More than 5,700 new students have officially begun their Orange journey at Syracuse University.
Their first stop? Welcome Week—a bustling lineup of events and activities designed to familiarize first year and transfer students with campus. From icebreakers and resource fairs to information sessions and introductory lectures, Welcome Week is about all things Orange.
Max Remler ’29, a finance major from Cape Cod in Massachusetts, says the experience has made him feel “right at home.” “My friends and I are excited for classes to begin. We also can’t wait to cheer on the Orange in the Dome,” he continues, name-checking Top 40 prospect Kiyan Anthony, who’s the son of basketball legend Carmelo Anthony H’25. “I’m stoked.”
In Good Hands
Welcome Week begins with the arrival of international students followed by half of the undergraduate student body. Many are headed toward the University’s two-dozen residence halls or 1,100 apartments of all matter of accommodations and amenities.
For students and families alike, the gamut of emotions—excitement, anticipation, anxiety, sadness—is virtually palpable.
“I’m psyched to be on my own, to be independent and self-sufficient,” exclaims Averie Tillotson ’29, a native of Skaneateles, New York, whose great-grandfather also attended Syracuse. “I feel like the University has my back.”
Her father nods in agreement, noting the many services and resources available to his daughter, who’s an aspiring marketer. “Averie has everything she needs to succeed at Syracuse—and to land a job. She’s in good hands,” he says reassuringly.
A Sense of Connection
Central to move-in—and Welcome Week, in general—is Syracuse’s beloved Goon Squad. A campus tradition for more than 80 years, Goons help new students with luggage and field questions like Where’s the dining hall? and How do I meet other students?
They also understand that the University is a microcosm of the world, reflecting a diversity of cultures and experiences.
It’s this rich tapestry that inspires Goons to be in the student-satisfaction business. It’s also what attracts students like Tuan Nguyen ’29 from clear across the globe. “I’ve always wanted to come to Syracuse,” says the Vietnamese-born computer science major. “There’s a sense of connection, of shared values, that makes me feel at home here.”
Buzzing with Anticipation
Welcome Week presents myriad opportunities for students to familiarize themselves with campus and one another. Whether at an Orange Family Reception, an ice cream social or a Living-Learning Communities (LLC) picnic, everyone buzzes with anticipation.
Leave it to Otto to bring Welcome Week to a fever pitch, sharing hugs, handshakes and high-fives with students and families alike. “Otto is truly adorbs,” shrieks one new student, after snapping a selfie with the Hall of Famer mascot.
Perhaps the biggest take-away of Welcome Week is the realization that students are part of something bigger than themselves.
During a walking tour of downtown Syracuse, Kiara Becquet and Niccolò Moretti—first year students from France and Italy, respectively—bonded over their interest in contemporary art. They’re especially surprised to learn about the Syracuse University Art Museum's close partnership with the Everson Museum of Art.
“I can’t believe how much culture is here,” says Moretti, gazing at the façade of the Landmark Theatre. The former professional roller-skater hopes to round out his international relations education with participation in the Model United Nations program.
Becquet, a painter with a flair for plastics engineering, is equally amazed. “I look forward to possibly incorporating art into my engineering studies. So many possibilities,” she says, her voice trailing off.
Ready to Begin
Welcome Week is about students actively seeking out connections. Finding their community. Intentional educational environments like LLCs can help.
“Ours is like a built-in support system,” said Aubrey Williams ’28, a member of the engineering LLC in Shaw Hall. “We do everything together—study, eat, go on trips.”
Indeed, relationship building comes in many forms. Some argue it’s invisible work that takes shape as students become more confident. Or it could be that the most significant relationships are hiding in plain sight. Either way, Welcome Week facilitates the discovery process.
“Everything has led to this moment,” says Tillotson, practically bursting with excitement. “I’m surrounded by good people who believe in me. I’m ready to begin my journey.”
