Special Interest Groups

What is a special interest group? These groups offer a way for you to connect with fellow Syracuse University alumni based on special interests or activities that continue to be meaningful to you.

As a special interest group member, you’ll receive:

  • A welcome email
  • Invitation to join a Facebook Group (if applicable)
  • Invitations to special events and reunions related to your special interests

What special interest groups already exist?

  • Athletic Bands Whether they're exciting SU football or basketball fans with rousing renditions of the University fight song or playing recent hits, Syracuse University athletic bands are an integral part of the SU fan experience. Return during Orange Central to participate in alumni athletic bands activities.
  • Hendricks Chapel Choir Founded in 1929, the Hendricks Chapel Choir is one of SU's great musical traditions. Hendricks Chapel Choir is an auditioned mixed ensemble representing many of the colleges and majors available at Syracuse University and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
  • Honors Program It takes exceptional students to be successful in the Honors Program, and they go on to do extraordinary things. Network and get to know the generations of alumni who have been a part of the prestigious Renée Crown Honors Program.
  • Legacy Program Do you have Orange in your family tree? Join our Legacy Program. Show that your Orange pride spans generations, and connect with other families who share the legacy tradition.
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual (LGBTQ+) Advocates and Supporters We welcome all who support the LGBTQ+ community to join our Affinity Group. Whether you joined a LGBTQ+ organization or discussion group, enrolled in the LGBT Learning Community or an LGBT Studies course, worked as student staff at the LGBT Resource Center or participated in LGBTQ events, this group is for you!  Advocates and supporters include alumni, parents, family, and friends who wish to foster a sense of personal pride, professional resources, and community for current and former members of the SU LGBTQ+ and ally communities. Members receive e-newsletter updates and are invited to volunteer to lead and participate in regional events and reunions.
  • Ottos Only a select few are chosen to become Otto, our beloved mascot! Connect with fellow alumni who have also worn the suit. Share memories and get to know the growing group of alumni who have proudly been Otto.
  • Remembrance Scholars The Remembrance Scholar Program awards 35 scholarships each year in honor of the 35 Syracuse students who died in the Pan Am 103 tragedy in December 1988. The experience of being a Remembrance Scholar is unique and emotional, and it’s an experience only a fellow scholar can understand. Connect with these other outstanding alumni to share the memories and the sentiments.
  • Syracuse University Abroad (SU Abroad) Consistently ranked among the highest-quality international study programs in the country, SU Abroad provides student with unique experiences they carry with them for life. So many of our alumni were shaped by their study abroad experience―network with others who share that unique bond.
  • Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA) Syracuse University Ambulance is a SU Health Services-based, student-operated organization that responds to more than 1,500 medical emergencies each year, providing intermediate life support, transport, and rapid cardiac defibrillation, as well as non-emergency transportation. SUA has been serving the Syracuse University community since 1973.
  • Syracuse University Men's Hockey (SUMH) Syracuse University Men's Hockey, a nationally ranked ACHA club team in continuous existence since 1960, competes with clubs and universities across the U.S. The SUMH Association supports the team through sponsoring of charitable events and honoring its former players. 
  • Syracuse University Rugby Football With a men’s team founded in 1969, men’s and women’s Syracuse University rugby football teams have competed with clubs and universities across the eastern U.S. and have even competed internationally. The close-knit teams lead to strong alumni bonds.
  • Syracuse University Sports Network The Syracuse University Alumni Association and the Emerging Leaders Council (a core group of the Sport Management Department) created the SU Sports Network, the official sports, entertainment, media, and Esports industry network for Orange students, faculty, and alumni. Reconnect with others in the industry and gain advice, opportunities, and connections!
  • University 100 (U100) The U100 student ambassadors are the face of the University—giving tours and representing the university at official functions. Stay connected with those who know Syracuse University best!
  • University Union Responsible for major performances, speakers, and conferences, members of University Union shaped the experiences of their fellow students. Reconnect with your classmates who went through the craziness of bringing big names to campus and laugh about the behind-the-scenes stories only UU members know.
  • Veterans/Military Affiliated Syracuse University is proud of and committed to our alumni who have served this country. Take this opportunity to get to know fellow alumni who have served and share your experiences in both military and civilian life.
  • WAER WAER is a commercial-free, listener-supported public media organization licensed to Syracuse University. Founded in 1947, WAER serves the greater Syracuse area with NPR and local news, eclectic music, and Syracuse University sports. Connect with Mary Evans, who is in charge of alumni programming.

How do I get involved? Complete the online form to provide us with your most up to date information and to share any groups you’re interested in.
Join a Group

Is your group not here? We create special interest groups based on alumni input. Have a suggestion for a group the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving should start or partner with? Let us know. We value your ideas!

Who can I contact with if I have questions or ideas? Contact Kate Ludwig, assistant director of affinity programs, in the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving at kludwig@syr.edu or 315.443.3249.