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Staying Connected: A Guide for New Alumni

Opportunities to stay engaged, build connections and give back.
A group of Syracuse University students and alumni speaking at a Boston Immersion event.

Tassels turned, hats thrown, diplomas in hand—now what?

Graduating from Syracuse University marks the beginning of a lifelong connection to the Orange network. With more than 281,000 alumni across 160 countries, Syracuse’s global community offers opportunities for professional growth, meaningful engagement and lasting ties to campus and fellow graduates.

Here are five ways to stay connected after graduation:

Network Online

Alumna Carmella Boykin '21 holding up her phone and networking with a student.

Tap into the Orange network from anywhere through LinkedIn groups, alumni newsletters and platforms like Ask Orange Alumni.

Be sure to share a non-syr.edu email address with the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement to stay connected. Official Syracuse University social media channels, along with LinkedIn pages and groups, offer additional ways to share updates, celebrate milestones and stay involved. Consider subscribing to The Slice, a weekly LinkedIn newsletter for alumni that captures updates from across schools, colleges and affinity groups.

The Ask Orange Alumni website uses the power of artificial intelligence to connect students and recent graduates with alumni across industries and career stages. It supports mentorship, career exploration and professional networking in a flexible, accessible format, matching users with alumni based on their goals and questions.

Students like Zahra Jarrell ’29 have found the platform invaluable. “I spoke to many alumni from different classes who offered really insightful advice about navigating opportunities as a student and building professional connections,” she says. “It was such a valuable experience, giving me a clearer sense of direction and making me feel more confident about pursuing my goals at Syracuse University and beyond.”

Access Alumni Career Services

People passing out pamphlets to students at Syracuse University's Career Conference.

Alumni Career Services supports graduates well beyond graduation with guidance and resources for every career stage.

Lifelong career support is a key benefit of being a Syracuse University graduate. Alumni Career Services offers one-on-one counseling, job search support through the #HireOrange job board and access to alumni who serve as career and life coaches. Networking events, virtual sessions and professional development programs help alumni stay connected and advance their careers.

Connect Where You Live

Events hosted by the alumni association and regional networks of alumni bring Syracuse graduates together in cities around the world. Through networking opportunities and community programming, you’ll create meaningful connections and a sense of Orange community wherever you live and work.

Syracuse is a powerful network, both professionally and personally. I advise students and young alums to actively stay involved with the University and be purposeful in connecting with others associated with SU. No matter where you go in the country, you will always find someone to connect with.

Akima Rogers ’92

Support the Next Generation

Syracuse University alumni sitting on a panel and speaking to students at a Women's Summit hosted by the Martin J. Whitman School of Management.

Alumni return to campus to mentor students, sharing real-world insights and paying forward the guidance that shaped their own path.

As a recent graduate in Generation Orange, you can find opportunities to serve on young alumni advisory councils, leadership councils and advisory boards. These roles keep alumni connected to their schools and colleges while contributing to University priorities and future initiatives.

Mentorship programs across Syracuse’s schools and colleges connect alumni with students and fellow graduates. Opportunities range from classroom engagement to career guidance and recruitment support—providing meaningful ways to share experiences and insights with the next generation of Orange.

Martin J. Whitman School of Management alumna Chelsea Ransom-Cooper ’15 gives back by serving as chair of the Young Whitman Advisory Council. “It’s important to me because I remember what it meant when Whitman alumni returned to share their experiences,” she says. “Their presence helped shape my own journey—and now I’m proud to do the same for others.”

Philanthropic participation is one of the most impactful ways to stay connected and support the University’s mission. Syracuse University Giving Day and other giving opportunities make it easy to support scholarships, programs and student experiences that defined your Syracuse journey.

Cheer on the Orange

Syracuse University alumni cheering on the Orange during Orange Central homecoming.

From the JMA Wireless Dome to watch parties around the world, Orange spirit travels with you wherever you go.

Syracuse Athletics offers year-round opportunities for engagement. Attend games—home or away—or connect with fellow alumni at regional watch parties. Each fall, Homecoming brings alumni back to campus for a weekend of reconnection and celebration, featuring affinity reunions, campus traditions and opportunities to experience the Syracuse spirit firsthand. The 2026 Orange Central Homecoming weekend is scheduled for Nov. 6–8, when Syracuse hosts Clemson.

Also of Interest

Outside view of Crouse College in the spring.

Alumni Network

Being Orange is about more than just a color, a place or earning a degree from Syracuse University. It embodies a lifelong connection to a powerful network of alumni around the world. Together, we connect individuals and ideas, creating endless possibilities for impact.

Explore more
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