Superlative. It means “something having the greatest degree” — the best, the worst, the first, the most.
Students in the spring 2012 semester have added to the more than a dozen stories from fall 2011 about standout characters and organizations at Syracuse University and in the Syracuse area. Their work includes:
- SU's friendliest employee [7]
- The most dangerous street on campus [8]
- The coolest local male initiative [9]
Once something is described as a superlative, its “greatest degree” status can be upended by something else that takes its place. Something described as “the only,” for example, might have company, after all.
We invite you to click on our videos and enjoy our SUperlatives and then let us know if you have any competing stories to tell. We welcome your ideas for future SUperlatives.
Students seeking alternative entertainment turn to themed ice skating on SU's South Campus.
Produced by Matt Kovac.
The most dangerous street on campus [8]
High accident toll echoes Mom's advice: look both ways before crossing Comstock Ave.
Produced by Beckie Strum.
SU's friendliest employee [7]
Dining hall worker Dominick Valentino greets students with a smile and a positive attitude.
Produced by Laura Jungreis.
Sustainability group works toward greener campus [11]
SU club works to make the home of the orange a little bit greener by urging students to sip from eco-friendly water bottles.
Produced by Tyler Ruby.
Step by step: Breakdancers help each other [12]
New and experienced breakdancers work on their moves Monday nights at Archbold Gym.
Produced by Shaun Janis.
DanceWorks provides both creative outlet and friendship [13]
The dance troupe's members bond and find a creative outlet in their shared love of dance.
Produced by Melissa Siegel.
Building cultural bridges in the Syracuse community [14]
Through cultural education, the La Casita Cultural Center connects Syracuse University and the community.
Produced by Safa Browne.
The coolest local male initiative [9]
Vera House asks men to join in the fight against sexual violence.
Produced by Christina Levin.
Students strive for sustainability in first EcoHouse [15]
Low heat, low lights and no TV are hallmarks of how four students live in their home at 821 Comstock Ave.
Produced by Rebekah Jones.
Thornden's rose garden is (second) most beautiful [16]
The Syracuse Rose Society has cared for Thornden Park's rose garden since 1970, transforming it into a botanical paradise.
Produced by Mary Desmond.
Muggle quidditch not just for Harry Potter fans [17]
Players emphasize inclusiveness and diversity of Syracuse Quidditch, which they hope will be SU's next official club sport.
Produced by Sarah Loguidice.
Remembrance Wall stands as perpetual reminder [18]
The 35 seniors who represent the victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing agree this part of SU's history must never be forgotten.
Produced by Kathleen Ronayne.
Comfy couches are a home away from home [19]
Not too hard, not too soft — couches around campus are just right for students looking to sleep or study.
Produced by Audrie Tan.
Graduate student engages her peers [20]
Community spirit motivates Erica Monnin to involve fellow students in volunteer work outside SU's campus.
Produced by Camille Bautista.
Budding center embraces disability as a culture [21]
The Disability Cultural Center is the only one of its kind on college campuses to fall under student affairs, bringing more groups to it.
Produced by Rebecca Kheel.
[22]
Special brotherhood bonds through singing [22]
The only all-male acapella group on campus makes great music together and has a lot of fun doing it.
Produced by Sistina Giordano.
SU's mascot evokes extreme emotions [23]
Otto the Orange has been ranked one of the worst and one of the best mascots in the country.
Produced by Brett Fortnam.
Veggies + cheese in a grilled tortilla = a favorite [24]
Quesadillas are the most popular food item ordered every day at the Schine Student Center.
Produce by Laura Liera.
Alejandro Garcia focuses work on elderly Latinos [25]
First Hispanic to win SU's Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award in 2006 cares deeply about what will happen to the next generation.
Produced by Fred Imbert.
Personal trainer shows unrivaled dedication [26]
Self-described as "demanding," Darius Richardson balances a full schedule of clients, along with graduate school and his own fitness.
Produced by Chris Ballard.
Sculptor's presence lingers in massive monument [27]
The "Wheel," designed by Cort Savage, has been on SU's quad for the past 20 years — all 7,000 pounds of it.
Produced by Ryan Marfurt.