom stayed connected with Facebook, Twitter and their social networks throughout the ceremony.

As has been a tradition for more than a century, the school year on The Hill concluded Sunday with a graduation ceremony.

This year, 5,459 degrees were awarded to Syracuse University students while the joint commencement with SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students honored 475 of its students as well.

SU's commencement speaker selection explained
By Alexandra Spychalsky
May 12, 2011 - 12:13pm
With uncertainty among some as to why science pioneer J. Craig Venter will be delivering this year's commencement speech to graduates, a school official breaks down the student-driven process.

Just how is a commencement speaker selected?

That question surfaces almost annually around the time when a notable national or world figure is announced as the person who will deliver the address to thousands of Syracuse University graduates, their family and friends.

For the past 16 years, Susan Germain has been an integral part of the commencement arrangements. As executive director of the Office of Special Events, Germain works with marshals, scholars and the guest with the biggest spotlight -- the commencement speaker.

Mastering the original campus chimes
By Rebecca Shabad
May 9, 2011 - 7:34am
Syracuse University students continue the more than century-old tradition of ringing Crouse College's bells.

Two to three times a day, some Syracuse University students climb a 70-foot ladder to play songs ranging from SU’s fight song to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” for the rest of campus to hear.

They are members of the Chimemasters, a group of mostly music majors, who ring Crouse College’s bells that are more than a century old.

SU showcases green projects
By Shawn Arrajj
May 3, 2011 - 11:41am
Students from across the University displayed their sustainability-themed work in Schine Student Center, Monday.

Two sophomores from the Whitman School of Management stood at a table recruiting people to submit a “DOT” -- a sustainability-themed resolution on a small blue ball -- and throw it into an inflatable pool where 1,000 others waited. The two hope to have 20,000 submissions by this time next year.

DOT stands for “Do one thing,” as in turning the water off when you brush your teeth, or turning the lights off when you leave a room.

Walnut hosts Mayfest festivities for second year
By Brittany Fuino
April 28, 2011 - 11:25pm
It was Euclid Avenue vs. Walnut Park, Round 2.

It is no myth that if you advertise anything as free, college students will come running. Mayfest 2011 was no exception.

Free chicken kabobs, corn dogs, cotton candy and tornadoes — not to mention free beer for  those 21 and older — had Syracuse University students hiking on down to Walnut Park Friday to get in on the good grub.

Heavy thunderstorms pummel SU campus, area
By Mojgan Sherkat
April 26, 2011 - 6:46pm
Torrential downpours flooded on and off-campus streets Tuesday as winds reportedly as high as 60 mph swept through Syracuse.

Thunderstorms ripped through the Central New York area twice today, leaving residents in shock and local streets flooded.

I-81 shut-down. Marshall Street stores flooded. The National Weather Service issued tornado and flash flood warnings.

“In all my years living in Syracuse, I have never seen a storm like this,” said Sally White, a resident since 1975.

Office of Student Activities honors top students and organizations
By Samantha Quisgard
April 20, 2011 - 1:48pm
The Office of Student Activities at Syracuse University raised their glasses to a number of students and organizations for their achievements on campus.

Goldstein Auditorium was transformed Tuesday night into a banquet hall donned with black and gold balloons in honor of The 44 Stars of Excellence Gala and Celebration.

Tables packed with students in their best business-casual wear snacked on tray passed hors d’oeuvres and feasted on a buffet dinner of steak, chicken, vegetable-filled couscous, mashed potatoes and pasta as The Office of Student Activities highlighted the achievements of numerous students and organizations on campus.

A haven for hoagie lovers
By Jennifer Cheng
April 20, 2011 - 1:55am
A new startup by recent Syracuse University graduates brings the food truck business back to The Hill.

New Jersey native, Maxwell Woolley, remembers eating greasy submarine sandwiches from the Princeton University Hoagie Haven truck as a kid.

Inspired by his childhood memories, Woolley, 22, graduated from Syracuse University last May with a newspaper journalism and history degree, and opened the Hoagie Haven food truck with business partner, Matt Kardjian.